Karen Millen opens first travel site at Gatwick

Fashion brand Karen Millen on Tuesday opened a new store at Gatwick airport as it seeks to expand in travel locations for the first time.

The store will sell clothes, shoes, accessories and swimwear. The move is part of a new strategy under boss Beth Butterwick, who is planning to cash in on lucrative travel sites such as airports and railways.

Butterwick said: “Opening in Gatwick, which is a key travel destination, is another important step for Karen Millen as a global lifestyle brand.”

Other retailers such as WH Smith and the owner of Caffé Ritazza have seen earnings go up thanks to busy travel spots.

Karen Millen, owned by failed Icelandic bank Kaupthing, bought parts of collapsed retailer Coast in October for an undisclosed sum.

Sales at the retailer rose to £161.9 million from £158.8 million for the year to February 24 last year. But losses widened from £8.7 million to £9.5 million as it overhauls its business structure.