Luxury Brand Pockets Opens Elegant New Store in Bath

A new luxury boutique, known as Pockets Townhouse, has officially opened in Bath, marking a significant expansion for the brand. The store, which opened on September 10, 2024, is located in a Grade I listed Georgian building on Brock Street, nestled between the historic Circus and Royal Crescent. This establishment is Pockets’ first venture into the South of England and the fifth store overall for the brand.

Spanning three floors, the boutique features an impressive array of both men’s and women’s luxury collections from renowned labels such as Moncler, Ralph Lauren, Max Mara, Dries Van Noten, Barena, and Stone Island. Many of these brands are not widely available in the city, adding to the store’s appeal. Founded by Paul Platt in 1996, Pockets has established a reputation for independent retail, currently operating four stores in the Midlands and employing around 30 staff members.

Expanding Amid Retail Challenges

The opening of Pockets Townhouse arrives as the retail landscape faces significant challenges. According to the Centre for Retail Research, over 13,500 shops closed in 2024, with an additional 14,660 expected to shut down in 2025, including Bath’s own heritage department store, Jolly’s. Despite these difficulties, Platt remains optimistic about the future of physical retail.

“This store is a very big step for us,” said Platt. “Bath has the kind of character and independent spirit that we really value. Our approach has always been simple: sell exceptional products with exceptional service in an exceptional space which people want to come back to. I feel grateful that we’re still here after almost 30 years, and I feel very sad a lot of our peers have gone.”

Platt’s vision underscores a belief in the enduring appeal of bricks-and-mortar retail. He emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where customers can experience the products firsthand, interact with knowledgeable staff, and enjoy the high-quality service that online shopping cannot replicate.

“There’s still something to be said about the power of physical space,” he affirmed. “Creating an environment where people can feel the fabrics and experience truly great service is vital. When done right, physical retail still offers something the internet can’t, and I want to inspire a new generation of people to see that.”

A Nod to Heritage and Art

The interiors of Pockets Townhouse retain the building’s original Georgian features, offering a sense of history and elegance. The store also showcases artworks by abstract and illusionist artist Roy Osborne, enhancing the shopping experience with a touch of creativity.

The Bath launch follows the successful introduction of womenswear in Shrewsbury, where the brand expanded its offerings for the first time. Pockets Townhouse continues this approach by launching both men’s and women’s collections from the outset, appealing to a broader customer base.

To celebrate its opening, an invitation-only launch event will be held on September 25, 2024. This milestone not only marks a new chapter for Pockets but also highlights the brand’s commitment to delivering luxury retail experiences in a challenging environment.