A British leather brand that counts the Duchess of Cambridge and former Doctor Who Matt Smith among its fans will open its first-ever shop in 139 years of trading in London this year.
Tusting, which started life as a tannery, will open a pop-up shop in London followed by a store in Tianjin in China. The family-run firm has been building up its own-brand leather bag and accessories business overseas and now 40% of its sales are in Japan.
In London it has signed a deal with landlord the Crown Estate to open at 39 Jermyn Street, near Fortnum & Mason, in December. It has also agreed with distribution partner Jiabao Sheng Shi Beijing Trading Co to open in Tianjin’s Kerry Centre, close to luxury brands including Louis Vuitton and Hermes, in the new year.
Director William Tusting said: “Our new website is a great step. But ... it takes a lot of work to drive people to the site. The plan is to continue to steadily build our brand and raise awareness in the UK and overseas, and a physical presence will help.”
The brand sells in stores including Fortnum & Mason and Pickett, the luxury leather shop. Tusting will consider a permanent store in London next year. The brand makes all its bags in Buckinghamshire, employing 38 staff. Sales last year were £4.8 million.
