A chic French shoe boutique is opening its first UK store in Swansea.
Roberto Durville- a firm with stores in leading French cities such as Paris, Nice and Toulouse- will take up a unit at the new retail complex on Princess Way.
Fashion giants Zara and Slater Menswear have already opened up at the three-storey complex. Country Casuals and Viyella are currently fitting out units there.
Roberto Durville sells luxury shoes for both men and women and also trades in Swedish capital Stockholm and the USA.
Eighty per cent of its shoes are Italian-made.
Developers Thurleigh are behind the Princess Way shopping centre scheme in partnership with Swansea Council.
Roberto Durville will start fitting out their unit at the development in the new year and are looking to open in the spring.
Roberto Durville, company founder, said: “We were looking for a base in the UK that has roughly the same population and demographics as Toulouse and Swansea is a good fit for our brand.
“We visited the city when we were looking for a UK location and were very impressed. There’s a vibe in Swansea at the moment because of so many exciting redevelopment projects and that’s something we want to be a part of.
“Swansea Council and Thurleigh have been enormously helpful throughout our discussions with them and we’re looking forward to our arrival in the city centre.
“Having a store in Swansea also means people in the area won’t have to wait for over a year or so for some of the leading French shoe fashions to arrive in the UK.
“We’re delighted to be opening up in the same complex as other fashion outlets.”
Cllr Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: “This is a real statement of intent for Swansea city centre.
“Roberto Durville is a top French shoe retailer and their decision to open their first UK store here is an enormous vote of confidence in the city.
“The iconic Princess Way retail complex has already attracted Zara and Slater Menswear and this is a further boost for the scheme and ongoing redevelopment in Swansea.”
Cllr Gareth Sullivan, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic and Strategic Development, said: “These are difficult economic times but this news shows Swansea is bucking the trend.
“A unique retailer of this style and stature will help generate more footfall in the city centre and will attract further investment.
“This news will strengthen Swansea city centre’s reputation as the regional shopping centre of south west Wales.”
Have a look at www.robertodurville.com for more information about the retailer.
