Fred Perry plans first shop in US

Sports fashion brand Fred Perry is planning to open its first branded shop in the US. The company is seeking a site in New York, and it is understood the brand is in the early stages of the search and hopes to find a suitable property next year.

The brand, which is named after the three-times Wimbledon champion Fred Perry, is understood to be keen to develop its international profile through shop openings. It already has two shops in London’s Covent Garden, one in Manchester and one in Japan.

The brand, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, has traditionally been successful in the UK through its association with British youth and the Mod movement in the Sixties. Over recent years, it has positioned itself as a street fashion brand and has developed new markets, including mainland Europe and Asia, over the past five years.

The clothing range was launched after the success of a sweatband, which was made and marketed under the Fred Perry name. This was followed by a range of sports shirts, which were given to players to wear at Wimbledon, and were later developed into casual shirts and sold in shops around the country.