British beauty brand owner The Hut Group has announced plans to venture into bricks-and-mortar and create a multi-brand store.
The online retailer has purchased a 12,000sqft ground floor and basement of a former art deco bank in Manchester – including banking vault and safety deposit boxes – as part of its £50m investment into physical retail.
The space was most recently home to Jamie’s Italian restaurant chain.
Dubbed ‘The World of THG’, The Hut Group said it will convert 100 King Street into a contemporary retail and experiential marketing space to showcase its health and beauty offering.
The Hut Group’s portfolio includes Illasmasqua, Espa, Mankind, Lookfantastic and Glossybox, as well as a range of entertainment, fashion and supplement brands.
“THG is continuously looking at original ways to deliver the most engaging retail and wellbeing experience,” said Matthew Moulding, founder and CEO of The Hut Group.
“The acquisition of the iconic 100 King Street site further expands our innovative marketing infrastructure.
“The development programme to create the World of THG will provide a new and innovative environment for customers and influencers to discover and fully experience our prestigious brands.
“In addition, while continuing to expand our international presence, as a Manchester-born business we’re committed to the North West and growing our employment base in the region.”
Within the next 12 months, THG is aiming to create 10,000 jobs as part of its new business campus ‘THQ’ and 2,000 jobs at its content creation studio Icon.