Aldo partners with Kurt Geiger to lead its UK expansion

Canadian footwear group Aldo is handing the running of its UK concessions business to Kurt Geiger in a partnership designed to facilitate its significant growth ambitions for the market.

From September Kurt Geiger will take over the running of Aldo's department store corners with plans to open 26 more in Selfridges, Fenwick, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Voisins and Arnotts. In total it plans to add 50 new locations across the UK and Ireland within the next three years.

The British footwear group's chief executive Neil Clifford said: "We have always admired the Aldo brand and believe the styling and value will resonate with our customers and will complement our offer. We have an ambitious five-year plan to strategically drive long-term growth and brand presence for Aldo and our store partners in these two key markets.”

Aldo Group president and deputy chairman Norman Jaskolka added:“Aldo is excited to partner with Kurt Geiger, we have always respected their expertise in the retail environment. Our brand’s ambition is to innovate and expand our global footprint while also elevating the customer experience on all levels. Associating ourselves with Kurt Geiger is an important part of what will allow shoppers to connect with the Aldo brand in physical locations and online.”

Aldo's standalone stores and e-commerce business will remain under Aldo control, although Kurt Geiger will take control of online concessions.

As well as its own branded stores, of which there are 70 globally, Kurt Geiger operates footwear concessions in 170 department stores around the world.