Stanfords puts Manchester on the map
GROWTH OF INDUSTRY: Douglas ding to managing director Douglas Schatz, Manchester's retail renaissance played a key part in attracting the company to the region.
"We have an international brand that offers something special to travellers," he said. "We hope to reach a much wider market in Manchester because of the airport expansion and the growth of the travel industry.
"It was also important for us to carry on the history of the company by choosing a period building."
The building's interior has been gutted and re-designed for the 21st century, complete with walnut furniture, silver shelving and a store-within-a-store that creates customised maps at the touch of a button.
Stanfords could give a new lease of life to Spring Gardens, which has enjoyed mixed fortunes as a shopping area.
Designer shoe store Patrick Cox and household retailer The Baggage Company found that life in the Gardens was not a bed of roses. But grande dame of fashion Vivienne Westwood has fared better. Her flagship boutique, housed in a 150-year old bank, still draws in style-conscious shoppers.
Manchester is a magnet for big names such as Louis Vuitton, Selfridges and Tommy Hilfiger. The city boasts the largest number of designer boutiques outside London and attracts world-class chefs, architects, hoteliers and business people.
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Stanfords puts Manchester on the map
GROWTH OF INDUSTRY: Douglas ding to managing director Douglas Schatz, Manchester's retail renaissance played a key part in attracting the company to the region.
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