Banana Republic to open at Brent Cross shopping centre

  American fashion retailer Banana Republic has secured its first European shopping centre store at Brent Cross shopping centre in north-west London.    Banana Republic, which opened its first UK store on Regent Street, W1, in 2008, has taken a 4,300 sq ft shop at the 818,000 sq ft scheme owned by Standard Life Investments UK Shopping Centre Trust and Hammerson.   The former Barratts shop, which is located in the lower mall next to H&M and Kew, will open at the end of November. It will be Banana Republic’s second shop to open in the UK and sell both women’s and men’s clothing.    Sheila King, retail leasing director at Hammerson, said: “Banana Republic is a fantastic brand. For such a sought after retailer to open its first shopping centre store with us reaffirms Brent Cross’ standing as the leading location for retailers looking to expand their UK presence.”      Ed Jenkins, shopping centres fund manager at Standard Life Investments, said: “I am delighted that Banana Republic is going to Brent Cross.  It is another letting coup for the Centre that will strengthen what is already a first class shopping offer”.   Cushman & Wakefield and Lunson Mitchenall advised Hammerson and Standard Life Investments.   annabel.dixon@rbi.co.uk