Wowsers! Bench Opening In Leeds

Saturday 30^th January 2010 marks another successful day for Bench. After much anticipation, its thirteenth UK flagship store opens in the city of Leeds. With numerous stores worldwide, each holding a reputation for extremely successful opening parties, it seemed only appropriate that the new Leeds store also celebrates in true Bench fashion.

In order to mark this event, Bench will be holding a party in store on opening day, including a live DJ set, courtesy of the legendary Gatecrasher nightclub. Gatecrasher also took part in the opening celebration for the new Bench Nottingham store. This partnership has proved to be a great match, hence an obvious choice to get the party started in the Leeds store.

In addition to this, Bench will be thanking both new and loyal customers by giving away a complimentary pair of shutter shades to each shopper for every purchase on the day.

The 3000sq ft, two storey Leeds store has kept the original design concepts and ultra cool image of Bench stores, staying true to its urban roots, but as with all its flagship stores, some unusual and contemporary elements are used to distinguish itself from other stores. A glass entry along the front of the building allows for a modern and minimalistic approach, leading into a sleek seating area situated in the middle of the shop floor offering customers an inviting atmosphere.

To house the growing denim collection, an innovative railway-style archway in a sleek brushed steel has been created, with a life-like lamppost in between, reminiscent of the cityscape for which Bench is renowned. A key feature of the store that differentiates it from any other of the high streets in Leeds City Centre.

Keeping in context with Bench’s musical links, the store is home to record bays on the right hand side from the entrance where there is also a dedicated DJ booth for artists to perform. Further musical influences can be seen in the changing rooms where stand-out large scale DJ graphics adorn the walls.

Menswear is situated on the ground floor, whilst the stores basement is dedicated to women’s wear. This floor has been given a more feminine feel, in-keeping with the new look of the ladies ranges. The stylish cream upholstery and a large wallpapered coat on the main wall of the floor has created an edgy and more sophisticated look mixed in with the signature Bench metal fixtures.

The Leeds store holds a huge graffiti piece designed especially for Bench by the famous London Police artists, adding quirky and individual décor.

The store also debuts rotating mannequins to show-off the clothing collections, with screens as heads showing constantly changing seasonal imagery – a design feature sure to turn a few heads.