Mother-in-law of ex-PM to open furniture store
A LUXURY furniture retailer co-founded by Samantha Cameron’s mother is opening its second Midlands outlet in Birmingham next year.
Oka stocks high-end furniture and home accessories as well as offering interior design and click and collect services.
The retailer was founded in 1999 by three British designers – Sue Jones, Lucinda Waterhouse and Annabel Astor, mother of former Prime Minister David Cameron’s wife Samantha.
Oka is due to open its 14th store in early spring on the Calthorpe Estate in Edgbaston, joining its only other Midlands site in Worcestershire.
The shop will be housed in newly converted Victorian properties, in Harborne Road, forming part of The Village regeneration project which Calthorpe Estates is currently carrying out.
This will eventually see new homes, shops and public space developed on land around Greenfield Crescent and surrounding roads.
Mark Lee, chief executive of Calthorpe Estates, said: “We are overjoyed that Oka has chosen Edgbaston Village for their flagship store in the Midlands.
“The high-end brand is the perfect fit and reflects our aspirations to establish a premium leisure and lifestyle location in the heart of Edgbaston, benefiting those that live in the area while attracting new visitors from far and wide.”
Oka’s new store will be based on the ground and upper two floors of the properties at 20-22 Harborne Road with a 115-space car park at the rear.
Lady Astor added: “Edgbaston Village was an obvious choice as we have a loyal and growing customer base in the surrounding area.
“We are very much looking forward to opening our doors.
“The store will stock our entire range, giving our customers the chance to see everything in person.”
Other recent openings on the Calthorpe Estate include pub The Physician and High Field Town House with restaurant chain Boston Tea Party set to open next year.