Handbag Clinic’s capital move
NORTH East bag boutique The Handbag Clinic has launched a permanent base in luxury London department store Selfridges.
The Newcastle business, which restores and resells luxury brand handbags, last year joined forces with the Mayfair store to take part in a sustainability event called The Stock Market at the Corner Shop, a month-long event where customers could restore or upcycle fashion items they already own and exchange goods for credit.
Now the business – which restores more than 700 bags a month – has partnered with Selfridges London to launch a permanent in-store concession within its new Reselfridges accessories destination, offering its ‘buy, sell, restore’ services while helping customers to enjoy luxury products more sustainably.
The company was launched as a spin-off from the leather restoration business Furniture Clinic 11 years ago, fast becoming a successful part of the business thanks to partnerships with the likes of Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Fenwick. It operates through stores and concessions across London, including a flagship store in Chelsea and recently launched in-store concession in Harrods, with further concessions in Newcastle, Colchester and York.
The company, which counts celebrities Claudia Schiffer, Poppy Delevingne, Storm Keating and Heidi Range among its clients, is now adding to Reselfridges’ preowned offering by stocking a collection of fully authenticated, preowned luxury and vintage handbags, luggage and accessories from brands including Gucci, Fendi, Saint Laurent, Dior, Jacquemus and more.
Shoppers can also trade in unwanted luxury handbags, regardless of where it was purchased, in exchange for a Selfridges gift voucher to spend in store. A team of specialists will also be on hand to value, authenticate and exchange items.
CEO and co-founder Charlotte Staerck said: “We are proud that, as a North East business which started out with just two artisans little more than 10 years ago, our partnership with Selfridges is testament to our continued growth and success story.
“As world leaders in luxury, Selfridges share our vision of encouraging more conscious buying and aftercare behaviours.
“They understand that true circularity begins with what we already have in our wardrobes. By trading these items in, luxury lovers can continue to get their newness fix whilst being kind to their wallets and the planet. We’re also deepening the aftercare offering, which will enable luxury investors to enjoy their purchases for longer and preserve their items for generations to come.”
News of the firm’s London move comes four months after it sealed “significant” investment from the North East Venture Fund (NEVF), supported by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Mercia Ventures, and a private investor.
The company is using the funds to ramp up growth in the UK and internationally, creating at least 10 new jobs this year, while also boost its technology, including the addition of AI and microscopic imagery to support its team of authenticators.