LONDON — Zara is having a London moment this week as it reopened its enlarged New Bond Street flagship on Thursday, spanning 32,000 square feet across four floors, a day after hosting a launch event for its kidswear collaboration with the London-based Caramel at the exclusive Portman Square.
Zara parent Inditex said the revamped store, with elevated ceilings allowing more natural light to come in, marks the latest chapter in a retail format that combines design and technology to create an immersive shopping experience.
EMILIO MONTERO DOMO FOTOGRAFIA S
At the entrance, a nest-like wooden structure cradles mannequins, a domestic gesture that some would read as a nod to fashion’s turn toward “quiet luxury.” The palette of the store mixes galvanized metal and stainless steel with oak and pine, which Inditex described as a balance between warehouse and home. On opening day, an Ozone coffee stand was open to guests.
Each floor is dedicated to a specific category. Menswear is organized around a Land Rover Santana, with a lounge of marble chess set, pool table and stacked design books. The womenswear floor features vanities and framed pictures, evidence of a brand now selling atmosphere as much as clothing.
EMILIO MONTERO DOMO FOTOGRAFIA S
The pop-up with Caramel was another way for Zara to elevate its image and offering. It featured a tea party with a live soundtrack by the Paris-based trio Oracle Sisters, a tennis court with an on-site coach, a variety of games and treats across the green space, and a vintage-style cream cart serving summer refreshments.
The event drew a London “It” crowd, including Adwoa Aboah, Sophie Dahl, Tish Weinstock and Alex Eagle, toasting the launch with Inditex’s Marta Ortega Pérez and Caramel founder Eva Karayiannis.
Eva Karayiannis, Marta Ortega Pérez and Adwoa Aboah.
Courtesy
Zara’s London moment this week built on the momentum at Inditex, which reported sales up 11.5 percent in May.
As reported, the company said its spring and summer ranges had landed well with customers, with sales in the first quarter up 5.8 percent to 8.7 billion euros, or 8.8 percent in constant currency. Gross profit rose 6.9 percent to 5.4 billion euros, and the gross margin reached 61.2 percent, up 67 basis points from the first quarter of 2025.
Inditex added that it had kept a tight grip on costs across the board, with operating expenses up 6.4 percent. Earlier this year, the group had posted similar momentum.
EMILIO MONTERO DOMO FOTOGRAFIA S
Operating expenses increased 6.4 percent, while the company repeatedly stressed cost discipline. Inditex closed the quarter with 10.8 billion euros in net cash, enough to keep funding the stores, logistics and technology behind its plan to expand and upgrade its retail estate.
