The expected refocus on strategic and underrepresented markets materialised in 2018. Luxury brands opened new stores in 85 cities last year, down from the 118 cities seen in 2017. As a result total new openings globally declined 16% but largely at the expense of emerging luxury cities.

London regained its top spot accounting for 9.6% of all new luxury store openings globally with a 38% increase highlighting its resilience to Brexit uncertainty. Indeed, the depreciation of sterling in response to the Brexit result boosted international luxury retail spend in 2017, supporting requirements and subsequent new openings in 2018.

Hong Kong also benefitted from a return in Chinese visitor spend, with New York occupational demand supported by improving domestic conditions albeit compared to 2017 new store openings were down.

Bangkok and Dubai’s feature in the top five was largely boosted by increased store supply. For example, Bangkok saw the opening of the ICONSIAM mall that included a number of luxury stores. Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue extension also helped to propel the city into the top five.

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