HARVEY Nichols Manchester has confirmed Urban Retreat beauty destination, located on the ground floor of the department store, will close permanently as of Saturday 30 March, 6pm.
"It’s the whole of Urban Retreat that’s going – hair, nails, beauty. Plus also Lund Osler cosmetic dentistry too. The staff here were told about four weeks ago."
The reason why is yet to be disclosed by either company and here at Confidential we’re baffled as to the mysterious closure of a business that appeared to be booming.
Both Harvey Nichols and Urban Retreat have said it was a mutual decision not to renew the contract.
However, according to Liz Hotchin Group Marketing & PR Manager at Urban Retreat Ltd, the brand will be focusing on “building and developing across the flagship locality in London and expanding locations beginning with a new salon opening in London later this year.”
It would seem Manchester just isn’t on their radar anymore.
Retail manager at Urban Retreat Manchester, Jessica said: “End of day is 6pm on March 30th. It’s the whole of Urban Retreat that’s going – hair, nails, beauty. Plus also Lund Osler cosmetic dentistry are relcoating. The staff here were told about four weeks ago. None of the staff are relocating within the company because the only other location for Urban Retreat is London, however they’ve all found new jobs elsewhere which is great.”
Liverpool's Beauty Bazaar Could Be Just What Manchester Needs
Urban Retreat Manchester was described by the brand as the ‘No.1 beauty destination for Manchester’s stylish cognoscenti’ on their website, known for attracting plenty of local celebrities too.
The closure will come as a huge blow to Harvey Nichols with neighbouring competition from Selfridges and their £20m beauty hall investment, which launched in 2011.
A Harvey Nichols spokesperson said: “We’ve had a great relationship with Urban Retreat and we’re sad to be losing them. Harvey Nichols are always looking to work with new and innovative brands, and we’re sure our new Manchester salon will continue to live up to expectations.”
Let’s just hope Harvey Nichols has an exciting replacement in mind, like their fantastic Beauty Bazaar in Liverpool, to fill the void and regain their position as the ultimate luxury beauty destination in Manchester.
