BDB Pitmans advises Harrods as it opens second outlet

BDB Pitmans has advised luxury department store, Harrods Ltd, as it opens a second outlet in nearby London Westfield to ease congestion when its stores resume trading.

The temporary lease of an 80,000 square foot store means Harrods can effectively host its popular summer sale and facilitate social distancing. The new Harrods Outlet concept is a result of the retailer adapting its business model and operations following the outbreak of COVID-19 and reviewing how best to protect its employees and customers.

The BDB Pitmans team was led by commercial real estate partner Simon Burson and assisted by solicitor Jessica Chadwick. BDB Pitmans has previously worked with Harrods Ltd, including securing leases for its Lakeside Shopping Centre and centre:mk premises.

Simon Burson comments:

‘The premises were secured swiftly in difficult circumstances including timing issues around the surrender of the premises from the previous tenant. Being able to close the exchange so quickly over the Bank Holiday weekend in order for the client to safely resume trading was a great success for the team and demonstrates BDB Pitmans’ dedication to its clients.’