Laura Ashley, the popular UK-based fashion and lifestyle brand, has opened its first outlet in Bahrain.

The store will offer both apparel and home décor products under one roof across over 5,000 square feet of exclusive retail space in Seef Mall.

Laura Ashley’s foray into Bahrain follows a re-entry of the brand into the region 2 years ago through a master franchise arrangement with the Dubai-based regional business conglomerate, Al Aqili Group.

Laura Ashley is known worldwide for its innovation in designs, patterns, fabrics and textures and its collection in Seef Mall from the Autumn-Winter 2010 portfolio features both, an exquisite and elegant fashion range  as well as a wide  selection of furniture, home decorating and furnishings products, a spokesperson said.

“We have chosen Bahrain as the first step in  the expansion of the brand outside the UAE because of the Kingdom’s reputation for openness - not just commercially, but also in the trial of new brands by local consumers,” said Abhay Nadkarni, executive director, Marketing & Commercial, Al Aqili Retail.

The Home range will include cabinet and upholstered furniture, cushions, lighting, bed and bath linen, rugs, wall art, mirrors, home accessories and more, plus comprehensive home decorating solutions with a wide selection of wallpaper, fabrics, paint and decorative accessories.

“The Fashion collection will offer beautifully designed contemporary ladies wear. Distinctively Laura Ashley, in a range of quality woven fabrics, knits and jerseys, we will offer options for all occasions from the casual family day out, to the shopping trip with friends through to that special occasion with loved ones.”-TradeArabia News Service