This week, online retailer Peter Forson, ventures into the face-to-face retail industry with its first store opening in Birmingham’s historic Great Western Arcade. Given the city’s reputation as a hub of flourishing independent retail, Birmingham was the obvious choice for the brand’s designer hats and lavish accessories. Having successfully grown its online presence over a number of years, Peter Forson brings a range of hats, scarfs and accessories to Great Western Arcade. The new store features hand-selected headpieces from high-end designers including Borsalino, Vivienne Westwood, Stetson, Alexander McQueen, Whiteley and Lara Bohinc.

On opening the store, founder Daisy Nyamie, said:

“After all our hard-work, I am thrilled that we will be open for business this week. Following our success selling online for the past three years, we decided it was time to take the leap and open our first store. Retail is thriving in Birmingham at the minute, and Great Western Arcade, as the home of independent shopping in the city, is the perfect destination for us.”

James Roberts, Centre Manager at Great Western Arcade commented:

“I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Peter Forson to GWA, where it will join a host of flourishing independent retail brands. There is so much happening in Birmingham and both the retail and property markets are on the up. I am dedicated to making sure that amid huge developments and retail giants like John Lewis in Grand Central and Harvey Nichols at The Mailbox there is still a place for unique retailers like Peter Forson to thrive.”

The store will be located at 17 Great Western Arcade, and will sit alongside leading independent fashion retailers including Liquor Store, which recently opened its second store in the arcade, offering hand-picked apparel collections for women; Projekt21 and Designer Exchange.