Member Article

Dr. Martens has ambitious plans for Camden after taking new Euro HQ

British footwear brand Dr. Martens is to consolidate its European headquarters into one property in the heart of Camden after agreeing a ten-year lease with the owners of Camden Market.

Airwair International Ltd., which is the fashion label’s parent company, has taken 23,470 sq ft of office space spread across two floors in Camden Wharf, which will bring together personnel from its three existing offices in Camden.

The canalside premises will also house Dr. Martens’ London showroom.

Market Tech Holdings, which owns and operates has Camden Market, has also announced that the footwear brand has agreed to lease the Grade II listed Tack Building for a new concept store.

The recently restored building in Stables Market has been designed in collaboration with amplification business Marshall, and will include a music space, Dr. Martens’ first-ever and permanent customisation area.

An in-store Heritage Centre is also planned, utilising virtual reality and real-life memorabilia celebrating the brand’s musical lineage and long list of celebrity fans over the years.

Charles Butler, Chief Executive Officer of Market Tech, commented: “Dr. Martens is a British fashion institution that already has strong links with the area. The fact that Dr. Martens has chosen to support its ambitious growth plans and pioneer an experiential new retail format in Camden is a strong endorsement of what the area has to offer.

“Furthermore, bringing in Dr. Martens also demonstrates not only the continued demand for office and retail space on our estate, but also our ability and commitment to sourcing occupiers that we believe embody Camden’s culture and heritage.”

Steve Murray, Chief Executive Officer of the Airwair International Group, added: “Relocating our European head office to Camden Wharf allows us to get all our functional teams under one roof in an area long associated with the Dr. Martens brand.

“It was important to us that our new location gives us the opportunity to stay connected to the people who wear our product and who embrace the diversity and individuality our brand represents.”