Dive Brief:
- Kim Kardashian-founded apparel brand Skims plans to open a store in Washington, D.C.’s popular shopping neighborhood Georgetown, according to an application filed with the local government last week.
- Skims’ plans — which are subject to conceptual and coordinated historic preservation review before a building permit is issued — are for a brick-and-mortar shop located at 3300 M Street NW. The location previously housed a now-closed Intermix store and is currently occupied as a pop-up by Sandro.
- The roughly 3,500-square-foot space sits on a corner lot with brands nearby including Brandy Melville, Club Monaco and Alice + Olivia. The application was filed by Kenneth Park Architects and Skims did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Dive Insight:
Skims’ store expansion plans for Washington, D.C., come amid a year of growth for the brand.
The apparel brand boasted a $4 billion valuation following its funding round earlier this year. The Series C funding raised $270 million and was led by Wellington Management, with participation from Green Oaks Capital Partners, D1 Capital Partners and Imaginary Ventures.
Skims’ latest funding was intended to be used for physical retail, along with category expansion and product innovation. The company debuted its first menswear collection in October and was named the official underwear partner of the NBA, WNBA and USA Basketball earlier this month.
The brand opened a pop-up shop at Rockefeller Center in New York City and a dedicated space within Saks Fifth Avenue’s New York flagship in the city in May. Skims also debuted its first European pop-up in the U.K. with retailer Selfridges in June.
