Shopping Aftershock
Galleria Dallas waves goodbye to only U.S. outpost of popular British brand
After a nearly three-year run in Dallas, Aftershock London has closed its only U.S. location. The British brand, known for glam clothing and accessories at an affordable price, first opened in Dallas at the Plaza at Preston Center in May 2013 and relocated to Galleria Dallas in late 2014. It closed quietly earlier this month.
When the announcement came that it was moving, U.S. managing partner Imran Sheikh cited “real estate strategy” as the reason for the move. After testing a more localized, destination-shopping area like Plaza, Aftershock sought a new spot at the Galleria, in the hopes of getting more foot traffic.
Sheikh has exercised his right to sell the exclusive U.S. rights back to Aftershock and close the Galleria store. “It certainly wasn’t an easy decision,” he says, hinting that he didn’t get the support he needed from the parent company.
“Whilst we grew a loyal following in Dallas, and sales were good, the priority for me was always growth and expansion, and to open at least three, if not four, stores in the first 36 months,” he says.
“Unfortunately, the support (financial, national marketing, and otherwise) needed and assured from corporate has been lacking. As such, it has proven difficult to grow the brand as I had expected. With other business interests to consider, I simply couldn’t justify the time and resources for just one store, moving forward.”
Those other interests include Need and Foremost, in which he is invested alongside founder Matt Alexander, and the newly opened Citizen nightclub and restaurant in Uptown. Sheikh, who says he’s been approached to consult for other fashion companies, also intends to do more in the local restaurant and bar scene.
“Personally, I have no regrets as the venture brought me to Dallas, a city I am now proud to call home (three years exactly yesterday), and I have made some of the incredible friends along the way.”
