Polestar, the design-driven electric car brand, has launched its newest Polestar Space in the Trafford Center, coinciding with the reopening of the non-essential retail store.
The Trafford Center has announced lease details for Polestar’s arrival, the brand’s first retail launch in the UK outside of London.
The new unit comes with a 10-year lease with the brand that puts Polestar on the ground floor of the center between Waterstones and John Lewis.
Described as a modern alternative to a car dealership, a unique retail environment was created when it was launched.
Consumers can get to know the brand and their products without pressure from traditional sellers, thanks to the product specialists hired there to help with inquiries and arrange test drives for those interested.
The retail offering combines innovative design, technology, an easily accessible location and a seamless digital-first retail model. The image of the design-oriented brand is reflected in the design of the Space, which is inspired by its minimalist Scandinavian design ethos.
Once customers have experienced the brand and product firsthand in-store, test drives for the brand’s Polestar 1 and 2, the exclusive electrified GT and the all-electric power fastback can be arranged on site and at home.
Zoe Inman, director of the center, said: “Due to lockdown restrictions, we have been eagerly awaiting Polestar’s arrival at the center. But when customers see the design of the Polestar Space, they are sure to be just as excited as we are when we explore the concept ourselves.
“When we emerge from a challenging time for retail brands, we believe the sector will rebound strongly and that the positive impact of pent-up demand on customer footfall is already being felt.
“The launch with Polestar is a testament to the broader long-term confidence in physical retail in high quality destinations.”
She added: “As one of the UK’s largest retail and leisure destinations, the Trafford Center has a vibrant mix of retailers to suit all tastes and budgets, catering to the broad segment of the population we attract. The Polestar Space is at the heart of – where people go shopping and relax – when they are looking for a stress-free and enjoyable customer experience, and I am confident that Polestar will be an excellent addition to that mix.
“It’s an exciting new trend for both retail and the automotive industry. We’re excited to see how our visitors will react at the launch.”
Jonathan Goodman, Head of Polestar UK, said: “It is great to be able to open our second UK Space to customers and we couldn’t have a better location than the Trafford Center.
“The positioning of Polestar Manchester will enable us to better reach our growing customer base and provide easy access to consumers who want to learn more about our brand and its products at any time and in a place they already visit to shop. ”
