A Geordie style invasion of Milan. We’re talking the opening of Newcastle-based retailer END.‘s remarkable new flagship store, its largest to date, in the prestigious Duomo district of the Lombardian capital. Founded in 2005 by entrepreneurs Christiaan Ashworth and John Parker, the retailer manages a popular online store and two homebase retail spaces, in addition to stores in London, Glasgow and Manchester. Two years ago, American investment company Carlyle snapped up a majority stake, laying very much the foundation for the company’s audacious expansion abroad. As it happens, Milan is home to a large number of END.’s online customers, so opening up shop here makes total sense. The END. store occupies 1,900 sqm. (20,451 sq.ft.) set across three floors of a grand 1960s office building with a granite façade that’s situated only a stone’s throw away from the city’s Duomo landmark.

The interior design sees a palette of marble displays, maple shelving and concrete flooring, complemented by marble terrazzo and Portofino timber as a nod to local aesthetics. The spacious basement section, ground floor and upper floor are centred around a lofty atrium space. Both the basement area and ground floor stock a wide range of curated menswear labels and there’s a sizeable dedicated sneaker section. Additionally, the ground floor is also home to END.‘s equally elaborate lifestyle offerings. The separate area is captured by suspended maple shelving and cabinets, large metal display cabinets and tables with a marble top and matching sales counter, and is brimming with a wide selection of skincare products, fragrances, cosmetics, homeware and thought-provoking publications. The top floor showcases END.’s womenswear collections with curated selection of pioneering labels.