Gap-owned fashion retailer Banana Republic is to open its first store in the North after signing for a unit at the Trafford Centre in Manchester.

The US retailer will open a 9,000 sq ft store with a mezzanine in early September and already has six stores in the UK; five of which are within the M25 and one in Bath. It opened its first UK store on London’s Regent Street in 2008.

Banana Republic sells apparel, handbags, jewellery and eyewear.

Its opening will follow those of fashion brands such as Vans and Lacoste at the Trafford Centre.

In April, Gap revealed it was making London its new international hub as it improves efficiencies across the business.

International president Stephen Sunnucks said at the time that Gap wanted to grow its overseas business from 13% to 30% of group sales by 2013.

Cushman & Wakefield acted for The Trafford Centre.

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