Kate Kuba closes down
THE economic downturn looks to have claimed its first retail victim in Canary Wharf.
Kate Kuba, the upmarket women's footwear store, has gone into administration resulting in the closure of its outlet in Cabot Place West.
The shop closed last week, despite the onset of the sales, and the tills removed, with a note pinned to the door stating it was shut due to "unforseen circumstances'.
Kate Kuba was part of the expanded retail area in Canary Wharf's Cabot Place West and only opened its doors for the first time last March.
The company's collapse has surprised insiders in the fashion world because it is a major stockist of Ugg boots, the trendy brand favoured by the likes of Sienna Miller and Kate Moss.
Its administration is being handled by Fisher Partners.
Kate Kuba owner Cos Constantinou declined to comment on the matter, although there is a possibility Mr Constantinou might be reopening some of the stores, including the one in Canary Wharf.
Camille Waxer, vice president of retail at Canary Wharf Group, confirmed there could still be a place for the store.
She said: "Cos Costantinou has been in contact with us and there is a possibility the Canary Wharf Kate Kuba store will reopen.
"If not, there is still interest from retailers wanting space at Canary Wharf."
I'm not surprised Kate Kuba is closing down. The store charges the full RRP on their shoes and boots and people just cannot afford to pay those prices at the moment. It works out cheaper to buy Ugg boots direct from Australia even though you have to pay customs and excise charges.
I was just about to purchase a pair of tango high heeled belted boots from kate kuba.Does anyone know if they are for sale anywhere else now the company has gone into administration.
My boyfriend bought me a pair of uggs for christmas from this store, which I swapped, receiving a £70 credit voucher as the ones I wanted were cheaper. Now it has closed down, so what happens, have we just lost this money?
Sara...how could you swap your boyfriends present?? This scenario serves you right and shows that you are indeed an idiot.
you can still buy shoes from the muswell hill, oakwood and loughton branches as they are still open. vouchers will be redeemable there as well
I bought my step daughter Ugg boots for Xmas from Brent Cross - only to be told on my return from holidays this wk they do not suit her - so we need an exchange or credit note - any ideas on what I can do now?
So how does one get in touch with them? does anyone know? I have credit vouchers that need redeeming!!
Does anyone have any contact information I have vouchers for Kate Kuba that i'd like to redeem!
Anyone with queries about vouchers for Kate Kuba should call their head office on 020 8444 9043.
If they open up again at Canary Wharf they certainly need to do better with their customer service. Their customer service was generally horrendous, both in the store and not following up on things they said they would eg like ordering in a kangol hat and the sales women generally had too much attitude.
Firstly I think you will find buying uggs from Australia will not be the brand “UGG Australia� as it is American.
Kate Kuba stocks the brand and as for rrp on them it is compulsory for the company retailing the boots to sell at the rrp.
Loughton Muswell hill and Oakwood have remained trading and to my experience the staff have done as much as they possibly could to help.
I’m sure Kate Kuba will be back on their feet just as quick as they shut down.