Garmin steps onto the high street with first UK store

Garmin has opened its first UK-based retail store located in Southampton’s Westquay Shopping Centre.

The new retail store, which opened to the public on Wednesday, November 6, demonstrates Garmin’s commitment to its growing base of active-lifestyle customers in the UK.

Opening a physical store in an area that sees more than 17 million visitors a year brings the Garmin brand even closer to its customers.

Located on the Upper Shopping Level, the store measures nearly 1,500 square feet and is the only UK retail location to showcase the company’s range of consumer electronics from smartwatches, cycling computers and golf devices as well as its products for cars and the marine industry.

In this new store, shoppers can discuss their product needs with Garmin experts and get hands-on experience with the devices.

“We are thrilled to bring Garmin’s extensive product range to one location on the high street in the UK for the first time,” says Jon Oliver, managing director Garmin UK and Ireland.

“We’re passionate about our products and excited for more customers to experience them first-hand, whether that’s through speaking to our expert staff or attending the events we will hold for the local community.

“It feels fitting that the next step in our growth in the UK is the opening of this store in Southampton’s Westquay, down the road from our European headquarters.”
Garmin has continued to invest in the Southampton area having set up its European Headquarters in Romsey more than 30 years ago.

Garmin’s annual cycling event in the UK, The Garmin Ride Out with Action Medical Research, is one of the most popular and sought after cycling events in the area.

Now based in Totton, Garmin is the main sponsor of local non-league football team AFC Totton, the New Forest Marathon and many other events in the area including Southampton Boat Show and Cowes Week Regatta.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Garmin on its maiden UK store, providing a space for it to bring its full collection of devices into one compelling brand experience for customers,” adds Toby Tait, director of asset management at Hammerson.

“We were quick to understand Garmin’s critical requirement for the right space in the right location to showcase the brand.

“Garmin boosts an already thriving Southampton destination, with Westquay now fully established as a destination for brands, events and experiences to serve the city and wider region.”