Columbia Sportswear Company signed a lease for a new Columbia-branded store to be located in the heart of London's retail district on Kensington High Street. The new store, which will occupy 292 square meters,  is expected to open in September 2009.

“We're very excited about locating a Columbia-branded store in London, one of the premier retail shopping destinations in Europe and the capital of the UK. Kensington High Street is considered one of the best places within London to shop for outdoor products,” said Christian Finell, General Manager Europe, Columbia Sportswear Company. “The planned opening of our store in London is an exciting move for our Columbia and Sorel brands in the UK.”

Columbia's planned London store is part of the company's strategy to establish a network of branded stores in key metropolitan markets around the world and elevate the presentation of its complementary outdoor brands. The stores are intended to drive consumer demand by enabling consumers to experience a greater breadth and depth of Columbia's innovative outdoor products merchandised under one roof.