British leather goods brand J&M Davidson has opened a new 505 sq ft flagship store in Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade, marking its return to retail in the capital.
It comes after closing its store on Mayfair’s Mount Street in December 2023, which ran for eight years. Prior to that, the brand had stores in Notting Hill – where it was founded in 1984 by John and Monique Davidson – between 1992 and 2016.
The brand was acquired by Japanese company Yagi Tsusho, which also owns Mackintosh, in 2013, and the founders departed the company in 2018. J&M Davidson currently has nine standalone stores in Japan, with four in Toyko including its Aoyama flagship store.
There is now a design team based above the new store, led by Head of Leather Goods Designer, Eva Suviste, with luxury women’s and men’s belts, bags and small leather goods, retailing between £150 – £1,500, being the main focus.
On the new opening and return to central London retail, a J&M Davidson spokesperson said: “After eight years on Mount Street, we closed our Mayfair store in December 2023 with the vision of finding a new home that could reflect both our heritage and our future direction. Burlington Arcade felt like the natural choice.
“As one of London’s most iconic retail landmarks, steeped in history yet still relevant today, the arcade mirrors J&M Davidson’s own values – timeless design, exceptional craftsmanship, and a quiet, confident aesthetic. Its location places us in the heart of a destination known for luxury and refinement, while offering an intimate, welcoming space for customers to discover our collections.
“The timing felt right to mark a new chapter for the brand. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, Burlington Arcade gives us the perfect stage to reintroduce J&M Davidson to our London audience, connect with new customers, and showcase the brand’s evolution.
“What makes this store special is that it’s not just a boutique – it’s the heart of J&M Davidson in London. The space has been designed to reflect our values of craftsmanship, quality, and understated elegance.
“Being in Burlington Arcade gives the store a sense of history and intimacy, but what’s particularly exciting is that our atelier and showroom are now right above the boutique. It means our design and creative team are working just a floor away, so there’s a direct connection between the pieces being imagined, the craft behind them, and the way they’re experienced in-store.
“It’s a space where customers can discover our collections in the environment they were designed for – blending heritage, creativity, and modern British style.”