The French label with the crocodile logo is back in Scotland — and this time, it’s walking the talk. Lacoste has relaunched its only standalone Scottish store with a major upgrade at Livingston Designer Outlet, betting big on bricks-and-mortar at a time when many are scaling back.
The new space isn’t just about size. It’s a signal. A shift. A statement.
Livingston gets the Lacoste makeover
If you visited the old Lacoste store, forget what you knew. This one’s built different.
With a fresh design that merges sporty roots and high-end aesthetics, the store now boasts a bigger footprint and an entirely new vibe. Right at the centre? A sleek catwalk-style installation that sets the tone — runway meets retail, all in a premium outlet setting.
There’s no question about it — this is more than a facelift. It’s Lacoste planting a sharper, more fashion-forward flag in Scotland.
One sentence to sum it up? The old Lacoste store sold polos. The new one sells presence.
What’s new? Quite a lot, actually
So, what’s changed? In a word — everything.
For starters, the product selection has exploded. Lacoste’s famous polos are still front and centre, but now they’re showcased on a reimagined Polo Wall, giving the brand’s classic staple a bold, curated spotlight. Surrounding it? A collection that’s grown in every direction.
• Womenswear: Much more expansive, now with seasonal capsules and bolder colours
• Kidswear: A new highlight, with sporty-meets-playful pieces that mirror adult styles
• Accessories: Bigger range, more emphasis on everyday luxury
• Footwear: From court classics to streetwear-influenced trainers
• Trend-led Exclusives: Limited drops and outlet-only designs
It’s a full experience, not just a store. And shoppers can feel it the moment they step inside.
A global strategy with a Scottish spotlight
This isn’t just a Livingston thing. It’s part of a global Lacoste reboot.
Back in 2023, Lacoste hit reset. The brand was candid — it needed change. Creative Director Louise Trotter stepped down, and Pelagia Kolotouros took over shortly after. Since then, the label’s undergone a full identity refresh, one that blends heritage with new-school fashion codes.
Kolotouros brought serious credentials with her:
| Year | Company | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Theory | Early Design Work |
| 2003 | Calvin Klein | Design Director, Menswear |
| 2017 | The North Face | Global Creative Director |
| 2023 | Lacoste | Creative Design Director |
The goal was never just about selling more. It was about making Lacoste feel fresh again.
And this Scottish store? It’s part of that ambition.
Physical retail’s far from dead — it’s just changing
While many brands are trimming physical locations or going all-in online, Lacoste’s move bucks the trend — and on purpose.
According to Nicky Lovell, Head of Outlets and Retail Development at Global Mutual, premium retailers are taking a new approach. They’re still betting on stores — just not the same way as before.
“This significant investment from Lacoste reflects a growing trend among premium retailers to expand their physical presence with stores that deliver more products and better experiences,” she said.
Translation? People still want stores. They just want better ones.
And Livingston Designer Outlet is quietly becoming a case study in how to get that right.
The timing’s no accident either
Reopening in 2025 wasn’t random. It was strategic.
Scotland’s retail market has been showing cautious optimism. Footfall at major outlets has rebounded post-COVID. Consumer appetite for “treat” fashion — mid-price but premium-feel items — is high. And there’s an increasing demand for immersive, branded retail experiences over just transactional shopping.
Lacoste’s decision to double down on Scotland fits into a bigger retail picture.
• Footfall at Livingston Designer Outlet rose by over 14% in 2024
• Premium and sports fashion performed strongest across outlets in Q1 2025
• Brand-led experiences are driving dwell time and basket size
In other words, the crowd’s back. And they’re ready to buy — but only if it feels worth it.
A bold return — but is it just the beginning?
This new-look store might be the only standalone Lacoste in Scotland right now, but its success could decide whether more follow.
If it works, it could kick off a mini-renaissance for the brand in the UK’s northern market. If not, well, at least they went down swinging.
Right now though, the energy’s optimistic. The store’s sleek. The buzz is real. And in a shopping landscape that often feels in flux, Lacoste seems to have found its footing again — literally and creatively.
