With the inauguration of the new president, and the ongoing risk of tariffs, the United States is rarely out of the news. Despite potential challenges ahead, the US remains a crucial market for the British luxury sector. Whether driven by British luxury goods on sale in the United States or American tourists visiting the UK, the opportunity for growth in Anglo-American luxury trade and tourism has never been more visible or valuable.
That's why, from Tuesday 18th March to Thursday 20th March, Walpole will host the British Luxury Trade Mission to New York – a three-day delegation to the city designed to promote Anglo-American trade, develop business, media and diplomatic relationships, and support Walpole members in promoting and developing their brands in the US. Through the trip’s promotional activities, Walpole flies the flag for British luxury in the largest luxury goods market.
It's worth remembering that the US market is still the largest one in the world for luxury, valued at $106bn – and New York alone accounts for $30bn of that. Beyond that, the US remains the UK’s top inbound tourism market by value and the leisure market leads the reasons for them visiting our nation, with holidays accounting for over 50% of all visits to the UK – and the New York Tri-State Area and California generating the most visits within that.
Building on the success of previous trips, the newly formatted programme will see Walpole host a series of events and meetings to promote both British luxury in the US and high-value American visitors to the UK, as well as supporting trade with one of our key export markets, the trip also promotes US inbound tourism to the UK encouraging high-value American visitors.
Activities on the agenda for this year include a briefing on the key factors defining the American luxury market with J. P. Morgan, a cocktail reception at the British Residence hosted by HM Deputy Consul General, Melanie Hopkins OBE, a Meet the Media breakfast with HTSI's Christina Ohly-Evans and much more. New for this year is our content creators panel, which will bring together a selection of the leading US based luxury influencers (including Simon Gold, Mustafa Kacar and Brynne Wallner) for a discussion on British luxury and building your brand engagement.
However, don't just take our word for it. Below are a few testimonials from those who attended our last British Luxury Trade Mission to New York in 2023...
"I highly recommend Walpole's Trade Mission trip to New York. It was a valuable use of time, providing me with meaningful insights and numerous opportunities for follow-ups after the trip." – Stacey Langham, Head of Corporate Partnerships: Luxury and Business Innovation, Royal Academy of Arts
“My expectations of the trip were exceeded. Not only did we gain incredible insight into the US market that we hadn’t anticipated from the events on the schedule, but also plenty of invaluable new connections with other Walpole members.” – Anabel Kindersley, Co-Owner, Neal’s Yard Remedies
“The British Luxury Trade Mission to New York really energised and inspired me. I left feeling more optimistic. The packed schedule was brilliant, and I made new connections with some great people – both British and American.” – Kathryn Sargent, Founder, Kathryn Sargent Bespoke
"Joining the trip to New York in 2023 was an incredible experience that I would 100% recommend. It allowed me to develop and strengthen key relationships, including one that led to a successful and ongoing wholesale partnership with Saks." – Ryan Palmer, Co-Founder, London Sock Company
> For more information about the trip or to register your interest in joining the British Luxury Trade Mission to New York, email our Membership team
> For more information about tariffs and Walpole’s work with government to protect the sector, email our Policy team
