Malta’s Denim Icons Exit Retail Sector After Decades Of Style
After more than four decades as a staple in Malta’s fashion scene, the man who started it all with just a small shop and a big dream is officially exiting the fashion retail business. It all began with GEE 2 in Savoy Arcade, Valletta, an instant success that kicked off a 45-year journey in Maltese retail. Now, he’s passing the torch to his children, with his son, Silvan, taking on the Levi’s stores at The Point and Mercury, and his daughter, Angele, managing the classic Fred Perry brand in Valletta and Sliema.
While it’s the end of an era with the closure of Diesel stores on October 31st, this chapter’s close marks the start of a new one – a bold move into hospitality and catering, with exciting projects set to begin this year.
A Journey Through Style and Community
Our shops became much more than places to buy clothes; they turned into hubs where fashion lovers gathered, new trends were born and connections with Maltese creatives were forged. From fashion shows to collabs with local artists, each memory has shaped who we are and we’re grateful for every moment along the way.
“Our decision to close Diesel stores was largely driven by Diesel SPA’s move to introduce another local partner with multi-brand stores under the same logo,” explains Leonard. “In Malta’s small market, we made it clear: if this partnership went forward, our Valletta and Sliema stores would close – and so they did. For nearly 40 years, we’ve been proud to be among Diesel’s top performers globally, with a record retail floor space per capita.”
Silvan and Angele - Leonard and Angele
Continuing the Legacy
Though our Diesel shops will close on October 31st, we’ll be back the very next day, November 1st, as ‘The Warehouse,’ with a massive clearance sale on Diesel clothing, footwear and accessories running through to May 2025. Starting November 15th, Diesel Kids clearance items will also be available at The Warehouse Outlet in Attard.
And for vintage lovers, ‘The Vintage Store’ in Valletta is a must-see, featuring handpicked gems from our archives, some dating back to the late 70s.
A New Chapter in Hospitality
We’re thrilled to share that we’re stepping into the world of hospitality – envision cosy cafés, vibrant bars and boutique hotels where great food, service and that unmistakable Maltese vibe come together. Our goal? To create places that bring people together, where style meets community and everyone feels welcome.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To our incredible customers: thank you for being part of this journey. Your loyalty and enthusiasm over the years have meant everything to us. To our dedicated team, you’ve been the heart of our success, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Every story, every memory from our Diesel stores will always hold a special place in our hearts.
As we close this chapter, we look forward to this new adventure with excitement. Join us in this fresh journey, and let’s continue creating unforgettable moments together – always with a smile and service from the heart.
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