The Beatles’ former London headquarters, where the band performed for the last time on the rooftop, may become an Abercrombie & Fitch store after planning authorities recommended the proposal over objections from retailers in the area.
The company intends to open a children’s outlet at 3 Savile Row, which is listed as a historic preservation site, according to documents sent to the Westminster borough council before a vote next week.
The building housed the offices of the Beatles’ Apple Records label when the band’s final performance was filmed, 44 years ago yesterday, for the movie “Let It Be.”
Abercrombie, whose stores for teens and adults are known for their nightclub vibe with shirtless employees and subdued lighting, shouldn’t be allowed to have models stand at the entrances, hold promotional events featuring celebrities at the shop or play loud music, planners recommended.
Apple Records sold the property in 1980, a document filed with the planning application shows.
Abercrombie & Fitch declined to comment. The Ohio-based company opened its first London store at 7 Burlington Gardens, around the corner from Savile Row, in 2007.
The plan to open a new store sparked protest among retailers including the Savile Row Bespoke Association, which seeks to preserve the area’s character as a center for upmarket men’s tailoring.
The council received objections stating the store would have “an unacceptable impact on the character and function of Savile Row [and] inappropriate congregation of crowds on the street outside.”