London is one of the most popular destinations for retailers, especially highly coveted shopping areas such as Regent Street and Soho. 

This month’s range of stores is very eclectic, being inspired by a range of different themes and ideas.

One common theme is that retail alone is not enough for brands to bring in customers, demonstrating the need for more innovative ideas and services. 

We have found brands hosting Wild West Saloons and grooming services, conducting panel events and launch parties, offering ultra personalised services such as skin analysis, or offering very few products for sale to focus on slow fashion and design.

Take a look at the best new stores on offer from retailers and brands in London.

JW Anderson, Soho

Designer Jonathan Anderson has relaunched his Soho store with a new design and concept.

Working with Sanchez Benton Architects, the store has been transformed with Shaker sensibilities, simplifying the look and feel. The vision for the store has moved away from seasonal fashion collections and towards a personally curated selection of items.

Customers can find a range of homeware including handmade items, fashion and accessories, such as sunglass chains using Roman and Greek beads, and new collaborations. 

One of these is with Wedgwood and the Estate of Lucie Rie, a famous potter. The designer wanted to create a collection of ceramics that Rie had never been able to produce due to a complex technique that would be needed. The sale of these plates will contribute both to Lucie Rie’s estate, a foundation, and scholarships to support ceramic artists.

Other collaborations that JW Anderson is exploring include Hope Springs, a maker of handmade chairs and Garden & Wood Ltd., who restore gardening tools.

Image credit – Renault

Renault, Battersea Power Station

A new smaller format store has arrived in London from vehicle brand Renault, called Rnlt.

The store is designed to be a hub for those in city centres and will differ from the traditional dealership model by focusing on the story of the brand. Renault additionally recognises that the decision-making process for electric vehicles (EVs) takes longer than those for traditional cars. The new space is focused on enabling customers to learn more about EVs, rather than selling them, though sales staff will be on hand for those who are ready to purchase.

Customers will be able to see the new collection of Renault EVs, including the Megane and Scenic, with the new Clio expected to arrive next year. The store also offers a number of unusual branded items, including snow globes, skateboards and a foosball table. Renault has collaborated with Sony Music to create a Vinyl Bar where visitors can play vinyl records.

Odd Muse, New Bond Street

Womenswear fashion brand Odd Muse has launched a new store in London this month.

The brand started as a direct to consumer label and, after a number of successful pop-ups, moved to a physical retail strategy, choosing one of London’s most luxury locations for its latest destination.

The new flagship is a fully elevated townhouse designed to create a more luxury and premium retail experience. The brand sees the space as a place for the community, where they can access luxury at more affordable prices.

Customers can shop a range of high end and classic styles, such as dresses embellished with pearls and blazers.

Image credit – Lone Design Club

Lone Design Club pop-up, Battersea Power Station

Another store arriving in Battersea Power Station comes courtesy of Lone Design Club, with its Revolving Spaces pop-up concept.

The brand showcases a curated selection of emerging sustainable and ethical brands for customers to discover. Brands chosen offer designs and collections that are unique, one-off or limited edition. This includes labels Frankie Bikinis, which offers a range of sustainable swimwear, Above & Beyond, an ethical jewellery brand, and Cove, for vintage accessories.

Alongside eclectic items, the store has also positioned itself as a space for fashion enthusiasts, with styling sessions and other activities planned. 

Future events include a panel on womanhood chaired by Alice Holland-Lu, the founder of The Female Archetypes, a Y2K craft session with drinks brand XOXO, and monthly Fashion & Fizz nights, for fashion drops, networking and drinks.

Alohas, Soho

Beak Street sees the launch of a new store, a first in London, from sustainable footwear brand Alohas.

The on-demand brand, from Barcelona, has already seen success in the UK, with designs offered in Harrods and Selfridges. The ethos of the store’s model is to reduce wasted stock by using an on-demand design process.

The store will showcase a curation of its designs and new releases for customers to browse and try on. Once a customer is happy with their selection, they can order that design, and the item will then be created and delivered to them at a later date. The brand will also stock a small number of its most popular designs for customers to purchase in-store.

Image credit – Biogena

Biogena, Regent Street

Another store making its debut in London this month is from health and wellness brand Biogena. 

The new three floor flagship has been designed to feel calm and relaxing with a minimalist and modern style and soft lighting. The brand is known throughout Europe for its collection of micronutrients, biohacking and personalised health services. 

Customers will be able to find a range of premium formulas for micronutrients, including Sports and Aesthetics ranges. Staff are certified in micronutrients and can provide advice and support. The store also boasts a Longevity Lab which offers a variety of treatments including pelvic floor training, lymphatic drainage and red light therapy. 

Other personalised advice is available alongside specially designed displays for products which provide additional knowledge and information about health and wellness.  

Image credit – Dior

Dior Sauvage pop-up, Somerset House

Luxury brand Dior has launched its latest pop-up to celebrate a decade of its fragrance Sauvage.

The brand is taking London back to the frontier times with a Wild West pop-up called Fort Sauvage, designed to immerse customers in the fragrance brand with a range of interactive experiences.

The Fragrance Bar is a saloon for customers to try a variety of games, including Dior roulette, slots and other dice games to win special Dior prizes. Visitors can also test out the five main scents that make up the Sauvage fragrance, including patchouli and bergamot. 

At the Wild Theatre, customers can watch a specially-created Sauvage film experience, starring Johnny Depp and paying homage to 1960s Westerns. The Barbershop offers a range of grooming services and appointments including a free grooming service encompassing a beard trim and Mencare facial. Finally, there is a General Store for customers to purchase Sauvage products alongside other popular Dior fragrances such as J’Adore.