Concept and Design: Creative Retail Therapy
Taking shopping from being a mere activity to a full-on experience is exactly what concept and design stores are all about – and with a whole lot of them popping up all over Europe’s major cities, there has never been a better time to treat yourself to a little creative retail therapy.
With everything from shoes and chandeliers to fashion, furniture, and books, we have compiled a list of eight European concept design stores that are definitely worth visiting; even if you find yourself with a little less cash to splash, you can be sure that window shopping just became a whole lot more fun!
United Nude | Amsterdam
Successfully showcasing an eclectic range of footwear for both men and women, United Nude is a store with locations all over the world; however, set apart from all the rest is their flagship in Amsterdam which offers a unique shopping experience. Featuring the Wall of Light™, the store utilises LED technology to section their products into geometrically framed works of art.
Rooted in conceptual design and innovation, the store was founded by architect Rem D Koolhaas and Galahad JD Clark in 2003.
Uniforms for the Dedicated | Stockholm
With a strong focus on brand sustainability, Uniforms for the Dedicated are a clothing concept that combine playful design with environmental awareness. The brand was established in 2007 by a group of friends, taking inspiration from landscapes encountered in their various travels:
“For even though we often dream of the Colorado mountains we once hiked, we also hail from the minimalist mindset of Scandinavia”
Think rugged, wild, and well-worn interior decoration – the perfect backdrop for the brand’s minimalistic chic clothing.
Milk Concept Boutique | London
Based in Shoreditch, Milk is a concept boutique offering works by internationally recognised designers as well as presenting new collections from emerging talents. From furniture to fashion, Milk showcases a wide selection from brands based all over the world.
Milk also features a comprehensive blog on their website, keeping track of all things new and unique in the design world!
Based in Shoreditch, Milk is a concept boutique offering works by internationally recognised designers as well as presenting new collections from emerging talents. From furniture to fashion, Milk showcases a wide selection from brands based all over the world.
Milk also features a comprehensive blog on their website, keeping track of all things new and unique in the design world!
Droog | Amsterdam
Offering more than your average range of home accessories and furniture, Droog is a design store creating cutting edge products and collaborating with clients on projects and events all over the world. Co-founded and directed by curator and author Renny Ramakers, the Droog studio is rooted in the key principles of beauty and playfulness.
Droog also features a concept hotel in the heart of Amsterdam, where customers are invited to eat, drink, view exhibitions, and stroll in the ground’s eclectic garden, with the option of staying over after a long day of visual and mental stimulation!
Do You Read Me?! | Berlin
One for all you bibliophiles out there:
Do You Read Me?! is an independent book store offering a wide range of reading material sourced all over the world, from magazines to journals covering art, culture, music, fashion, photography and lots more in Berlin’s city centre. With a name like that, it’s definitely worth a visit!
The Tea House | London
A paradise for any tea lover, The Tea House is a beautiful independent store in London’s Covent Garden, offering a wide selection of tea leaves from all over the world.
The store’s display window warmly welcomes in passers-by all year round, showcasing some of the tea related accessories and products the store offers.
A paradise for any tea lover, The Tea House is a beautiful independent store in London’s Covent Garden, offering a wide selection of tea leaves from all over the world.
The store’s display window warmly welcomes in passers-by all year round, showcasing some of the tea related accessories and products the store offers.
Studiostore | Barcelona
Promoting design and creativity, Studiostore provides a platform for young designers from Barcelona and all over the world to showcase their products – the space also hosts exhibitions and conferences. And their website is pretty cool too!
Studiostore is the creation of architect and designer Lafede (Federica Sandretti), specialized in retail and lighting design.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies | London
Offering ‘Bespoke and Everyday Items for the Living, Dead and Undead’, Hoxton Street Monster Supplies is the place to go for all those hard to find essentials (like Cubed Earwax and Zombie Fresh Mints!) Located a short walk away from Hoxton Overground station, Hoxton Street Monster Supplies guarantees fun for all the family (and service with a snarl).
