With the LM sponsored Revo Study tour of the Nordics just around the corner, we thought it would be the perfect time to look at what global cities are doing to develop cutting-edge retail concepts. We are seeing various new retail and leisure trends popping up across the globe, here are five we are tracking:
- The Lobby (Stockholm)
The ground-breaking retail concept launched in April in Sweden’s capital and provides an innovative new model, which promises to be the next generation of the retail pop up. Boasting a plug-and-sell format, the concept give online brands access to all they need to ‘set up shop’ physically. From staff, to new technologies and access to a captive audience The Lobby has it all.
- Luisaviaroma (Florence)
One of the original concept stores, Luisaviaroma is a key destination for luxury shopping for menswear, womenswear and kidswear. It provides customers with interactive engagement that reflects the iconic experience of shopping; somewhere between luxury shopping and visiting an art exhibition. Stocking a “who’s who” of the seasonal catwalks, the extensive offering is mirrored online. It was one of the first to launch the “Buy It First” service inviting customers to pre-order from the collections before they reach stores.
- Frank & Oak (Montreal)
Frank & Oak provides a unique personalized shopping experience that helps customers dress with style quickly and efficiently. Shoppers are invited to contemplate purchases in their own time over a trim at the on-site barbers or lazy latte in the on-site cafe. One-on-one appointments offer advice with a personal stylist, encouraging you to try sizes and looks before buying in store or later online.
- The Yangzhou Zhongshuge (China)
This bookstore and library has created an illusion of an infinite tunnel of books, with black mirrored floors shimmering beneath arches shelves that stretch to the ceiling. Visitors will be enticed to drift deeper into the store through a lightening bolt reflection on the floor below, which represents a river, and acts as a pathway. Whilst also having an array of different mediums for engaging with the literature available.
- The Webster (Miami)
The Webster is a luxury multi-brand boutique operating five physical boutiques and an online store. Located in a historical Art Deco building designed in 1939 by famed architect Henry Hohauser. It collaborates with brands on exclusive products and combines them under one roof creating the Webster’s exquisite collection.
- Norwegian Rain (Oslo)
Originally founded in Bergen (Norway’s rainiest city) Norwegian Rain has opened its second permanent store in Pallet Oslo. The concept is joint venture between bespoke tailor T-Michael and business graduate/functionalist Alexander Halle. Specialising in achingly cool rainwear the range now includes footwear. The Oslo store has a unique feel blending Saville Row traditionalism with Norwegian functionality and a range that extends to some of T-Michael’s unique designs including men’s Kinmon’s. Having trailed a pop up store on Piccadilly, Norwegian Rain are rumoured to be opening a flagship London Store within the next 12 months.
