As we set off on an international tour of innovation and style, we delve into the world of concept stores—the hubs of avant-garde retail experiences. By creatively fusing commerce with creativity, these unique concept stores around the world are redefining traditional shopping. These concept stores are more than just places to buy products; they represent a way of life, a philosophy, or a movement in culture. Join us on a journey through these unique destinations where shopping turns into an immersive and inspiring adventure.
Gentle Monster, a Korean brand, is well known for eyewear, sure—but its retail spaces are equally noteworthy. With its outlets ranging from Seoul to Los Angeles, the store's immersive art installations transport visitors to innovative and strange realms. A giant head kinetic installation and a futuristic probe welcome visitors to the newest store in Houston. The installations and vivid colours create a wildly uncanny and memorable experience when the metal structure opens up inside the store.
The name of this brand comes from 'Agip' motels, which were located all across Italy during the 1950s as support services for large petrol stations. Nowadays, petrol pumps are replaced with midcentury modern furnishings and pay points have been replaced with a concrete wine bar resembling a pavement. One of the remaining components includes a motorbike workshop that carries out repairs and customisation in line with the FSM brand. The store has every accessory that you would require for two-wheelers, including helmets, equipment and cycling ephemera.
To put it simply, Zhongshuge is every book lover's paradise. Located in Yangzhou, China, the bookstore and library has black mirrored flooring and arched shelves that reach the ceiling, giving it the impression of an endless book tunnel. Go to the adult reading room to catch up on some essential reading if you're browsing alone. And there's also a children's reading room as well in case you're with your kids.
10 Corso Como was established in 1990 by a magazine editor and gallerist Carla Sozzani as an exhibition space and bookstore. Over the years, Carla has grown the company to include a three-room hotel, roof garden, cafe and fashion boutique. 10 Corso Como has grown to become a global destination for those interested in fashion, design and also art enthusiasts thanks to its carefully curated selection of high-end brands, limited edition items, and art exhibitions.
In addition to its London and Cotswolds outlets, the store x in Berlin, which occupies two floors of the Soho house building in Mitte, originally opened its doors in February 2014. Since then, it has evolved to become a lifestyle concept store with a creative edit of literature, fashion, furniture, art and music. Store X has now opened the studios, which will house a cultural programme featuring works from contemporary musicians, painters and designers, focusing on those who are dedicated to innovation.
Located in Lincoln Park, Chicago, Lululemon's newest location spans 20,000 square feet, with two floors dedicated to the company's apparel lines for men and women and a newly launched personal care section. The remaining floors include a cafe, meditation space, and exercise studios (for things like hip-hop yoga). In due course, the store will also host movie screenings as well as concerts.
Dover Street Market is one of the first concept stores to define the department store/exhibition space model. The Parfums Market displays a forest of pillars with shelves cut out to display fragrances, cosmetics, and beauty brands from around the world. The stripped-back store forms a chic backdrop for a collection of avant-garde young labels and well-known luxury brands, such as Comme des Garcons, emphasising variety and inclusivity in beauty.