New retail formats add to diversity of Mayfair and Belgravia
2018 saw new concepts and brands launch their global, debut or UK-only flagships on Grosvenor’s London estates. And most of the 34 signings were independent operators.
Eccleston Yards, previously underused land on the boundaries of Victoria and Belgravia, has been transformed into a hub for creative enterprise and co-working. Joining Central Working, the shared workspace provider for over 500 entrepreneurs, the site freatures fitness phenomenon Barry’s Bootcamp; Re:Mind – London’s first drop-in meditation studio; SMUK – a Scandinavian eco-friendly beauty salon; 50M – world-first affordable retail space to rent by the meter; and TailorMade – bespoke suits using 3D body scanning technology; alongside Jones Family Kitchen and juice and coffee bar Wild by Tart.
Pimlico Road, one of London’s most important design districts, saw the arrival of British designer and printer Fermoie, Danish furniture manufacturer Carl Hansen & Son and fabrics and homeware brand de Le Cuona.
Elizabeth Street and Motcomb Street continued to champion the next generation of premium independent fashion and lifestyle brands including Summerill & Bishop, Beulah London, nail bar London Grace and children’s clothing brand Pepa & Co.
In North Mayfair Barbour expanded its footprint along with the opening of artisan bakery Popina. In early 2019, Leica Camera will open its new flagship store on Duke Street while the popular food market Mercato Metropolitano is fitting out the Grade 1-listed St Mark’s.
To support all this growth Grosvenor is trialling a retail concierge service to support small retailers opening in London’s West End. The Times gave the story greater prominence in its online and print editions, reporting that the service will “open doors for ambitious retailers.”
