London’s vibrant Soho and Carnaby districts are set for a bustling pre-Christmas season as Shaftesbury Capital reveals a wave of new store openings, including two notable UK debuts. The landlord’s recent announcements highlight strong leasing activity, with nine brands adding to the retail and dining landscape since September and several more scheduled before Christmas.
Among the fresh arrivals, Spanish footwear retailer Alohas makes its UK debut on Beak Street. The brand’s unique "on-demand" model—featuring in-store try-ons with purchases shipped directly to customers—aims to reduce overproduction and promote sustainability. Fellow Spanish brand Cold Culture has opened a pop-up on Marshall Street, showcasing genderless streetwear and immersive visual displays, bringing a contemporary edge to Soho’s fashion scene. Meanwhile, Sheep Inc., a natural fibre luxury brand known for its ultra-soft New Zealand wool offerings, is poised to debut its innovative new retail concept on Newburgh Street on October 23. The store promises to redefine conscious luxury retail by blending environmental stewardship with craftsmanship.
In addition, internationally acclaimed make-up, fragrance, and skincare retailer Charlotte Tilbury is opening a flagship 4,200 sq ft store in a prime gateway site to Carnaby Street later this month. This significant expansion follows the brand’s recent tripling of its Covent Garden flagship size and offers customers a highly personalised shopping experience with expert advice from Charlotte Tilbury’s professional make-up artists. The retailer’s prominence in Soho underscores the district’s appeal to high-calibre beauty brands and experience-led retail concepts.
Beyond retail, Soho’s culinary offerings are also expanding. Newly refurbished The Shaston Arms pub near Carnaby Street will reopen in October with an enhanced menu focusing on elevated classics, operated by the award-winning team behind The Waterman’s Arms. November will see the opening of Ria’s, a natural wine and Detroit-style pizza restaurant relocating from Notting Hill to 29 Foubert’s Place, featuring an open kitchen and eclectic design across two floors. ALTA, a Northern-Spanish inspired restaurant by Rob Roy Cameron and MAD Restaurants, recently opened at Kingly Court, presenting open-fire cooking and a menu of sharing plates. Additionally, the restaurant Heard, led by two-Michelin starred chef Jordan Bailey and known for its indulgent British beef burgers, has opened at 31 Foubert’s Place, introducing an exclusive burger called ‘The Soho’ to its Soho menu.
The host of new arrivals builds on Carnaby Street’s longstanding reputation as a creative and fashion-forward destination, enhanced this year by a sustainable festive light scheme called "All is Bright." This installation, featuring more than 60,000 programmable LEDs powered by renewable energy, will illuminate the street from November 6th and coexist with an array of pop-ups and beauty activations, adding to the area’s festive allure.
William Oliver, Director of Retail & Restaurant Leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, noted the sustained demand from brands eager to join Carnaby Street and Soho’s dynamic environment. He stated, “Each of these additions brings a unique concept that aligns with the area’s distinctive character.” Oliver emphasised that the timing, with many stores opening ahead of Christmas, promises an exciting end to the year for visitors and locals alike, reiterating the district’s status as an ever-evolving, world-renowned shopping and cultural hotspot.
Other recent retail developments in Soho include the arrival of contemporary jeweller Astrid & Miyu and eyewear brand Jimmy Fairly on Foubert’s Place, alongside the relocation and new fit-out of lifestyle retailer Barbour to Carnaby Street, further reflecting the area’s appeal to premium and experience-driven brands.
As Carnaby and Soho continue to attract a blend of international brands, independent retailers, and creative dining concepts, Shaftesbury Capital’s strategy highlights the importance of sustainability, immersive experiences, and curation in maintaining these districts’ global status and distinctiveness in London’s retail landscape.
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Source: Noah Wire Services