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Top of the shops in the capital
Jonathan Prynn27 Jun 2008
London's 20 most "unmissable" shops are named today.
They have been selected by people who should know - Britain's most powerful high street bosses.
They range from the great West End department stores to tiny delis.
The list, in Retail Week magazine, illustrates an extraordinary range of top-quality shopping and shows how, amid all the big chains, there are still eccentric gems to be found.
Neil Gillis, chief executive of camping equipment chain Blacks, nominated umbrella shop James Smith & Sons in New Oxford Street.
He said: "One wet July day last year I went in out of curiosity. It was charming, run by people who love what they do and are keen to help. The products are varied and wonderful. I now own three umbrellas I don't really need."
London's obsession with fine food shopping is well represented, with former Asda boss Archie Norman naming Pimlico's Rippon Cheese Stores. He said: "It's a triumph of authenticity over packaging."
Peter Marks of the Co-operative Group said Borough Market was "a retail experience like no other".
Another specialist to make the grade is triathletes' store Tri And Run in Wimbledon. Peter Keenan, managing director of Currys, said: "Every visit is an inspiration."
Playlounge in Soho is "the nearest to a grown-up toyshop you'll find," according to Michael Smith, chief executive of online retailer firebox.com. Bill Grimsey of Focus DIY praised innovative techniques at the Apple Store in Regent Street.
Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, Hamleys and Harrods also made the list.
PURCHASING PLEASURES: THE 'UNMISSABLE 20'
Bamford & Sons, Sloane Square
Ralph Lauren, New Bond Street
Harrods, Knightsbridge
Trilogy (fashion), Chelsea
Borough Market, Borough
Playlounge (toys), Soho
Tri And Run (triathlon), Wimbledon
Rippon Cheese Stores, Pimlico
James Smith & Sons (umbrellas), New Oxford Street
John Lewis, Oxford Street
Nike Town, Oxford Circus
Peter Jones, Sloane Square
Selfridges, Oxford Street
Apple Store, Regent Street
La Fromagerie, Marylebone
Tate Britain Shop, Millbank
Le Pascalou (deli), Chelsea
Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge
USA Pro (women's sports), Soho
Hamleys, Regent Street
Reader views (3)
Like all lists these are so subjective. None of the American stores are unique, how are they unmissable? Hamley's is totally missable if you're not buying toys. Peter Jones AND John Lewis - they're virtually the same. Marble Arch M&S is one of the most profitable stores in the world per square metre and with good reason, half of its stock is unique to that branch, it's a British institution, yet not on the list ... nor is there a book shop - in the world centre of publishing? Go figure.
- Tom Moncrieff, London, 30/06/2008 11:11
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I agree with Paul.. If we are looking for "interesting" ones, there are many little indie/underground shops. The clothing shops on Brick Lane, Shoreditch could be an example. or those around Carnaby Street.
Can anyone tell me what could be interesting about Nike town, Oxford Circus?!
- Polly, London, UK, 30/06/2008 10:44
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There are dozens and dozens of little shops that are far more interesting more interesting than the ones mentioned. Harrods,an interesting shop? Big,yes,over priced,yes interesting NO.
- Paul, London UK, 27/06/2008 13:50
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