Over in London they’re dancing in the streets to celebrate the opening of Anthropologie’s store on Regent St. It’s been a long time coming: first announced back in January and I’m sure Anthro has been planning this far before then. Congratulations to everyone involved — I’ve heard only good things so far. The email above was in my inbox this morning.
Wee Birdy London got a sneak peek inside the store and took some beautiful photos. The photos below are from that post. Home Shopping Spy, Ideal Home’s blog, also had a report.
My friend Noelle, a San Francisco ex-pat currently living in London, was kind enough to send the following report:
I’ve just returned from my first of what will be many visits to Anthropologie’s first London Store. It was quite busy when I was there but not so crowded that I couldn’t move around. The store is three levels with an amazing living wall in the stairwell. It was quite green and lush and I overheard a sales associate saying that they water it with rainwater from the roof. Amazing!
There were lots of Union Jacks around the store which was a bit cheesy but otherwise I was quite taken with the visuals. One area had two sheep with thick wool sweaters and blankets over them. A huge display of what looked like teabags were hanging from the main window — quite a sight! There was a sitting area populated by large magnifiers and a sea of books to choose from. I saw many husbands, boyfriends and dutiful friends waiting for shoppers there.
As for the clothing itself I was happy that it seemed to match the stock of the US’s online site well. I was in search of the Lolland Sweater Dress ($188) and I’m pleased to say I found it! The dressing rooms were crowded so I bought on faith alone. If it doesn’t work it’s just one more reason to go back.
According to the staff they’ll be adding new stock over the next few weeks. I’m so happy to have an Anthropologie here in London. I can’t wait for the UK site to be fully shoppable…hopefully that will be soon.
Thanks Noelle!
Retail Week also ran an interesting blurb about some Anthro collaborations destined for London:
Anthropologie European managing director James Bidwell said a fifth of stock will initially come from Europe and the proportion may rise to about 30% to appeal to West End shoppers.
The retailer will also tie-up with European designers for its fashion and homewares offers. A deal has been struck with London design house Eley Kishimoto, which has collaborated with Anthropologie to create EK Jam Factory. The fashion range will initially comprise four pieces but the intention is to extend it. The retailer has also commissioned Parisian artist Nathalie Lete to create unique homewares pieces.
Bidwell said: “I am hoping over time to build strong relationships with more London designers. This will root us as a global brand that operates in London.”
I think it’s great that Anthropologie finds local artisans wherever they go. I hope this collection makes it stateside as well!
I am so excited that Anthropologie has made it to the UK – I'm moving there for work in about a year and one of the real drawbacks was lack of my favorite store. Now JCrew just needs to make the move!
Thanks for the article. As an Australian living in the US, I thought that some of the recent homeware styles including the knobs pictured and the fabled beasties plates, for example, were reminiscent of English style china patterns and styles that my grandma had, with a quirky twist -which I've loved. I am glad my fellow members of the Commonwealth in London can now enjoy Anthropologie 🙂
So excited that Anthro has opened in London. Fingers crossed that their next EU location will be Dublin. I am an ex-pat from SF living here in Dublin and I am dying to get my anthropologie fix. Online shopping just doesn't cut it.