unmissable global stores Top 10

Physical retail is back

As the pandemic recedes into history, the shock waves have started to settle, and it is clear that physical retail is back with a vengeance and looking better than ever. The old basics of surprise and delight through architecture, design and merchandising have been enhanced with a real investment in playful creativity and experimentation. Whether in a flagship, pop-up or mall, art is now an established tool to turn products into icons and stores into must-see destinations. More importantly, the best retail works to elevate functional transactions into genuine experiences, through expert service, curated ranges and personalisation. Hospitality is back as a way to drive footfall and interest, with destination restaurants inside fashion flagships and independent food retail transforming a traditional sector by combining retail with food to go and in-store dining.

Malls are reinventing themselves as incubators of independent brands and community lifestyle spaces with food and entertainment at their heart. Digital is taking its rightful place as a storytelling tool and a facilitator of better customer service. Let us take you on a journey through our top 10 favourite post pandemic retail spaces around the world.