Seven Dials in Covent Garden has secured four new retail signings, including a London debut for Scottish brand Islander and a new London flagship for Code8 Beauty.
The latest additions reinforce the neighbourhood’s appeal to independent boutiques and emerging brands seeking to establish or expand their presence in the capital.
Flagships and London Debuts
Code8 Beauty will open an 800 sq ft flagship at 29 Monmouth Street in May. Founded in London in 2019, the make-up brand focuses on minimalist, high-performance products designed for speed and efficiency under its ‘less is more’ philosophy. The store will feature professional make-up artists offering beauty services and masterclasses, alongside a bespoke lipstick experience and engraving service enabling customers to personalise lipstick cases and make-up brushes.
Menswear brand Percival has signed for a 900 sq ft unit at 68 Neal Street. Founded in East London in 2010, the brand is known for updating classic menswear with a contemporary approach. The store will stock jackets, coats, suits, knitwear and denim, and will offer personal styling services.
Ethical eyewear brand MONC will open its second London store in March at 17 Monmouth Street, spanning 800 sq ft. The brand produces premium sunglasses and optical frames that are responsibly sourced and crafted in Italy. The new store will reflect MONC’s pared-back aesthetic.
Scottish accessories brand Islander will open later this year at 29 Shorts Gardens, marking its first London store. Known for Harris Tweed handbags, footwear and accessories, the brand operates seven stores across Edinburgh and St Andrews. The Seven Dials location will host immersive Handbag Workshops, offering a 60-minute experience where customers design and create their own bespoke satchel.
“Seven Dials plays a central role within the wider Covent Garden district, continuing to act as a highly effective launchpad for brands establishing flagship locations or making their London debuts. Our focus on curating the right mix of brands ensures the area remains dynamic, relevant and appealing, and the arrival of Code8 Beauty, Percival, MONC, and Islander reflects the ongoing strength of demand from brands seeking to be part of this vibrant destination.”
William Oliver, Director of Retail & Restaurant Leasing, Shaftesbury Capital
“The opening of our newest flagship in Seven Dials represents an important milestone for Code8’s continued growth. Covent Garden was a natural choice — a destination where flagship stores flourish, and brands gain global visibility. As a recognised beauty hub and home to some of the industry’s most respected names, Seven Dials offers the perfect environment for Code8 to thrive.”
Sophia Chikovani, Founder, Code8 Beauty
The latest openings build on a strong year of leasing activity across Covent Garden, following 30 transactions completed in the Seven Dials neighbourhood in 2025. The district’s dining offer is also set to expand, with Burro opening in Floral Court, alongside Kricket and Buvette in Neal’s Yard.
Two UK debuts, Initio Parfums Privés and Matiére Première, are also set to open in the coming weeks, further strengthening the district’s appeal as a destination for global brands.
Awards update: Entries are open for the Creative Retail Awards, with over 20 categories to choose from. Details are available at https://www.creativeretailawards.com
