Future Stores has made its debut on Oxford Street, ahead of its official launch on 30 October 2024, introducing a new era of retail that merges cutting-edge technology with traditional bricks-and-mortar shopping. With a £20 million investment, the store aims to transform retail into a dynamic, interactive experience that is the first of its kind globally.
Located on Europe’s busiest shopping street, Future Stores offers a personalised shopping experience, featuring rotating brand showcases that change every two to six weeks. Intel is the first brand to take up residency in this immersive space, offering interactive experiences where visitors can explore Intel’s newly launched AI PCs and participate in live gaming sessions from 30 October.
Upon entering the two-floor, 400m² space, visitors are greeted by high-definition Micro LED displays, monumental billboards, and cameras. These features allow consumers to engage with brands through live demos, tutorials, and influencer-led showcases, making each visit an immersive, shared experience.
This experience is enhanced by real-time data insights that monitor dwell time, customer journeys, and traffic both inside and outside the store. Additional metrics, including gender and sentiment analysis, are expected to be introduced in the New Year, offering brands deeper insights into consumer behaviour.
Ariel Haroush, Founder and Chair of Future Stores, explained: “Today’s shoppers are driven by TikTok-length attention spans, and traditional retail simply can’t keep up with Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Our concept is the answer—an electrifying blend of creativity, technology, and multi-sensory design that feels like stepping into the Future. It’s about giving consumers and brands what they crave: an engaging, meaningful experience.”
Engin Celikbas, Managing Director EMEA of Future Stores, added: “Today, leveraging data to create personalised experiences isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. This insight allows us to engage with consumers on a deeper level, enhancing conversion rates and boosting customer satisfaction.” By harnessing this data-driven approach, Future Stores allows brands to create more meaningful and engaging connections with consumers.
Ahead of the official launch, 365 Retail and the Creative Retail Awards team visited Future Stores to gain insights into how the space will serve brands and shoppers alike. The visit highlighted how brands can utilise the technology-driven environment to create unique and interactive experiences that resonate with their audiences.
As the first brand residency, Intel is offering consumers a hands-on experience with their AI-powered PCs. Steve Shakespeare, Sales Director at Intel, shared his excitement: “Intel’s commitment to pioneering innovation is matched by our dedication to collaboration, so we are excited to work with Future Stores as the first to take up residence on Oxford Street. From October 30, consumers will be able to experience AI PCs in person.”
London is the first city to host Future Stores, but expansion plans are already underway for Paris and New York, with a second London site under consideration. With Oxford Street attracting nearly 500,000 daily visitors, the location serves as an ideal backdrop for this next-generation retail concept.
Dee Corsi, Chief Executive at New West End Company, commented on the store’s impact: “Future Stores’ unique blend of retail and digital innovation makes it a fantastic addition to Oxford Street, which now boasts immersive retail and cultural attractions stretching from Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch. These experiences have been highly successful in boosting footfall and creating a vibrant atmosphere along the street.”
The opening of Future Stores has been facilitated by Places for London, the property company of Transport for London, which owns the retail units used for the store. Samantha Bain-Mollison, Head of Retail at Places for London, added: “Future Stores is unlike anything else we’ve had on our estate, and it shows that we welcome innovative and creative businesses that redefine the boundaries of retail. We’re excited to welcome Future Stores to our estate and look forward to seeing this innovative addition open its doors to Londoners and visitors from across the world.”
Future Stores is positioning itself as a hybrid retail model, blending physical and digital shopping to cater to the next generation of consumers. With 74% of UK sales still occurring in-store, this concept taps into consumers’ growing desire for engaging, tech-driven experiences that combine the best of both worlds.
