Future Stores is set to transform Oxford Street with its immersive retail concept.
- With a £20m investment, the store integrates cutting-edge technology to create an interactive shopping experience.
- Founder Ariel Haroush plans further expansion in London, Paris, and New York, reflecting the store’s success.
- The store features Intel’s advanced technology, offering live in-store gaming experiences.
- Emerging brands find a platform at Future Stores, democratising high street retail.
Future Stores aims to revolutionise Oxford Street with a focus on immersive and engaging retail experiences. With a substantial £20 million investment, it promises to bring innovation to the high street by combining technology with a traditional bricks-and-mortar setting. Customers will experience shopping in a wholly interactive environment, marking a fresh approach to retail that prioritises engagement.
Ariel Haroush, the founder of Future Stores, is an Israeli tech entrepreneur based in the US. He sees the need for such a concept as traditional retail struggles to maintain shopper interest. He notes, “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.” Plans for more stores are underway, with locations in Paris and New York also on the horizon.
The partnership with Intel enables Future Stores to showcase the latest in technological retail advancements. The Oxford Street location, spanning two floors and covering 4,682 square feet, will feature Intel’s AI PCs, allowing for live gaming experiences in-store. This venture marks the beginning of what is being termed as “the world’s most advanced retail store”.
An integral part of Future Stores is its support for emerging brands, providing them with a high street presence without the burden of long-term leases. Ariel Haroush explains that new designers, who are unable to commit to extensive leases, can use this space to showcase their products as if they were in a flagship store. This initiative “democratises the high street,” offering startups and innovators a chance to shine.
The store’s infrastructure includes high-definition Micro LED displays and embedded technologies for dynamic customer experiences. This feature enables the retail environment to adapt quickly to customer needs and preferences. Future Stores also aims to continuously evolve, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a high street retailer. It presents an opportunity for both established and fresh brands to engage deeply with their customer base, thanks to a wealth of data insights offered by the store’s operations. Engin Celikbas, the store’s managing director, states, “Leveraging data to create personalised experiences isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity, enhancing conversion rates and boosting customer satisfaction.”
Future Stores represents a significant shift in retail, blending innovative technology with traditional shopping to enhance consumer engagement.
