Future Stores opens on Oxford Street with plans to redefine shopping experiences.
- The £20m venture merges cutting-edge technology with retail.
- Founder Ariel Haroush aims to make high streets more engaging.
- First collaboration involves US tech giant Intel.
- The store offers a novel retail experience with transactional capabilities.
Future Stores is set to transform the traditional shopping model as it introduces an immersive experience on Oxford Street. With a £20 million investment, the store combines advanced technology to create an interactive environment.
Founder Ariel Haroush, an Israeli tech entrepreneur based in the US, has an ambitious vision for Future Stores. Haroush believes this concept addresses the declining customer engagement at conventional retail outlets. ‘You’ve been to one Zara, you’ve been to them all,’ he remarks, emphasising the need for innovation.
The store’s launch on October 30 will feature Intel, offering hands-on experiences with their AI PCs. This marks the world’s most advanced retail store, allowing customers to engage directly with cutting-edge products while shopping.
The two-floor store extends over 4,682 square feet, featuring high-definition displays and integrated payment systems. By blending aesthetic appeal with functionality, Future Stores aims to redefine what retail spaces can achieve, transforming them from mere showrooms to dynamic sales venues.
Data collection is at the core of Future Stores’ strategy. This data-driven approach promises to enhance personalisation and boost sales, as described by Managing Director Engin Celikbas: ‘Today, leveraging data to create personalised experiences isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.’
Future Stores also aims to democratise the high street by providing opportunities for new brands to showcase their products without the financial burden of a long-term lease. Haroush likens this to offering emerging designers a stage that feels like a flagship store.
The fluidity of the store’s design allows it to cater to unique customer experiences. For instance, it can transform from a Formula 1 racing setup to an ‘Emily in Paris’ wardrobe setting, offering brands the flexibility to adapt to consumer responses seamlessly.
Kate Hardcastle MBE supports this concept, noting the store’s potential to introduce fresh and disruptive brands to the high street, turning retail spaces into experiential venues rather than mere points of sale.
Future Stores on Oxford Street exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to retail, blending technology, data, and design to enrich the shopping experience.
