More than just a store - get more from your shopping at these cool concepts
What’s On has six of the best new concept stores for shopping in Dubai, featuring independent stores away from shopping malls in Dubai.
More…
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– Boutique shopping
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Concept stores are the latest trend in the shopping world. But what exactly are they? Put simply, it’s a shop with a little extra something on the side. Here are six of Dubai’s best…
Bambah/The Zoo Concept
Vintage fans may already be familiar with Bambah, a store that features pieces that owner Maha Abdul Rasheed has sourced from all over the world, but those who favour a more contemporary approach to retail therapy will appreciate The Zoo Concept, which is in the same villa. From gadgets to garments, The Zoo Concept stock things that are more on the unusual side.
Villa 142, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3495585. Taxi: Opposite Dubai Zoo. bambah.com
SoH
One of the newest additions to The Galleria, Dubai, is SoH boutique, a store that fuses beauty with art. On the surface you’d be forgiven for thinking this is just a salon but scratch a little deeper and you are in for a treat. Not only does SoH offer a wide range of nail services, including Japanese manicures and intricate nail art, it also acts as an art gallery with the minimalist white walls adorned with quirky pieces from local artists such as Melanie Pickup, Maria Iqbal and Mubarik Jafery. We’ve heard that SoH is planning to show previews of local designer collections along with live music. Chuck in a range of hair services available and a trip to the salon will never be the same again.
The Galleria, Al Wasl Road, Dubai, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3444147. Taxi: Corner of Financial Centre Road and Al Wasl Road. facebook.com/sohdubai
A4 Space
A4 Space is a sprawling 6,000sqft warehouse in Al Quoz that’s on a mission to spread creativity in Dubai. It’s home to The Appetite Café, which will serve up a decent cuppa and pastry while you browse the book collection built by the community through donating unwanted reads. A4 Space also hosts pop-up art exhibitions and has a 70-seat screening room for presentations and lectures.
Street 8 Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 7pm. Tel: (050) 5569797. Taxi: Al Serkal Avenue. facebook.com/A4space
Objects And Elements
Walking into Objects And Elements feels like walking into Aladdin’s cave, with interiors pieces packed into every corner. A trip up the spiral staircase reveals another surprise: sewing parlour reMADE DXB, which offers classes on everything from screen printing to knitting, meaning you can merge an interiors fix with something a little more crafty.
Al Quoz 1, Dubai, Sat to Thur 9am to 6pm. Tel: (04) 3236182. Taxi: Beside Kanoo Group. objectsandelementsgroup.com
The cARTel
Located in the trendy area of Al Serkal Avenue, this boutique acts as a platform for more than 60 international designers. The warehouse type décor immediately gives The cARTel some cool points but its biggest draw after you have browsed through the stylish threads, is the space downstairs, which is a photography studio and gallery. Come on the right day and you may catch a glimpse of a photo shoot in action or even a music video being made, along with fashion film screenings and exhibitions.
Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 3884341. Taxi: Al Serkal Avenue. thecartel.me
Comptoir 102
There’s no shortage of cafés and restaurants in the region but finding one that offers a healthy menu can be tricky. Enter Comptoir 102, a café that takes a holistic approach to food with a range of dishes that are raw, gluten-free and vegan. Once you’ve finished a healthy bite, you can browse the shop in the adjoining room, which is brimming with fashion accessories, jewellery and trendy interiors pieces. We spotted some impressive tableware and out-there lighting.
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, Sun to Thur 8.30 to 6.30, Fri and Sat 8.30 to 8pm. Tel: (04) 3854555. Taxi: Beside Choueri Real Estate Brokers. comptoir102.com
