The rise of concept stores in 2025 and 7 of them to visit in India

Everyone has heard of the American shoe brand, Vans. While growing up, some of us even bought a pair to exude the coolness we thought we embodied back in high school. Instagram may have influenced those purchases, but what truly made Vans ubiquitous on social media? Picture this: a store on London’s iconic Oxford Street, merging skateboarding culture with a 200-square-metre stone skate ramp, all set against a backdrop of music and art. This isn’t merely a retail space—it’s an experience that fosters community and belonging. That’s the transformative power of concept stores.

While the phrase “retail therapy” is casually thrown around on social media, it isn’t just about spending money or indulging in impulse buys. The therapy lies in the experience, a unique moment of curiosity and ecstasy. Concept stores form the zeitgeist of these experiences. In their essence, concept stores offer the identity of the brand through immersive ways of storytelling and merging them with art and culture to make them resonate with the patrons. 

India is a microcosm of culture, with art as the sacrosanct of its holistic identity. Concept stores strive to create an appendage of the same. By creating bespoke retail journeys for both Gen Z and millennials, they are securing an irreplaceable spot in 2025. Building a concept store revolves around structure and a curated environment, urging the audiences to stop and shop. As the country’s design scene flourishes, the advent of avant-garde concept stores is inevitable. From storytelling to sparking curiosity, here’s our selection of standout spaces redefining retail in India.

INDIA'S EDGY NEW CONCEPT STORES 

1. Serendipity, Delhi 

An oasis of home textiles and furniture, Serendipity stands up to its name. Designed by Kuldeep Kaur in a restored haveli situated in the historic village of Jonapur, Delhi, her store is revered for bringing an amalgamation of vintage treasures, contemporary design and Indian craftsmanship to the fore. 

2. Nappa Dori, Delhi

Fueled by his love for marrying detailed craftsmanship and the use of leather to create accessories, Gautam Sinha, the Founder and Creative Director of Nappa Dori, brought around the experiential space, consisting of everything from a library to a cafe. Infusing tranquillity among its visitors, it appropriates as a welcoming refuge to those wanting to lead a slow life with its modern rendition of a traditional historic landscape.

3. General Items, Bengaluru

Nostalgia is the antithesis of fast-paced transient trends. Drawing upon the retro moodboards and whimsical colour scheme, Malini Malik and Tiipoi's Spandana Gopal, have brought about a general store. Showcasing home decor and stationery, it serves as a center point for community building with its occasional events. Instilling the euphoria and childhood wonder of walking into a store to get a new notebook to write on, it's a celebration of shared creativity, offering something for everyone. 

4. Crepdog Crew, New Delhi and Mumbai

Evolving from an Instagram page to the ultimate sneaker and streetwear destination in India, Crepdog Crew embodies the spirit of subculture. Its sprawling concept stores in Delhi and Mumbai offer a roof for sneakerheads to unite under. Accompanied by an artisanal craft coffee bar and a cafe, it doesn’t just underline the culture but also converges enthusiasts from across the country.

5. Doki Doki, Mumbai

Another artistic jewel in the crown of Mumbai’s historic Ballard Estate, Doki Doki, transforms a former ice warehouse into a dynamic retail space for emerging designers, curated art, and niche lifestyle brands. Fusing bold architectural elements with a cultural ethos, the multidisciplinary boutique offers a shopping experience as distinctive as its design.

6. Cinnamon, Bangalore

Situated in a historical bungalow from the 19th- century near Ulsoor Lake, Cinnamon is curated by Radhika Poddar, a maverick in reimaging traditions in contemporary iterations. Showcasing designers like 11.11 and Pero alongside chic homeware and art pieces, its curated boutique and cafe offer an experience similar to a quiet escape. 

7. The Palace Atelier

Modulating an ode to Rajasthan’s artistic heritage, Palace Atelier, the collaborative store between Princess Gauravi Kumari and French designer Claire Deroo, showcases everything from jewellery to accessories. Highlighting the essence of Indian ingenuity, the store is revered for its vintage decor and restored royal heirlooms. 

Thanks to these concept stores, shopping will never be the same again. 

Edited by Sabrina Mathews