Boxpark London: The Pop-Up Department Store

Home to a mixture of lifestyle brands, fashion, galleries and cafes it’s a place where shopping gets relaxed
Boxpark London: The Pop-Up Department Store picture

Shopping, believe it or not it’s a polarizing pastime (shock) and most of us have long since fastened our colours to the mast of the side that we believe in. But all said and done, whether you love it or you hate it, when it comes to Christmas it is something that must be faced.

But what if there was a place where the traipsing between shops was cut to the minimum, a place where a huge selection of shops shared a space, a place surrounded by other independent shops and markets and most of all, a place that wasn’t a Westfield shopping centre? Well, whisper it, such a place does exist, it’s celebrating its second Christmas and it goes by the name Boxpark.

Constructed out of stripped and reconditioned shipping containers, Boxpark is the world’s first pop-up department store and where else could it be than in the heart of Shoreditch. Home to a mixture of lifestyle brands, fashion, galleries and cafes it’s a place where shopping gets relaxed. Nearly two years through its five-year residency, if you haven’t been then maybe it’s time. Here is a selection of our favourite Boxpark shops.

Phaidon

If you find the worlds of art and culture appealing then Phaidon is the box for you. The art and lifestyle publisher’s stand-alone shop is filled with its elegant books that take in subjects from food to photography. The Boxpark shop will also hold a selection of limited edition artists’ books that will be available here only. Perfect for that hard to find literary gift.

The North Face

With Christmas in the works it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to keep warm on the inevitable Boxing Day walk. Fortunately, Boxpark has The North Face, one of the world’s leading outdoor wear specialists. Ultra warm coats that are both water and wind resistant, the only thing they can’t repel are cantankerous family members! Boom-tish!

Amnesty Shop

Charity is a year-round kind of thing but that doesn’t mean that when Christmas comes around we can’t emphasise it even more. Shop at the Amnesty Shop in Boxpark and you can purchase gifts in the knowledge that you’re both buying and giving at the same time. Working in tandem with artists and designers, the Boxpark Amnesty Shop will be selling ethical gifts and homewares to the public.

Route One

There’s an old saying that goes, “You never get too old for skateboarding.” And it’s true. At Route One, anyone can turn up, pick a deck, add some wheels and leave with their very own skateboard, ready for a Christmas morning session. Okay, it doesn’t have to be for you and there are always the t-shirts, jeans, sweatshirts and caps to try instead.

Bukowski

For the victor comes the spoils and after a few hours at Boxpark it will be about time to make your way to – probably – the world’s first shipping container burger restaurant. Weekly specials and premium ingredients make Bukowski Burger a must.

Since you’re in the area, when you’re done with Boxpark head onwards to Redchurch Street where our Street Spotlight will help you find some of the best independent shops around.

This article is connected to Boxpark
Published Nov 19, 2012