Concept Stores
What's on my mind - 13 July 2025
Hello Munchkins,
I hope you’re enjoying the rain while it lasts! I’ve been obsessed with concept stores lately, and after visiting Bangalore, that obsession has only grown. It seems like concept stores are far more common and normalized in the South of India.
A concept store is a retail space that brings together products from multiple homegrown Indian brands, often focusing on organic, sustainable, or artisanal values. These stores aim to:
Spark inspiration
Encourage slow browsing
Offer something unexpected or exclusive
Reflect a specific aesthetic or philosophy (minimalist, boho, sustainable, edgy, etc.)
Curate across a range of categories: stationery, clothing, chocolates/food, skincare, décor, gifting, and more.
I’m a sucker for a good retail experience. I’m honestly tired of staring at my screen to order clothes, stationery, and everything in between. I crave a tactile, intentional shopping experience. Something that’s not a mall filled with mass-produced goods and long queues. (Though don’t get me wrong, I still buy my jeans from H&M because I’m very particular about the fit, and it’s the only decent option in my hometown.)
What I do love is the attention to detail in these concept stores—from the drawer handles to the lighting, to each tiny marketing sticker. Yes, there’s a higher price to pay, but that often reflects small-batch production, ethical labour, and prime real estate. Let’s be honest, the true luxury is being able to afford a handwoven garment made with organic fibres. That’s their market fit.
Shopping becomes such a joy when you know the curation is already done for you. You’re not bombarded with 100 options. Whether it’s actual shopping or just window shopping, it feels more meaningful and elevated. Often, when the store owner is deeply connected with the brand and product identity, they’re just as mindful about the architectural design of the space. It sets the mood for shopping and makes you want to buy more than you need, haha.
Having visited several such stores, I know how expensive things can get. And since India doesn’t have many secondhand store options yet, I choose to skip online shopping and indulge in a bit of luxury when I’m travelling. Even if it’s not a concept store, I’d still prefer a mall visit over a checkout cart. Touching fabrics, reading ingredient labels—it all excites me.
Concept Stores in India I Love:
• Lifestyle Store
Nicobar (Mumbai) – They describe themselves as a brand for the "modern Indian with a tropical soul." From fashion to home décor to jewelry, everything reflects that ethos. I’m truly a fan and would love to own something from them. I almost bought a piece of jewelry, but mom disapproved, so I didn’t. You can see the attention to detail even in the most basic shirt. The quality is top-notch and the pricing feels justified.
This clutch that I borrowed from my sister from Nicobar is also on my wishlist.
• Curated Store
Cinnamon (Bangalore) – Tucked inside a charming colonial bungalow in the heart of the city. (Thanks to Fatema for the amazing recommendation!) It was even featured on Architexturez.net, so I had to visit. I’m also a fan of the architects Mathew & Ghosh. The store curates everything from fashion to cutlery, showcasing exquisite Indian design and craftsmanship. Every item is handpicked by Radhika Poddar (the owner), and you can feel that in the selection. Traditional forms are reimagined with a contemporary twist. While I couldn’t afford anything, the experience was my introduction to Indian luxury retail. Bonus: They serve great matcha at the café!
Also: I got a super cool silver ring as a souvenir from Bangalore to add to my collection.
• Boutique Marketplace
Neon Market (Bangalore) - I made a quick stop here just to check out the ‘Grandma Would Approve’ label by a friend’s friend. I'm not entirely sure if it falls under this category, but they definitely have some very cool pieces by various designers who restore or reuse garments and give them a new life, along with some really interesting jewelry. I’ve heard their ramen is amazing. The interiors, of course, lived up to the name, and the chocolate selection was to die for. I wish I had more time to browse through everything for a deeper look. Vibes were immaculate.
• Concept Store (strong visual/brand identity)
General Items (Bangalore) – This was the quirkiest and most fun space I visited. It’s a small but powerful store with a bold brand identity. The typography (done by Abhishek Khan from Mumbai) immediately catches your eye and pulls you in. I bought a book called “Confessions of a Poor Collector” and told the salesperson how much I dream of collecting art one day. A little while later, I ended up buying my first artist coffee table book, and he said, “Congratulations on your first piece of your art collection.” I could go on forever about their collection, but you really have to experience it yourself.
First of many. (I was dancing inside at this point, don’t ask me why)
So yummy.
• Conscious Marketplace (sustainability focus)
Go Native (Whitefield, Bangalore) – They have three outlets. I went to the one closest to me and ended up spending more time exploring the space than actually eating (though lunch was the main reason I went!). All the products and even food ingredients are sourced within a 500 km radius. The architectural firm Hundredhands transformed an old industrial shed into a serene, sustainable space. Also, best salad of my life - mango and quinoa! (Never imagined they could go together.)
• Homegrown Collective
The Vault (Gurgaon) – An underground marketplace for over 40+ Indian homegrown brands. I especially loved their interior décor section. Objectry lamps and Jaipur Rugs were my highlights. The cozy design makes it ideal for community events like book clubs and poetry readings. Their pottery section had me in a chokehold! Luckily, I went with a friend who’s equally obsessed, and we ended up spending over an hour there. So much fun.
• Multi-brand Store
(Need recommendations!)
You can probably tell how into this topic I am (honestly, this is my longest newsletter yet!). The entire narrative around curation has become an obsession. I would love to one day own my own Concept Store + Café featuring a little bit of art, fashion, stationery, coffee, and all things design. Because in today’s world of AI and mass accessibility, taste is truly what matters.
I’m super excited to explore more concept stores during future travels. Just the thought of it makes me giddy, hehe. Do more of what you love - life is short. I want to see what people are creating with their heart and soul. It reflects in everything, whether you agree with it or not.
See you next week.
Thanks for the amazing content.