GRATE Storefronts of the Future

Welcome to this week's edition of GRATE!

A few weeks ago, I shared a piece on retail innovation — and it sparked some grate conversation with readers. Clearly, there’s an appetite for physical-world inspiration, as well as product inspiration, especially when it comes to how bricks-and-mortar spaces are being reimagined with fresh intent. So, I’m back on the theme this week, spotlighting five new store openings that are pushing the boundaries of what physical retail, food, and hospitality spaces can be.

Maybe you’re travelling this summer, or building out budgets for your team's autumn research trips — either way, consider this a curated dose of in-person inspiration worth feeding into your plans. From a convenience store turned cultural hub to a luxury-leaning local grocer, here are five "grate" examples redefining what it means to show up in real life:

And don't forget our list of upcoming events in the food industry that's worth planning for, if you haven't already!

As always, enjoy the read and keep the feedback coming,

Annie x

CORNER SHOP 180, 180 Strand, London

This opening from Soho House founder Nick Jones is part deli, part bakery, part wine bar, and more than just your average corner shop. Nestled within the creative hub of 180 Strand (a converted Brutalist cultural centre), it even hosts a rotating residency of designers and collaborators, turning retail into a curated cultural platform. Unlike your typical convenience corner shop, it elevates everyday items—think Neal’s Yard Dairy cheese, e5 Bakehouse bread, Gelupo ice cream, rotisserie chicken, and wines—into a boutique format. By day it’s a vibrant pantry and day café; by evening, it transforms into a Mediterranean-leaning wine bar serving dishes like gazpacho and casarecce. Plus, partnerships with businesses like florist Sorelle and a future rooftop restaurant signal it’s designed as an evolving destination.

KAVANAGHS, BELSIZE PARK

A friend tipped me off about this spot recently, and I’m so glad they did. Kavanaghs has redefined what a local grocery store can feel like — bringing luxury cues and thoughtful design into the everyday shop. It’s clean, calming, and beautifully curated, with muted tones, natural materials, and boutique-style product presentation. What I loved about this store on a recent visit is that it isn’t about adding gimmicks — it’s about creating a retail environment that makes people want to linger. From fresh local produce to quality ready meals, wine, and flowers, it turns the act of picking up groceries into something more experiential, even aspirational. It's a model for neighbourhood retail that genuinely respects design and customer mindset.

FELNA SUPERMARKET, JAPAN

Felna is a small-format supermarket chain in Japan known for prioritising efficiency, automation, and clever design over spectacle. Stores are compact, open daily until 8pm, and famously operate with just one staff member on duty — made possible by smart layouts and digital self-checkout systems. Why is it innovative you might ask? In a retail world often focused on immersive experiences, Felna proves that operational elegance can be just as radical. It’s a masterclass in micro-footprint retail — minimising labour without compromising quality or ease. As Western supermarkets look for ways to respond to rising costs and changing customer habits, Felna offers a compelling, efficiency-led template.

PRET A MANGER – NEW STORE DESIGN

Pret is in the midst of a brand refresh — rolling out a new store design that softens its utilitarian roots. The updated look includes warmer tones, more natural materials, improved lighting, and layouts designed for smoother flow between ordering, collection, and seating. For a brand as established and widespread as Pret, even subtle design changes can have a big impact. The redesign reflects a shift in customer expectations — blending the speed of takeaway with the comfort and vibe of a sit-in café. It's part of Pret’s wider strategy to reconnect with loyalty, shift perceptions, and compete with more lifestyle-led coffee brands.

BOXHALL CITY, LIVERPOOL STREET

A new evolution of the Boxpark model, BoxHall City is a high-end food hall built for a post-pandemic city. Set in a Grade II-listed building near Liverpool Street Station, it features nine independent kitchens, a central bar, and regular cultural programming. Why do I think its innovative? Well, rather than going for mass-market fast casual, BoxHall leans into curation and experience — combining restaurant-level food with the flexibility of a hall. It creates an ‘after work’ destination that merges food, culture, and community, and it's designed to scale: new BoxHalls are already in the works for Bristol and London’s Canary Wharf. It signals a more grown-up, experience-led future for the food hall format.