The coolest online concept store just opened its permanent IRL location

The speed and convenience of online shopping might have taken over our lives – tap a few buttons and a package often arrives just hours later – but nothing beats the thrill of an IRL shopping experience when it’s done right. 

In a world plagued by out-of-control consumerism, when clothes are chucked out as quickly as they came, there’s a lot to be said for the connections formed when you’re able to feel the fabrics, see the finishes, and try-on-for-size the garments you’re going to spend your hard-earned cash on.

Despite starting life as an online retailer, this real-life experience has always been important to APOC Store. Across the last few years, founder Jules Volleberg and Ying Suen have been bringing their global roster of fashion designers, artists and more to the physical realm through pop-ups in Copenhagen, London, and more recently, New York, where they took over a space amidst the chaos of Canal Street. 

With those under their belt, they finally have their own permanent bricks-and-mortar concept store, which threw its doors open to family and friends with a party in mid-July.

The new store opens in London Fields, East London, all bright white walls and concrete floors, and features 175m² of next-big-thing rising talent and cult names to know. Step inside and you’ll be able to get your hands on Karlaidlaw’s outsized ‘Spider’ trackies, Invasive Modifications’ robotic kitten heels, and ‘Bubble Bath’ statement earrings from 1Concept. 

The line-up reflects Suen and Volleberg’s commitment to curating a really expansive retailer list, with those three designers alone hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Tbilisi in Georgia, and Spain respectively. “And most of the furniture pieces will be available for sale, too,” says Suen. “We want it to be like an indoor market that blends the lines between apartment and gallery.”

APOC Store is now open at Unit 41, Regent Studios, London E8 4QN. Opening times Tuesday - Sunday 11.00 - 19.00.