Ingka & H&M open first Atelier100 retail space
Swedish retail giants Ingka Group and H&M have teamed up to open the first Atelier100 space with the aim of showcasing London-based creatives and designers.
Situated at Livat Hammersmith, the new store will take a more sustainable and ‘hyper-local’ approach to retail.
Subscribe to TRBAfter launching in April, the Atelier100 initiative issued an open call to creatives, makers and manufacturers living within 100km of central London, and asked them to share their innovative product ideas.
The first twenty have now been chosen and are in the process of bringing their products to life through Atelier100 funding and its mentorship programme. The space will start selling the new products in October, but in the meantime, will offer a range of items designed and manufactured by London-based creatives.
The store features an innovative design that reflects the project’s hyper-local philosophy.
Speaking at the launch of the store, Marcus Engman, chief creative officer at Ingka Group, the largest IKEA franchisee, said: “It is a proud moment to see the first Atelier100 open its doors. Every part of the space has a story, from the locally-sourced products on the shelves to the recycled material used to make the space itself. It will be ever-evolving and I am excited to see how the creatives on the programme make Atelier100 their own come autumn.”
The shop makes use of recycled materials from Topshop’s former flagship Oxford Street space, which was purchased by IKEA in October 2021.
Camilla Henriksson, global brand manager at H&M, added: “This is just the beginning of the journey for Atelier100, we look forward to seeing the impact this pilot has on the London design community.”
Designed with multi-functionality in mind, the space will also host workshops, talks and events.
