Inside London’s Best Stores: Highlights from Our 2026 Summer Store Tour

There is something special about seeing great retail in action.

You can read case studies, watch videos and hear presentations, but nothing compares to standing inside a store, watching the teams at work, and hearing directly from the people creating magical customer experiences every day.

That’s exactly why we host our annual Summer Store Tour.

This year we welcomed retailers from leading UK and global brands, alongside clients and industry partners, for a day of inspiration exploring some of London’s most iconic retail destinations.

Four incredible brands. Countless ideas.

Our journey took us to four retailers that each deliver customer experience in their own distinctive way.

Gymshark

We kicked off on Regent Street, where Gymshark showed how community sits at the heart of everything they do. More than a flagship store, the space feels like a destination, with immersive experiences, clever technology and an energy that makes customers want to stay, not just shop.

TUMI

Next stop was TUMI, where we explored how premium service and thoughtful design come together to create a seamless luxury experience. From personalisation to product expertise, every detail reinforced the value of knowledgeable associates and meaningful conversations.

JOSEPH

At JOSEPH we enjoyed an exclusive behind the scenes tour, learning how the brand blends timeless design with a highly personal approach to customer relationships. The team’s openness in sharing ideas and best practices sparked plenty of discussion among attendees.

Fortnum & Mason

Our final store visit took us to the iconic Fortnum & Mason. Rich in heritage yet constantly evolving, the tour demonstrated how storytelling, theatre and exceptional service combine to create an experience that customers remember long after they leave.

Great conversations over great food

After the tours, everyone gathered at the Food & Drink Studio inside Fortnum & Mason for a lively panel discussion featuring an impressive line up of retail leaders. A huge thank you to Barbara Campos, CEO at JOSEPH, John Douglas, CTO at Gymshark and Sean Ghouse, Director of Retail UK at Fortnum & Mason, for sharing their time, expertise and invaluable insights with our guests.

The conversation explored how customer expectations continue to evolve, the role of technology in supporting store teams, and why human relationships remain the most valuable asset in retail.

As always, some of the best discussions happened between sessions, during lunch, and while walking between stores. New connections were made, ideas were exchanged, and experiences were shared openly between retailers facing many of the same challenges.

Why we love this event

Retail is at its best when people share ideas.

Every brand approaches customer experience differently, but there is always something to learn. Whether it is a creative way to welcome customers, a smarter use of technology, or simply a fresh perspective on service, inspiration often comes from seeing what others are doing exceptionally well.

That is exactly what our Summer Store Tour is all about.

A huge thank you to Gymshark, TUMI, JOSEPH and Fortnum & Mason for opening their doors, sharing their expertise and giving our guests such an unforgettable experience.

And thank you to everyone who joined us. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!