Quirk

Londonist has a fascinating interview with Dave Birss and Lea Simpson who run the store Unchained – a website that helps shoppers find independent stores in London. It’s worth a good read – we particularly picked up on the young chaps’ focus on the celebration of the ‘quirk’:

We think great independent shops are sexy. And just sticking to the same old, big brand, multi-national chain stores is dull, dull, dull. Like eating an English breakfast on holiday in Spain. It’s predictable and something you could have anywhere.

Same goes for big retail chains. They’re just not special enough. We love quirk, originality and experiences that come from meeting interesting people. We started Unchained because we know we’re not alone. Everyone we know is bored of Clone Town High Streets.

… London is… particularly vibrant because of the range of Unchained shops in different parts of the city. There’s something for yummy mummies, bohemian misfits and foodies. There is endless quirk.

Londonist: Londonist Interviews … Unchained
Unchained