Islander has opened its first London store in Covent Garden, marking the Scottish handbag and accessories retailer’s debut outside its home market. The store, located just off Seven Dials, was designed by global strategy and design studio Dalziel & Pow.
The opening takes Islander’s standalone estate to eight stores. The Edinburgh-based retailer previously operated six locations in Edinburgh and one in St Andrews, alongside a wholesale business distributing its products internationally.
The Covent Garden range centres on Islander’s signature satchels, produced using authentic Harris Tweed® alongside leather and tartan. Shoes and accessories complete the product offer.
Craft and Customisation at the Centre
Dalziel & Pow translated the retailer’s existing identity into a contemporary London format, drawing on the heritage and material qualities of Harris Tweed®. Earthy tones, rich greens and warm, tactile finishes form the main interior palette.
The store has been designed to support product discovery and personalisation, with a dedicated workshop at its centre where customers can build and customise bespoke satchels.
Flexible, moveable tables allow the workshop layout to be adapted, while customers are encouraged to photograph and share their completed designs. Workshops already form part of Islander’s existing-store offer, and the Covent Garden space has been arranged to accommodate longer sessions in which customers can make products and spend time together.
The workshop display presents the breadth of the retailer’s Harris Tweed® collection, with products organised by bag style to provide structure while retaining a sense of discovery.
Dedicated accessory areas include “the strap” and the “charm bar”, presenting components that allow customers to update and personalise their bags after purchase.
Storytelling around Islander and the production of Harris Tweed is incorporated throughout the store. Projected information, bag illustrations and wall murals provide context around the materials and direct attention towards the workshop.
Second London Store Planned
Dalziel & Pow is also working with Islander on a second London store on Bloomsbury Street, near the British Museum. The location is scheduled to open later in 2026.
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