There’s no dispute that Africa has long been a powerhouse of creativity and culture. Whether through art, fashion, design or music, our continent proudly celebrates its distinctive rhythm and rich cultural tapestry. With a new wave of concept stores redefining the retail experience, these are more than just places to shop; they are creative hubs, community spaces, and platforms for showcasing the continent’s heritage and artistic expression. From streetwear and skate culture to high-end fashion and sustainable design, these stores offer a unique blend of products and experiences. Starting in Lagos and ending in Cape Town, we’re exploring some of the most exciting local and global concept stores shaping the future of retail on the African continent.
WAFFLESNCREAM (Lagos, Nigeria)
WAFFLESNCREAM, Nigeria’s first skateboarding and apparel brand, also serves as the first-ever concrete skate park and hub for skate culture in the West African region. Born from the flagship store in Lagos, the brand has dedicated itself to supporting, uplifting, and energising the local skate scene over the past eight years. Their unique approach involves incorporating historical elements of Nigeria into their work and the retail offering is characterised by an aesthetic mix of skate headwear, hardware and clothing. More than just a place to skate, WAFFLESNCREAM has created a hub of creativity, friendship, and shared experiences. See te article we shared on their collaboration with photographer Assante Chiweshe here).
Location: Trocadero Square Unit 5 The Rock Drive, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
Image courtesy of WAFFLESNCREAM
The LOTTE (Accra, Ghana)
In the vibrant city of Accra, Ghana, The LOTTE is a luxury curated concept store that brings together a carefully selected collection of high-end fashion and lifestyle products from Africa and its diaspora. Beyond retail, The LOTTE is a destination and center for artistic expression in fashion, art, and sustainable design. Guests are invited not only to browse and shop the curated merchandise but also to immerse themselves in unique and multifaceted experiences. Through pop-ups, installations and unique events, LOTTE acts as a dynamic platform for creativity and engagement in the heart of Accra.
Location: 33 C Josif Broz Tito Avenue, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana
Image courtesy of THE LOTTE
The Manor (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Part-concept store, part-exhibition space in Johannesburg’s 44 Stanley, The Manor is a space for African creatives. Individuality and storytelling are celebrated through various art forms and mediums – from fashion and design to photography and film. This multidisciplinary approach allows creatives and visitors alike to express themselves and their diversity. Through various experiential collaborations and events, The Manor showcases Africa’s rich cultural heritage and gives a platform to amplify the many voices that have shaped it.
Location: 44 Stanley Ave, Braamfontein Werf, Johannesburg, South Africa
Image courtesy of The Manor
Shelflife (Cape Town, South Africa)
Heralded as South Africa’s leading sneaker and streetwear store, Shelflife first opened its flagship store in Cape Town in 2006 (read more about it in our article featuring founder, Nick Herbert). Undeniably the destination for all sneaker geeks and hype beasts, Shelflife holds the highest tier of sneaker accounts in Africa and has a growing in-house apparel line strengthened by collaborations with various cult brands. Staying true to their graffiti and street art roots, Shelflife also owns the rights to Montana Colours spray paint imported from Barcelona and is the official Montana paint stockist for South Africa. Now, nearly 20 years later, even as the brand has expanded its brick-and-mortar locations, the Cape Town store remains the jewel in the crown. Having moved into premium homeware, the store also boasts a gallery and community gathering space, a sneaker wall comprising collaborative and heritage pieces and the newly launched Shelflife Café.
Location: Shop 5, The Barracks, 50 Bree St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
Image courtesy of Shelflife
CHIMI (Cape Town, South Africa)
With locations in Stockholm and Paris, Swedish eyewear brand CHIMI opened their first flagship store in Africa, in Cape Town’s city centre in September 2023 (read more about the launch in our article here). Housed in Cape Town’s creative hub, CHIMI’s goal is to redefine the typical retail experience. CHIMI’s philosophy revolves around capturing the essence of contemporary active lifestyles, and the flagship store in Shortmarket Street echoes this vision, with every item in the store meticulously selected to reflect CHIMI’s distinctive character. As a space where products are part of a narrative, this store transcends the transactional nature of shopping and welcomes a spirit of collaboration and a meeting of creative minds.
Location: 69 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town, South Africa
Image courtesy of CHIMI
Press Release courtesy of Avenue
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