Tropical trends beckon for Seven Dials with launch of new store

A gift and stationary specialist has secured a spot in a London retail destination after winning a local incubator initiative.

Tihara Smith has launched her eponymous store at Seven Dials after being named winner of Shaftesbury’s Start Up retail incubator initiative.

Founder is a graduate of UCA Epsom and launched the label after exhibiting her original Windrush-inspired apparel collection at Graduate Fashion Week 2018.

Situated at 37 Neal Street, the 579 sq ft Tihara Smith store will stock the brand’s range of Caribbean-inspired stationery, accessories, handmade raffia designs, gifts and prints.

Tihara Smith, founder of Tihara Smith, commented: “After so much hard work in establishing my brand, the launch of my first store is a huge milestone. I’m excited to utilise this space in Seven Dials to bring the vibrancy of Tihara Smith to more people.

“I have traded online with my own website and with online marketplaces such as Etsy and Jamii in the past, but this physical retail space will give me the platform to establish a stronger connection with customers and enable visitors to personally experience the spirit and story of my brand.”

Samantha Bain Mollison, retail director at Shaftesbury, added: “Tihara Smith really stood out among all of the competition entrants for its original and joyful product range, meaningful brand heritage, and well-considered business structure.

“We are pleased such a talented new retailer applied for the Start Up with Seven Dials initiative, and it is great to have this pop-up launch coincide with the Museum of London’s showcase of her work.

“The Tihara Smith store enhances the life and colour of Neal Street, and it is a fantastic step forward for the brand.”

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