Universal Music Group has unveiled UMusic Shop Camden – just in time for Christmas.
Launched in partnership with UMG’s entertainment-driven UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle brand, UMusic Shop Camden Market will open on Tuesday, December 16.
The major said the launch of the London store is “furthering its dedication to reimagining the fan experience”. It follows Q3 results showing increases in merch sales and physical music for UMG.
Following the recent opening of UMusic Shop NY and previous UMusic Shop openings in Madrid, Spain and Japan’s UMusic Shop in Tokyo, the Camden location is the brand’s debut UK retail experience.
The London location was deliberately chosen for its music history including punk, Britpop, UK soul/garage and indie. Camden Market has also been a focal point for creatives.
“Against this iconic backdrop, UMusic Shop Camden will open as a new kind of cultural hub, one that honours the area’s storied past while looking boldly toward the future,” said a statement.
Spanning nearly 4000 sq ft, it has been conceived as a destination that combines music, fashion, design and storytelling. It will include retail space, the Vinyl Lounge, DJ booth, a performance stage, Sound Studio, and more.
Visitors will discover exclusive artist collaborations, immersive installations and curated content for superfans, collectors and pop culture lovers.
“The shop’s design blends Camden’s raw creative spirit with UMusic Hospitality and Lifestyle’s global sensibility, resulting in a space that feels both authentically local and universally inspiring,” added the statement.
A built-in DJ booth and stage will host artist appearances, pop-ups and spontaneous performances. A ‘GetReady With Me’ area, modelled on the social media video format, will give creators a space to produce content, connect and collaborate.
Meanwhile, the Vinyl Lounge will serve as a daytime café and record shop before transforming into an intimate evening venue for small-scale live performances and community gatherings.
At its centre, The Sound Studio pays tribute to UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle and UMG’s deep roots in music creation. Inside the soundproof engineer’s booth, visitors can hear a new release as it would sound in the studio, and watch behind-the-scenes footage through interactive ‘studio windows’.
“Camden represents a lot of why UK music leads on the global stage – much-loved venues, music-obsessed fans and world leading artists,” said Rebecca Allen, chief artist and strategy officer, Universal Music Group UK and Ross Foster, SVP, commercial affairs, Universal Music Group. “Our store is a place for fans to immerse themselves in British music – from meeting their favourite artists, to accessing limited edition merch, or listening to an album in the on-site studio.”
Our store is a place for fans to immerse themselves in British music – from meeting their favourite artists, to accessing limited edition merch, or listening to an album in the on-site studio
Rebecca Allen and Ross Foster
“Camden’s iconic music scene is world famous,” said Jonathan Sands, senior creative director, retail, UMusic Hospitality and Lifestyle. “Its legendary venues have been a home of music to fans and artists for decades, setting the tone for British music and culture. Located in the heart of Camden’s stables, our store creates a space for fans, artists and the community to come together and celebrate the power of music – and do so somewhere truly special.”
“UMusic Shops are where music lives beyond the stage,” said Jordi Solé, president, UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle. “Our goal is to create spaces that celebrate creativity in every form, whether that’s hearing a live DJ set, grabbing a coffee in the Vinyl Lounge, or recording your own track in The Sound Studio. Camden has always been a home for artists, and this shop will carry that spirit forward.”
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