Ditch the mainstream. Concept stores that support small businesses, sustainable practices and community-focused initiatives are the coolest way to shop! The UAE, known for its dazzling skyscrapers and luxurious lifestyle, is also home to some of the most innovative concept stores that are redefining the way we shop.
Slow, mindful shopping, sustainability, creativity and fun are at the heart of what we at Antipodean Co. do, so we’re gonna shout about other places and spaces that do the same! Here are 7 boutiques and concept stores we love, and think you will too.
KAVE
A zero-waste cafe & community hub in Alserkal Avenue Dubai
The zero-waste focused cafe, KAVE, at Warehouse 20 on Alserkal Avenue has a curated store for local, upcycled fashion and homeware. It is also a vibrant community hub that hosts interesting workshops and club gatherings - a great place to hang out with friends and meet new like-minded people.
With their tagline “The Story of Things”, KAVE not only invites people to be more conscious of what they’re buying and eating, but also discarding, so they’re happy for you to hand over anything left unused at home and upcycle them!
With a healthy, locally-sourced menu it’s a pretty delicious spot to grab a bite to eat, and your furry friends are welcome too.
Check KAVE and its community inspired by creative and conscious living out on Instagram @kavepeople or explore thestoryofthings.com.
FLTRD
Curated fashion pop-up shops & concept stores across the UAE
FLTRD is a fashion platform that curates concept and pop-up stores across the Middle East with a focus on creative community and elevated shopping experiences. Located at Gate Avenue Mall in Dubai, with a resident brow bar and café, and stocking art through to beauty and homeware it really feels like a lifestyle store.
If you’re looking to browse their collections, you can visit their website fltrd.me, store or head to one of their regularly organized pop-up stores around Dubai where they invite interesting local brands (including yours truly) to join.
Stay in the loop on upcoming events by following @fltrdme on social media.
Tuckshop Cafe
One of the best coffee shops & sustainable concept stores in Abu Dhabi
With great coffee, laid back vibes, pop-ups and exhibitions, and an array of organised workshops such as palm weaving and jewellery making - it’s clear to see that community hangouts are kinda Tuckshop’s thing! They’ve created a friendly and heart-warming space, with a focus on sustainable living, that uplifts small businesses, local artisans, and the local community. You’ll find them, and their damn-good coffee, at Khalidiya Village in Abu Dhabi, where you can spend time in great company, discover small sustainable brands and even explore Antipodean Co’s collection first hand!
Keep up with their upcoming workshops and pops on Instagram @village_tuckshop
Boston Lane
Australian style coffee in the heart of Dubai's underground art, fashion and music scene - Al Quoz.
The vibe of Boston Lane? Think Melbourne laneway charm meets Dubai's vibrant underground scene. A cafe that feels like a little treasure chest filled with curated trinkets, clothes, and books.
Open daily from 7.30 am to 7 pm, don't miss the chance to snag a sunny seat outside and soak up the artistic ambiance, with a drink in hand, of course!
Stay in the loop on their Instagram.
THAT Concept Store
A curated collection of local & international designer brands inside the Mall of Emirates
THAT Concept Store is a two-story beauty and fashion hub located inside the Mall of Emirates, featuring local and international designer brands.
Follow them at @thatconceptstore on Instagram or visit to their website thatconceptstore.com
Alkalime
Beachfront views, incredible coffee & a curated selection of sustainable brands
Alkalime is a delicious “healthy home-grown restaurant,” with equally delicious ocean views, on Mamsha Al Saadiyat’s exclusive beachfront. Some of the many things we love about Alkalime are their values around wellness, creativity, sustainability and community, and they have a cool little corner where you can explore homemade condiments, zero-waste products, and our sustainable swim shorts, too. So you can pick some up and dive straight into that ocean!
You can find @alkalime_uae on Instagram
Good Chic
A marketplace for sustainable international brands, with fast delivery throughout UAE
This Dubai-based online store is a one-stop shop for cool sustainable style! Featuring fellow eco-conscious brands from around the world, Good Chic make it really easy to shop mindfully in the UAE, and even plant a tree for every purchase. Beyond a thoughtful selection of sustainable brands, we love their convenient shipping & returns.
You can explore their curated collections, including some of our swim shorts made from upcycled plastic at goodchic.ae follow @goodchic.store on Instagram.
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These concept stores are a great way for you to support small and local businesses, find unique pieces that express your personality, and meet some of Dubai’s friendly community. We hope you love exploring them as much as we do.
Any others you would add to the list? Send us a DM & tell us your favourites at @theantipodeanco
