There is currently a unique opportunity for international brands to expand their presence to London’s West End.
Whether your brand covers fashion, food and drink, art, health and wellbeing or a totally new concept for consumers, you can find a home in this incredible consumer destination.
What is London's West End?
1. Diverse customers
From London's own residents, workforce and students, to domestic and international visitors, London’s West End attracts a hugely diverse and high-spending consumer base, with 200 million annual visitors [1] who enjoy the wealth of experiences on offer in this popular area of central London.
2. An economic and international powerhouse
London is the top city in the world for international retail, leisure and hospitality investment, with 450 brands expanding to the city between 2016 and 2020. This was more than in Paris (276), New York (245) and Hong Kong (200)[2]. Consumer businesses in the West End generate an impressive £10bn in revenue each year.
3. Investment into the area
Over the next five years, the West End is expected to see an additional £5bn [3] worth of investment from Westminster City Council - the local government responsible for the area - local business partnerships and private sector organisations.
The West End is also becoming greener, smarter and more connected, thanks to forthcoming new gateways via the Elizabeth Line, which will bring an additional 60 million pedestrians to the area per year. There is also £150m being invested in Oxford Street and surrounding areas, and £220m being invested in public realm projects [4]. The impact of this is a transformed West End experience, with increased footfall and dwell time.
4. Innovation and new concepts
The West End is more than 300 years old and had continuously reinvented itself to stand the test of time. It has embraced new concepts and changes in consumer demands and welcomes experimentation and world firsts. Visitors from across the globe continue to be attracted to this constantly evolving area.
The district sits within the heart of London, where cutting-edge expertise in tech and creative sectors has led to innovative new sectors such as fashtech, immersive experiences, edtech and all things sustainable, including food technology and cleantech. As a city, London nurtures innovation to scale the next big things – and its customers are early adopters.
5. The London West End brand
Brands come to the West End in London to position their business on the global stage. It is a destination for ecommerce brands to open bricks-and-mortar stores for customers, and for international brands to expand and reach new markets in the UK and across the world.
See a snapshot of the brands in the West End
Use the filters in the map to discover the flagship brands and international businesses currently set up in London's West End.
Why expand now?
Historically, space in the West End has been in high demand and short supply.
Due to the global pandemic, many prime spaces have become available, presenting a unique opportunity for brands to add their presence to London’s West End and be a part of the ever-evolving future of this iconic area.
There has never been a better time to come to one of the world’s biggest and busiest consumer destinations.
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