Celebrating a relationship spanning more than four decades, Paul Smith will take over The Corner Shop at Selfridges from 7–19 September 2026. Bringing together two of Britain’s most renowned names in British retail, the takeover celebrates a shared belief in creativity, individuality, exceptional design and, above all, the enduring power of the physical shop.A master shopkeeper, Sir Paul has been a pioneer of physical retail since opening his first shop in Nottingham in 1970. From the beginning, he has seen the shop as far more than a place to buy clothes, creating spaces that spark curiosity, embrace the unexpected and invite discovery. That pioneering spirit and unique approach to retail are now brought to life through an innovative wholesale collaboration.
Part shop, part working office, the space will become Paul’s ‘dream factory’ for the duration of the takeover. In a rare move for the founder of an established global brand, Paul will work from the space, offering shoppers and passers-by an unprecedented glimpse into the private creative world of Paul Smith. His decision to make The Corner Shop his working office is a powerful expression of his belief in the enduring relevance of physical retail, bringing the creativity, curiosity and energy behind the brand directly into the shop.
Bringing together aspects of Paul’s life, work and creative passions: personal objects, curiosities, photographs, artworks and his own furniture. Original pieces from Paul’s office, including his Mario Bellini Cab chairs, will sit alongside floor-to-ceiling photographs and prints from historic Paul Smith catwalk shows, creating a constantly evolving backdrop.
But it wouldn’t be a Paul Smith office without Paul’s own MINI. The MINI Paul Smith Edition, which Paul drives to his London studio every day, will be parked inside The Corner Shop, its boot packed with curiosities from his working life. Alongside the MINI, guests will find custom-made Mercian bicycles available to purchase – a fitting addition as both Mercian and Paul celebrate their 80th birthdays this year.
At the heart of the takeover is the limited edition capsule collection, designed especially for the partnership. Drawing directly from the eclectic visual appeal of Paul’s office, archival photographs and unexpected details are reimagined into a collection of highly collectable pieces, including holdalls, wallets and T-shirts. Designed to capture the character and charm of Paul’s creative world, the collection offers customers a rare chance to take home something from inside the “dream factory” itself.
The spirit of discovery underpins The Corner Shop residency, with a carefully selected edit of objects from Paul’s personal world available to purchase, from artworks and furniture to rugs, photographs, limited-edition products and pieces from Paul’s personal archive.
A programme of customer first events will run throughout the two-week takeover, extending the experience beyond the shop floor. Highlights will include a special signing of Paul Smith’s newly released memoir, Threads: My Life in Style. Discussions with residents and mentors from the Paul Smith’s Foundation such as London based designer YAKU, who will host a creative workshop where guests can create their own printed T-shirts. Together, the programme will celebrate the people, ideas and creative influences that have shaped Paul Smith, while inviting visitors to engage directly with the world behind the brand.
The takeover is a bold new chapter in the story of two great British retail institutions. Bringing together Selfridges’ spirit with Paul Smith’s restless curiosity and pioneering approach to physical retail, the partnership reimagines what a wholesale collaboration can be – creating a destination that is unexpected, immersive and unmistakably Paul Smith.
Ewan Venters, executive chairman of Paul Smith, said: “Relationships of this longevity are incredibly rare in retail, and we are one of a handful of businesses that has a forty-year partnership with Selfridges. It is a testament to what can happen when two great British institutions continue to evolve together. Sir Paul has always been a master of retail innovation, challenging convention and creating new experiences. This latest chapter celebrates that pioneering spirit and a relationship that has helped shape the British high street.”
André Maeder, CEO of Selfridges Group, said: “Paul Smith and Selfridges have shared a belief in the power of creativity, individuality and exceptional physical retail for four decades, so it feels incredibly special to bring our two worlds together in this new and unexpected way. The Corner Shop has always been a space for us to experiment and surprise our customers, and transforming it into Sir Paul‘s dream factory – with Sir Paul himself working from the space – is a true expression of that spirit. At Selfridges, we want to spark joy by connecting people to original ideas, and we’re excited to do just that as we give our customers an intimate glimpse into Sir Paul’s imagination and celebrate a partnership that continues to evolve and inspire.”
