Christmas Browsing at the Conran Shop, London

The draw was first the gorgeously restored Michelin building housing the Bibendum restaurant, and second, the massive Conran shop behind the landmark building. We didn’t eat at Bibendum, which I regret, but we were just walking around and window shopping at the time.

The windows were a cheery Christmas red with fake snowmen… this was two years ago, not this season.

Inside were all manner of doodads and kitsch for the holidays. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed how kitschy it had all become. I somehow remember a finer selection of items at Conran’s several years ago. But it was colorful, festive and seasonal in a young, modern kind of way.

The decor for trimming trees looked almost disposable, and it wasn’t that cheap either… I wonder if folks change the trimming on their trees every year. A lot of this stuff screamed China, if you know what I mean.

The way goods were displayed and merchandising was brilliant. Things of all colors on tables with different levels and it was just visually assaulting.

Items often grouped by color.

A terrific selection of wrapping paper.

Classic books in attractive modern bindings and covers.

There were several tablescapes set-up throughout the huge store. But I wasn’t a fan of many of them. Not sure why I was getting a “not like” vibe, I am normally quite happy to browse through a housewares store but somehow this just wasn’t my type.

Another tables cape..

…and another. Are you getting the same feeling I am? Or am I just getting old?

Uh?

Double uh?

Glass jars and bathroom dispensers.

Bath towels and bubbly stuff for baths…

…a wall of colorful soap.

More soap in jeweled tones and shapes.

Stockings.

.

Beautifully designed graphics/coverings for card cases, game table items, etc. After just 15-20 minutes in the shop, we left empty-handed. But that Michelin building next door… Wow. :)