London has an amazing array of museums and galleries. Whilst these are all detailed in any decent travel guide, I feel that when it comes to shops (at least ones that interest me) travel guides often fall flat. Sites like Superfuture are certainly changing this, but assembling a list of places to check can be a daunting task for a first timer - especially in a bustling metropolis like London. The following is an account of what I like to check out when I’m in London, and hopefully it can help other visitors with similar interests. So follow me if you will... Let’s start at Oxford Circus, the intersection of Oxford and Regent Streets. This should be a relatively easy spot (even for a first timer) to find. It is pretty much the heart of London’s central shopping district. Oxford Street might be home to the same stuff found in every city throughout the UK, but there are a few shops worth scoping... Niketown - they sell Nikes. Borders - like every other Borders, it has a large selection of magazines and books. It cracks me up how they even have a Starbucks there (how much of a fuck you to the anticapitalists is that!) where they allow you to read all their mags whilst you sip your latte. Take note travellers: good toilets. Public toilets are a rarity in London, so you will be back.. Muji - one of many around London, sells amazingly cool stationary. Muji is short for mujirushi ryohin, meaning "no brand goods". Selfridges - a department store? Yeah, hit the basement where you’ll find the Artomatic concept shop. Artomatic are a hipster gallery in Great Sutton Street, which is a bit out of the way, so this is a great way of accessing their goodies they have to offer. Stock ranges from T shirts, books, chunks of road (for real) to toys. Footlocker - the biggest in Europe. Check it for the Euro and Footlocker exclusives. OK, so lets head down Regent Street towards Piccadilly Circus. On the way you’ll pass Hamley’s toy store. This is an enormous affair, which I consider a must check, whether its for nostalgia, picking up some Lego or flipping out how good they make their Tamiya RC cars look. Don’t hang around too long - its a toy store and that would just be shady. Pretty much opposite Tower Records, in Piccadilly, is The Japan Centre. Boon, Relax, Cool Trans - all the dope magazines are here. Alright, time to ditch the high street suckers and head into Soho. Set your sights for Upper James Street. at number 4 and 7 you’ll find The Busy Workshop and The Hideout, respectively. Busy Workshop is the official A Bathing Ape store, and opened in 2002. Its the first (of many?) to open outside Japan and Hong Kong. Whilst its quite small the stock seems to turn over quite quickly, so there’s always something new to check. Prior to the Busy Workshop opening, The Hideout (formerly known as Hit and Run), was the official UK BAPE stockist. The Hideout would be described by fashionistas as a couture street wear boutique - i.e. they sell dope shit. Stock comes from Japan (Electric Cottage, Good Enough, Double Taps, Neighbourhood), America (Supreme, Recon, Subware, SSUR), England (Good Enough UK, Gimme 5) and Australia (PAM). Supreme fans should note that there are two official Supreme stockists in the UK, The Hideout and Fly. Upper James street intersects with Beak Street - home to the newly opened Playlounge. A ripper store chock full of collectibles and curios. This is a good source for HK vinyl (Eric So, Michael Lau, Toy2R etc) and rarer Japanese toys from the likes of Medicom and Spanky. Their window display is crammed full of goodies. A must check.

RTHQ APRIL 2003