Asian retail is considered some of the most innovative and interesting in the world.

This month we’ve found multiple stores that include art within their spaces. This includes a video installation from a German fashion brand, luxury and footwear brands using their own historical items as art pieces, and a bold sustainable artwork designed to make customers think about the planet.

Retail and hospitality are becoming a common partnership, as we discovered a luxury car brand partnering up with a prestigious hotel, and a footwear brand allowing independent businesses to host cafes on premises.

Read on for our selection of the best new retail stores we can find across Asia.

Image credit: 032c

032c, Seoul

German art and fashion brand 032c has launched its first store in Seongsu, bringing its industrial Berlin aesthetic to Asia.

The store juxtaposes stark white walls with suspended rails for clothing, with a bright red zoned area for the art gallery. Customers will be able to purchase the new ready-to-wear collection from Maria Koch, as well as posters and prints.

The launch opened with a special video installation, Catastrophe Colours across two screens.

Image credit: Anta Group

Anta Zero, Shanghai

Chinese sports store Anta has launched a special sustainable store for Earth Day.

The store was designed to reduce construction-related emissions and make use of existing materials, such as fabric scraps and second-hand items. The brand hopes to educate consumers about sustainability through workshops, art and literature.

Customers can purchase sustainable products, such as the Anta Air Mecha jacket which has been certified carbon neutral. Shoppers can also take part in Remake workshops to upcycle their t-shirts with recycled materials, including tags made from packing boxes.

The space contains special artworks using recycled materials. One such artwork, Earth Hour, located outside the store, has been created to change and grow for customers to understand the power of nature.

Image credit: Balenciaga

Balenciaga, Tokyo

A new three floor flagship store has opened in Ginza from luxury brand Balenciaga.

The design of the store uses the brand’s Raw Architecture theme, which contrasts metal and resin with concrete, resembling a car park. Sustainability has also influenced the designers who have made sure to preserve original features of the building and reduce the use of new materials.

Products on offer include womenswear and menswear as well as a limited edition Ginza Tokyo collection. There will also be a range of special ceramics and art pieces available only in-store for the launch.

Visitors to the launch were privileged to view rare Balenciaga couture as part of the exhibition Dresses Beyond Time.

atmos Gold, Tokyo

Footwear brand atmos has re-launched its boutique in Sendagaya with a new concept, atmos Gold.

The concept includes a special display built into the floor which showcases a range of footwear designed in collaboration with other brands.

Visitors to the space can visit one of the cafes that have been added. These are independently run and are part of atmos’ engagement with the local community. A space for holding events and brand collaborations has also been added, promising further community engagement from the brand.

Image credit: Aston Martin

Aston Martin, Tokyo

The five-star Peninsula Tokyo is the location for the new Aston Martin flagship and showroom. The opening is part of Aston Martin’s ultra-luxury concept following its success in New York.

The large two-floor space contains display space for three of Aston Martin’s most iconic cars. There is also a display wall for media and information about the car brand. Customers can also relax in the lounge and create a personalised version of an Aston Martin car.

Vino.H, Seoul

Wine importer Vino.H has launched a new store in Munjeong-dong.

Typically, the brand has supplied wine to other brands and stores and this is its first foray into retail. The space will display a range of curated wines that are imported by the company, including smaller brands that are less well-known in the country.

The store also functions as an education space, with information provided to customers about various wines and how they differ between wineries. The brand will host events presented by sommeliers and Glass Curation, a tasting session for customers.