Luxury, heritage and food are the big themes in Asia for October.

Stores are seeking inspiration from retro and vintage designs to create sleek stores with a sense of tradition. Some are using their own history in the form of displays and archives to create authenticity and help customers learn more about their brand.

We are also continuing to see brands include eateries as part of the retail space, with cafes and restaurants now becoming a staple addition to all types of store.

Finally, luxury and premium experiences are added to stores that are not typically found in the luxury spaces, such as a large chain coffee brand creating a sleek bar.

Image credit: Starbucks

Starbucks, Seoul

Starbucks has launched a new concept store, Jangchung Lounge R, in Korea.

The store is its first reserve-only and the space has three floors, including a terrace. The design of the store incorporates original elements of the 1960s building, with a sleek polished 1980s design.

Customers will be welcomed by an augmented reality (AR) feature which tells the Starbucks story of how the bean becomes a cup of coffee. The rest of the store has also been zoned into different rooms, such as a music room and a lounge, and outdoor terrace with a fountain. The main focus, however, is the Mixology Bar for coffee cocktails, including espresso and latte martinis.

A partnership with Riedel, a barware brand, means that customers can purchase mixology glassware and tumblers.

Philips, Nanxiang Town

Electronics giant Philips has opened its first home experience store in China.

The store is 2,000 square metres in size and includes a large showroom, as well as headquarters for research and development. There are also plans to include a marketing space for live streams and other activations.

Product lines on offer include household electronics, appliances and products aimed at parents. The brand hopes that this will be a hub for families to find everything they need in one place.

Image credit: Ingka Group

IKEA Shanghai Linkong, Shanghai

IKEA retailer Ingka Group has launched a new store in the Changning District, celebrating 15 years in China.

The store is located within the newly created Livat Shanghai meeting place and spans two floors. The Livat Shanghai also includes a new IKEA office space.

Customers visiting the store can expect to find just under 10,000 products displayed around the store and can order from 4,700 for pickup on the same day. For shoppers looking to relax after browsing the store, they can visit the Swedish restaurant which can seat up to 450. Finally, the store includes a Swedish Food Market, and the brand is hoping that the store and wider development will create a sense of community.

Image credit: Armani

Armani/Caffe, Tokyo

The Omotesando shopping district has seen the arrival of luxury brand Armani and its latest café.

The café is attached to the existing Armani store so that customers can visit after they have shopped. The design takes the 1930s as inspiration, with wooden slats and lighting to make the whole space visible in the dark. The interior is retro blue and dark green, with soft lighting from lanterns throughout.

Visitors can expect to find a selection of drinks, such as cappuccinos and Americanos, in addition to Italian food inspired by Giorgio Armani’s favourite dishes.

Image credit: Jaeger LeCoultre

Jaeger-LeCoultre, Beijing

Premium watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre has launched its flagship store in WF Central.

The exterior of the store features a covering of coloured glass shingles as a nod to its Swiss heritage. The interior is light and airy, with pale woods and carpets inspired by nature.

Customers can find out more about watchmaking from the Manufacture Wall with displays on how the watches are produced through videos and objects. They can also find out more about the vast number of patents held by the brand. Finally, watch enthusiasts can explore an interactive display of calibres as part of the store’s collection.

Other services offered by the store include personalisation and engraving, and when customers are finished shopping, they can relax in the Art Deco café. For those who want to get more hands on experience of watchmaking, there are workshops and masterclasses held by experts at Atelier D’Antoine.

Lacoste, Hong Kong

Fashion brand Lacoste has launched a Japanese-themed concept store in Langham Place.

The space is inspired by Harajuku but also incorporates Lacoste’s French roots. The store is zoned into four areas, including the Atelier, where customers can get items personalised and adorned with patches. The store has released an exclusive design that represents Hong Kong as part of this service.

Shoppers can also purchase a variety of shoes in the footwear section, which has been designed to resemble a tennis ball. A range of polo shirts, for which the brand is most famous, are displayed on a Polo wall, where customers can find out information about each product. Finally, the store includes Le Café Lacoste for premium coffee and other drinks.