The Thousands

It’s hard to imagine a time when shopping-as-pastime didn’t exist. We’ve all but forgotten its nascent glory days: the Parisians strolling the arcades with a lurid pink lobster on a leash, the optimism a washing machine brought to the homes of the 1950s. That special touch got lost for a while in those steroid-fuelled megaplexes of the 80s, the chilling concept stores of the 90s, and heartless internet economy of the noughties. But amidst the big-name branding, the viral campaigns and virtual totes, grows a yen for an earnest transaction between artisan and appreciator.

At least, that’s what The Standard Store reckons. Inspired by shops experienced by the three-man team in Europe like YMC and Folk, this is a store for the community, and comes with zero splash. Continuity is key, and that extends to the bleached-wood fit-out, the unbroken white clothes rack, the matchy ceramics and wallpaper, and the commitment to key brands over time, like Sessun, Motel, Humanoid, Marshall Artist, YMC and Mark McNairy. Situated in a refurbished laundromat, years of steam and detergent have been stripped away to reveal an iron-press ceiling and bright, open space decorated with poppies – and, by night, a light-up shirt hanging ghost-like in the display.

If, as they say, the devil is in the details – this is Old Harry’s official HQ. Don’t go in expecting an impersonal experience, as before long you’ll know that the owner Orlando’s Tricker shoes are older than his son, or end up coming face-to-snout with the store’s own purebred Airedale, Honey. As far as setting a standard goes, we’re happy to accept this one.