From Glasgow to Gothenberg and Manchester to Mauritius, retailers have created shops that truly inspire.

Top 100 shops

Here, 100 top retailers share their favourite examples of bricks-and-mortar excellence.

Who have we missed? Which would be your favourite? Leave a comment below or tweet us @RetailWeek using the hashtag #bestshops.

Harrods, London

Lord Harris

Lord Harris

“You get a fantastic variety of product. I love wandering around looking at everything it has to offer.”

Lord Harris, Carpetright chief executive 

Melrose and Morgan, Primrose Hill, London

MelroseandMorgan

Melrose and Morgan

“This small shop presents a range of hand-prepared foods and premium ingredients which oozes quality,  colour, and taste. It’s clear that the team is passionate about what it does, and the displays are rearranged throughout the day so the food you see is always relevant and always compelling. Grocery at its best.”

Ben Lewis, River Island chief executive

Apple Store, Manchester

“It redefined a retail store in that it encourages people to play with, rather than buy, the product.”

Alan White, N Brown chief executive

The Essential Ingredient, Sydney

“This store is the ultimate in experiential – it combines great food, great kit for preparing food and a cookery school to take people on the journey of being passionate about preparing food, too. In true Aussie style, it is not remotely high-end or pretentious – just a great place to spend time and get inspiration.”

Richard Pennycook, Morrisons group finance director

Stew Leonard’s Norwalk, Connecticut, US

“It’s a great example of creativity, innovation and retail theatre.”

Jim McCarthy, Poundland chief executive

David M Robinson, Liverpool One

David M Robinson

David M Robinson

“Beautifully fitted out to showcase some stunning watch brands, backed up by a team that shares their enthusiasm forthe product they sell brilliantly.”

Matt Davies, Dunelm non-executive director

Konditor & Cook, Waterloo, London

Terence Conran

Terence Conran

“I absolutely love the cake shop Konditor & Cook, especially its first store hidden away on a tiny one-way street in the Waterloo Conservation area. Founded and run by Gerhard Jenne, the shop is tiny, warm and welcoming and smells deliciously of coffee, chocolate and caramel.”

Sir Terence Conran

Dean & Deluca, New York 

“The excitement and anticipation for the glorious foods, beautiful displays and sheer indulgence makes Dean & Deluca my choice for the store I most admire.”

Mike Shearwood, Aurora Fashions chief executive

Castorama, Antibes, France

Castorama

Castorama

“DIY retailing is tough, particularly from this rambling site with a hotch-potch of buildings. Yet real expertise – delivered in English as well as French – complements Kingfisher’s legendary sourcing to provide fabulous customer service.”

Alan Giles, Fat Face chairman

Merci Boulevard, Beaumarchais, Paris

Stephen Marks

Stephen Marks

“I love its individuality. You can eat there, sit and read a book there, buy clothing, buy furniture, buy a bicycle – all under one roof. It’s like a very cool mini department store, without being a department store.”

Stephen Marks, French Connection founder

Sephora, Champs-Élysées, Paris

Sephora

Sephora

“Its innovative approach to selling beauty products through block selling merchandise by customers’ needs rather than brand, coupled with its customer service and personal shoppers, sets a new standard of beauty retail. The layout of the store is dramatic and vibrant and is a stunning use of colour.”

Ian Filby, DFS chief executive

El Corte Inglés, Madrid

“The Spanish John Lewis. Great product. Great service. Real innovation under one roof.”

Martyn Phillips, B&Q chief executive

Selfridges, London

Selfridges

Selfridges

“Great range, great service and a great look and feel. Selfridges Oxford Street is our family’s one stop shop in the capital as it caters for our varied tastes. Easy to navigate, inviting to explore and the services go that extra mile.”

Scott Weavers-Wright, Kiddicare chief executive

“It’s like a mall full of highly attractive products and brands packaged in a really attractive environment and supplemented by a great online experience.”

Phil Wrigley, Majestic Wine chairman

RRL, Mount Street, London

“It’s a treat visiting this beautiful new store. It’s a great mixture of casual and semi-formal menswear, new and vintage pieces. Everything about the store speaks to the conviction the RRL team clearly have about their brand”

Anthony Thompson, Fat Face chief executive

Apple, New York

“It has fantastic architecture – a very historical building fused with the most up-to-date technology available.”

Barry Bown, JD Sports chief executive

The Elm Burford, Oxfordshire

“It’s a tiny outdoors shop but it is completely focused on knowing who its customer is and what they want to buy.”

John Hoerner, Consultant to Tesco

Labour and Wait, Redchurch Street, London

“The combination of having owners who are passionate about sourcing decorative and useful lifestyle product, and this beautiful building with its tiled exterior and light airy interior, make this a favourite shopping destination of mine.”

Gemma Metheringham, Karen Millen managing director

Eataly, New York

Eataly

Eataly

“Eataly is an incredibly dynamic execution of a simple idea: Italy and food. Passion for product is everywhere and surprises lie round every corner. Communication is creative and powerful, and colleagues deliver customer service that does it justice.”

Justin King, Sainsbury’s chief executive

“Eataly transports you into authentic modern Italy and inspires even the most apprehensive of cooks to rustle up an authentic feast from the freshest ingredients.”

Harold Tillman, Jaeger and the British Fashion Council chairman

Isetan, Tokyo

“It combines a fashionable assortment, with outstanding merchandising.”

Andy Street, John Lewis managing director

“It remains by far the most outstanding department store in a city of department stores. Every visit is a voyage of discovery.”

Guy Salter, Walpole deputy chairman

The London Way, Mauritius

“This is a small supermarket I go to in Mauritius which is just an enclave of everything you may desire from the most wonderful oils to the best camembert. It’s a gourmet’s delight in the middle of a run-down parade of shops.”

Michael Ward, Harrods managing director

Talisman antiques, Gillingham, Dorset

Talisman

Talisman

“It has absolutely extraordinary pieces of furniture that come from all over the world. It’s a real experience to go in there. The prices are extravagant, but it proves it’s all about product.”

Mark Price, Waitrose managing director

HMV, Oxford Street

HMV

HMV

“Its products bring enormous pleasure, it has a fabulous range, the staff are knowledgeable and customers are made to feel valued.”

David Wild, Halfords chief executive

British Museum shop, Bloomsbury, London

“This has an amazing range of things you might want if you’re interested in history and archaeology or just buying a stylish present. I have bought my senior team reproduction jewellery and chessmen made of walrus ivory there for Christmas. The staff are very knowledgeable and they always put customers first like any good retailer.”

Lucy Neville-Rolfe, Tesco executive director of corporate and legal affairs

Tokyu Hands, Tokyo

“The most comprehensive range of products from novelty stationery to natural skincare, DIY to dressing up clothes and a breathtaking range of healthy living merchandise.”

Alex Gourlay, Alliance Boots chief executive, health and beauty division

Jeffery, New York

“The best menswear edit for my style. Truly perfect service every time – I adore the fact the manager is always on the sales floor, something we all should try to replicate. I never leave without a shopping bag, surely the best test of a store that you love.”

Neil Clifford, Kurt Geiger chief executive

Canali, Bond Street, London

Canali

Canali

“I admire this store for the consistency of great design, from the products to the shop itself, and for the extraordinary quality of personal service, so rare nowadays.”

 

Simon Burke, HobbyCraft chairman

Valentinas, Putney, London

“The ground floor is a wonderful Italian delicatessen and then upstairs is a restaurant. It’s a gourmet’s delight and a great little place.”

Peter Williams, Asos non-executive director

Anthropologie, King’s Road, London

Anthropologie

Anthropologie

“Part retailer, part art gallery, part museum – this old 1920s pool hall and gentlemen’s club is worth a visit for the décor alone. A beautifully and cleverly zoned store, combined with relaxed but attentive staff, makes shopping here a wonderful, sensory voyage of discovery.”

Will Kernan, White Company chief executive

Apple Store, Covent Garden, London

“Its open brickwork and imposing original architecture form a perfect backdrop for the minimalist, customer-friendly layout to display its high-tech products. The well-informed helpful sales assistants are plentiful and customers are encouraged to try before they buy. Even paying is simple, the till comes to you.”

Clem Constantine, M&S property director

Apple iTunes, Online

“It may not be bricks-and-mortar, but I would have to nominate iTunes as my favourite store. The iTunes universe represents simple but emphatic retail. Its concept and interface are straightforward; the transaction process is seamless and the inclusion of customer recommendations totally engaging. It focuses on the user and what experience they need as a fan of music, film and books.”

Tim Steiner, Ocado chief executive

Ron Jon Surf Shop, Cocoa Beach, Florida

Rob Templeman

Rob Templeman

“This has got everything you need, if you’re spending a day on the beach – it even gives surf lessons. It sums up what a great, all-round customer experience is all about.”

Rob Templeman, British Retail Consortium chairman

Hamleys, Regent Street

“It’s a feast of happiness and excitement.

Andy Clarke, Asda chief executive

The Rose Biketown Store, Bocholt, Germany

“It’s perhaps more than slightly sad to admit it, but I have travelled the world visiting cycling stores. This one in Germany is without doubt the pick of the bunch. This store screams retail theatre, passion and excitement to cycling enthusiasts. But the retail disciplines, product presentation, service and support are also truly excellent.”

Humphrey Cobbold, Wiggle chief executive

Globetrotter, Cologne

“When you enter the store, off Cologne’s main shopping street, its sheer size and range of products give it a tremendous impact, but the greatest thing about it is how it brings experiences to life. If you want to test how warm a jacket is, there is a cold chamber that replicates arctic temperatures or if you want to test if a rain jacket is really waterproof, there is a rain chamber where you can get wet. Finally, the store’s most impressive feature? If you want to try out a canoe or diving equipment, there is an artificial lake in the bottom of the store.”

Andrew Harrison, Best Buy Europe chief executive

Somlo Antiques, Burlington Arcade, London

Somlo Antiques

Somlo Antiques

“Somlo deals in antique and vintage watches. There are hundreds of beautiful and unusual examples covering 400 years of horology. You could very easily spend a morning trying them on.”

Mike Coupe, Sainsbury’s group commercial director

Decathlon, Gallagher retail park, West Midlands

“A large, edge-of-town format that supports real breadth and depth of range. It has good in-store theatre and its people know what they’re talking about. Their enthusiasm is infectious and when you combine it with the try-before-you-buy approach and its value for money, it’s an effective way of encouraging more people to get into sport.”

Nick Wharton, Dunelm chief executive

Peter Polo, St Tropez

“This is a fabulous small casualwear store that I discovered many years ago tucked behind the port in the backstreets. It’s run by a marvellous French man who refuses to sell out and grow bigger (or speak any English). He has only four or five stores along the Riviera coast and every year he brings out a fabulous new collection of great quality casual daywear – at affordable prices.”

Iain Burton, Aspinal of London chairman

Jack Wills, Chichester

Jack Wills

Jack Wills

“A recent visit has persuaded me that they are the most confident, creative and far-sighted current,UK brand – it occupies a converted Georgian townhouse, set back from the high street (with a Jack Wills liveried Landrover parked in the drive) some distance from the main shopping parade. Large double bedrooms, beds included, serve as changing rooms, setting a suitably ambiguous tone. This is the style that can become a world beater, and the signs are it is achieving that.”

Oliver Tress, Oliver Bonas founder

Coach, New Bond Street, London

“It certainly has the traditional marks of a great luxury brand shop – clear and consistent design, attentive and knowledgeable staff, fresh merchandising and a world-class location. But its true power is the story behind the shop. Only 15 years ago Coach was an outdated leather goods manufacturer with a shrinking US market and a staid product offer. It is now one of the world’s most innovative and fastest growing retailers.”

John Walden, Argos managing director

Vroom & Dreesmann, Rotterdam

Vroom and Dreesmann

Vroom and Dreesmann

“The general manager of this store is fantastic and is always on the shopfloor, but what really blows me away is its food offer, which is so innovative and clever.

It does quality, nutritious takeaway food, which is utterly outstanding – from stir-fries to fresh smoothies.”

Philip Day, Edinburgh Woollen Mill owner

Lynx Menswear, Harrogate

Andy Bond

Andy Bond

“A lovely boutique shop selling top-end brands for men my age. I love the local and personal feeling of the store, and the service is excellent – something the internet hasn’t cracked.”

Andy Bond, Wiggle chairman

The Old Cinema, Chiswick, London

The Old Cinema

The Old Cinema

“This is a beautiful interiors shop full of creative and unique styles – including antique, vintage and retro. Based in a refurbished 1890s cinema, there shopping is a real experience. The only problem I used to have was not having enough time to spend there – luckily, it has just gone online.” 

Holly Tucker, Notonthehighstreet.com chief executive

Brissi, Marylebone High Street, London

“I have a penchant for interiors shops and I can spend hours in this one. It has the perfect balance of modern, unique and French-interior style finds, whether

Brissi

Brissi

I’m looking for furniture, lighting or decorative pieces. The service is fantastic and most importantly it has knowledgeable sales advisers.”

 

Sarah Curran, My-Wardrobe.com chief executive

One Forty, Cranleigh

“This fashion, homewares and gifts store consistently creates and presents its collections in an inspiring way. Its great atmosphere and style that means you always leave having spent far more than you planned. I always enjoy popping in.”

Euan Sutherland, Kingfisher chief operating officer

Strand Books, Broadway, New York

“This is a store that has evolved into offering a true multichannel book proposition.”

Jeremy Seigal, Former AS Watson UK chief executive

Forest Stores, Guernsey

“It looks like nothing from the outside, but inside it sells amazing, high-end groceries. It’s fantastic and it’s the shock factor when you walk inside that does it for me.”

Jon Moulton, Better Capital chairman

Garden of Eden, Chelsea, New York

“A chain of about six delis in New York, its stores are run by people who are clearly passionate about food and the way it is presented. Every time I’ve visited, the store looks to have been treated with the same care and attention. You can’t fail to buy something.”

Nick Moore, Conran Shop managing director

Divertimenti, Marylebone High Street, London

Divertimenti

Divertimenti

“This is a homewares store that also does classes where you can spend an hour looking around and still see something different. You will never find that selection of product in any shopping centre in the country.”

 

Gary Grant, The Entertainer chief executive

 

John Lewis, Oxford Street, London

John Lewis

John Lewis

“Specifically, John Lewis on its home side. I always find its staff courteous and knowledgeable, which is backed up by them selling quality branded merchandise with good customer guarantees.”

Dion Taylor, Snow+Rock Group managing director

Lance Nicholson, Dulverton, Somerset

“For my salmon flies and country kit.” 

Godfrey Davis, Mulberry non-executive chairman

Ash, Marylebone High Street, London

Ash

Ash

“This is a small shoe shop but it’s nicely laid out and bang on trend and caters for everyone with aspirational taste and pockets to match. My daughter who is 10 shops in there and her mother, who is 40, shops there too.”

Terry Green, Former Tesco clothing chief executive

Browns, South Molton Street, London

Browns

Browns

“This is a shop that I use regularly and the main reason is because of the fantastic customer service. Its attention to customers is incredible and this alone means I always go back. Some of the bigger high street retailers could definitely learn from it.”

Jacqueline Gold, Ann Summers chief executive

Dover Street Market, London

“This multi-level store stands out as a cutting-edge shopping destination that embraces creativity, fashion, design, art and sustainability, plus never fails to surprise, inspire and delight those who visit. It’s a really contemporary retail destination that combines fashion and design in an ever-changing space.”

Magnus Olsson, H&M UK country manager

John Sandoe Books, Chelsea, London

John Sandoe Books

John Sandoe Books

“A therapeutic and uplifting place to browse for books, be delighted by the timelessness and be looked after by the most knowledgeable and helpful people imaginable.”

 

Theo Fennell Theo Fennell founder

 

 

 

 

Blitz Vintage department store, Brick Lane, London

“Blitz is my number one destination for all things vintage. The five beautifully designed rooms house the best collection in the capital. There is everything from fashion to furniture and it’s all done with an eye for detail. Whether you are a collector in a specific category, a certain era, or a casual vintage shopper, I guarantee that it will engage you.”

Miriam Lahage, eBay European general manager of fashion

F J Bodenham, Ludlow, Shropshire

“Bodenham is the local gents outfitter. I used to love browsing in there with its unfailingly good, proper, old-fashioned service and great quality product. I feel that it was a little bit of the inspiration that became Charles Tyrwhitt.”

Nick Wheeler, Charles Tyrwhitt chief executive

Daylesford Farm Shop, Kingham, Gloucestershire

Daylesford Farm Shop

Daylesford Farm Shop

“A beautiful example of clear, strong branding of high-quality product. Its home-grown food, coupled with spin-off lifestyle home products, are a pleasure to browse, and if you want some more it has a great restaurant and spa.”

 

Simon Bentley, Sports Direct senior independent director

 

Ben Pentreath, Rugby Street, London

“It might just be a glimpse of the future of urban retailing – a small shop, it feels like walking into someone’s house. It has a wonderful mix of gifts and homewares, and funny quirky things but all with a real sense of value. Unhurried but friendly service. A real breath of fresh air.”

Mark Henderson, Gieves & Hawkes deputy chairman and Walpole British Luxury director

The Container Store, Various, US

The Container Store

The Container Store

“Not yet in the UK but Container Store the US’s leading retailer of storage and organisation products. It is innovative, privately owned and it has been voted one of the best companies to work for by Fortune for almost 10 years because of its unique employee-first culture.”

Gilbert Harrison, Financo chairman

Anthropologie, West Broadway, New York

“The original concept of mixing fashion with homewares, leisurewear, books, accessories, jewellery and pictures in a slightly distressed yet unobtrusively designed cavern of a space – almost an art gallery of goodies – made my heart thump with joy when I first encountered it. It has since opened more stores, and now has two in London, but the impact of the first encounter will remain with me always.”

Penny Oliver, East product director

“The eclectic product range – mixing its own product with leading brands and inspirational accessories and homewares, along with amazing visual merchandising and really great customer service, sets it apart from others who try to imitate.”

Tim Maule, Mamas & Papas deputy chief executive

Collette, Paris

Simon Fox

Simon Fox

“A great mixture of Paris fashion combined with music, tech and all things quirky. Cool and bizarre.”

 

Simon Fox, HMV chief executive

The Hampstead Butcher, Hampstead, London

The Hampstead Butcher

The Hampstead Butcher

“This small retailer punches well above its weight in terms of merchandising, service, branding, marketing and CRM. It never stops surprising nor delighting me and I feel strongly that every retailer and etailer can learn a thing or two from it.”

Geoff van Sonsbeeck, Isabella Oliver founder

Cheshire Smokehouse, Wilmslow, Cheshire

“This food farm shop offers a selection of smoked meats, fish and poultry all done on the premises, but it also has an in-store bakery that does good bread. They will give you free yeast if you want to bake your own.”

Joe Morris, Home Bargains operations director

Cold Stone Creamery, Dubai

“This is an ice cream shop where they prepare the ice cream on a granite slab with each flavour made to order. The staff use ice cream scoops to throw the ice cream onto the cone from quite a distance.”

Graham Heald, Waitrose retail services director

Whole Foods, Austin, Texas

“This flagship store is pretty amazing. The food, layout, service and quirky touches are all first rate. I always visit when I’m in town for the SXSW festival – especially when it has live bands playing in the car park.”

Michael Acton Smith, Mind Candy chief executive and Firebox founder

Black Cat Records, Taunton

Black Cat Records

Black Cat Records

“A proper independent musical haven for ageing musos who still like to browse physical media and talk music with fellow aficionados.”

Graham Benson, M and M Direct chief information officer

Bang & Olufson, Kings Road, London

“B&O have managed to create theatre in this store via a powerful combination of exceptional quality products and excellent service. The in-store environment is second to none, aesthetically pleasing and aurally soothing. You know that what you experience in-store can only improve your home.”

Gareth Jones, Shop Direct group retail director

Slater Menswear, Glasgow

“This store is a one-stop shop that includes shoes, ties and suits. It offers brilliant customer service, and it does on-the-spot alterations.”

Jo Walker, Perfume Shop managing director

Magnolia Bakery, Bleecker Street, Greenwich Village, New York

Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery

“This tiny, out-of-the-way shop is the perfect mix of traditional baker and intelligent retailer, with queues of customers stretching out of the door, all salivating from the wonderful aroma of freshly baked cakes. Once inside, you’re served with wonderful care and efficiency so you neither feel rushed nor stay too long, while the bench outside is always occupied by customers who couldn’t wait to devour their mouth-watering delights.”

Greg Suthern, Dreams chief operating officer

Co-op, Hipperholme, Halifax

Angela Spindler

Angela Spindler

“I love my local Co-op. I use it as a top-up shop. It’s always open and always has what I need. Really friendly service and never a big queue. Simple, really.”

 

Angela Spindler, The Original Factory Shop chief executive

 

Christopher Scotney, Leicester

“A true independent store that has sold menswear in Leicester for 37 years. The reason I shop there is a classic case of why service counts. Not only do I like the products, but I trust them. The staff are polite, smart, knowledgeable and able to recommend fashion that suits different customers’ needs, even mine. Unlike my Abercrombie-loving children, I prefer to shop for clothes in an environment where I can see and hear myself.”

Peter Aldis, NBTY Europe chief executive

Prada, New York

“This is pure retail theatre, with areas for fashion shows and inspiration achieved with screens built into clothing bays showing a catwalk with the outfits around it.”

Paul Kendrick, JD Williams group development director

Daunt Books, Marylebone High Street, London

“This is a great store with a real emphasis on employing friendly and helpful staff, all of whom are very knowledgeable and can take you straight to the book you are looking for. I trust them so much that before going on holiday I simply asked them for three paperbacks: one travel, one fiction and one political and the choices were spot on.”

Steve Lewis, Majestic Wine chief executive

Tim Little, King’s Road, London

“With its quirky quotations on the window and blues music inside, this shop is instantly evocative of the individualistic, pioneering fashion world of the 1960s and 1970s. The shoes themselves, both bespoke and ready-to-wear, combine Northampton classicism with today’s racier colours and styles – a powerful blend.”

Scott Malkin, Value Retail chairman

Peckham Rye, Newburgh Street, London

Peckham Rye

Peckham Rye

“It’s a tiny store full of fascinating heritage and memorabilia, run by passionate people. You just have to love it.”

Derek Lovelock, Aurora Fashion chairman

The NK Department Store, Gothenburg, Sweden

“It’s a well-curated selection of fashion brands, in particular the Ordning & Reda concession within it.”

Tim Curtis, Ideal Shopping Direct multichannel director

White Stuff, Northcote Road, Battersea, London

“Every White Stuff store is unique with great, quirky detail and a sense of the brand’s personality in every finish. The Northcote Road shop hits the young family market well, with a trove of treasures for both kids and their parents.”

Rob Feldmann, BrandAlley UK chief executive

Hermès, Rue de Sevres, Paris

“Aesthetically, this is one of the best stores I’ve ever visited. As soon as you enter the store you are greeted by a florist. It’s got an amazing natural light, and it’s a good place to relax. Among all the beautiful products and crafts of the Hermès company you will find a small library with all the books which inspired the conception of Hermès products and a tea room where you can have a small snack. Hermès has created the link between innovative retail and the traditional image of the brand that makes it as powerful today.”

Ulric Jérome, Pixmania executive director

Claudia Strater, The Hague, The Netherlands

Claudia Strater

Claudia Strater

“This women’s fashion store has outstanding service. They remember my name, my size, the looks I like, even if I haven’t visited for a year. If alterations are required, it all gets done for free, within days, and is shipped to my address in the UK.”

 

Beatrice Lafon, Claire’s Europe president

 

Neal’s Yard Dairy, Covent Garden, London

“It combines everything a great retailer should have: a passion for product, great sourcing and an amazing experience in-store. This is something many artisan retailers still have, but larger multiples struggle with and could learn from.”

Aamir Ahmad, Dwell founder

Waterstones, Piccadilly

Andrew Gerrie

Andrew Gerrie

“I like bookshops simply because I like books and I am always happy to hide away and browse. I worry that bookshops are facing a structural change with the move to ebooks. Even though I love books, I’m moving to ebooks (on an iPad) as it’s convenient given that I travel so much and it’s cheaper.

On one hand this is sad, on the other it’s exciting.”

Andrew Gerrie,Lush chief executive

The Bureau, Belfast

“The shop is a cool mix of old and new. On every visit you can find new brands and pieces of art and collectibles. It’s a beautiful store with friendly, knowledgeable staff.”

Pete Boyle, Argento chief executive

Massimo Dutti, Kensington, London

“You can tell that this retailer really cares. Its approach to every aspect of the customer experience is first class. The stores are fresh and inviting, the staff are well trained and with excellent customer service skills. The thought that goes into the buying and the merchandising of the stock is outstanding.”

David Patrick, Cash Converters chief executive

Bass Pro, US

Bass Pro

Bass Pro

“You have to see it to believe it. It’s an outdoor store on steroids. In one store there’s a seaplane hanging inside the store and in another a fish tank that is over 5,000 sq ft.”

Lee Bagnall, Go Outdoors chief operating officer

Apple Store, Regent Street

“It has not only redefined the presentation and advice-driven sale of small technology products, but as an Apple loyalist, it has always been true to the brand promise – think different.”

Nick Wood, Incoming Pets at Home chief executive

“Apple Stores are so open and inviting. It’s really easy for you to experience its products in-store. The lines and colours of the shop reflect the product with it.

I also love how incredibly helpful and knowledgeable the staff are.”

Paul Zimmerman, Firebox chief executive

Vermont Country Store, Weston, Vermont, US

“Totally original, totally inspirational and a totally genuine shopping experience.”

Dominic Prendergast, Oxford Summer School chairman

Giselle, York

“This is a very small independent retailer operating focused on customer service. The owner of the store buys high-quality brands not normally found in department stores. She tailors her buy to the size and fit of her customers, buying everything with them in mind.”

Peter Lucas, Baird Group and UK Fashion and Textile Association chairman

Corso Como, Milan

“Corso Como offers something for everyone, it has such a vast collection. The staff let you browse at your own leisure, yet are there to help when you need.”

Gwynn Milligan, Cocosa managing director

Saddle Safari, Marlow

Saddle Safari

Saddle Safari

“It’s a cycle shop and I’d nominate it simply for the service. Whoever comes through its door – whether it’s for a puncture or a £5,000 bike – they are treated superbly.”

Gerald Ratner, Geraldonline.com founder

Bergdorf Goodman, New York

Beverley Aspinall

Beverley Aspinall

“It’s a fabulous luxury department store with great assortments, great service, inspirational visual merchandising and windows. I always make time to visit when I’m in New York.”

Beverley Aspinall, Fortnum & Mason managing director

Philglas & Swiggot, Battersea, London

Sally Bailey

Sally Bailey

“It stocks an eclectic mix of old and new world wine.

The staff have an in-depth knowledge of the product that they sell and you get a personalised honest service. There is also have a shop dog who is very cute.”

Sally Bailey, White Stuff chief executive

Jack Wills, Soho, London

“The brand and the stores are uber British cool with a real sense of British class – and British class is a matter of style and elegance, not materiality. The recent campaign captures the brand, product and store design essence: fabulously British.”

Justin Stead, Aurum chief executive

John Lewis, Kingston

John Lewis

John Lewis

“John Lewis as a brand ticks all the boxes. There is a focus on consistently excellent customer service while ensuring that sales assistants are friendly, rather than pushy. And of course the quality of the products is first rate. On a personal level the Kingston store near my home appeals for many reasons – with young twins, parking is a must, so this store really suits.”

Brema Drohan, Nespresso UK and Ireland managing director

Saffron Screen, Saffron Walden

Saffron Screen

Saffron Screen

“It’s pushing the boundaries in terms of whether it’s a shop, but it’s still a retail experience. It’s an art house cinema using out-of-hours space at the local grammar school in Saffron Walden. What’s so great is that it shows how a community can work together to add more value to existing space, Mary Portas should take note. Cinemas in classrooms, restaurants in shops… customers are ready for this.”

Angus Thirlwell, Hotel Chocolat founder

Duchamp, Jermyn Street, London

Duchamp

Duchamp

“Keeping my shirts, socks and ties sharp and lively.”

Nigel Rothband, Retail Trust chief executive

Replay, Barcelona

“It’s an iconic and inspirational store with original wall features and visuals. The natural stone finish and clever lighting sets off the merchandise well and accentuates the quality of the garments.”

Steven Cohen, Blue Inc managing director

Townrow, Braintree

“A small, independent department store where the service is excellent and where I can always find something for every occasion. If I need clothes for work, a new dress for a special occasion or a present for a close friend, I know I can go to Townrow and find just the right thing at an affordable price. They have never let me down.”

Anne Seaman, Skillsmart Retail chief executive

Argosy Books, Manhattan, New York

Argosy Books

Argosy Books

“I first went in there when I didn’t have a nickel to my name in 1983. I bought my son-in-law, daughter and several friends books there [last Christmas].”

Bill Clinton, Former US president, speaking at the NRF in New York this year

Cricket, Liverpool

“A store that excels in one-on-one service and has a loyal customer base that ensures a good level of visit frequency.”

Vanessa Gold, Ann Summers managing director

Liberty, Regent Street, London

Liberty

Liberty

“There is nothing else like it. It’s just so off the wall even after all these years.”

Theo Paphitis, Ryman and Boux Avenue founder

“I love that it has such an original edit of beautiful things. It has the spirit of an independent boutique but on a large, sumptuous scale. The recent work it has been doing to modernise the store has been excellent and in keeping with the spirit of the brand.”

Meg Lustman, Warehouse managing director

“I love the fabulous building itself, the integrity of which has been maintained over decades of change and architectural preferences. It represents all things British and has a respect for craftsmanship.”

Debbie Robinson, Spar UK managing director