Universal Music Group is taking its approach to physical formats to another level with the opening of branded shopfronts on both sides of the Atlantic.
The music major this week announces two new UMusic Shop locations in New York and London, expanding on previous launches in Madrid and Tokyo.
First up is UMusic Shop NY, which opened Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 2 Penn Plaza in the heart of Manhattan, for what is UMG’s first permanent brick-and-mortar “superfan retail experience” in North America.
Then, UMG next week opens its U.K. store in London’s vibey Camden Market, in the city’s north.
At both locations, visitors can check-out exclusive custom collections and pieces inspired by UMG’s top artists, songwriters and labels, a statement reads.
UMusic Shop NY rings in the Holiday period with festive windows and a curated selection of vinyl, merchandise, and accessories from the likes of Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Elton John, Rolling Stones, Post Malone, Beastie Boys, NAS, KISS and others.
To celebrate the opening, the Big Apple’s own Awake NY is partnering on an exclusive capsule collection — “Music Is Universal” — which is stocked only at the store.
In the days ahead, UMusic Shop NY will premiere two fan-driven pop-ups honoring the songs of Neil Diamond and celebrating the upcoming release of Song Sung Blue in cinemas later this month (Dec. 11) and Republic Records artist Conan Gray (Dec. 12).
Meanwhile, the shop in Camden, a music hub that has provided a launch pad to some of the capital’s most important artists, from Bob Marley, to the Clash, Madness, Amy Winehouse, Blur, and the Libertines, will feature exclusive artist collections, immersive installations, and live performances, along with a vinyl lounge, DJ booth, and recording studio-inspired sound room.
“The launch of these two stores in New York and London further expands on our longstanding commitment to enhancing the ability of UMG’s iconic roster of artists, labels, songwriters, and brands to connect with their fans through exclusive experiences, merchandise, and bespoke collections,” comments Susan Mazo, EVP & chief impact officer at Universal Music Group.
“Both cities and locations have rich and deep connections with music culture, and we are excited to introduce these new hubs for fans to meet, share, and connect with the music, artists, and songs they are most passionate about.”
UMusic Shops are a partnership of UMG and UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle, its entertainment-driven hospitality venture.
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