Award-winning indie retailer picks Woking for first expansion beyond the capital
Lark London is rising up the ranks of indie greetings and gift stores with its first store outside the capital, pitching up in Woking.
Founders Priya and Dominic Aurora-Crowe have added to their current 12-strong estate by taking a 1,558sq ft space in the Surrey town to cater for a selection from over 300 brands including card publishers such as Tache, Redback and James Ellis, along with homeware, fashion and jewellery products.
The move to expand outside their South London comfort zone – the existing stores are in Balham, Chiswick, Clapham, Earlsfield, Fulham, Herne Hill, Putney, Raynes Park, Shepherds Bush, Streatham, Tooting and Wimbledon – comes off the back of what the couple described as their “best Christmas ever, despite the despite the consistent issues we faced – the recession, cost of living increase, train strikes and postal strikes”.
Priya told PG Buzz the festive mood kicked in much later than normal and the average spend was around 5-10% lower, but “it was counterbalanced by more people shopping locally” which was helpful as the group’s London village locations are shopping destinations that were hard hit by the train strikes.
And the couple, who won the 2022 Retas Award for Best Non-Specialist Multiple Retailer of Greeting Cards, added: “Following the success of our London locations, we wanted our next store’s home to be in the heart of a town centre full of buzz and with a strong sense of community, which is exactly what we’ve found in Victoria Place.
“We’re so excited to introduce our playful and unique selection of gifts and homeware to a brand-new audience and see what the next chapter brings for Lark London.”
Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, leader of Woking Borough Council, told The Retail Bulletin: “We are hugely proud that Woking has been selected to be the first home outside of the capital for Lark London. It’s family-oriented and personable format of lifestyle boutique and consistent support of local businesses is one that aligns well with Victoria Place’s own ethos.”
Top: Retas 2022 winners Dominic and Priya Aurora-Crowe are expanding their Lark empire
