The man behind the £1,000 Shop says the launch party is going to get messy
David Shapiro advises his well-heeled clients to take the day off after the launch of his £1,000 shop next month.
"We will be having a launch party, and it will be messy," is the word from the marketing manager of Mayfair's newest "discount" pop-up store. Shapiro says that the booze will be free flowing in August when new concept store, the £1,000 Shop, opens its doors to high net-worth shoppers who want the full Poundland experience.
But instead of cheap knick-knacks and household essentials, you will be able to purchase "an interesting selection of jewellery, watches and fashion" at discounted prices (knocked down from even more than £1,000).
The £1,000 store, which will only be open for one year, will also have a members-only ecommerce site. Shapiro says it's free to join, and 200 eager eccentrics have already signed up.
"There are so many small brands out there wanting exposure, that it means we have been able to be selective and choose really interesting products, stuff that has real design merit and quality," Shapiro tells The Capitalist.
The luxury marketing aficionado says that, in the interests of fair play, the brands on offer are a closely guarded secret until all the contracts have been squared off next month.
He added: "Some of the larger brands we are not allowed to publicly name, so there are some exciting surprises in store."
Startups can take years to get right, but the marketer tells us this idea came together "surprisingly quickly".
"We are self funded – the startup costs are not gigantic as we only have a 12 month lease for the shop, so it's much less expensive than buying a long lease to a prime site."
"It will give us time to try the concept out and see how it goes before committing to a larger investment for a permanent site."
The Capitalist looks forward to meeting the store's clientele at the launch party in August, but Shapiro warns: "We can't guarantee you'll make it to work the next day."