Author: Nick Knight

SELFRIDGES LAUNCHES SUSTAINABLE HOMEWARE STORE

Selfridges launches a sustainable solutions store as part of Project Earth, featuring a re-fill station, a vintage homeware pop-up, and over 500 new homeware brands helping to reduce waste, recycle and reinvent.

As part of Project Earth, Selfridges has launched The Solutions Store – a dedicated sustainable store with over 300 products. Customers will discover an exclusive refill station with eco-clothing detergents and mists from The Lab Co as well as new and exclusive products all cleverly designed to provide sustainable solutions for the kitchen, bathroom and everyday tasks.

Reducing Waste:

The exclusive Lab Co.refill station will allow customers to buy and refill their Lab Co bottles with their choice of the brand’s clothing care products. The Lab Co. use all-natural plant derived and biodegradable ingredients that care for clothing, ensuring they last for as long as possible whilst reducing waste in single-use items and packaging. The range also includes clothing mists designed to refresh clothes in between washes. (Refills from £5).

Sustainable solutions for cleaning:

With environmental issues posed by many household products such as plastic waste and toxic chemicals entering the water system, NEAT has found a solution by creating a long-lasting spray bottle made from aluminium. Simply add a little of their natural concentrated formulas and top up with water to create an effective and eco-friendly cleaning product.

Re-useable food bags and tea bags:

Made with all organic cotton, The Organic Company’s range provides an easy solution to the plastic waste created by clingfilm and other single-use every-day items. The collection includes tea towels, cotton bags for food storage and re-usable cotton tea bags, a sustainable alternative to commercial tea bags made from single use plastic. Once used, empty, wash (or rinse), and re-use.

Eco-friendly water filters

Phox Water’s design includes a water filter that is refilled with carbon granules that gradually dissolve with use. When the filter is empty, customers can simply buy a new packet of granules (presented in a bio-degradable paper sachet) to top up their filter.

Coffee cups made from coffee waste:

HuskeeCup’s reusable cup and lid are made from used coffee husks which would otherwise be thrown away. The cup is BPA-free and dishwasher safe and the design will keep hot drinks hotter for longer and won’t scold hands.

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SELFRIDGES LAUNCHES ‘THE BRASS RAIL’

The Brass Rail at Selfridges rebrands in line with Selfridges new sustainability initiative, Project Earth.

As part of Selfridges major new sustainability initiative, Project Earth, one of Selfridges oldest restaurants, The Brass Rail, is temporarily rebranding as ‘The Grass Rail’, launching a first-of-its-kind Salt ‘Beet’ Sandwich as part of a new vegan menu.

The Salt ‘Beet’ Sandwich is filled with hand carved slices of salt baked beetroot and topped with layers of sauerkraut and gherkins and served between slices of freshly cut marbled rye bread. To make the plant-based sandwich, whole beetroots are salt baked with thyme, rosemary and garlic for one and half hours before being sliced up to order.

The new vegan menu also includes homemade vegan knishes (dumplings made of flaky dough with a savoury filling), a beetroot burger with vegan cheese and a selection of freshly made salads.

Selfridges Restaurants Director, Michael Gardner comments “We’re really proud of the Grass Rail vegan menu. For and institution like The Brass Rail, known for its exceptional salt beef, to be launching a world first vegan take on the classic salt beef Reuben is just one example of how we’re increasing our plant based offer in new and innovative ways and providing our customers with more choice.”  

About The Brass Rail:

As one of only a few places offering traditionally prepared, hand carved salt beef in London, The Brass Rail has long been an institution to the many customers who have visited religiously over the years to order their New York inspired Reuben sandwiches with sides of sauerkraut and latkes. The Brass Rail, with its red banquette seating and marble counter where the salt beef is skilfully carved up, have remained very much the same since its launch in 1966. For over 30 years, Selfridges has partnered with Henson’s who provide Brass Rail with sustainably farmed heritage breed beef.

‘THE GRASS RAIL’ MENU:

Salt ‘Beet’ Sandwich (vg) £9.95

Salt Baked Beetroot, sauerkraut and gherkins

Beetroot Burger (vg) £13.95

Plant-based burger, vegan cheese, tomato, gem lettuce and gherkin in a beet bun

Vegan Knishes (vg) £7.50 each

Potato & Onion or Vegan Feta & Spinach

Deli Salads:

Choice of three salads £12.50

(Added extras: pastrami, smoked salmon, salt beef, feta cheese, vegan feta cheese) £3.00 each

Notes to Editors:

About Project Earth:

August 17th, Selfridges launches a transformational new sustainability initiative, Project Earth – its commitment to change the way we shop by 2025.

The initiative builds on the industry leading steps Selfridges has taken over the last 10 years to place sustainability at the heart of the business. Selfridges aims to help customers change the way they shop in three ways: by addressing the materials used in products, launching and exploring new retail models such as repair and resell, and engaging with teams, partners and customers to inspire a shift in mindsets. Working closely with over 300 brand partners and with support from the Woodland Trust and WWF, Project Earth will kickstart with eight weeks of experiments, innovations and conversations, across all stores and online, dedicated to reinventing retail.

Selfridges Foodhall:

Project Earth will mark the launch of over 500 new products in Selfridges Foodhall. The range will include ethically sourced ‘bean-to-bar’ chocolate, gin made from wasted fruit, carbon neutral coffee and other products inspired by WWF’s research into planet-friendly superfoods, such as ancient grains and algae. Each brand has been carefully selected to help customers to shop food more sustainably. Hero brands include: Selfridges Selection ‘Wasted’ Preserves (made with wasted fruit and vegetables from Selfridges in-house green grocer, Natoora), Kiss The Hippo Coffee, Discarded Rum and Chocolarder.

Infarm, the indoor urban farming experts, will launch a unit in the heart of Selfridges Foodhall where Selfridges will grow a range of fresh herbs and salads. Their hydroponic units use 95% less water, 75% less fertilizer, no chemicals and 90% less transportation.

In line with Selfridges commitment to the materials target for all meat and meat ingredients used across the business to come from certified Organic farms by 2025, in September, organic farmers Eversfield will launch a butchers counter in Selfridges Foodhall. They invest their energy in regenerative farming with founder Mark planting 30,000 trees to nurture the land back to full health following intensive farming, leading to the soil being accredited with organic status in 2004. All their meat is hand reared and fed a 100% pasture diet.

Selfridges Restaurants:

One of Selfridges oldest restaurants, The Brass Rail, known for its traditionally prepared, hand carved salt beef will launch a vegan menu called ‘The Grass Rail’ debuting a first of its kind, vegan Salt ‘Beet’ Sandwich.

Selfridges restaurants will continue to showcase their ‘More Taste/Less Waste’ philosophy, introducing a ‘Donate as You Dine’ optional £1 to every bill to go towards WWF.

Selfridges restaurants will also be working with UK farmers to introduce dishes using Cull Yaw (a yew that has finished lambing), a meat that although rich in flavour is deemed less valuable to commercial farming systems and is often discarded

Eat Out to Help Out:

The Brass Rail will be taking part in the Government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme. Customers can enjoy a 50% reduction (up to a maximum of £10 per person) on their dine-in bill in all Selfridges restaurants every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the month of August.

Safety measures:

The health, safety and wellbeing of customers and teams remains Selfridges’ priority. Carefully considered safety measures have been put place to help minimise the risk of coronavirus, in line with guidance from PHE and relevant authorities. Throughout Selfridges’ bars and restaurants these include:

Seating areas in all restaurants and bars have been reconfigured to maintain social distancing at 2m. Where this is not possible, for example in bar areas, screens have been installed

In bar areas, countertop screens are in place, along with moveable screens for positioning in between customers

Staff provide table service, facilitating minimal contact with customers

Menus are one-use and made from fully recyclable materials 

Hand sanitiser stations have been installed throughout stores

Customers will be encouraged to make contactless payments if possible

Clear signage is in place throughout all restaurants and bars

All team members handling or preparing food and drink will be required to wear face masks or visors

In line with Government guidelines, Selfridges will securely retain customers details for 21 days to assist the NHS Test and Trace scheme

SELFRIDGES UNVEILS TRANSFORMATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY INITATIVE ‘PROJECT EARTH’

Selfridges today launches a transformational new sustainability initiative, Project Earth – its commitment to change the way we shop by 2025.

The initiative builds on the industry leading steps Selfridges has taken over the last 10 years to place sustainability at the heart of the business. Selfridges aims to help customers change the way they shop in three ways: by addressing the materials used in products, launching and exploring new retail models such as repair and resell, and engaging with teams, partners and customers to inspire a shift in mindsets. Working closely with over 300 brand partners and with support from the Woodland Trust and WWF, Project Earth will kickstart with eight weeks of experiments, innovations and conversations, across all stores and online, dedicated to reinventing retail.

Selfridges is the first luxury department store to set tough material requirements as part of their commitment to a science-based Scope 3 carbon reduction target in goods and services. ​

Through Project Earth, Selfridges commits to:

  • Materials – Ensure the most environmentally impactful materials used throughout the business come from certified, sustainable sources by 2025
  • Models – Pioneer new retail models and experiences, making Selfridges synonymous with circularity, including repair, resell, refill and rental​
  • Mindsets – Put longevity, creativity and sustainability at the heart of the business, and engage with teams, partners and customers to effect change

Underpinning Project Earth is a broader commitment to Science Based Targets and to achieve Net-zero carbon by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.

Alannah Weston, Selfridges Group Chairman, says: “For the last decade we have taken ground-breaking steps to put people and planet at the heart of our business, embedding sustainability alongside creativity. Project Earth is not only our bold, new commitment to stretching environmental targets, it is about imagining new ways to do business, within the next five years.

“Since Project Ocean in 2011, Selfridges has been focused on changing mindsets around sustainability both inside our industry and in conversation with our customer. Out of the global pandemic has come an understanding of how fragile and complex our systems are, but also how our planet and people can benefit if we act collectively with a shared purpose. Now more than ever we must double down on our efforts to reinvent retail with sustainability at its heart and a way of working which is regenerative for humans and nature.  Achieving our ambitions won’t be easy, but we are in a unique position to be able to work with our team members, partners and customers to co-create change and explore possibilities for a sustainable future.”

Anne Pitcher, Global Managing Director of Selfridges Group, says: “In a way we never could have predicted, the cycle of consumption has been broken by the pandemic marking a moment of change in our customers to a more considered mindset and requiring us to set new expectations for retail.  We firmly believe evolving the way we do business and supporting change in the way people shop is essential to building a more sustainable business. Selfridges has the platform to change how shopping is done wrapped up in the destinations, experiences and inspiration customers want from us. And the tough, stretching targets we have set ourselves underpin our commitment to change our business and our ambition to imagine and create a sustainable future for our customers.”

Notes to Editors:

  • Project Earth launches with collaborations from more than 300 brand partners, with exclusive collections from Prada Re-Nylon, Barbour, HURR, Duke’s Cupboard, Harper Collective, Craig Green, Levi’s, KITH and Seletti.
  • Project Earth will be supported by a programme of events and activities to engage with issues, amplify conversations and challenge mindsets by exploring the most exciting ideas in sustainability with some of the most influential thinkers in the space. There will be a series of 13 talks, takeovers and screenings with 10 partners such as How To Academy and Intelligence Squared and more than 20 events engaging with stories, brands and services to engage customers with the future of shopping. These include:
  • Ethical Consumerism: oxymoron or opportunity? (The Guardian webinar, 18th September)
  • Reimaging the fashion world (How To Academy webinar, 20th September)
  • Climate Action: meet the champions of change (How To Academy webinar, 20th October)
  • The Climate Changemakers: Meet the young activists fighting for climate justice (Inteligence2 webinar, 6th October)
  • The Future of sustainable beauty with Sali Hughes (Webinar, 9th October)
  • Immaterial Fashion: the end of ownership? (The Future Laboratory Instagram takeover, 8thOctober)
  • Better together: how to build a movement (How To Academy webinar, 13th October)
  • Sowing the seed: how can we become ethical eaters? (Intelligence Squared webinar, 14thOctober)
  • Eco Innovations: future-facing ideas for our changing world (How To Academy webinar, 15thOctober)
  • Selfridges is embedding circularity into the business with new services including a Repairs Concierge, helping customers to find which repair service is needed to make love-worn items as good as new and Resellfridges (launching in September), its first own brand resale model, making it easier than ever for customers to shop pre-loved, vintage or archive clothing and accessories.
  • All Project Earth displays and signage across Selfridges four stores in London, Birmingham and Manchester have been created from recycled or sustainably sourced materials. Eco paints have been used across all painted elements and all vinyl is PVC free and will be incinerated for energy after use. All props used for Project Earth will be reused for future projects.
  • Selfridges will introduce new Project Earth labelling (replacing the Buying Better labelling scheme) signposting to customers in store and online products that have a specific sustainable attribute. For example:
  • Over 700 products from more than 130 brands that contain recycled materials and ingredients or reduce the consumption of single use plastics will be labelled as ‘Reducing Waste’
  • Over 400 products from more than 40 brands will be labelled ‘Organic’
  • Over 550 products from more than 20 brands that avoid all animal-derived ingredients will be labelled ‘Vegan’

THE BIKE SHOP BY SMARTECH LAUNCHES AT SELFRIDGES

A first of its kind electric vehicle destination curated by SMARTECH launches in Selfridges iconic Corner Shop.

Selfridges has launched its first-ever Bike Shop in The Corner Shop of its Oxford Street store. The concept, curated by Smartech, will see the space transformed into a one-of-a-kind electric vehicle destination complete with e-bikes, apparel and exclusive gear. The Bike Shop demonstrates a new era of urban travel, introducing the future of transportation.

Customers will be able to discover and try the best bikes and accessories in the industry from the likes of Mate X, Angell and Superstrata. Together with Selfridges, Smartech has brought together a collection of the very best in e-vehicle innovations from up-and-coming entrepreneurs reinventing the cycling industry. There will also be a selection of push bikes from Veloretti and Cheetah. The products available will rotate weekly and will be available to test drive in a dedicated zone in the Selfridges car park. For customers unable to get to store, the range will be available to order at selfridges.com.

As well as offering the latest in exclusive e-bike technologies, the Bike Shop by Smartech launches with a display of original penny farthings, in a showcase of the evolution of the bicycle from the 1800s to today. Penny farthings from Richards of England will be available to purchase in both adult and child sizes.

Rob Smith, Head of Partnerships at Smartech, says: “Our team has scoured the world to bring the latest and greatest in e-bike technology to the discerning Selfridges customer and there couldn’t be a better time to launch this unique Corner Shop concept. As we emerge from lockdown into the ‘new normal’, we’ve seen an increased focus on health and wellness, looking after the environment and most importantly safety, with people avoiding public transport where possible. E-bikes speak to all of these trends and customers can expect to see the ultimate edit of the most innovative brands of tomorrow, today.”

In its technology predictions for 2020 in December last year, before the global pandemic and the resulting spike in bike sales, Deloitte foresaw a rise in popularity of cycling, especially e-bikes, predicting that ‘by 2023, the total number of e-bikes in circulation around the world… should reach about 300 million, a 50 per cent increase over 2019’s 200 million.’ Choosing to travel by bike rather than in a car not only reduces co2 emissions but also promotes a healthier lifestyle and greater quality of life.

Selfridges Technology Buying Director, Martyn Stroud, comments: “With the nation’s renewed interest in cycling, now is the perfect time for us to launch The Bike Shop, offering a selection of the very best e-bikes and innovations on the market. As well as being ideal for commuting, energy-efficient and emissions-free, e-bikes are a really fun way to get around town. We’re excited to welcome customers in-store to discover and try the bikes for themselves.”

Alongside e-vehicles and push bikes, The Bike Shop by Smartech will feature the latest in must-have biking accessories such as the Closca folding helmet, perfect for storing in a bag or backpack, Ausair face masks that protect against harmful pollutants in the air, and Litelok, the world’s lightest flexible high-security bike lock. There will be a highly exclusive collection of more than 40 new brand partners, 30% of which are worldwide exclusive to Smartech and will only be available at Selfridges. The Bike Shop will be home to products which redefine the dimensions of motion and bridge the gaps between technology, innovation and movement.

The Bike shop will host the world’s first bamboo workshop for making personalised 100 per cent sustainable bamboo bikes. The workshops will be open every day for the duration of the Corner Shop takeover, on a first come first served basis. Customers can buy custom made bikes, create one from scratch on the day or come in for personalised bike repairs.

The Bike Shop will run in The Corner Shop until 16th August, after which it will move to a permanent location within Selfridges Oxford Street.

Top e-vehicle picks, available at The Bike Shop by Smartech:

The Mate X

Perfect for: the fashion-conscious

The MATE bike engages with contemporary challenges by creating a range of unique electric bikes. Made for any rider, any journey and any situation, MATE has a perfect collection of eBikes that are cool, sexy and practical. Every thought behind design, upgrades and additional details have been made while continuing to ensure that our eBikes are both affordable, fun and awesome looking. Without compromising on comfort and performance, the Mate X is an Instagram sensation, perfect for the fashion-forward customer looking for a stylish way to travel around town. They turn heads wherever they go and at the same time offer a smooth ride with a good conscience.

Vello Bike

Perfect for: city cycling

An award-winning design: the ultra-light VELLO bike with self-charging technology and high-performance urban folding, makes mixed-mode commuting easy. The product designer Valentin Vodev developed a bicycle that combines innovative technologies and a signature design that offers solutions to known urban challenges. The Vello bike is all about convenience, ideal for the busy city goer; fast and simple to fold this bike is ultra-lightweight and perfect for commuting.

Angell

Perfect for: state-of-the-art technology.

The bike of your dreams. Whatever your destination, whatever your mood, Angell has got everything covered. Just check your screen and enjoy the city on your own terms. Safe from the tricks of the road and safe from the streets. Angell is one of the most exciting e-bike brands in the world – the design is unparalleled, and the bike is packed full of smart features. The integrated display can guide you to where you need and tell you how many calories you are burning on the way. The Angell app will also keep you and your bike safe with fall and theft detection features. From where you have to go to where you deserve to be, Angell makes your journey that much easier.

Smacircle

Perfect for: commuters/people with limited space for bike storage.

The Smacircle is new to the market and ideal for Londoners with limited bike storage. Smacircle is an innovative brand that makes moving around, fun, and entertaining. The bike unfolds in seconds and is incredibly lightweight. With the world’s most compact and lightweight e-bike, you get to enjoy carrying your micro-mobility whenever and wherever you go.

Superstrata

Perfect for: technology heads.

The Superstrata is the world’s first true unibody, custom 3D-printed carbon-fibre e-bike. With only a limited run of 500 units, Superstrata is set to be one of the most highly anticipated launches ever. Constructed from industrial-strength carbon fibre, the Superstrata is lighter than aluminium yet x5 stronger than titanium. Using advanced composite materials and innovative 3D-printing manufacturing, every unit is custom-built for customers according to their size and riding styles.

SELFRIDGES LAUNCHES OPEN AIR MARKET

Selfridges launches ‘Market on the Mews’; an open air, local market bringing a rotating edit of food, drink, magazines, plants, flowers, bikes and furniture. Curated with the local community in mind, residents and visitors to the market will have easy access and space to shop everyday items, treats and gifts.

Located just behind the Oxford Street store on Edwards Mews, the market is a first for Selfridges. Visitors will discover a host of yellow stalls where they can grab a coffee, pick up a pastry or a newspaper, choose a bouquet of flowers or find a gift for a friend. In addition to the stalls, there will also be live entertainment throughout the day and activities for kids and families.

Selfridges Stores Director, Meave Wall, comments, “Our new Market on the Mews offers a convenient open-air weekend shopping experience for customers, with a selection of stalls from some brilliant independent London-based brands. Our programme of entertainment including live DJs and street art will entertain customers and add to the joyful atmosphere of the market and we’re excited to welcome our local community.”

The Market on the Mews will be open every Saturday and Sunday from 18th July – 30th August, 9am – 4pm. For the seven-week duration the market will offer the following stalls, with new pop-ups launching from time to time to offer revisiting customers new brands to explore.

Assembly Coffee – Fresh coffee-to-go from an award-winning roastery in Brixton

Darlish – Specialise in producing small batch handmade ice cream with Persian inspired flavours

Two Tribes Craft Beer – Inspired by music and art, Two Tribes will be offering award-winning craft beers in their signature reusable beer cans

Your London Florist – Plants for every occasion and requirement e.g. pet friendly, air purifying or shade loving

Moyses Stevens – Seasonal bouquets from Selfridges in house florist

Selfridges Bakery – Baked items such as pretzels, bagels, doughnuts, brownies as well as some deli items, perfect for picnics

News on the Mews – Magazines and newspapers

Furniture by The Conran Shop – an edit of small furniture and home accessories from the leading London design brand

WingShack – Unique chicken wings (and vegan ‘chicken’ wings made from fried jackfruit) marinated, folded or topped with delicious home-made sauces from sticky sweet honey & sesame, to firey, tangy buffalo.

Notes to editors:

Notes to Editors:

Health and safety measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of both Selfridges teams and customers. These include:

A limit to 16 customers per time in the market

A one-way system with arrows to direct customers through the market

Contactless payments taken at a designated pay point

Market stalls will feature Perspex screens and team members will wear PPE

Hand sanitiser stations have been installed in several locations throughout the market