RETAILER FOCUS – LONDON GRAPHIC CENTRE RIGHT: London Graphic Centre has been at the heart of Covent Garden for over 50 years.
London Graphic Centre (LGC) has long been a destination for artists, designers and stationery lovers. The business continues to evolve and grow, despite the challenging retail landscape, by keeping creativity at the heart of the business.
The art of retail
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BELOW: Workshops let customers try out new products.
ondon Graphic Centre opened in 1973 as a specialist art materials shop, originally in Long Acre, moving a few blocks to its present site in Shelton Street in 1996. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, it is part of a neighbourhood defined by culture, design and independent voices. Over the years it has grown into a place where stationery, craft and creative practice sit side by side. It was acquired by the Theo Paphitis Retail Group in 2016. At the centre of its story is a clear commitment to creativity in all its forms, something that, according to chief operating officer, Michael Want, continues to resonate strongly with customers. “Despite the economic pressures of the past few years, we’ve seen steadily rising footfall, excellent customer engagement and a clear appetite for quality creative tools across all budgets,” he says.
While consumer spending has been cautious across the board, Michael notes that customer behaviour is evolving, but not necessarily declining. “We’re definitely seeing a blend of behaviours. Some customers are more considered in their spending, and that’s why we’ve made sure our ranges stay inclusive, great quality at every price point, so everyone can engage creatively.” At the same time, the store’s position in one of London’s busiest retail and tourist districts continues to play a significant role. “Being a destination store in Covent Garden, we also see a large number of
international visitors, and they tend to shop more freely, exploring brands and products they can’t get at home. The balance between the two has kept the store lively and trading really well.” Footfall has been on a steady upward trajectory. “With LGC becoming a flagship destination for brands like Leuchtturm1917, Rhodia and Shachihata, new workshop formats, and the relaunch of our print shop, customers are discovering new reasons to visit and engage with the store,” Michael says. This constant evolution is central to the business’s appeal. “Customers are increasingly looking for an
A LAUNCHPAD FOR BRANDS
The team from Shachihata were on hand to show LGC customers how to use the new stamps and inks
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Over the years many brands have used LGC to launch new products and ranges. Earlier in 2026, Shachihata hosted a stamp rally to celebrate the launch of its stamps and ink in the store. The event allowed customers to explore Shachihata’s innovative stamp range through a dedicated stamp rally and try-it stations, encouraging visitors to test, play, and experiment with different stamping techniques.