For 11 years homeware retailer Yuppiechef has existed exclusively as an online brand, solving gifting dilemmas and stocking everything from kitchenware to outdoor accessories and bakeware. Now, from 1 October, you can browse and buy items from their new walk-in retail store launching in Willowbridge Centre in Tyger Valley, Cape Town.

The storefront designed by ARRCC. Photo supplied.

Yuppiechef co-founder and managing director Andrew Smith says the move is to enable a multi-platform experience for shoppers: “The Willowbridge shop signifies the next step in the Yuppiechef journey and is in response to a changing global dynamic in retail. Consumers increasingly expect cross-channel capability from brands, and while the assumption is that traditional stores should be moving online, so too is there pressure on online brands to have a physical presence.”

The concept for the interior of the store. Photo supplied.

The new store won’t be entirely without its digital counterpart, though. The Yuppiechef store will feature a ‘genius bar’, where you’ll be able to connect with the e-commerce site to browse products or even purchase items for delivery or in-store collection. Other exciting features include a test kitchen, a wedding registry service, gift-wrapping and the ability to subscribe to food, crafts and beer services.

As for the look and feel of the space, the Yuppiechef store has been designed by renowned interior design studio ARRCC, with the aim of carrying through the brand’s spirit into a physical space. ARRCC Director Jon Case says that the store has a warm feel with natural timbers and smoky undertones, for an approachable interior that allows the products to stand out.

Natural timbers and smoky undertones will allow the products to stand out. Photo supplied.

From 1 October, the Yuppiechef store will be open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm and Sundays from 9am to 3pm, with plans to open more outlets over the next five years.