Stanfords writes a new chapter in Mercer Walk

The Mercers’ Company has announced that iconic travel bookstore, Stanfords, has opened its new London flagship at 7 Mercer Walk. 

Marking the launch of its opening, Stanfords hosted a press event on Thursday 10 January where CEO Vivien Godfrey welcomed several guests, including well known authors Benedict Allen and Phoebe Smith. The event allowed for visitors to see and experience Stanfords’ new store concept, which has been specially designed to accommodate the brand’s numerous book launches and signings. Expanding on their much-loved café Stanfords has also introduced an adventurous menu, with space for more than 25 covers including an al-fresco seating area.

Designed by Caulder Moore and fitted out by Bluecrow Projects, the 4,165 sq ft store offers the world’s largest stock of maps and travel guides under one roof. Featuring ‘travel inspired’ installations and photography of explorers the new store establishes a more modern, urban aesthetic. 

Vivien Godfrey, Chairman and CEO at Stanfords commented: “We are excited to kick start 2019 with the opening of our new store. Our move has allowed us to expand our offering as well as give our store a much-needed refresh. We are very privileged to have such a loyal customer base, and many tell us they make a pilgrimage to Stanfords when visiting the capital; I am sure they will be delighted to see our new home.”

Simon Taylor, Property Director at The Mercers’ Company added:“The Mercers’ Company is proud to welcome Stanfords to Mercer Walk. This iconic brand holds an impressive heritage and with the largest collection of books, maps and travel products it remains a huge asset to the area. The brand’s commitment to their customers both historically and presently is inspiring and we are thrilled to welcome their new flagship store to the Mercers’ Estate.”

The news follows the recent opening of luxury and sustainable footwear brand, Allbirds, who opened their debut European store in Long Acre last October. Stanfords joins a strong line up of retail brands including, H&M, Russell and Bromley, Hobbs and Reiss.

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For further information, please contact Amy Cassidy at Aver via: amycassidy@averpr.com

Notes to Editors  

 About  The  Mercers’ Company   

The Mercers’ Company is a nearly 700 year old City of London Livery Company and is first in the order of precedence. The Company, and its  associated charitable trusts, make substantial grants to support young people, education, older people, churches and communities, predominantly funded through a large property portfolio, located in the City of London, and in Covent Garden in the West End of London, including a Joint Venture with Shaftesbury PLC for St Martins Courtyard.  

A network of  alms houses  and other homes for the elderly are also managed by the charitable trusts associated with the Company. The Company is involved with the running of 16  schools   across the country and supports them primarily through the appointment of governors.  

About Stanfords 

Edward Stanford Limited was founded in 1853 by Edward Stanford in Charing Cross in London.  In 1901 the Company moved to its current flagship location in Long Acre, Covent Garden.  Famed throughout the World as a publisher of maps, Stanfords expanded into retail following the move to Covent Garden.

To this day Stanfords stocks the largest range of maps in the World as well as travel guides, maritime charts, the world’s largest selection of globes and other travel related product. It has a further shop in Bristol, a website and a specialist Business Mapping Service based in Manchester.  The company also sells online at www.stanfords.co.uk  

Stanfords has an annual Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards which celebrates the best travel writers in the world. https://www.edwardstanfordawards.com/