Join us in our High Holborn store on 2 October to celebrate not just a shop’s birthday. We’ll have discounts, live tarot readings and sweet treats from 11am – 6pm. We’ll also be celebrating with a 20% online discount from 2 – 5 October – use code ‘BIRTHDAY20’ at checkout over the weekend to activate it.
To mark the occasion, we’ve put together some of our favourite moments of the last year as well as some kind words from the amazing students and staff we’ve worked with.
Not just a shop at 8
In 8 years of not just a shop, we’ve supported 804 artists and designers through competitions, live briefs, pitching, window displays, products and expertise. We’ve worked with the UAL community in all aspects of the shop, from photography, builds, merchandising, selection panels, PR, graphic design, customer service and operations roles. Through this we’ve paid out £742K to students, graduates and Alumni. We can’t wait to see what the next 8 years has in store!
What’s next at not just a shop
We’ve got a lot to look forward to. From 6 November to 20 December we’ll be running another East Bank pop up in collaboration with LCF Founders Club, where you can shop from our incredible emerging designers.
You’ll also soon be able to shop our annual UAL x Tate Christmas card selection, a new range of tea towels from graduate designers, Furoshiki wrapping cloths designed by students and beautiful new puzzles featuring student illustrations.
What people are saying
We couldn’t ask for a better birthday card than some of the wonderful feedback we’ve had from the creatives who have participated in our projects this year. We’ll leave you with some highlights:
“This was such a wonderful project to take part in, and I really enjoyed the whole experience. Being born and raised in East London, I have seen the whole area change over time and it felt really special to be involved in the evolution of Stratford and UAL. It felt like a full circle moment in many ways as undergrad/pre Kam Creates days, I used to love exploring London/ being on holiday and discovering independent brands and learning about their journey and it felt surreal when I realised that I was in the reverse role and people were discovering my work and feeling inspired.
I really appreciate the on going help and support from UAL during every step of my creative journey.” – Kam Creates, jewellery designer, May 2025
“You know I would literally do whatever I can to be part of anything ‘home briefy’ they’ve meant so much to me. It’s honestly the reason why have a graphic design job today!” – Bhravi, HOME Live brief, 2023/24
“I had such a fun time! From start to finish, it was an absolute delight. I especially loved creating the large, human-sized cats. My studio is also our living room, and for a few weeks, it looked completely bonkers—in the best possible way.
I felt so supported by the whole not just a shop team, and the competition jury, Natalie, Oliver, and Arantxa—who is an amazing Retail Design and Visual Merchandising Consultant. Their trust in me and my process truly gave me wings. I soaked up confidence on so many levels, and I feel like it will stay with me for a long time. I’m ready to take on similar projects—and more!” – Niki Usagi, Summer window display commission 2025.