First in Shanghai is a column about Shanghai's "debut economy," which emphasizes being first, fast and everywhere. The policy project has become a citywide phenomenon combining economic planning and cultural spectacle. This series will examine how local and international companies are using Shanghai to launch goods and create experiences. Its retail is ritual, and commerce is an event, and we're here to explain what it all means. Here are some of the latest "first stores" to launch in the city.

LV – The Louis

A large cruise ship has "sailed" into the heart of Shanghai.

The Louis stands out as a unique monument from the rest. Louis Vuitton launched it as part of LVMH, the world's largest luxury group, and represents a groundbreaking concept that stands in the city.

The 1,600-square-meter, three-story "The Louis" brings together exhibition, cultural retail and dining. On the third floor, Le Café Louis Vuitton offers a relaxed atmosphere – perfect for coffee or a light meal. The brand exhibition space spans two floors and covers 1,200 square meters. This space marks the largest Louis Vuitton brand house in the world.

Opening hours: 10am-10pm

Address: Near HKRI Taikoo Hui, 789 Nanjing Rd W.

南京西路789号近兴业太古汇

Popop

Popop, an independent jewelry brand under Pop Mart, has officially launched its global flagship store at Grand Gateway 66 in Shanghai.

The store offers a comprehensive selection of jewellery, featuring necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings.

The primary material used is S925 silver, complemented by natural stones such as shell beads and agate. Some high-end pieces are crafted with 18k gold.

The designs are closely associated with Pop Mart's popular intellectual properties, including Hirono, Skullpanda, Molly and Crybaby. Prices range from 319 yuan (approximately US$44.50) to 2,699 yuan, with some premium 18k-gold jewelry priced higher.

Additionally, the store introduces the Shanghai-exclusive Twinkle Twinkle lucky star series, featuring three unique designs available only at the Grand Gateway 66 location.

Opening hours: 10am-10pm

Address: 1/F, Grand Gateway 66, 1 Hongqiao Rd

虹桥路1号港汇恒隆广场1楼

Adidas

The first adidas Originals Trefoil flagship store has opened at 322 Anfu Road.

This is one of three adidas Originals flagship stores in China and the first foreign sports brand store in the area.

Adidas has blended cinema aesthetics with Shanghai's local culture into the store's façade.

While retaining the historic structure and exterior wooden panels, the distinctive three stripes and clover logo have been cleverly incorporated, with three window displays presenting the Trefoil story.

A giant shell-head display area offers a new interactive experience for fashion "check-in" culture.

Stretching over 290sqm, the two-story store has a stage and four "cinema rooms." This store sells the latest shoes and clothes.

Opening hours: 10am-10pm

Address: 322 Anfu Rd

安福路322号

Jeep

The Exploration Space, Jeep's global flagship concept store, has opened in Life Hub @ Bund Central.

Based on the theme of "exploring nature and city life," the business combines off-road culture, sustainability and community.

Jeep's off-road adventures began in Moab, a small town in Colorado, and the entrance simulates its rock archway. Wood and industrial design instantly immerse visitors in Jeep's tough DNA.

In honor of the famous Shanghai-Xizang highway, G318, the second-floor room features coffee, camping goods and a cultural salon for road trippers. This off-road bucket list excursion inspires Jeep fans.

Opening hours: 10am-10pm

Address: 1/F, Life Hub @ Bund Central, 939 Sichuan Rd N.

四川北路939号滨港商业中心1楼

Amazingcre

Amazingcre, a South Korean golf fashion company, has opened its first independent store in China at Sogo Shanghai.

Amazingcre combines "Amazing" with "Creation," reflecting its "art + technology" creative philosophy. Amazingcre offers professional golf gear and accessories for men and women with its designs.

As of late 2022, Amazingcre had 59 stores in South Korea, placing it among the top golf brands among foreign names such as G/FORE, Malbon and PXG. The brand's performance has remained strong, with consistently high South Korean golf sales.

Opening hours: 10am-10pm (Mondays-Thursdays); 10am-10:30pm (Fridays); 9:30am-10:30pm (Saturdays); 9:30am-10pm (Sundays)

Address: 5/F, Jiuguang mall, 1618 Nanjing Rd W.

南京西路1618号久光百货5楼

Baxter

Baxter Gallery Shanghai is the first Chinese flagship store of the Italian home goods company Baxter. This 1,200sqm area combines furniture display, interactive activities and social spaces.

The ground floor is centered around a dramatic metallic mirror surface in China Red, which challenges traditional showroom design. The combination of product displays and dining places results in a multi-sensory, immersive experience.

The imported Italian furniture is designed with young vigor to suit the millennial generation's casual lifestyle.

Opening hours: 10am-6pm

Address: 50 Yongyuan Rd

永源路 50 号

Shanghai Animation Film Studio x POPOME

The Shanghai Animation Film Studio x Popome Wonderland, the first amusement park of its kind in China, has opened at Global Harbor.

This immersive experience center spans over 6,000 square meters with 40+ play attractions. It transforms childhood memories of Chinese animation into a deep, interactive experience within what is essentially an "animation light and shadow museum."

The park features themed zones such as "The Monkey King," "The Calabash Brothers," "The Nine-Colored Deer," "Black Cat Detective," The Story of Afanti" and "Nezha Conquers the Dragon King," along with 10 other themed areas. Children can explore these vibrant and colorful immersive zones.

Opening hours: 10am-10pm

Address: Shanghai Global Harbor, 3300 Zhongshan Rd N. | 中山北路3300号

Hot Toys

The much-anticipated Hot Toys COSBI flagship store has opened on the third floor of Shanghai's Bailian ZX.

The store features product displays, interactive experiences, new product previews and retail sales. The store will periodically update its scenes based on different IP themes to keep things fresh for visitors.

Over 100 products include COSBI, COSBABY, plush toys and high-quality items like the new candy-themed Stitch plush blind boxes, Stitch cosbaby, coasters, card holders, storage bags and phone straps.

Hot Toys' 1:6 scale collector figures, including Lilo & Stitch, are on display and available for pre-order.

Hot Toys, founded in 2000 and headquartered in Hong Kong, is a collectible figure brand with operations in South Korea and Japan. The company has extensive relationships with well-known IPs like as Marvel, Disney, DC, Star Wars and Pixar.

Opening hours: 10am-10pm

Address: 3/F, Bailian ZX, 340 Nanjing Rd E.

南京东路340号百联ZX创趣场3楼