Store gallery: Nespresso opens new ‘immersive’ Edinburgh boutique

In conversation with Nespresso UK chief executive Anna Lundstom 

Ahead of the opening, Nespresso UK boss Anna Lundstrom answered Retail Week’s questions about the new boutique, its store opening strategy and the UK consumer.

Can you share more information about the Edinburgh space and how the deal came about?

“The Edinburgh boutique represents a key moment in Nespresso’s UK growth strategy, and much like Covent Garden, it came to fruition after a deliberate and thoughtful location scouting process. We had temporary spaces in Edinburgh for some time, but we were holding out for a location that truly aligned with our brand.

“The location in St James Quarter stood out as the perfect choice. It’s a dynamic cultural and lifestyle destination with an energy that mirrors Nespresso’s ethos and vision.”

Any unique features in the new Edinburgh boutique?

“The ‘Coffee as an Art’ bar is a central feature of our boutiques, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the craft of coffee while connecting with our passionate and knowledgeable team.

“It’s a space to explore the world of coffee, and we host interactive recipe masterclasses and tastings for new and exclusive blends, including our latest summer collection. This space is all about bringing the joy of coffee to life as an experience, rather than just as a product.

“Another key feature is our coffee pod recycling space, which is fundamental to Nespresso’s commitment to sustainability and circularity. More than just a functional element, it’s an invitation for visitors to actively participate in our sustainability journey and explore the meaningful impact behind every cup of Nespresso.”

How do you go about selecting locations for your boutiques, and what are you looking for from a new store?

“Our strategy focuses on creating spaces that go beyond traditional retail, where customers can fully experience the coffee and the Nespresso brand. When selecting locations, we prioritise vibrant, culture-rich hubs that celebrate lifestyle, community, and connection.

“For example, both the iconic Covent Garden and St James Quarter were selected because they embody this vibrancy and attract audiences who value carefully curated shopping experiences built around their needs. Our boutiques are tailored to these settings and offer the perfect backdrop to sample a new blend or learn more about an old favourite.

“Ultimately, our locations are chosen to ensure that we can seamlessly integrate coffee into people’s lives, blending discovery, sustainability, and moments of connection into daily rituals.”

Are there plans for additional UK store openings this year?

“We’re always exploring opportunities to expand where we know we can forge meaningful connections with our customers. While we don’t have more boutique openings planned for the remainder of 2025, our focus remains on enhancing the customer experience through immersive and innovative spaces that celebrate coffee culture.”

How are you seeing UK consumer confidence at the moment? Are you expecting it to stay turbulent in the run up to the end of the year and Christmas, or are you seeing any green shoots?

“There’s no doubt that the economic climate has presented challenges for UK consumers. However, we continue to see an appetite for creating meaningful, high-quality coffee experiences. People are seeking out those intentional, uplifting moments that feel special, whether it’s enjoying a creative barista-style cup of coffee at home or finding a new recipe to share with loved ones by engaging with our team in our boutiques.

“Coffee has a unique way of bringing people together and sparking moments of celebration and connection and we will be creating more moments of togetherness through coffee in 2026.”