The Langkata Link Shops in Nairobi, Kenya is an open-concept space (Photo: Diana Khoo/The Edge)
The multibrand store, be it luxury or otherwise, has always somehow maintained its niche in the sprawling retailverse. Despite the pressure of spending slowdowns and direct-to-consumer surges, the allure of curated inventory set amid a welcoming, immersive environment could well prove irresistible. We pick three from around the world — each a temple to local artisans and craftsmanship — to serve as temptation.
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Where: Langata Link Complex, Langata South Road, Nairobi, Kenya
Why: Set within a dedicated, open-concept space in the leafy upmarket neighbourhood of Karen (named after the author of Out of Africa, Karen Blixen), the Langata Link Shops — despite being surrounded by the capital’s famed Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage — is a destination in itself. But make no mistake, it is the retail experience people — visitors and locals alike — come for. There are almost 250 distinct brands stocked in the complex — a hotchpotch of interconnecting boutiques as well as container-style set-ups filled with all manner of treasures. This ranges from beautiful Kitangela glassware (founded by artist Nani Croze and son Anselm) to traditional Kenyan kikapu baskets, fashions sporting heritage-inspired prints from Maasai Collection and Kenya Kanga Collection, cow horn jewellery by Ankole and chic sunglasses by Kobe Afrika. Oh, and do not miss scoring one of Shake the Tree’s signature denim pieces, jazzed up with repurposed materials. If you run out of luggage space, pick up a travel bag or two by Savanna Sun, and you are sorted!
What else: Besides fashion and accessories, the Langata Link Shops also carry an assortment of gift items, from local literature (for young and old) and home décor to games and toys. All that shopping can prove to be thirsty work, so break each visit with a pit stop at the on-site Tin Roof Café where you can recharge by sipping on a red cappuccino (a caffeine-free blend made using rooibos tea) and snacking on feta and coriander samosas.
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Where: Ground floor, Voco Kuching by IHG, Jalan Lapangan Terbang Baru, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
Why: There is a reason Kuchingites are known as “cool cats” and the recent opening of Best Borneo underscores that statement. It is founded by designer Datin Shen-Tel Lee and restaurateur Olivia Ling, who scoured the best of their home state to bring all of Borneo’s numerous desirables under one sleek, shiny roof. There are fashions by British talent Najah Munye, who designs for the label RoaSkye; handwoven bags from the Penan Women Project, a social enterprise that gives women from the nomadic community another vital income source; funky made-in-Borneo headbands in almost every colour of the Pantone chart; and, for those who want to bring home a taste of Sarawak, its famous heirloom rice from the Bario Highlands, pepper and arguably the best kek lapis (layer cake) you could ever find by Rasa Gold. There is also a new collection of little cat dolls (kuching is derived from the Malay word for “cat”) by local artist Kho Tain Ching. Choose from six designs and clip one on your handbag, use it as a keychain or just treasure it as a keepsake of your unforgettable holiday in the Land of the Hornbills.
What else: Certainly streets ahead from your average hotel lobby shop, Best Borneo was designed by Lee and Ling in collaboration with Neyman Studio. Besides the array of goodies crafted to make you part with your holiday money, take time out to also admire the charming interiors, such as the entire wall of grosgrain ribbons and bespoke veneer panels done up in rainbow ikat fabric.
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Where: 1326 Song Wat Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Why: Tiny but mighty best sums up this charming, all-over-the-place, packed-to-the-brim store that celebrates the best of Thailand’s arts, crafts and handmade pieces by local artisans. But what the Road of Cinnamon excels in is giving customers a proper feel of the Thai people’s brilliance at turning everyday objects into works of art. It could be something as simple as a hand-painted tile or a chopstick rest, but rest assured that whatever you cast your eye on, chances are you will be whipping out your wallet and taking it home. There are also more esoteric items like elaborate headdresses, shadow puppets and intricate pieces of exotic jewellery. If you are on a tight budget, just come to browse and soak up the eclectic, electric museum gallery-like atmosphere.
What else: The young, hip and oh-so trendy crowd has been thronging Song Wat for some time now. And why ever not? The shabby chic shophouses with Chinese-style storefronts have been slowly given a new lease of life by the city’s creative set. Besides Road of Cinnamon, there are numerous other retail spots to check out, including Saan Song Wat and Oyster & Things. If you simply need a pick-me-up, coffee is de rigueur here. Check out Local Boys Coffee, Mother Roaster or Terroir.BKK. The famous Chiang Mai coffee shop Ristr8to has even opened a branch here.
This article first appeared on Sept 21, 2026 in The Edge Malaysia.
