MHL, with whom we collaborate every year around October–November, opened a new stand-alone store on June 28—just about a one-minute walk from LOOPWHEELER Osaka. If you’re familiar with Osaka, you might know this spot: from Shinsaibashi Station, walk along Nagahori-dori toward Yotsubashi, and when you see the RIMOWA store, turn right down that side street—the shop will be on your left. Coming from our store, head toward Midosuji and take the second street to the right; you’ll find it on your right-hand side. It’s the sort of place that feels like part of the neighborhood.

This is their second stand-alone store in the world, following the first one in Daikanyama. Out of 74 MHL stores in Japan, the fact that only two are stand-alone locations is quite remarkable. I think it reflects a renewed recognition of the importance of small stand-alone shops in today’s retail landscape.

Department stores and large shopping malls have many rules and restrictions, making it hard to fully express a brand’s identity. A shop that quietly blends into a neighborhood corner, or one that proudly flies the brand’s flag like a unique landmark—those are the kinds of places that make customers want to go out of their way to visit. While department stores and malls are convenient, I can’t help but feel that something is lost in exchange for that convenience.

At LOOPWHEELER, we’ve made a deliberate decision not to enter department stores or large shopping malls. We’re grateful for the many invitations we’ve received to open locations there, but despite the challenges, we want to continue focusing on stand-alone stores.

I also appreciate how Margaret Howell views clothing—not as a fleeting trend, but as part of daily life, placing value on material and craftsmanship quality.

The fact that their designs often draw inspiration from workwear and uniforms makes MHL an even more natural fit with LOOPWHEELER.

This second stand-alone shop is truly beautiful, so I hope you’ll visit if you have the chance. LOOPWHEELER for MHL 2025 is already in production, so please look forward to it. And if you like, you can revisit last year’s 10th anniversary collaboration video.

By Satoshi Suzuki