5 independent shops in Taipei every design junkie should visit

If you haven’t already visited these super hip stores in Taipei, here’s what you’re missing.

Alison Goh
November 2019

Imin Pao opens in new window, creative director and owner of global brand consultancy The Brand Partner opens in new window, recommends five boutiques in Taipei that are made for design junkies.

1. Xiao Qi Sheng Huo Kong Jian

Homeware at Xiao Qi Sheng Huo Kong Jian. — Look out for the adorable dim sum plates, chopstick holders, and handmade KATACHI glassware.

On hip Chifeng Street, you’ll find the Xiao Qi empire, which comprises a Japanese lifestyle goods store, gallery, plum wine shop and casual restaurant. The lifestyle store opens in new window was opened in 2012 to bring traditional Japanese craftsmanship to Taiwan through beautifully-made household items.

Address: No. 29, Chifeng Street, Taipei 103, Taiwan
Tel: +886 2 2556 2606
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2. Buly 1803

Buly 1803 interior. — Stepping into the Taipei store, you’re transported to the turn of the 19th century — except that the packaging is anything but old and dusty.

“This beloved Parisian brand opened its first overseas store in Taipei, offering the best candles, soap, and skincare products,” says Pao. Buly 1803 opens in new window was first launched in 2014, after the owners decided to resurrect an old perfumery in Paris and preserve its heritage. Ask about the gift wrapping and hand-written decorative calligraphy services it provides.

Address: No. 263, Section 1, Dunhua South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 2703 1898
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3. MOT Casa

MOT Select exterior. — The MOT brand has stores in Taipei as well as Taichung.

MOT Casa opens in new windowoffers a great selection of luxe designer furniture and home accessories from all over the world, and is a must-visit for anyone who has a keen eye for interior decor. Short for “Mall of Tomorrow”, the MOT brand also has a number of design-focused stores under its umbrella, including MOT Flower, which creates modern floral installations using artificial plants; and MOT Café, a cosy pit stop for a cup of coffee located just a stone’s throw from MOT Casa.

Address: 106, Taiwan, Taipei City, Da’an District, Lane 65, Section 1, Jianguo South Road
Tel: +886 2 8772 5508
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4. ART HAUS

Interior of ART HAUS. — Each of the three ART HAUS outlets has a distinct interior aesthetic.

Who doesn’t love a multi-label store opens in new window that boasts an ultra-gorgeous interior and a collection of coveted luxury fashion brands from across the globe? While there are two outlets in the city, Pao suggests heading to the 500-square metre Neri&Hu-designed department store at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A4. “This is likely the best concept store in Taipei, similar to (the now-defunct) Colette from Paris,” she shares.

Address: 2F, No.19, Songgao Road, Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan (Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A4 store)
Tel: +886 2 2722 8057
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5. Invincible

Invincible exterior. — Invincible is a sneakerhead’s dream.

“The Invincible East store opens in new window has full collections of the world’s most coveted sneakers. It’s unbelievable,” says Pao. Aside from its limited edition collaborations with the biggest international sportswear brands, it also carries apparel from sought-after Japanese labels like N.Hoolywood and Bedwin & The Heartbreakers.

Address: No. 3, Alley 35, Lane 181, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
Tel: +886 2 8771 9958
www.invincible.com.tw opens in new window