A minute with Light House's Joe Corré

This 'Minute with' we chat Joe Corré about Soho, creativity and his newest adventure.

How do you think retail has changed? 

I have been in retail for most of my life. I enjoy it, I love trading but I’m only enthusiastic about selling things I like. London used to have some of the most interesting and vibrant retail shops in the world. It was relatively easy for creative people to find a studio or a shop and get to work on creating a new look or scene. London became a magnet for international clients looking for something extraordinary and attractive. Sadly those days are gone.

Exorbitant rents, rates, ecommerce, fast fashion, Brexit have all taken their toll. Many independent creatives have also joined the exodus out of London due to the ridiculous cost of living in the City.

Ideas come from independent creatives, not from mass market brands, department stores and chain stores.  In the same way that communities gravitate around independent cafes - not Starbucks.

What do you think Soho’s been missing the last few years?

Once vibrant areas like Soho have become sanitised and homogenised to the point where it is starting to resemble a shopping mall of zoned soulless boredom. The sleazy sex shops and nightlife gave it an edge, a sense of adventure.  These days that element has disappeared but people still walk around looking for it.

My new emporium ‘Light House’ on Berwick Street is a space dedicated to independent artisans, designers and artists where they can dress up, show and sell, whether it's off the rack or made-to-order and our Members Club offers a space for events and where like minded people can socialise. 

London needs to get its mojo back and it won't happen with a new generation of corporate bankers or puffa jacket wearing zombies. We’ve got to participate and make it happen.   

Tell us what made you start the journey of Light House?

I decided I couldn’t rent shops anymore because the economics just didn’t work.  So I was looking for somewhere that I could own.  When I found the opportunity on Berwick Street, it felt right immediately.  The restoration and crafting of the space has been a seven year labour of love, and like most things that take that length of time and require so many decisions and detail - the concept and idea developed over time.  I felt there was a strong need to create an environment where independent creatives could regain a foothold to sell their designs with a personal one to one experience, made to order.  Selling craft as luxury.  Something that the client has to participate in and cannot be repeated online.  

lighthousesoho.com