Shreeji Newsagents, London. The Marylebone Staple

What began as a family-run business is now a modern newsagent offering a mix of rare titles, a welcoming coffee space, and a thoughtfully designed interior that draws visitors from across London

Shreeji Newsagents in London

Shreeji Newsagents came under the ownership of Sandeep Garg and his brother after being handed over by its previous proprietors. Over the years, Sandeep has taken the reins and infused the newsagent with a vision that materialized in its reimagined form in 2020. At just eighteen years old, Garg took over the business, having already spent time working there. Reflecting on the transformation, he shares:
“The locale shaped Shreeji Newsagents. We took over shortly after being part of it and updated the titles on the shelves to give the store a meaning of our own.”

Initially, Garg’s brother, who was working in accounting at the time, saw owning the newsagent as a short-term way to earn a living. Their 1982 acquisition, however, has endured far longer than anticipated. Today, nearly four decades later, Garg remains at the helm. Over time, the catalog of reading materials underwent a thoughtful evolution. Their vision focused on curating niche titles—rare publications, often little-known or produced in small batches.

By doing so, Shreeji Newsagents set itself apart from other stores in the area. It began offering not only what customers already wanted but also what they might not yet know they wanted to read. The selection included a mix of titles from established publishers such as Condé Nast, National Magazine, and Hearst, alongside self-financed independent works. Garg explains:
“After taking over the business, we partnered with advertising agencies and media companies, offering subscription services managed in-house. This model distinguished us from commercial newsagents at the time.”

Chiltern Street in Marylebone: Shreeji’s Location

The name “Shreeji” was retained from its previous owners. Rooted in Hindi and Gujarati, it carries various meanings, including religious connotations and the honorific title “esquire.” Located on Chiltern Street in Marylebone, the store is surrounded by a blend of established brands—like Sunspel, known for its clothing, and the iconic Chiltern Firehouse hotel—alongside unique, location-specific businesses.

Shreeji’s Interior Transformation

In its earlier days, the store resembled a typical UK newsagent, utilizing every inch of space to stock titles and display items for sale. However, Garg’s vision, combined with designer Gabriel Chipperfield’s expertise, redefined Shreeji’s interior.

The goal was to break away from the standard newsagent aesthetic. Traditionally, such stores are characterized by newspapers, magazines, a fridge of drinks, and everyday essentials catering to a general audience. Recognizing that competition from supermarkets would limit profitability, Garg minimized these offerings.

Previously, the store’s glass windows were crowded with magazines and reading materials, creating a makeshift display for passersby. With their redesign, Garg and Chipperfield envisioned a more elegant and welcoming space.
“We focused on form and function, reinforcing the store’s identity while ensuring beauty was at the forefront,” Garg explains.

This included adding a section for branded pop-ups, a coffee bar, and pastries for purchase. According to Garg, the pairing of coffee and reading materials is intrinsic: “They share an identity; they are synonymous with each other.”

Chipperfield’s Design Philosophy

Chipperfield’s approach brought Garg’s vision to life, ensuring a seamless flow between the store’s areas. The lower ground level serves as an event space, mirroring the aesthetic of the main floor.
“There are three rooms in the basement, each serving a distinct purpose,” Garg shares.

Describing the store’s ambiance, Garg compares it to a library. By removing shelving from the front windows, they created an inviting, transparent space, allowing customers and passersby to peer in as if glimpsing into a home.
“There’s nothing to hide in the store. You can look in and see everything,” he says.

A Carefully Curated Collection

Shreeji’s ethos revolves around understanding the essence of the magazines and newspapers it sells. Garg and his team study their inventory closely, integrating their knowledge into customer interactions.
“We often receive recommendations from customers and strive to add those titles to our library,” he explains.

Shreeji also supports emerging creators, helping them find distributors or publishers interested in financing their work. Garg sees this as a way to keep the trade alive, fostering competition and encouraging new voices.

The store’s coffee and pastries are sourced from a local roaster and baker. Over the years, Shreeji has hosted notable events, including collaborations with Virgil Abloh for System Magazine, promotions with Nike and Taschen, and campaigns for Moncler Genius x JW Anderson and Valentino.

A Modern Newsagent Experience

Today, Shreeji Newsagents welcomes customers seeking reading materials or a cup of coffee. Its offerings extend online, where newspapers, magazines, and books are available for purchase. The store has even partnered with Airmail, an online publication founded by Graydon Carter, whose branding features on the store’s newly refurbished awning.

Shreeji Newsagents 

6 Chiltern St, London W1U 7PT, United Kingdom
Shreeji, a newsagent and tobacconist located on Chiltern Street in London’s affluent Marylebone neighbourhood