YouTube To Open Physical Store In London

Google is slated to open a physical YouTube store, dubbed the Creator Store, attached to its 11-story King’s Cross headquarters in London later this year, according to TechCrunch.

At the YouTube Space London (also at King’s Cross), popular YouTube celebs can already record and edit their videos. The new “gift shop” will allow them to sell their merchandise, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, videos, mugs, books, etc.

YouTube — which is owned by Google — hopes the Creator Store will help educate YouTubers about licensing their own products and brand. The 20,000-square-foot YouTube Space London houses three recording studios, state-of-the-art camera and video equipment and 4K screening facilities.

The space also features a coffee bar and a publicly accessible area that hosts book signings, product release parties and more. The public can also watch YouTube stars as they record their latest videos.

YouTube said that all proceeds from the store will go directly to the creators.

YouTube hopes that the YouTube Space London helps YouTube stars improve the quality and production value of their videos, thus making them even more popular (and lucrative) for both the stars and YouTube itself.

“The huge breadth of talent creating content on YouTube in the U.K. speaks to a hugely vibrant and dynamic creative community,” Ben McOwen, director EMEA at YouTube, told The Bookseller. “As the biggest Space in Europe, the YouTube Space London is a reflection of the coming-of-age of this community and an investment in its future success.”