For lifestyle enthusiasts in Shanghai, April 25 was a date worth circling on the calendar. MONOCLE, the iconic lifestyle journal, has launched its first pop-up in the Chinese mainland—Monocle Shop & Café—at Jing'an Kerry Centre (JAKC).
After establishing its presence in London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Zurich, Toronto, Paris, and Merano, this marks the brand's debut in the Chinese mainland market. This major collaboration with MONOCLE reflects JAKC's commitment to introducing premium global resources and brands. By continually elevating its experiential offerings and pioneering new content, JAKC not only sets the benchmark for premium urban living but also co-creates a more dynamic and fulfilling city life alongside its customers.
Stepping into the pop-up in the L1 atrium of the North Wing at JAKC, visitors are immediately greeted by the unmistakable MONOCLE aesthetic. The entire space was co-created by the legendary Swiss furniture brand USM and the Shanghai-based design brand Stellar Works.
Conceived as an urban living room, the space invites visitors to read, shop, and linger, with every detail curated to create an immersive reading environment. The space is thoughtfully divided into retail, café, and reading areas. The shelves feature MONOCLE's latest issues alongside global collaborations, artisanal handicrafts, curated coffee beans, and Shanghai-exclusive bags.
Every item here is a global gem discovered by MONOCLE editors. The space offers a serene escape from the bustling business district into a cozy urban sanctuary.
As a global arbiter of taste, MONOCLE has earned a dedicated following through its unique aesthetic and international perspective. On the opening day of the pop-up shop and café, many long-time readers traveled from across the region to experience the space.
"MONOCLE is all about that premium aesthetic! From the tactile quality of the print to the unique editorial culture, everything is superb," remarked an enthusiastic reader. "I visited their shop in the Starstreet Precinct when I was in Hong Kong. Knowing they've now opened right at my doorstep and will be here until June 30 is such a fantastic surprise!"
Beyond the exquisite design, the most unexpected highlight for visitors is the first-ever coffee offering. "I can't believe they serve coffee here, unlike the Hong Kong store!" a customer noted. "With two bean varieties available, the quality is easily on par with top-tier specialty coffee. The coffee profiles were reportedly selected by MONOCLE's global editorial team to ensure the joy of reading carries over into a sensory experience for the taste buds."
In the heart of the fast-paced city, the chance to slow down—to savor a curated coffee while browsing the latest global dispatches—feels especially precious.
Also in the atrium, within 10 meters of the pop-up, JAKC has partnered with Gr8 One to launch a vintage newsstand. Here, it offers passersby the immediate gratification of a current MONOCLE or a thoughtfully chosen lifestyle title to-go.
A prestigious media authority ranked alongside The New Yorker and The Economist, MONOCLE publishes 10 issues a year, providing insightful on-the-ground reporting from around the world. Now, it brings this nuanced perspective to Jing'an, Shanghai. The global debut of The Entrepreneurs Live forum will also take place on April 29 at the Jing'an Shangri-La, Shanghai, bringing together over 100 Chinese brand founders and industry leaders to share insights and spark innovation.
Date: April 25 to June 30, 2026
Business hours: 10:00–22:00
Venue: L1 Atrium, North Wing, Jing'an Kerry Centre, Shanghai