New York City, December 11, 2025
Universal Music Group is expanding its retail strategy by launching two UMusic Shops, one in New York City and the other in London. The New York store, which opened at 2 Penn Plaza, offers exclusive merchandise and aims to create community engagement through music. This initiative marks UMG’s first physical retail presence in North America. The London location is set to open shortly after, featuring unique artist collections and immersive experiences, enhancing the relationship between fans and their favorite musicians.
Universal Music Group Opens New UMusic Shops in New York
New Retail Hubs Enhance Music Culture and Fan Engagement
New York City, USA
Universal Music Group (UMG) is set to amplify its global retail strategy with the opening of two UMusic Shop locations in New York City and London. This expansion caters to a growing demand for direct fan engagement while fostering community and cultural connections through music and merchandise. The opening of the New York store represents a significant move for UMG, marking its first permanent brick-and-mortar retail space in North America.
The UMusic Shop opened on December 10, 2025, at 2 Penn Plaza, conveniently situated next to prominent entertainment venue Madison Square Garden. This vibrant location is poised to become a cultural hub, bringing together music enthusiasts and offering a curated selection of exclusive merchandise from top artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Elton John, Rolling Stones, Post Malone, Beastie Boys, NAS, and KISS, among others. Furthermore, the collaboration with local brand Awake NY for an exclusive ‘capsule collection’ highlights the shop’s commitment to capturing the essence of contemporary music culture.
Innovative Experiences Await Fans
The New York UMusic Shop aims to provide more than just a retail experience; it will serve as a venue for fan-driven events, including pop-ups celebrating legendary icons like Neil Diamond and new releases from emerging artists such as Republic Records’ Conan Gray. This focus on interactive experiences reflects UMG’s intention to enhance the relationship between fans and their favorite artists, ultimately creating lasting memories beyond merchandise.
Simultaneously, the London UMusic Shop is set to launch on December 16, 2025, in Camden Town. Recognized for its rebellious spirit and rich musical history, this location will offer fans a creative space brimming with exclusive artist collections, immersive installations, and live performances. Features such as a Vinyl Lounge, DJ booth, and a recording studio-inspired Sound Room will provide an innovative way for fans to engage with music.
UMG’s Commitment to Growth and Innovation
These openings are part of UMG’s wider strategy to expand its global retail footprint. Recently reported financial results indicate that UMG’s ‘Merchandising and Other’ revenue reached €259 million ($302.53 million) in Q3 2025, marking a commendable increase of 15.6% year-over-year at constant currency. This growth is driven by UMG’s focus on creating artist-driven pop-up stores and expanding online artist stores across major global cities.
The shops will enhance fans’ access to exclusive experiences and bespoke collections, reinforcing UMG’s status as a leader in the music-based entertainment landscape. With both New York and London being cities deeply intertwined with music culture, UMG’s new hubs will enable fans to connect with their favorite artists on a more personal level.
Key Benefits of UMG’s Expansion
The opening of UMusic Shop locations underscores the importance of entrepreneurship, particularly in the creative sector. By promoting retail diversity and investing in physical experiences, UMG is contributing to local economies and offering creative job opportunities. Moreover, with minimal regulatory barriers overly constraining business operations, UMG can focus on providing unique experiences that inspire and excite music lovers.
Conclusion: Supporting Local Music Culture
The launch of the UMusic Shops in New York and London signifies more than just a commercial venture; it embodies the passion and connection fans have with music and the artists they admire. As communities thrive through such innovative retail spaces, it is essential for local supporters to engage with these businesses and participate in the cultural fabric woven through music. UMG’s expansions offer an excellent opportunity to celebrate and support the local music culture that continues to flourish in New York City and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where are the new UMusic Shop locations opening?
The new UMusic Shop locations are opening in New York City at 2 Penn Plaza and in London at Camden Town.
What can fans expect to find at these UMusic Shops?
Fans can expect exclusive custom collections and pieces inspired by UMG’s iconic artists, songwriters, and legendary labels, including vinyl, merchandise, and accessories from artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Elton John, Rolling Stones, Post Malone, Beastie Boys, NAS, KISS, and more.
Are there any special events planned for the store openings?
Yes, to celebrate the opening of the New York store, UMusic Shop NY has partnered with New York’s Awake NY on an exclusive ‘capsule collection’: the UMG x Awake NY ‘Music Is Universal’ drop, available only at the shop. Additionally, the store will host fan-driven pop-ups honoring the songs of Neil Diamond and celebrating the upcoming release of ‘Song Sung Blue’ in cinemas later this month (December 11) and Republic Records artist Conan Gray (December 12).
When is the London UMusic Shop opening?
The London UMusic Shop is set to open on December 16, 2025, in Camden Town.
What is the significance of these new store openings for UMG?
These new openings further expand UMG’s global retail footprint, creating spaces that bring fans closer to the artists and culture they love. The launch of these two stores in New York and London reflects UMG’s commitment to enhancing the ability of its iconic roster of artists, labels, songwriters, and brands to connect with their fans through exclusive experiences, merchandise, and bespoke collections. Both cities have rich and deep connections with music culture, and UMG is excited to introduce these new hubs for fans to meet, share, and connect with the music, artists, and songs they are most passionate about.
| Feature | New York Location | London Location |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Date | December 10, 2025 | December 16, 2025 |
| Address | 2 Penn Plaza, New York City | Camden Town, London |
| Special Events | UMG x Awake NY ‘Music Is Universal’ capsule collection; fan-driven pop-ups honoring Neil Diamond and Conan Gray | Exclusive artist collections; immersive installations; live performances; Vinyl Lounge; DJ booth; Sound Room |
| Artist Merchandise | Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Elton John, Rolling Stones, Post Malone, Beastie Boys, NAS, KISS, and more | Exclusive artist collections |
Now Happening on X
- @billboard (December 11, 2025): Universal Music Group has opened UMusic Shops in New York and London, expanding retail spaces for exclusive artist merchandise. View on X
- @Variety (December 10, 2025): Universal Music Group announces the opening of new UMusic Shops in New York and London to offer fans immersive music retail experiences. View on X
- @billboardpro (December 11, 2025): Universal Music Group opens UMusic Shops in New York and London as part of its expanding global retail strategy. View on X
- @PRN_TopStories (December 10, 2025): Universal Music Group announces new UMusic Shops opening in New York and London to enhance fan connections with artists. View on X
- @stupidDOPE (December 10, 2025): Universal Music Group launches flagship UMusic Shop locations in New York City and London, featuring exclusive music merchandise and experiences. View on X
- @screensourced (December 10, 2025): Universal Music launches UMusic Shops in NYC and London with exclusive artist-inspired collections and interactive fan experiences. View on X
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