Selfridges knock knock up joke shop inspired by Hull’s Dinsdales
WORLD-RENOWNED LONDON DEPARTMENT STORE TRANSFORMS WINDOW DISPLAY
SELFRIDGES, the prestigious London department store, has launched a popup joke shop inspired by Dinsdales of Hull.
A window at the world-famous Oxford Street store has been transformed to resemble the historic Hull joke shop, which is renowned for its huge collection of fancy dress costumes and traditional tricks, from stink bombs to whoopee cushions. Graham Williams, who runs Dinsdales, was invited down to the capital to see the tribute unveiled.
Just like at Dinsdales, the Selfridges joke shop is piled high with pocketmoney pranks and novelties, from cans of fresh air to shock buzzers, fake poo and custard pies. Selfridges says the aim this spring is to make customers’ days brighter, with lots of laughter and mischief-making.
Representatives from the luxury department store visited Graham’s shop in Hepworth’s Arcade to gain inspiration for the venture. Graham was so surprised that he admitted he thought it was a wind-up at first.
However, the trader said it was a great chance to promote Hull. The joke shop at Selfridges, Oxford Street, will run until March 30.
Laura Weir, Selfridges’ executive creative director, said: “The Joke Shop at Selfridges draws inspiration from local joke shops across the country, as well as the tongue in cheek aesthetics we’ve seen and loved this season. We’re transforming our Corner Shop into a shoppable comedy store, with windows celebrating the best British jokes and larger than life art commissions.”
Limited-edition Selfridges merchandise, including T-shirts bearing the slogan ‘I went to Selfridges and all I got was this Lousy T-shirt,’ feature alongside products in custom-made packaging. At weekends, a joke shop manager will entertain visitors, while an immersive “manager’s office”, with giant jumping beans, will be accessible to special guests.
As well as taking inspiration from Dinsdales, the Selfridges shop pays tribute to The Scarborough Joke and Magic Shop, the Joke Shop in Cardiff, Tam Shepherds Trick Shop of Glasgow, and the Joke Shop in Southport.