Does Philly international have an essentials shop?

THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SHOP OPENING IN LONDON TOMORROW - OPINIONS?

• There is a new National Geographic Shop opening in London's Regent Street tomorrow. "he three-floor store will sell a vast range of products from the most basic of travel essentials such as maps and bug spray, to innovative apparel suitable for worldwide expeditions" "Visitors to the store can even road-test gear in the product-testing chamber which features gusty winds and extreme temperatures, while the photographic studio will offer the chance to try out the latest equipment and consult the experts" What are your opinions of this? Will it be a success? What could go wrong?

• Answer:

  We happened upon this store yesterday, not having read anything about this opening, and were knocked out. It is a beautiful place to wander and wonder - we spent nearly an hour there. Fantastic photographs from the National Geographic archives and an enchanting special exhibition of frog photos, wonderful objects from all over the globe, most impressive: the life-size driftwood horses from Bali, cosy looking cafe, enthusiastic staff - and great views over the Regent Street Christmas lights from the first floor! Lots to buy but on the pricy side - £50,000 fish fossil, anyone? - with perhaps not enough choice of lower priced impulse-buy products to tempt the more cautious shoppers in the current climate. We wish them luck and were chuffed to hear that they chose London as the location of their first store.