London's Famed Oxford Street Offers Rent-Free Retail Space To Innovative Startups

In retail, the worst case scenario is having dilapidated unused space. It makes everything around it look and feel worse. Second to that is space filled with low quality uninspiring products no one wants. An innovative project from a team in London is aiming to transform the famous retail stretch of Oxford Street by offering an opportunity for innovative startups to win rent-free store space for launching their concepts in real life. The past recipients of the award included artists collectives, sustainable home goods makers and immersive "hyperphysical spaces."

This strikes me as exactly the kind of public-private initiative we need to see more of across the world. Supporting pioneering entrepreneurs. Creating engaging spaces for people to gather. Driving commerce and local spending. This is a perfect intersection of all the things that make a city livable. Applications are open until the end of August.