Ecommerce & Retail · United Kingdom
LABOUR AND WAIT
Timeless, Functional Products for Daily Life
A curated retailer offering timeless, functional household and clothing products established in East London in 2000.
About LABOUR AND WAIT

Labour and Wait was established in 2000 in East London's market district, offering a carefully curated collection of timeless, functional products for everyday life. The company believes in a simple, honest approach to design where longevity and utility are intrinsic, offering products from hardware to clothing that celebrate functional design and work in both traditional and contemporary environments.
Since the beginning, the company has searched out specialist makers from around the world, many of whom manufacture their goods in the traditional way and to their original designs. The founders, with a menswear background, created the business out of frustration with seasonal retail trends that prioritised redesigning products over quality and longevity.
Over 25 years, Labour and Wait has expanded from a small weekend-only shop on Cheshire Street to multiple permanent locations including Shoreditch, Marylebone, and Covent Garden, plus international presence in Tokyo and Dover Street Market. The company continues to stock many products from 2000, remaining steadfast in its commitment to timelessness and functionality.
What we found
- Carefully curated collection of new and vintage items
- Timeless products that mellow with age
- Specialist products from makers around the world
- Functional design appropriate in traditional or contemporary environments
- Classic British workwear aprons
- Vintage French work jackets
- Multiple physical retail locations
Compare and explore
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Common questions
- What is the philosophy behind Labour and Wait?
- Labour and Wait was founded by designers with a menswear background who grew frustrated by the need to redesign products every season and the prioritisation of seasonal retail trends over product quality. They wanted to create a place where customers could find well-designed, high quality products built to last and stand the test of time.
- Where are Labour and Wait's retail locations?
- Labour and Wait operates multiple permanent shops and concessions including Shoreditch, Marylebone, and Covent Garden in London, a Workroom in Bethnal Green, a standalone shop in Tokyo, and a space at Dover Street Market in Mayfair.
- What types of products does Labour and Wait sell?
- Labour and Wait offers a wide range of timeless, functional products including household items, kitchen goods, hardware, clothing, accessories, stationery, books, and bathroom products. The company carefully curates both new and vintage items that celebrate functional design.
- How does Labour and Wait source its products?
- Since the beginning, Labour and Wait has searched out specialist makers from around the world, many of whom manufacture their goods in the traditional way and to their original designs. The company has sourced a collection of everyday classics which will not date but which will mellow and improve with age.
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