Sean, can you tell us a little about Drosten and what makes it unique?

The idea behind Drosten has always been to create a space where people spend time and fully immerse themselves in both the products and the surroundings of the store. We have carefully curated the brands we work with, including Tekla, All Blues, and Frama, which we are proud to exclusively stock in Scotland. We believe strongly in bricks and mortar retail; it allows us to build genuine relationships with our customers and foster a community centred around the store.

How does the historic setting of Merchant City influence Drosten?

The location of the store was a huge factor for us, and we could not be happier with how it worked out. When first asked what the perfect location for Drosten would be, Wilson Street was the answer, and this is where we have ended up. Merchant City has such a rich history in fashion, from great stores such as Ichi Ni San to The Warehouse, which was such an influential establishment. We hope to build something just as special as these places were back then, a community and a legacy of our own.

Who are your customers, and what draws them to Drosten?

It is difficult to define our customers precisely, because we have curated the store with the intention of offering something for everyone. While we are predominantly a menswear clothing store, many of the brands we carry are unisex, which naturally broadens our appeal and brings in a diverse mix of people.

We have worked hard to create a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable spending time, discovering new brands, and connecting with the store on a personal level. I mentioned Ichi Ni San earlier, and having former regulars, one of which is Stephen, co founder of Drosten, tell us that Glasgow has been missing something like this for years is incredibly encouraging. It reassures us that we are filling a gap in the city and building a community that genuinely values what we are doing.

Stephen has great memories of shopping in these stores, and having others come in and say that Drosten has the same feel to them is pretty special.

Sean, Drosten feels more like a destination than a shop. How did the idea come about?

The concept for the store is something I had been envisioning for many years, and now that Drosten is open, it is quite surreal to see it come together exactly as I imagined. From the beginning, it was important to create a space that felt considered, personal, and rooted in its surroundings. We worked closely with local makers to custom build the entire fit out, which was a major priority for us, not only to support local talent, but to showcase the incredible craftsmanship we have here in Scotland.

I think that level of intention naturally helps the store feel more like a destination than a traditional shop. Every element was designed with purpose, and we hope people can sense and appreciate the thought that has gone into creating the space.

Day to day, what inspires you?

I am fortunate that work allows me to travel now and then, which always helps spark new ideas. Twice a year we head to Paris and London to view upcoming collections from our brands, and I always come back from those trips full of inspiration and, admittedly, totally knackered too. There is something about being in those environments, experiencing different cultures and new spaces that resets my perspective.

But if I am honest, my biggest source of inspiration is my family. They are the reason I want to build something meaningful with Drosten, something that lasts, that grows, and that creates a good life and future for them. That is what keeps me motivated day to day.