A fresh burst of creativity has arrived in the heart of the Norwich Lanes with the opening of Look Twice, a vibrant new creative lifestore located at 12 Lower Goat Lane. Officially opening its doors seven days a week in late March 2026, the shop is already adding a new layer of energy to one of the city’s most characterful shopping areas.
Set within a charming Victorian building, Look Twice immediately stands out thanks to its striking yellow frontage, drawing curious visitors inside from the bustling streets of the Lanes. But this is far more than a traditional retail space. The concept behind Look Twice is centred around creativity, discovery and community, offering visitors an experience rather than simply a place to shop.
At street level, the store presents a carefully curated mix of art, design and lifestyle pieces. Shelves are filled with distinctive objects and playful finds that feel intentionally chosen rather than mass produced. From statement design pieces such as Seletti Giant Bic Pen Lamps to independent magazines, licensed art stickers and creative gifts, every item reflects a strong sense of personality. The atmosphere feels relaxed and exploratory, encouraging customers to browse slowly and discover something unexpected.
Look Twice is designed as what its founders describe as a creative playground, a space where inspiration sits at the centre of everything. Visitors are invited to engage with design, art and culture in an accessible way, whether they are seasoned collectors or simply looking for something different from the high street.
The project is led by Norwich creatives and business partners Lee Ratcliffe and Matty Whitehead, who relocated to Lower Goat Lane from St Augustine’s Street. Their move signals a growing confidence in the Norwich Lanes as a destination for independent retail and creative ventures. The area has long been known for its individuality, and Look Twice fits naturally into its independent spirit while adding something entirely new.
What makes the store particularly exciting is its ambition beyond retail. Upstairs, the space transforms into an art gallery operating under shug.gallery, creating opportunities for artists to exhibit work within an informal and welcoming environment. Monthly exhibitions are planned, showcasing creatives from both the UK and around the world, helping to connect Norwich with a broader international arts scene.
The vision extends even further. Plans for a dedicated workshop space will allow families, students and aspiring creatives to take part in hands-on sessions, from art and design activities to collaborative community events. The aim is to make creativity approachable and social, encouraging people to try something new regardless of experience level.
Music also plays a central role in shaping the atmosphere at Look Twice. Every Saturday, live DJs spin vinyl records in-store, turning the shop into a lively cultural meeting point. The combination of music, art and design gives the space a constantly changing feel, ensuring that no two visits are quite the same.
This multi-layered approach reflects a growing shift in independent retail, where shops are evolving into destinations that offer connection and experience alongside products. Look Twice embraces this idea fully, blending retail, gallery space, events and workshops into one cohesive creative hub.
The opening has already generated a noticeable buzz around the Norwich Lanes, with visitors drawn in by the shop’s bold aesthetic and welcoming energy. The bright storefront has quickly become a talking point, encouraging passers-by to step inside and explore. The sense of curiosity surrounding the space suggests that Look Twice could become a regular stop for locals and visitors alike.
Norwich has long supported independent businesses, and Look Twice feels perfectly timed for a city that values creativity and community. By combining art, design, music and shared experiences under one roof, the store contributes to the ongoing evolution of the Lanes as one of Norfolk’s most exciting cultural quarters.
More than just a shop, Look Twice represents a place where ideas meet people. It offers somewhere to browse, learn, listen, create and connect. With live DJs every weekend, rotating exhibitions, and workshops designed to inspire all ages, the space promises to keep evolving throughout the year.
As Norwich continues to champion independent creativity, Look Twice stands as a colourful reminder that retail can still surprise us. It is a place built on joy, curiosity and collaboration, bringing fresh energy to the city while celebrating the creative spirit that already thrives here.
Location: 12 Lower Goat Ln, Norwich NR2 1EL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/looktwice.store/