An online gift retailer has moved from clicks to bricks as it opens its first shop in Crouch End.

Foundland.com has opened its doors in Weston Park and features a Japanese gacha (a toy vending machine) and an array of extraordinary gadgets and Japanese ornaments.

As part of the Crouch End Festival, which takes place from June 14 to 16, the store staff are throwing a party with free origami workshops, three-minute portrait sessions and Japanese sweet making.

There will be a free goody bag with an exclusive print, seed packet and a Japanese-inspired biscuit for the first 100 visitors.

Ham & High: The quirky Foundland interior has gifts and homewares from around the world on sale, J-pop on the stereo, and cardboard cat cut-outs The quirky Foundland interior has gifts and homewares from around the world on sale, J-pop on the stereo, and cardboard cat cut-outs (Image: Foundland)

Co-founders Arthur Mingard and Sarah Khalaf said visitors can expect a continuation of the irreverent online brand with gifts and homewares from around the world, J-pop on the stereo, cardboard cat cut-outs, and a homage to Shaun of the Dead, which was filmed outside.

They said it was an "ideal set up" for customers who like the blend of online and physical retail.

“We’ve been operating purely as an online retailer since 2018 but have decided the time is right to open a shop on the high street in Crouch End," Arthur added.

"We think this will bring the brand to the attention of a new type of customer, and will also mean online customers can use click and collect, or simply pop in to view our range of Japanese gifts in store.

Ham & High: Foundland in Crouch End features a Japanese gacha - a toy vending machine and a sushi train of extraordinary gadgets and Japanese ornamentsFoundland in Crouch End features a Japanese gacha - a toy vending machine and a sushi train of extraordinary gadgets and Japanese ornaments (Image: Foundland)

"We’re aware lots of retailers are quitting the high street but we’re confident we can make it work."

The shop is nestled between a Londis and a launderette in a parade and he admitted it's not where you would expect to find a shop selling "high-end" Japanese gifts.

He added: "But many of the most coveted independent stores in Tokyo are located in residential areas, off the beaten track.

“We aim to make the shop a destination in its own right and we've already had people make the pilgrimage from all over London and beyond to shop in person and take a selfie next to our cardboard cat cut-outs and sushi train, which features handmade Japanese ornaments for sale."