Banksy has opened a high street shop in London – but you’re not allowed in

By James Herring on Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Street artist Banksy has set up a shop in south London featuring products ranging from a stab vest to a Tony the Tiger rug and a cradle surrounded by CCTV.

“I’m opening a shop today,” the artist said on Instagram. “Although the doors don’t actually open.”

The shop, named “Gross Domestic Product” is actually Banksy’s biggest installation yet, and @JimmerUK was there to see it.

A massive Banksy piece has just been unveiled in Croydon, taking up a whole shop unit. pic.twitter.com/z9Sh2BshdP

— Everyone’s Favourite Jim (@JimmerUK) October 1, 2019

According to the BBC he was being “forced” to launch the online shop because a greeting cards company was attempting to legally trade using his name.

The artist is being advised that opening a shop which sold his merchandise would help him protect the trademark on his art.

In a statement, Banksy said: “A greetings cards company is contesting the trademark I hold to my art, and attempting to take custody of my name so they can sell their fake Banksy merchandise legally.

“I think they’re banking on the idea I won’t show up in court to defend myself.”

Items for sale include disco balls made from used police riot helmets and a toddler’s counting toy where children are encouraged to load wooden migrant figures inside a haulage truck.

Items on display in the shop, which are only available to buy online, range in price from a £10 signed spray paint can to a handbag made from a house brick.