Fashion with an edge is coming to The Shoppes at Carlsbad. House of Nehesi, a retailer focused on curated fashion, higher-end brands and distinctive pieces, is preparing to open a new store at 2525 El Camino Real.
Founded by Chris Martin, House of Nehesi aims to offer an alternative to the conventional mall shopping experience, emphasizing individuality, quality and creativity.
What Now San Diego reached out to Martin, who confirmed that the opening, initially slated for winter according to the brand’s Instagram, could take place at mid-November.
The upcoming store will expand House of Nehesi’s physical presence in Southern California, following the opening of another location in North County on August 1, 2026, Martin said. The decision to open another location was influenced by the response to the existing store and the opportunity to introduce a different retail concept to the shopping center.
“We carry higher-end brands that we believe would be an excellent complement to the mall,” Martin said. The location also provides an opportunity to grow the brand’s presence in the region.
House of Nehesi combines physical stores with a digital marketplace. According to Martin, its app offers more than 200 million items across approximately 40 countries, providing access to a wide range of fashion products. Through both its app and brick-and-mortar locations, the company aims to offer distinctive pieces and higher-end brands beyond conventional retail selections.
To Martin the goal is to offer shoppers a curated selection of fashion beyond what they might find at conventional mall retailers. He believes the industry often prioritizes fast fashion and profitability over creativity and thoughtful product selection.
“There’s no interest in the art behind the profit, just in the profit. So we’re here to change that and to bring real fashion back,” Martin told What Now San Diego.
The company is also considering future expansion beyond Southern California. Martin identified SoHo in New York City as a potential market, with additional possibilities in Las Vegas, Miami, Paris and London.
For the local community, Martin hopes the new store will introduce distinctive pieces that shoppers cannot easily find elsewhere in the area.
“We hope to add amazing fashion to the area and be a part of the community,” he said. “We appreciate Carlsbad for giving us a chance.”
For more information, follow House of Nehesi on Instagram.
