Digital competition and the continuous rise of rents in downtown London are forcing retailer The Hideout to permanently close its doors in the near future, as announced earlier this week. The sad news of the iconic retailer closing down have reached us yesterday. One of the founding retailers when it comes to the street culture that we have been reporting about here on Highsnobiety for many years, The Hideout has brought an innovative and unseen before mix of Japanese and international brands to Europe. A Bathing Ape, visvim, Stussy, Neighborhood, WTAPS and Supreme are just a few of them. Founded by Michael Koppleman and his Gimme5 company, the still successful distribution part of their business will continue to run. Independent retailers continue to be the main drivers of change and creativity, therefore every single one closing is sad news. In recent years we have seen Foot Patrol and Crooked Tongues being sold to larger companies and The Hideout is yet another key London retailer to go away.