Authentic by design, the shop blends fashion and jewellery with home décor, cosmetics, art and gourmet selections
Newly opened in Lagos this summer, Little Rio Concept Store is a family venture born from the creativity of local entrepreneur Carmo do Rio and her French husband, Alain Chapotel.
The couple, who first met in France, wanted to create something original and inspiring for the town – a place where, as Carmo puts it, “every detail has been designed to offer unique and memorable experiences”.
Among its distinctive features is a vintage photo booth, inviting couples, friends and families to capture spontaneous smiles and laughter.
The shop combines fashion and jewellery with home décor, cosmetics, art and a careful selection of gourmet food products. Each item is chosen “with great care and genuine interest, whether for its origin, quality or originality”.
At the heart of Little Rio’s philosophy is the belief that consumption can, and should, be different. The shop champions local artists, as well as brands and products made in Portugal with authentic stories behind them. Each piece reflects a sense of place and purpose, encouraging visitors to embrace a lifestyle that feels closer to Portuguese culture and craftsmanship.
The interior mirrors this ethos. Conceived as a vintage-inspired space, it blends colourful tiles, cosy corners and a light, relaxed 1970s atmosphere, where visitors might discover a nostalgic souvenir, an unusual gift, a distinctive piece of clothing or even furniture and décor for the home.
According to Carmos, the aim is “to stand out through difference, to provoke and awaken all the senses”, uniting aesthetic appeal with authenticity in a setting that feels vibrant and full of soul.
The name Little Rio came naturally. It stems from Carmo’s surname; from the shop’s location by the river, an “essential and beloved part of the city, which is part of the identity of the history” of the project; and, finally, from Carmo’s passion for Brazilian Rio music, as well as “the joy and warmth it evokes and inspires”.
The shop’s retro sun-hat logo symbolises warmth, joy and good energy – the essence of what Carmo hopes the space will convey.
Carmo brings more than 25 years of experience as a designer and photographic stylist, having worked around the world after studying Home Design and specialising in commercial space design in France. She returned to Lagos during the pandemic, when she and Alain – trained in Industrial Design and the former owner of a commercial business in Lille, northern France – decided to begin a new chapter together. Carmo oversees the decoration, merchandising and product curation, whilst Alain manages the technical and administrative side.
Looking ahead, the couple plans to expand the concept beyond retail. Workshops, small exhibitions and cultural events are on the dock, turning Little Rio Concept Store into what Carmo describes as “a dynamic space fostering sharing and creativity, and a cultural meeting point where everyone feels welcome and inspired”.
66 rua da Barroca, Lagos | Instagram: @littlerio.lagos
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