 The area 's historic association with the retail and entertainment economy continues . In 1979 , Covent Garden Market reopened as a retail centre ; in 2010 , the largest Apple Store in the world opened in The Piazza . The central hall has shops , cafes and bars alongside the Apple Market stalls selling antiques , jewellery , clothing and gifts ; there are additional casual stalls in the Jubilee Hall Market on the south side of the square . Long Acre has a range of clothes shops and boutiques , and Neal Street is noted for its large number of shoe shops . London Transport Museum and the side entrance to the Royal Opera House box office and other facilities are also located on the square . During the late 1970s and 1980s the Rock Garden music venue was popular with up and coming punk rock and New Wave artists . 
