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  • Visual Merchandiser offer a boutique style service where every one of our clients is treated with the utmost attention and respect. Our professional skillful team have a wealth of experience, giving us the ability to understand your bespoke requirements first time, without hesitation. We offer many services, all of which can support your visual goals and aspirations. We know what it means to stand back and smile!

  • A boutique style service

    VISUAL MERCHANDISER UK PARTNER OF EURODISPLAY

    0844 800 9305 | [email protected] | visualmerchandiser.co.uk

  • To be part of the exciting new leading event for the 5billion retail design and VM industry, crafted for you by the shows Steering Group of leading industry figures call us TODAY.

    We have managed to take more space at Londons Olympia due to exceptional take up of space but this too is now becoming scarce so do not delay!

    Contact Annie Swift, Nick Field or Rachel Scott on 020 8874 2728 or email [email protected] to enquire about stand space or sponsorship opportunities for key attractions such as the VM and Windows Masterclass, The Student Retail Design Awards, The Student VM Awards, the Balcony Restaurant, The Designers Tea, Juice and Coffee Bar, and more besides!

    INTRODUCING

    INNOVATION AND INSPIRATION IN RETAIL DESIGN, VISUAL MERCHANDISING AND BRANDING UNDER ONE ROOFAT LAST!

    Lego by FITCH London

  • Regulars7 Leader8 Diary11-14 News

    17-18 WindowshoppingInspiring window displays from around the globe.

    20 TopofthePOPS

    23 KarlMcKeeverWith the autumn season just around the corner, the retail marketing mix has never been so crucial, says Karl.

    www.retail-focus.co.uk

    .25-32 ProjectFocusWatches of Switzerland: Fred Perry: Birkenstock

    43 OpinionDigital and physical are no longer mutually exclusive, and smart retailers are successfully blending the two, argues David Wright, group marketing director

    at design consultancy Dalziel & Pow.

    47-54 ProductsProducts and services for the retail industry.

    34LondonDesignFestival

    66 Q&ADanielle Anderson, director of digital experience at Harris+Hoole, talks mobile payments, personalised service and dreaming big.

    4058Focuson:Materials&Finishes

    45MallofScandinavia

    Luxuryretail

    20

    14 C

    alli

    son

    LLC

    FeaturesFollowing five years of meticulous research and planning, and an eight-month

    build, Watches of Switzerland has opened what is thought to be Europes largest showroom devoted to luxury watches, on Londons Regent Street.

    Onetowatch25-26

  • Ask for your free visitor badge onwww.retail360show.com

    Invitation code: PUB

    Stay connected to your event!

  • 7leader

    EditorGemma Balmford

    e. [email protected]

    t. +33 (0)7 61 03 21 33

    Production & WebTerry Clark

    e. [email protected]

    t. +44 (0)845 680 7405

    Display SalesLee Cullumbine

    e. [email protected]

    t. +44 (0)845 680 7405

    f. +44 (0)871 528 8000

    SubscriptionsFor subscription enquiries

    please email:

    [email protected]

    Retail Focus is published 12 times a year by

    Retail Focus Promotions Ltd, Yeomans, Bassetts Lane,

    Woodham Walter, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6RZ.

    No part of Retail Focus may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval

    system or transmitted in any form without permission. Please

    address all enquiries to the editor at the above address. The

    opinions expressed in Retail Focus are the views of the writer and

    do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.

    Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information

    contained in these pages. We will assume permission to publish

    any unsolicited material unless otherwise stated.

    Retail Focus Promotions Ltd 2013.

    Retail Focus is proud to be associated with and a supporter of ACID

    Pinterest /retailfocus

    @retail focus

    Facebook / retailfocusmagazine

    Search Retail Focus

    Find

    us

    on...

    Industry associations

    Get more from Retail Focus online! www.retail-focus.co.uk

    It seems emerging markets together with a new class of luxury shopper are driving growth in the global luxury retail sector. Moreover, a high percentage of revenue in the sector is still being generated in store, according to a study by Ledbury Research. As a result, brands are continuing to open stores and so-called mega stores, as well as experiment with other types of retail experiences, such as pop-up shops.

    In the past year or so, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Omega and Chanel - to name but a few - have all opened their largest stores worldwide, delivering a truly immersive brand experience. This month, we look at developments in the luxury sector and find out which emerging markets present the greatest opportunities for growth (pages 40-41).

    On the subject of mega stores, Watches of Switzerland has recently opened what is thought to be Europes largest showroom devoted to luxury watches. Designed in collaboration with global architecture and design firm, Callison, the 1,580 sq m store houses a number of boutique showrooms as well as a service centre and VIP room, offering the quintessential Swiss watch experience. The store opened this year to coincide with the retailers 90th anniversary. You can find out more about the landmark emporium, along with the new store design concepts for Fred Perry and Birkenstock in our Project Focus (pages 25-32).

    Ahead of the London Design Festival in September, we also showcase some of the installations and events not to be missed at what is now, arguably, one of the largest and most dynamic design events in the world (pages 34-38).

    Until next month!

    Gemma BalmfordEditor

    August 14

  • 8diary

    Conlumino Future Retail Strategies Congress 2014Copthorne Tara Hotel, London10-11 September 2014

    The Conlumino Future Retail Strategies

    Congress goes beyond recent advances

    and disruptive technologies in retail, and

    asks the question: What is all of this doing

    for the customer? The purpose of the

    two-day event is to explore how retailers

    can better harness developments in

    order to guide shoppers on their personal

    customer journey. Speakers this year will

    include Andy Street, managing director,

    John Lewis, Adam Moore, customer

    experience director, Goldsmiths, and

    Martin Squires, head of customer insight

    and value, Boots.

    conluminowww.arena-international.com

    World Retail CongressLa Defense, Paris29 September - 1 October 2014

    The World Retail Congress 2014 will

    explore Retail in an era of disruption.

    The three-day event will provide an

    invaluable opportunity to discover the

    latest trends and strategic opportunities

    in specific retail sectors. Top themes

    will include the omnichannel world, the

    changing consumer, future store and

    international growth,

    WorldRetailwww.worldretailcongress.com

    100% DesignEarls Court, London17-20 September 2014

    This year 100% Design celebrates its

    20th edition with an opening by

    French designer, Philippe Starck. The

    event takes place during the London

    Design Festival at Earls Court and is

    characterised by a solid framework of

    five distinctive zones, each featuring

    a prominent, specially commissioned

    installation.

    designlondonwww.100percentdesign.co.uk

    London Design FestivalLondon, Citywide13-21 September 2014

    The London Design Festival is one of the

    largest and most dynamic design events

    in the world. Now celebrating its twelfth

    year, the Festival aims to celebrate and

    promote London as the design capital

    of the world, and as the gateway to the

    international creative community. More

    than 300 events and installations will be

    on offer across the capital.

    L_D_Fwww.londondesignfestival.com

  • The Visual Merchandising and Display Show is 25 years young next April. Well be marking the event with the usual pizazz and a renewed vigour. Come and join the party.

    T: 01945 420 068 | E: [email protected] | WWW.VMANDDISPLAY.COM

    21ST TO 23RD APRIL 2015 AT BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE LONDON

  • 11

    British luxury leather goods brand, Anya

    Hindmarch has opened a temporary retail

    space on Londons Mount Street that gives

    a playful nod to the AW14 runway show.

    The Mini-Mart is the first to showcase

    all of the runway collection and will be

    serving 99 ice creams at 99 Mount Street

    throughout the summer.

    The new collection is inspired by the

    designers love of taking everyday objects

    and giving them a luxurious makeover,

    combining both craftsmanship and

    humour. Imperial clutches with printed

    snakeskin inlays mimic iconic cereal boxes

    while Georgiana clutches are emblazoned

    news

    with vivid Daz or Ariel pop graphics.

    The Featherweight Ebury features

    iconic graphics usually seen on Frosties

    or Cornflakes boxes, all created using the

    alta frequenza craft technique. Packets of

    Household has developed the experience design and branding

    for Conviviality Retails new retail concept, BBs Warehouse. The

    wine-led, bulk-buy franchise format aims to inspire customers as

    well as match their needs with products and deals.

    The BBs Warehouse name was developed to consciously

    remain related to but independent from Bargain Booze,

    Conviviality Retails biggest franchisee concern. The use of the

    word Warehouse suggests its size, without announcing product

    specialisation; the reach here goes well beyond wine, says

    Households managing director, Julie Oxberry.

    The store design uses bare textures of wood and brick, which

    give a nod to the bargain basement feel, with pops of colour to

    provide a contemporary touch that has warmth and personality.

    Household has designed the brands marque as modern

    and typographic, with a shine that smiles, inspired by the

    reflection of light from bottles. The Bear icon is used to signify

    colossal deals and to deliver BBs Warehouse permanent deals

    with further personality.

    The brand is bold, fun and democratic, says Diana Hunter,

    CEO at Conviviality Retail. Too often shoppers are nervous about

    making the right choices when it comes to beers, wines and

    spirits, so this new format is designed to encourage shoppers to

    browse at their leisure, try something new and tailor the deals to

    Anya Hindmarch opens pop-up Mini-Mart

    biscuits are reworked in snakeskin to act

    as delicate clutches or bag accessories.

    Designed in-house, the interior

    combines bright neon signage and

    graphics with original shopfittings.

    suit their taste and budget.

    The first BBs Warehouse opened in Wakefield, West Yorkshire,

    at the end of July and the retailer is now in search of further UK

    sites.

    Household designs new Bargain Booze brand for Conviviality Retail

  • 12

    news

    12

    In brief...Womens activewear retailer, Sweaty Betty

    is to open a new store at 3 Redchurch

    Street in Shoreditch, London. The store

    is due to open in August and will have

    a store fit that reflects the dynamism of

    Shoreditch and its shopping environment.

    Colliers International advised on the

    acquisition.

    New Look has become the latest fashion

    retailer to sign up to Queensberry Real

    Estates Friars Walk development in

    Newport, which is due to open Autumn

    2015. New Look joins retailers and leisure

    operators, including Debenhams, Next,

    Topshop and Cineworld.

    The Surface Design Show has announced

    the launch of the Surface Design Awards

    2015 and introduced a new judging panel.

    The awards champion the best progressive

    design and use of innovative surfaces

    worldwide.

    12

    Y-3 presents new retail concept at Harrods

    Selfridges has unveiled a new designer

    menswear area at its London store as

    part of its multimillion pound Menswear

    Masterplan. Created in collaboration

    with architect Alex Cochrane, the new

    290 sq m space, called Designer West,

    houses 12 new labels to Selfridges along

    with carefully selected brands such as

    Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garcons.

    The new space is located on the first

    floor in the central atrium of the store and

    Selfridges London launches new designer menswear area

    is anchored by three sculptural plinths,

    dividing the overall area in two sides of

    equal proportions. The floor echoes the

    physicality of the plinths with oversized

    geometrically cut stones.

    A series of rails made of brass with a

    patinated bronze finish provide height

    contrasts around the central plinths, and

    play with the perimeter of the space.

    Three blue neon strip lights are

    suspended from the ceiling, creating halos

    above the accessories on display in the

    fixtures below.

    In addition, 11 custom-built bell jars run

    through the space, created to house an

    ongoing series of exclusive installations.

    For the launch of the department, British

    jewellery brand Hannah Martin London

    has created geometric landscapes of

    obelisk shapes and pyramid forms from

    DuPont Corian that sit inside each jar

    alongside a carefully chosen edit of the

    companys work.

    Terry Betts, director of menswear,

    comments: This season weve recalibrated

    what designerwear means. The result is

    what we believe to be the most considered

    and unique offer of mens fashion in any

    department store. To walk around this

    space will be to experience both the

    latest collections from revered fashion

    houses, and to discover new collections

    in amongst them. Striking that balance is

    something we take very seriously, and Im

    incredibly proud of the integrity of the offer

    weve put together for Designer West.

    Selfridges has also launched a new

    shopping service especially for the male

    customer in search of an elevated and

    personalised shopping experience. The

    120 sq m space, also designed by Alex

    Cochrane, comprises three elegant private

    suites, a reception area and a salon

    space complete with a floor-to-ceiling

    library.

    Adidas designer brand, Y-3 has opened

    a new dedicated retail space in the

    sports fashion department at Harrods.

    Designed to embody the pioneering

    sport-style aesthetic, the 25 sq m area

    houses the AW14 menswear, footwear

    and accessories and features a

    number of fixtures created exclusively

    for Harrods.

    Located on the fifth floor of the

    department store, the space features

    mirrored polished and brushed stainless

    steel shelving, which contrasts with dark

    matt steel hanging rails. Other design

    elements include a jet grey woven rug

    and black glass wall, complete with LED

    screen and backlit branding.

    Jason Broderick, Harrods fashion

    director for menswear, sports and fine

    watches, comments: We are delighted

    to showcase the new Y-3 concept,

    which is the first of its kind in Europe.

    This is an exciting time for our fifth

    floor and this innovative new space is

    a welcomed addition to our mens

    casuals offering.

    The retail space launched at the

    beginning of August 2014.

  • 13

    news

    With the atrium roof successfully lowered

    into place, Network Rail has confirmed that

    Grand Central and Birmingham New Street

    station will open in September 2015. In

    addition to the 60 shops, restaurants and

    cafes in Grand Central, the development

    will include a further 5,574 sq m of retail in

    the station.

    Nearly 85 per cent of the floor space

    in Grand Central is now taken with Joules,

    Cath Kidston, Fat Face, Jolie Papier and

    Monsoon Accessorize joining the

    23,226 sq m John Lewis department store.

    They join the already announced Kiehls,

    The White Company and LOccitane,

    and will be complemented by an array of

    restaurants and cafes, most of which are

    13

    Grand Central and Birmingham New Street to open in September 2015

    making their debut in the city.

    The opening of Grand Central

    and John Lewis will coincide with

    the completion of Birmingham New

    Street station.

    Keith Stone, leasing director for Grand

    Central, comments: Grand Central is

    integrated with the modern, redeveloped

    station which will provide millions of people

    from across the region with unparalleled

    access to a range of exciting brands and

    a premium shopping experience. When

    Grand Central and Birmingham New Street

    are launched in September 2015, customers

    and passengers will see the amazing

    transformation that will provide a unique

    shopping and travel experience and a

    PLANarama designs shop for Black heritage centre

    gateway to the rest of the city centre.

    With the vast majority of our retailers

    and restaurants opening new shops in the

    city, Grand Central will complement the

    shopping and entertainment already in

    Birmingham, making the city centre one

    of the best shopping and entertainment

    destinations outside of London.

    The atrium roof, which links the station

    and Grand Central together, was recently

    lowered into place. The next construction

    milestone for the project involves an

    extensive demolition programme to remove

    approximately 6,000 tonnes of reinforced

    concrete, to create the atrium space. More

    than 95 per cent of the waste material will

    be re-used on site or recycled.

    Retail design studio, PLANarama has designed, produced and

    installed the interior for the UKs first dedicated black heritage

    centre in Brixton, which opened towards the end of July.

    The design brief from the Black Cultural Archives (BCA) was

    to create a vibrant and functional shop that would engage all

    age groups. The interior features modular shelving and tables for

    product presentation along with a bustform incorporating the BCA

    logo to help attract a young audience.

    The BCAs signature triangle pattern has been applied to the

    main wall to help brand the space, along with a speech bubble

    containing a quote from the opening exhibition. Bright orange

    and petrol blue have been used as highlight colours throughout

    the interior.

    Founded in 1981, the BCAs mission is to collect, preserve and

    celebrate the heritage and history of black people in Britain.

  • 14

    news

    Fortnum & Mason has announced plans

    to open its first standalone airport store

    and bar, at Heathrow Terminal 5. The

    93 sq m outlet will carry an edit of products

    from the retailers Piccadilly store and is

    expected to open on 31 October.

    The Fortnum & Mason Bar will

    celebrate the best of Fortnums Food

    Halls at Piccadilly and is due to open in

    December 2014.

    Commenting on the impending

    opening, Ewan Venters, chief executive of

    Fortnum & Mason, says: Heathrow is the

    UKs hub airport and the first impression

    of the country for more than 35 million

    passengers a year. At Fortnums we have

    three centuries experience of serving

    Sheridan&Co recently designed and

    developed a series of installations for

    French cosmetics brand, Clarins in

    Selfridges London as part of the stores

    annual six-week event, The Beauty Project.

    Designed to highlight the powerful

    properties of natural plant ingredients and

    the science used in the Clarins skincare

    range, the installation comprised giant

    Caulder Moore has developed a new

    store design concept for Hotter Shoes to

    appeal to a new, younger audience, while

    still retaining the brands loyal customer

    base. The new lifestyle brand environment

    aims to promote the craftsmanship and

    British spirit, moving away from a more

    corporate approach.

    Each store will be tailored to its

    location with British designed furniture,

    fabrics and lighting, as well as local

    photography, reflecting attributes of the

    surrounding area, says a spokesperson for

    Caulder Moore.

    The Hotter Shoes store at Intu Merry

    Hill in the West Midlands is one of the first

    to feature the new design, with a modern,

    light and clean interior. The space is

    divided into different zones with subtle

    changes in materials and colours defining

    menswear, ladieswear and active sections.

    Datum Contracts worked closely with

    project managers, Ampersand Associates

    on the development and implementation

    of the new design scheme.

    Sheridan&Co completes Clarins beauty take-over at Selfridges

    Hotter Shoes evolves store design to attract younger customer

    Fortnum & Mason to open at Heathrow T5

    customers travelling the globe, so its

    fitting we should now serve passengers

    flying to some of the worlds most

    glamorous locations, including the likes of

    New York, Hong Kong and Istanbul, and of

    course, Dubai.

    The move into Heathrow follows the

    opening of two new Fortnum & Mason

    stores over the past 12 months. In November

    2013, the retailer opened its first new

    store in more than 300 years at Londons

    St Pancras International Station, and in

    March 2014 it launched its first standalone

    store outside the UK, in Dubai.

    molecular bubbles filled with plants

    and Clarins products. The bubbles were

    suspended throughout the Oxford Street

    store, including the atrium. Small satellite

    sites were dotted across the shop floor,

    informing and directing customers to a

    central concession point in the Beauty

    Hall.

  • TEL +44 (0)1273 582241FAX +44 (0)1273 580644

    [email protected]

    SHOPFITTING SYSTEMS

    ALU

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    and mild steel accessories

    From concept to finished product.

  • rarebasic.com

    introducing

  • 17

    visual merchandising

    Windowshopping

    Inspiring window displays from around the globe

    Harvey NicholsThe AW14 window scheme

    at Harvey Nichols in London

    plays on statement buzz

    words. Flipping the window

    to construct a more editorial

    appearance, the displays

    communicate this seasons

    must-have items, using

    hashtag slogans such as

    work hard, play harder. The

    graphic monochrome story is

    the foundation for the scheme,

    using a red highlight colour

    as a thread running through

    the windows.

    Marc JacobsThe AW14 window campaign at Marc Jacobs on Mount

    Street, London features clouds from the runway show.

    Created in collaboration with Chameleon Visual, the

    display uses moody lighting to recreate the storm

    cloud effect. Photography: Melvyn Vincent

    HarrodsFrom 17 July to 28 August, Harrods celebrates the luxury

    craftsmanship available in store with its Made With Love campaign.

  • 18

    visual merchandising

    BentallsWith the summer festival season in full swing, department store

    Bentalls has linked its latest window scheme to music. Designed

    in-house, the fashion windows are all based on a song with a

    colour in the title and are all themed to that colour.

    SmythsonSmythsons

    The History of

    Travel window

    display takes

    shoppers on a

    journey around

    the world.

    To celebrate

    the brands

    longstanding

    heritage of luxury

    travel, Smythson

    has teamed

    up with artist

    Billie Achilleos

    to create a

    staggerwing

    model plane

    made entirely

    from its iconic

    Panama

    collection. The

    display can

    be seen at the

    Smythson New

    Bond Street

    boutique.

    Loreak MendianEntitled Bloom, this window display created by ja!studio for

    Loreak Mendian uses everyday objects to showcase a shoe from

    the Spanish streetwear brands SS14 shoe collection. The objects

    change shape as they catch the breeze from the main shop

    entrance. Photography: Juan vila

    PrintempsThis summer, the window displays at Paris department store,

    Printemps feature three renowned Parisian hotels: Le Bristol,

    Le Shangri-La and Le Royal Monceau. Created by Francis

    Peyrat, with background images by Greg Lotus, the windows

    combine fashion with the legendary atmosphere of palace

    hotels to celebrate French luxury and culture of services.

    See more window installations from London and Paris on the blog:

    www.retail-focus.co.uk/blog

    SelfridgesFrom 30 June to 1 September, the windows at Selfridges celebrate

    the innovators, boundary pushers and food designers that inspire

    and shake the food world. Each window is brought to life by

    artisan producers, creators and food artists highlighting their art,

    whether it be a gin distiller or a display made entirely of cake.

  • POP

    POPStop

    Company:MJD

    Client:Coty

    Display Title:Sweetie Crush for RIMMEL LONDON

    Sector:Beauty

    Locations:UK-wide

    The brief: To promote the launch of the limited-edition

    Sweetie Crush nail range by RIMMEL,

    MJD was tasked with creating a counter top

    point-of-sale display solution that would

    translate the strong advertising campaign

    into store and help drive sales throughout

    1,250 leading independent retailers.

    The result:The Sweetie Crush collection comprises

    five summer shades Sherbert Sweetheart,

    Candyfloss Cutie, Fizzy Applelicious, Violet

    Swizzle and Blueberry Whizz designed to

    mimic the effect of sugar-dusted sweets.

    Taking inspiration from candy jars and the

    traditional candy trolley, MJD produced

    an all-cardboard creative POS concept,

    with each product shade appearing to

    be contained in its own traditional-style

    sweetie bag. The strong design theme

    and vibrant colours of the finished display

    perfectly suit the limited-edition range

    of textured, sugar-coated nail polishes,

    bringing a taste of seaside fun in-store with

    a fun, irreverent look and feel.

    www.mjdinspired.com

    20

    of the

  • WE ARE IPOS. WE SPECIALISE IN RETAIL.

    IPOS, Unit 2d, Heapriding Mill, Ford Street, Stockport SK3 0BT [email protected] | 0161 477 8501 | ipos-design.co.uk

    iposdesign

  • The Retail Shopfitting & Display Summit will provide you with a platform to enhance your company and share the long-term vision of the retail shopfitting business by setting tomorrows standards today, and to prepare for future developments, innovations and technology.

    Network with fellow experts within this industry, listen tocase studies, meet and discuss ideas with retail shopfitting service providers, hear personal experiences and find solutions to issues facing this ever changing industry.

    For further information or to book your place contact:Delegate: Paige AitkenSupplier: Courtney Brown

    01992 [email protected] www.forumevents.co.uk Media Partner

    9th - 10th February 2015Radisson Blu HotelLondon Stansted

    @Retail_Summit

  • Q & A

    23

    The retail marketing mix has never been so crucial

    The autumn season is just around the corner, and its collections

    for all fashion brands are typically the most important of the year.

    To be clear, having a successful autumn season can make all the

    difference between success and failure these days.

    Autumn is such a big deal as, traditionally, people spend

    more on their autumn/winter wardrobes than they do in spring/

    summer. This is because people invest in new work wear, special

    party clothes and all manner of heavier, costly products for the

    colder weather.

    To kick the season off, September will once again see the

    fashion phenomenon that is known as Vogues Fashions Night

    Out. This global media marketing event has been developed to

    coincide with what would have traditionally been the print edition

    of Vogues two biggest months. As such, the August and September

    magazines have massive additional fashion advertising, with

    eye-watering costs for competing brands looking to secure a

    full-page position within the first 10 pages of either magazine - in

    retails new space race.

    So, with all this money being spent (and to be made), retailers

    need to crack the omnichannel experience, ensuring that online

    and in-store experiences match up to customer expectations of

    the brand. There is always so much talk about the importance

    of online, and this is all true, but good retailers will know that this

    alone is not the universal remedy of success. Online results took

    the first major dip in years recently and POPAI research surprisingly

    showed that the kids of Generation Z (those born after 1995)

    actually prefer shopping the high street to online. Further evidence,

    if it were required, that the high street is not done yet!

    So, when concentrating their efforts in store, retailers must

    deliver their very best practices in areas such as store layout,

    product presentation and interior display, as these elements can

    make all the difference in maximising the launch and sales success

    of the autumn collections.

    Essentially, the bigger the brand and complexity of the product

    range, then it becomes even more important for seasonal trends

    to make a big impact, and cut through the other noise in store.

    Brands must focus customers attention quickly to ensure people

    get the message. Making newness standout is often much harder

    Karlthan it is online. Online sites have an immediacy, where trends can

    be showcased impactfully in one page, with video content and

    styling tips etc. These techniques can be lost in store if the customer

    journey is unwieldy.

    Multiple retailers that have perfected how to maximise the

    impact of their latest collections include Topshop, H&M and Next.

    These brands successfully use tables, racks and mannequins

    etc., in the prime front of store space, arranging their secondary

    collections, basic ranges and supporting categories close by. In so

    doing, they precisely control the layout priorities and the relative

    position and value of every product range. This has a magnetic

    effect on customers and can significantly increase the rate of sale

    on these trend-led products significantly.

    Topshop maximises the art of taking consumers seamlessly into

    the retail environment from street to store. Products shown in the

    window are easy to find in store - minimising the transition between

    customers seeing, liking and ultimately buying ranges on display,

    and of course reducing the potential for lost sales.

    These product presentation methods are examples of retail

    best practice that should be adopted by all retailers. However,

    the newer arts of brand delivery concern how retailers integrate

    other marketing elements into the store experience as part of an

    omnichannel environment.

    Leading brands will be integrating other sales promotion tools

    such as iPads and screens in store to show catwalk showreels,

    streamed marketing events and product information details. These

    are tools that help to create a great retail experience, and can

    include other elements of engaging retailtainment to help stores

    compete in ways that the internet cannot.

    The integration of the online experience in store can really

    help, especially in stores that dont have a full range, where this

    technology offers customers a greater choice of size and product

    style that they can just click and collect, or have delivered. As part

    of this, theres a shift in marketing emphasis where retailers are

    presenting their seasonal collections as an edit in store.

    So for me, the overriding objective is for retailers to present

    their seasonal newness with visibility and impact, and do that in a

    way that sums up the trend message or the focus of the autumn

    collection. Complementary marketing tools should be used to get

    people into stores and to maximise the retail experience when they

    are shopping. And if they can, retailers should find a way to get

    involved in the exciting marketing events that are being organised

    to kick off the autumn season.

    Make an impact, get consumers involved and maximise sales

    success! As new research and recent results show, those brands

    that prioritise online store development over their physical retail

    shops could regret it this year.

    column

    Karl McKeever is creative director of visual merchandising

    and brand delivery consultancy Visual Thinking.

    McKeever

    Email Karl at [email protected]

  • 25

    project focus

    Design: CallisonOpening date: July 2014Store size: 1,580 sq m

    Following five years of meticulous research and planning, and

    an eight-month build, Watches of Switzerland has opened what

    is thought to be Europes largest showroom devoted to luxury

    watches. The 1,580 sq m, three-storey Landmark emporium on

    Londons Regent Street was designed in collaboration with

    global architecture and design firm, Callison as a multitiered

    retail experience.

    Housing the largest watch selection in the store, the Calibre

    Room on the lower level is designed with a sophisticated

    international traveler in mind. Light and bright, the space

    juxtaposes calacatta marble flooring with stainless steel and walnut

    fixtures. A ribbon of interactive, glass touch-screen panels enable

    customers to learn more about the products on display while a

    large time wheel highlights the longevity and brand heritage of

    Watches of Switzerland. The Calibre Room is home to more than 20

    watch brands as well as a watch service centre and a lounge area.

    Connecting the Calibre Room to the ground floor and upper

    level is a grand, bespoke glass elevator and a wraparound marble

    staircase, finished in glass and metal.

    The ground floor has the most neutral colour palette of the

    three levels and is lined with six boutique showrooms from some of

    the worlds finest luxury watch brands, including Rolex, Tag Heuer

    and Cartier.

    With so many prestigious watch brands under one roof, the

    challenge for Callison was to design a store that supports each

    brand with equal presence and attention, while maintaining a

    cohesive look throughout. The key was to differentiate each

    brand through signage and graphics, says Tom Pulk, design

    director of Callisons New York office. Within individual

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    Watches of SwitzerlandRegent Street, London

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    project focus

    boutiques, each brand has a unique presence through custom

    caselines and finishes. The boutique lighting and facades are

    standardised to fit the Watches of Switzerland design aesthetic and

    maintain cohesiveness.

    On the top floor, smoky marble floors meet jewel-toned

    carpeting and furniture, creating a sophisticated, clubby

    atmosphere. The space is home to five super-luxury boutiques as

    well as a VIP room for the watch connoisseur.

    The Watches of Switzerland Regent Street store is not just

    about luxury and service, says Pulk. The intent was to create an

    intelligent design that offers a retail experience with a theatrical

    feeling; a design that would appeal to each of the stores

    distinctive client types, including watch enthusiasts, connoisseurs

    and collectors.

    The lighting design concept, developed by Callisons

    in-house lighting design team, accentuates key architectural

    elements and seamlessly integrates light sources within the

    architectural details. Consistent lighting levels throughout the

    brand boutiques create a more uniform environment while a

    dimming system is used to control and create dramatic lighting

    for events and special occasions.

    Landmark is much more than a watch store, says Gerald

    Allbury, Callison principal in the London office. It is a store as

    precisely engineered as the Swiss timepieces it represents.

    Watches of Switzerland began trading as a mail-order

    business under the name G & M Lane on Ludgate Hill, and now

    has 15 showrooms in leading retail destinations across the UK. The

    company celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2014.

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  • 28

    Fred Perry

    project focus

    The new Fred Perry flagship store in Bangkok extends the

    design language that has been rolled out at stores in London,

    Cardiff and Munich, bringing a distinctively British sense of style,

    refinement and wit to Thailand. Created in collaboration with

    BuckleyGrayYeoman - the worldwide retail design consultant for

    the British-based clothing brand - the store has been developed

    with a calm, open approach to layout and a restrained material

    palette of concrete, black steel and wooden parquet flooring.

    Paul White, director in charge of the project at

    BuckleyGrayYeoman, says the aim was to bring a sense of

    Britishness to the Bangkok shop without plastering the walls

    in Union Jacks. The design subtly combines the coolness of

    Design: BuckleyGrayYeomanOpening date: April 2014Store size: 120 sq m

    Bangkok, Thailand

    contemporary British culture with Fred Perrys sporting and cultural

    heritage, explains White. Every element of the shop has been

    refined and honed to communicate the quality of the brand, from

    the bespoke shelving and luminaires, to the stripe detail that runs

    at picture-rail height around the entire shop, which echoes the

    tipping around the collar and sleeves that is the signature detail

    of the Fred Perry shirt.

    Custom-made shelving boxes with studded leather sofa

    seating run the length of the shop floor, creating a sense of linear

    continuity towards the back of the store. Here, yellow tiles of the

    same type used at London Underground stations create a strongly

    coloured area, drawing customers towards the rear of the space

    to the changing rooms and service desk. In the changing rooms,

    photographs of sporting legend Fred Perry sit alongside images of

    the fashion brands strong connection with the youth style-tribes of

    the last 60 years.

    The Bangkok store also continues BuckleyGrayYeomans series

    of large-scale artworks incorporating the Fred Perry Laurel logo,

    with a feature wall in the shop window comprising a sequence of

    concrete fins that describe the Laurel logo in relief.

    The Bangkok Authentic shop opened in April and will be

    followed by a store in the new EmQuartier Mall in Bangkok towards

    the end of 2014.

  • 29

    Fred Perry

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  • 31

    project focus

    Design: Dreambox StudioOpening date: June 2014Store size: 55 sq m

    German footwear brand, Birkenstock has relocated its London

    flagship store to a more prominent position on Londons Neal Street

    in Covent Garden. The opening in June was timed to meet demand

    for the summer sandal ranges and is said to be in line with the

    brands new strategy for the UK.

    Designed in partnership with Dreambox Studio, the compact

    interior is contemporary, modern and bright, with white walls, a pale

    grey resin floor and linear LED lighting. The geometry of the space

    is balanced by simple, handmade oak furniture, adding a warmth

    and softness that acts as a nod to the shoemakers craft.

    For Brian McManus, the lead designer at Dreambox Studio, the

    biggest challenge with the project was to make efficient use of the

    small ground floor space for display, product information, stock and

    sales support transactions. The new Birkenstock shop is in a great

    location on Neal Street but its size is challenging, he says. Weve

    worked hard to get the best use of every inch with a layout that

    allows flexibility for seasonal peaks and a store design that aims to

    help an informed buying process be simple and fast.

    The inset bays of oak shelving against the white walls are

    intended to provide a clean, uncluttered backdrop to showcase

    the multiple ranges of shoes. We kept colours and materials in

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    BirkenstockCovent Garden, London

  • 32

    project focus

    a warm neutral, leaving the shoes to provide their own bright

    shots, explains McManus. The sandal ranges alone offer up a

    huge amount of colourways and material permutations so weve

    deliberately downplayed additional distraction and theatre,

    allowing the customer to focus on the shoes.

    The studio also wanted to stay true to the inherent simplicity

    of the product, as McManus explains: Whatever your reasons for

    buying a Birkenstock, what makes a Birkenstock so legendary

    and interesting to us is its simple purpose - to be good for the foot.

    We wanted that inherent and authentic simplicity to be reflected in

    the design.

    Theres something utilitarian in the shelving system too, says

    McManus. Although the basement provides a good stock holding

    area, we included two tiers of numbered overstock shelves above

    the shoe displays to house Birkenstocks modular boxing. The

    idea was to keep the proximity of stock close to the customer and

    reinforce the perception of organisation and space efficiency.

    Dreambox Studio collaborated with shopfitting firm, Opus to

    bring together design specifications that reflected Birkenstocks

    own criteria for traditional craft-making techniques, material

    sourcing and sustainability. The resin floor from Dutch company,

    Senso is made from natural biopolymers and natural pigments for

    colour, while the two bespoke solid oak day beds were made in

    the Dorset workshops of Another Country. Meanwhile, the lighting

    scheme incorporates LED technology from iGuzzini that will deliver

    energy savings as well as reduced lifecycle costs.

    A new, more compact display table is due to be installed in the

    coming months, together with an information wall at the rear of the

    store that will be fitted with iPads to allow customers to browse and

    buy directly from the Birkenstock website.

    Birkenstock, which is currently sold in 80 countries all over the

    world, expects to double sales by 2020 and increase its presence to

    130 countries.

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  • 34

    Flash to go here

    Now in its twelfth year, the London Design Festival has firmly

    established a reputation as one of the largest and most dynamic

    design events in the world. Running from 13-21 September,

    the festival will this year adopt the theme Lose Yourself, and

    will incorporate more than 300 talks, events, exhibitions and

    installations across the capital, from a stimulating programme at

    the V&A to a major installation in Trafalgar Square.

    As the central hub location for the London Design Festival

    for the sixth year, the V&A will host a string of events, installations,

    debates and workshops, including a kinetic sculpture by designers,

    Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby in the Raphael Gallery. Entitled

    Double Space for BMW, the experiential installation will feature

    two mirrored silver structures suspended in the centre of the gallery.

    The choreographed movement of the giant structures will distort

    the view of the Raphael cartoons on display, the architecture of the

    room and the viewers perception of the space.

    Meanwhile, the Architecture Landing at the V&A will house a

    series of works created by 10 established designers in collaboration

    with 10 emerging talents. The project, called The Wish List, will

    pair up the likes of Zaha Hadid, John Pawson and Allen Jones with

    young designers to create something they have always wanted,

    but never been able to find. The pieces will be crafted during the

    summer at the Benchmark studio and factory in Kintbury, and

    will be produced using a single material - American hardwood,

    donated by James Latham.

    This extraordinary project, inspired in part by Out of the Woods

    (London Design Festival 2012), is all about exploring one of the

    most sustainable and versatile materials available to designers,

    says David Venables, European director of the American Hardwood

    Export Council. To realise its potential however, it is really important

    to have an understanding of how it behaves and there is no better

    way to do that, than the hands-on experience of making.

    At the Southbank Centre, the Global Design Forum will return

    for a third year with an enhanced thought leadership programme.

    Taking place in the Purcell Rooms on 17 September, the one-day

    event will bring together some of the most revered names in the

    worlds of design, business, branding and innovation to explore how

    design can make a distinct difference to the world.

    This year, there are six official design districts spread across

    the capital during the festival Brompton Design District, Chelsea

    Design Quarter, Clerkenwell Design Quarter, Islington Design

    Quarter, Queens Park Design District and Shoreditch Design

    Triangle each organised locally and independently with

    endorsement from the London Design Festival.

    There will also be a number of large group shows taking

    place across the city, including 100% Design at Earls Court,

    DesignJunction at the Old Sorting Office and Tent London and

    Super Brands London at the Old Truman Brewery.

    The London Design Festival 2014 campaign, Lose Yourself,

    invites visitors to London to enjoy an immersion in the many

    locations, activities, destinations and experiences on offer in

    September. Our challenge every year when creating the graphic

    identity campaign for the London Design Festival is to come up

    with something memorable and impactful, says Domenic Lippa,

    partner at Pentagram. The festival has grown to include hundreds

    of events, over many different locations throughout London and

    therefore our solution was based around discovering these events

    across the city landscape. The maze graphic is a visual metaphor

    for the experience that visitors have when they visit the festival

    and the city of London. The solution is deliberately both playful

    and memorable.

    This September, lose yourself in the London Design Festival.

    And until then, lose yourself in our guide of what to see, do and

    experience across the nine-day event.

    One city, nine days, hundreds of events

    London Design Festival:

    Lose Yourself

    RIBA Regent Street Windows Project

    For the fifth year, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) will partner

    architects with retailers to create architectural installations in the windows of

    shops, restaurants and cafes along and around Regent Street. From rolling

    clouds to moulded mannequins; clattering destination boards to recast wine

    bottles, this years installations will see 15 architecture practices reinvent the shop

    window in 15 unique ways. Participating retailers and architects include Brooks

    Brothers by Squire and Partners (pictured), Gant by Sybarite Architects, Hackett

    by Jerry Tate Architects, and Longchamp by Brisac Gonzalez.

    www.architecture.com

  • 35

    LDF preview

    London Design Festival:

    Harrods: Bethan Gray pop-up shop

    For this years London Design Festival, Bethan Gray, winner of the

    Best British Designer Award 2013, is teaming up with department

    store, Harrods to open a dedicated pop-up shop. Located in the

    newly refurbished third floor furniture department, the 33 sq m

    pop-up space will house furniture and accessories from Grays own

    boutique collection. The shop will feature on Harrods London Design

    Festival Design Trail, part of the stores new campaign, Harrods is

    Design, which runs from 8 September to 5 October 2014.

    www.harrods.comwww.bethangray.com

    Heals: Designer Furniture Floor

    Heals will unveil its new Designer Furniture floor at

    the Tottenham Court Road store to coincide with the

    festival. The destination department will house the latest

    collections from top design brands, including Kartell,

    Cassina, Vitra and Ligne Roset.

    The retailer will also launch the Heals Discovers 2014

    collection in store and at 100% Design. Doors will open to

    the public on Wednesday 17 September from 6pm to 9pm

    for the companys annual London Design Festival party.

    www.heals.co.uk

    Designers, Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby have collaborated with BMW to create Double Space for BMW - Precision & Poetry in Motion, a kinetic sculpture in the V&As Raphael Gallery.

  • 1720 SeptemberEarls Court

    See the Design Kaleidoscope at 100% Design Register at www.100percentdesign.co.uk

  • 37

    LDF preview

    Habitat: Design Reunion

    Home furnishings retailer, Habitat will host a special Design

    Reunion exhibition during the festival in celebration of its

    50th anniversary. Curated by Habitat creative director, Polly

    Dickens, Design Reunion will showcase work from six of

    Londons most respected names in design and explore the

    ideas that inspired each piece. The multisensory exhibit will

    feature new works across the fields of lighting, furniture and

    textiles from Tord Boontje, Clare Norcross, Simon Pengelly,

    Sarah Campbell, Aaron Probyn and Shin Azumi, who will also

    be part of a designer discussion panel during the festival. The

    exhibition will be held in the Platform gallery space above the

    Habitat Kings Road store.

    www.habitat.co.uk

    Designing for 21st century retail

    As part of the seminar programme at the V&A, Chris

    Sanderson, co-founder of The Future Laboratory, together

    with Linda Hewson, creative director at Selfridges and

    Philip Handford, creative director at Campaign, will host

    a presentation and discussion on the role of immersion,

    experience and architecture in a phygital environment.

    The talk will be held on 16 September in Seminar Room 3

    at the V&A.

    www.thefuturelaboratory.com/uk/

    V&A: Talks

    The collaboration between The London Design festival and the

    V&A began in 2009, offering a programme of lunchtime lectures,

    gallery talks, hands-on workshops and provocative debates. This

    year, the themes for each day are: Graphics (13-14 September);

    Architecture (15 September); Future (16 September); Illumination (17

    September); Interactive (18 September); London (19 September);

    Digital Design (20-21 September). The programme content is made

    up of contributions from a variety of partners and collaborators.

    www.vam.ac.uk

    100% Design

    This year, 100% Design celebrates its 20th edition with

    an opening by French designer Philippe Starck. Taking

    place at Earls Court from 17-20 September, the exhibition

    has also secured the presence of a range of leading

    names in the design and creative industry, from

    Heals and Vitra to Jaime Hayon, El Ultimo Grito and

    Nina Tolstrup.

    Based on the central curatorial theme, Serendipity, and

    supported by the lead creative, Design Kaleidoscope,

    100% Design 2014 aims to express the opportunities

    created by the show, from collaborations, to projects

    and product launches. The show will comprise four

    key industry sections - Interiors, Kitchens & Bathrooms,

    Workplace and Eco, Design & Build. Emerging Brands

    will also return, showcasing new design talent, alongside

    International Pavilions, featuring an array of innovative

    designs by creative practices from around the world. It

    will be the shows last appearance at Earls Court before

    moving to Olympia London in 2015.

    www.100percentdesign.co.uk

  • 38

    LDF preview

    tetra shed shop space

    Architecture practice, Innovation Imperative will collaborate

    with young shoe designer, Joanne Stoker to showcase the tetra

    shed shop space at Tent London in the Old Truman Brewery.

    The modular building system comprises a structural timber

    core, externally painted or clad in a choice of plywood, cork,

    rubber, copper, zinc, corten steel or any cladding material with

    either plywood, MDF, OSB or plasterboard internal lining. It

    provides an innovative yet practical, adaptable, customisable,

    expandable and affordable building system suitable for a host

    of uses, including retail.

    www.tetra-shed.co.ukwww.joannestoker.com

    Tent London and Super Brands London

    Now in its eighth year at the Old Truman Brewery, Tent London

    presents more than 280 international exhibitors, showing

    the latest in contemporary interior design. Exhibitors for 2014

    include Vera & Kyte, Tori Murphy, Kosmos Project, Aditi, Sonya

    Winner, Tt/Gesicka, Tamma Design and Sebastian Cox.

    Found in the same location but with its own strong

    independent identity, Super Brands London showcases

    international design brands that want to increase their

    profile in the UK market. Brands who have elected to show

    at Super Brands this year include Graham & Brown,

    BoConcept, Armourcoat, Munna, Branca Lisboa, Ginger &

    Jagger and Fatboy. Super Brands will also be showcasing

    MGs new initiative, championing young British designers in

    automotive design.

    Watch out for Tent Londons new project, a catch-all digital

    platform for all things design-led in East London.

    www.tentlondon.co.uk

    Drummonds: Design Inspiration

    Luxury bathrooms brand, Drummonds will host a Design

    Inspiration evening at its new Christopher Jenner-designed

    showroom on Kings Road on Monday 15 September. Chaired

    by Giles Kime, executive editor of Homes & Gardens, the event

    will bring together designers Susie Atkinson, Martin Brudnizki,

    Guy Goodfellow and Maurizio Pellizzoni, who will each discuss

    spaces, objects or works of art that have inspired their work.

    www.drummonds-uk.com

    designjunction

    designjunction showcases the very best in furniture, lighting

    and product design from around the world, presenting

    world-class brands against stunning industrial backdrops.

    During the London Design Festival, the show takes over the

    1960s Sorting Office on New Oxford Street. The show presents a

    line-up of renowned international brands, smaller cutting-edge

    labels, pop-up shops, large-scale installations, eateries, flash

    factories, seminars and screenings across four floors of the

    11,148 sq m venue.

    www.thedesignjunction.co.uk

    A Place Called Home

    A major part of the London Design Festivals programme

    is the presentation of Landmark Projects in iconic London

    locations. This year, the festival has commissioned a project in

    Trafalgar Square in collaboration with Airbnb, the community

    marketplace for people to list, discover and book online

    accommodation in peoples own homes.

    The project, entitled A Place Called Home, will see four

    designers dream up their interpretation of a room in a home

    that they would not want to leave, offering a new vision of a

    domestic space. Designers Jasper Morrison, Patternity, Raw

    Edges and Studioilse have each been given a structure that

    they can fill, design, decorate or imagine in any way they want.

    The structures will be open to view from Thursday 18 September

    until Monday 2 September.

    www.airbnb.com

    When & whereLondon, 13-21 September 2014

    For a full list of events taking place during London Design Festival 2014, visit:

    www.londondesignfestival.com* All information correct at time of going to press

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  • 40

    Emerging markets together with a new class of luxury shopper are driving growth in the global luxury retail sector, finds Retail Focus.

    luxury retail

    It would appear there is a new type of luxury shopper emerging.

    One who believes in the maxim of quality not quantity and who

    is prepared to save up for investment products. A study by retail

    design consultancy gpstudio and YouGov, found that one third of

    the UK population now purchase luxury products, with many taking

    advantage of more affordable entry points into the luxury market.

    The trend is being markedly driven by increasingly aspirational

    young consumers who, despite growing up as digital natives,

    prefer to shop in store.

    With luxury shopping, its particularly important for the customer

    to feel an emotional engagement to the brand and its products,

    and this is much more easily fostered in store as the customer can

    touch and feel the quality, says gpstudio partner, Gregor Jackson.

    In a store, the customer is completely immersed in a brands world

    and everything from the service to the stores design only serves to

    reinforce its prestige.

    Indeed, a recent survey by Ledbury Research indicates

    that more than 50 per cent of revenue in the luxury sector is still

    being generated in directly operated stores. As a result, luxury

    brands continue to open stores and mega stores (their largest

    stores worldwide), as well as experiment with other types of retail

    experiences, such as pop-up shops.

    Mature consumers (those further along the discernment curve)

    are seeking novel brand experiences, over and above excellent

    service, says a spokesperson for Ledbury Research. And, for

    emerging luxury customers, the in-store experience serves as an

    introduction to the brand, and an avenue to build a loyal following.

    remaining an important source of revenue for British brands.

    Looking at recent developments, Emmerson believes that a

    combination of streamlined Chinese visas, investment in the

    creative industries and a commitment to British manufacturing are

    benefitting the UK luxury industry, ensuring its long-term success

    and survival.

    Targeting new marketsAs emerging markets take up an increasingly large share of global

    luxury sales, expansion into new countries is top of mind for senior

    executives, according to Ledbury Researchs latest Global Luxury

    Hotspots report. But targeting the right market is key and for 2014,

    the report identifies Qatar as the worlds fastest growing market for

    Luxury for all

    With luxury shopping, its particularly important for the customer to feel an emotional engagement to the brand and its products Gregor Jackson, gpstudioAs the in-store brand experience has become important, so too

    has the rise of mega stores, claims Ledbury Research. In the past

    12 months, Longchamp, Prada, Bottega Veneta and Saint Laurent

    among others, have all opened their largest stores worldwide.

    When the consumer craving affordable luxury buys a product,

    theyre also buying into the prestige of the brand itself, maintains

    Jackson. Its not just about the product, its about creating a

    culture. Brands need to think about how to create a truly amazing

    in-store experience for their customers that reflect their brands

    heritage and provenance to keep customers coming back, and

    make the experience something worth heading in store for.

    By 2017, the UK luxury retail market is expected to be worth

    around 12.2 billion, up from 7.4 billion in 2013, according to Ledbury Research. Michelle Emmerson, chief executive of Walpole

    British Luxury, agrees that the UK luxury industry is continuing to

    flourish, with overseas markets (both established and emerging)

  • 41

    luxury retail

    Top & Bottom: The Mall of Qatar, designed by Chapman Taylor

    and KEO, is expected to open in autumn 2015.

    Left: Longchamp is among a number of luxury brands to open

    so-called mega stores.

    Right: Qela is a new global luxury brand from Qatar Luxury

    Group. Its first store opened in Doha, Qatar in September 2013

    and was designed by UXUS.

    luxury opportunities.

    The country is developing long-term plans to diversify

    and establish itself as a premium tourism and leisure destination

    that provides a prosperous base for a growing retail and

    leisure industry.

    In 2013, Qatar Holding, which owns department stores Harrods

    and Printemps, and Italian fashion house Valentino, launched a

    homegrown luxury brand called Qela, which sells leather goods,

    shoes, jewellery and made-to-measure clothing, designed with

    Qatari heritage in mind (Retail Focus, December 2013). And looking

    ahead, The Mall of Qatar - which is destined to be the largest retail

    experience in Qatar - is expected to open its doors in autumn 2015.

    Designed by Chapman Taylor and KEO, the development is located

    20 minutes from downtown Doha, next to one of the FIFA stadiums

    that will host the World Cup in 2022, and will house more than 400

    shops, 50 of which will be luxury boutiques linked to a five-star

    hotel. The shopping and leisure centre will be spread across three

    levels and will house a mix of regional and international retailers,

    including 25 major flagship stores, four international department

    stores and an international hypermarket.

    Emerging markets, such as Qatar, together with new

    luxury consumers are driving growth in the global luxury retail

    sector, and while we may now live in an increasingly digital

    world, the physical store will continue to play an important role

    in the overall experience, particularly for luxury brands, insists

    Jackson.

  • Its all about the customerIn the last 13 years Europes Customer Festival has evolved into a unique multi-sector market place, where all aspects of the customer journey are discussed. From customer loyalty to big data analytics, from innovative payment solutions to new omnichannel strategies, from customer engagement to customer experience youll find it all here.

    Sondre WassasDirector of Loyalty & CRM

    Statoil

    Jim McKelvey Co-founderSquare

    Sanjeevan BalaHead of Audience

    Technologies & InsightChannel 4

    Over 70 speakers include:

    Book now on your phone!

    Scan this QR pattern with the camera on your smartphone to book for Europes Customer Festival 2014.Don't have a QR reader app? You can download one for free from the App Store.Don't have a smartphone? You can also book online: www.terrapinn.com/retail-customer-festival

    2014

    spon

    sors

    9 10 September 2014, Business Design Centre, London, UK9 10 S

    eptember 2014, Business Design Centre, London, UK

    Europe's Customer festival

    Customer Festival Europe 2014 AD 210-297-Retail Mag.indd 1 7/31/14 4:47 PM

  • 43

    Webrooming

    vs Showrooming

    Digital and physical are no longer mutually exclusive, and smart retailers are successfully blending the two, argues David Wright, group marketing director at design consultancy, Dalziel & Pow.

    Its the moment every retailer today dreads; when a customer

    whos spent time in store trying out products whips out a mobile

    phone and buys the item elsewhere.

    Yet, while showrooming may have been the focus of retailers

    worries in recent years, theres a new buzzword in multichannel

    retail thats turning this process on its head: Webrooming. Whats

    more, neither necessarily sounds a death-knell for bricks-and-

    mortar retail.

    Showrooming has been commented on in plenty of places.

    In essence, it is described as consumers who price shop online

    in-store with different, often pure-play businesses, while or

    after visiting a physical store, but webrooming is the process of

    researching products online and then visiting a store to make

    the purchase.

    Payment technology company, Merchants Warehouse

    found that 69 per cent of Brits with smartphones in the

    18-36 demographic have webroomed, while 50 per cent have

    showroomed. Among 37-48 year olds, the figures are 71 per cent

    versus 53 per cent. A US study by Accenture tells a similar story:

    88 per cent researched online and then purchased in store, while

    73 per cent had showroomed before.

    So, what can we learn from the stats? Although webrooming

    was in the majority, both activities are widespread. Evidently, the

    retail process is more complex, dynamic and splintered than ever,

    with many consumers alternating between the two behaviours

    depending on what theyre shopping for (electronics, mobile

    phones and computers were the most popular items to buy online,

    while apparel, groceries and appliances topped the table for

    in store, according to a study by Interactions). Digital and physical

    are no longer mutually exclusive, and smart retailers are unifying/

    melding the two, driving store customers online, and online

    customers in-store.

    Some have already begun. Our work on John Lewis

    small-format department stores, which are roughly half the size

    of its full-line stores, act as showrooms with a virtual stockroom

    accessed through strategically placed digital touch-points.

    This approach had a significant impact on online sales across

    the local region. Its click-and-collect service is also flourishing

    nationwide, offering greater convenience and peace-of-mind for

    consumers on-the-go, while increasing the retailers opportunities

    for cross-selling.

    Australian footwear retailer, Sneakerboy takes the showroom

    mentality even further. Carrying no stock and no fixed POS,

    customers touch, scan and purchase products in-store via a

    Sneakerboy app or store iPads, with delivery to their home within

    three days.

    Though their target markets and brands are very different,

    both retailers have embraced the fact consumers will inevitably

    turn to mobile during the shopping journey and grasped that

    internet connectivity can enhance physical retail and vice versa,

    rather than kill it. They have focused on enhancing the elements

    the etail giants cant compete with social, experiential store

    environments where you can touch and try product, personal

    service and the choice to hop between channels. Blending the

    tactility of a physical store with the efficiencies of the internet can

    be a winning combination.

    Theres also a growing recognition that for todays time-poor

    consumers, value does not simply mean cheap; a rock-bottom

    price may well be too high a price to pay for a botched delivery or

    poor customer service. Whether the journey starts and ends on or

    offline, retailers that deliver on their customers expectations and

    provide them with a seamless shopping experience prosper.

    After all, perhaps the most important (certainly the highest)

    figure in the Accenture Seamless Retail Study was the 89 per cent

    of consumers who believed retailers should let them shop for

    products in the way that is most convenient for them, no matter

    which sales channel they choose. So, although the landscape

    may look different, it seems the traditional tenets of retail

    convenience, trust, value and choice still ring true.

    www.dalziel-pow.com

    opinion

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  • 45

    shopping centre

    Unibail-Rodamcos Mall of Scandinavia

    will guide shoppers on a journey through

    the elements when it opens in autumn 2015.

    Designed by Swedish architecture practice

    Wingrdh, the 100,000 sq m shopping

    centre in Stockholm is formed of organically

    shaped pathways, joined by four distinct

    zones, called Earth, Water, Wind and Fire.

    Even the exterior of the building, created by

    BAU and Benoy Architects, is designed to

    resemble a mountain or glacier.

    Located in the new Arena City district

    in Solna, the development is thought to

    be the largest shopping mall in the Nordic

    region, with nearly a third of the entire

    Swedish population (9.4 million) living within

    a 90-minute drive of the centre.

    We have worked closely with

    Unibail-Rodamco to ensure that Mall

    of Scandinavia will be a truly iconic

    destination, delivering unsurpassed

    retail experience to the huge number of

    captivated customers, says Gert Wingrdh,

    founder of Wingrdh Arkitektkontor. From

    the organically shaped pathways through

    to the uniquely detailed features and four

    distinct elemental nodes, the centre has

    been designed to create an ambience that

    sets a new standard for shopping centres

    across Europe.

    Spread across seven floors, Mall of

    Scandinavia will combine international

    flair with modern Scandinavian design,

    and will house 250 shops and restaurants,

    as well as 4,000 car parking spaces.

    Superdry, Michael Kors and Starbucks are

    among a number of retailers set open

    major stores at the shopping centre, which

    Unibail-Rodamco has dubbed home of

    the flagships. Other signed tenants

    include Gant, LOccitane, Hugo Boss and

    Thomas Sabo.

    Earlier this year, the mall was certified

    as BREEAM Excellent, marking the first time

    that a Swedish shopping centre project has

    ever reached the Excellent level.

    From the very start of the design stage,

    we have had the clear objective that Mall

    of Scandinavia will set a new standard for

    With a year to go until Mall of Scandinavia opens its doors, we look at how the shopping and leisure destination is set to transform the retail landscape in northern Europe.

    shopping centres in Sweden and the Nordic

    countries, not only with its outstanding

    retail and leisure offer, atmosphere

    and experience but also as a model for

    sustainability within real estate in Europe,

    says Per Ronnevik, director of development

    at Unibail-Rodamco, Nordic. We are

    showing that it is possible to combine a

    world-class shopping destination with

    a minimal carbon footprint from the

    development and construction of a centre.

    Following the Excellent certification

    achieved during the design phase,

    Unibail-Rodamcos next ambition for the

    mall is to secure the same certification for

    the finished structure, which is due to be

    unveiled next autumn.

    The outstanding design of the centre

    is imperative in delivering a shopping

    destination of the highest quality, adds

    Lars-ke Tollemark, managing director

    of Unibail-Rodamco, Nordic. Carefully

    planned, innovatively designed and

    expertly delivered, our stunning mall will

    provide our customers with an unsurpassed

    retail experience.

    Mall of Scandinavia

    Facts & figures:

    Developer:Unibail-Rodamco

    Architects: BAU and Benoy (exterior);

    Wingrdh (interior)

    Total size:100,000 sq m

    Number of stores & restaurants:250

    Opening date:Autumn 2015

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    be inspired. be surprised.visit our new website @ www.barthelmessuk.comcomplete visual merchandising solutions design with european and far east manufacture bespoke mannequins and forms project management decorado off the shelf display props trend spotting and inspirations christmas & seasonal schemes and decorations worldwide logistics management strict sustainability and environmental policies

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  • DecoradoFeaturing a range of more than 6,000 themed items, the Decorado catalogue by Barthelmess includes a huge selection of props, POS and visual merchandising equipment. In fact, everything a retailer would require to create window and in-store displays throughout the year. The Decorado catalogue is updated twice a year for Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter (including Christmas), so theres a good chance well have exactly what youre after.

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    47

    CNL - Make a statementIntroducing CNL in partnership with B.UK, the Creative New Leader in design and materials. CNL, based in California, has sole ownership of its own factory in China. We offer custom design mannequins, free prototyping, free samples, fast turnaround, rollout specialists, quality at competitive prices, wide range of materials, polyurethane (rotation moulding), magnetic arm fittings, custom measurements, innovative finishes and worldwide logistics.

    T. +44 (0)1438 724 065 E. [email protected] www.barthelmessuk.com Twitter: buk_vm

    CNL forms & finishesEstablished in Southern California in 1989, CNL mannequins has grown steadily to become trusted by some of the worlds best known brands, including Guess, Levis, Uniglo, Adidas, H&M and Tommy Hilfiger to name just a few. Now in Partnership with Barthelmess UK. CNL produces high-quality and fashionable mannequins in both fiberglass and polyurethane, in a huge variety of styles and finishes. With a focus on innovative design, CNL mannequins offers significant cost savings without compromising on quality. Make your choice from a wide range of innovative materials and finishes.

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    Barthelmess

    Barthelmess BespokePerhaps you need a themed or bespoke scheme, a new range of mannequins to reflect your brand, or an aspirational, inspiring window display. Whatever the brief, B.UK can design and manufacture a solution for you. Regardless of project size or complexity, we can exceed your expectations within your budget. We offer complete visual merchandising solutions, design with European and Far East manufacture, project management, bespoke mannequins and forms, Decorado off-the-shelf display props and more.

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  • Eurostand DisplayThe new iPad Duo and iPad Quad have been specifically created by the Eurostand internal product design team and allow for a much needed cable management system to give continuous use from your iPad. As the name suggests, the iPad Quad offers four information stations, letting your display reach a number of visitors at any one time. Also living up to its name, the iPad Duo lets two people use the iPad display at the same time. Both are perfect for events, showrooms, visitors centres and offices.

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    49

    arken P-O-P Internationalarken is a one-stop shop for all of your poster display needs, supplying everything from illuminated window displays to poster frames. Products are available off the shelf, can be customised to your exact colour or size requirements, or bespoke displays can be designed in house to suit your needs. All products are manufactured to the highest quality at arkens factory in the UK, allowing them to offer short lead times at very competitive prices, making them one of the most popular suppliers to leading retailers.

    T. +44 (0)1638 565 656 E. [email protected] www.arken-pop.com

    Movetech UKMovetech UKs Small Carousel range comprises versatile and reliable mains-powered display turntables, ideal for creating compact window and counter displays. The Small Carousel range includes the popular Mini Carousel, the B25 range and B200 range. All are well suited to generating simple, full circular platform displays. They can also be combined with other movements in the range or, for instance, imaginative lighting effects, to create something really special that stops customers in their tracks. Ceiling mounted and battery powered units are also available.

    T. +44 (0)1204 537 680 E. [email protected] www.movetechuk.com/smallcarousels.html Twitter: MovetechUK

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    pop + Display

    UniboxLedge 105 from Unibox features the latest in LED edge lighting technology, making it possible to create sophisticated lightboxes which contain an easily reconfigurable, magnetic display system. Since its launch in April, Unibox has been working with the British design team at Tom Dixon to test its adaptability and experiment with the boundaries of Ledge 105 for their Portobello Dock store. Tom Dixons iconic designs are elegantly displayed on bespoke laser cut shelving, attached by the Ledge 105s invisible, magnetic display system.

    T. +44 (0)161 655 2114 [email protected] www.unibox.co.uk Twitter: UAunibox

  • 50

    products

    flooring + surfacesKarndeanKarndean Designflooring has unveiled its newly updated premium collection of Art Select Stones and Woods. Inspired by natural materials, the updated luxury vinyl collection showcases Karndeans most intricate and realistic embosses to date, each handcrafted to reflect the patterns and textures of real wood and stone. The new-look Art Select Stone collection features four slate, three marble, three travertine and four limestone designs. From the striking earthy tones of Karndeans new Art Select Travertine designs Washburn, Caldera and Gallatin to the contrasting rich and cool hues of Art Select Slate Melbourne, Canberra, Oakeley and Corris theres a stone design to match all commercial schemes.

    T. +44 (0)845 605 5880 E. [email protected] www.karndean.com Twitter: KarndeanComm

    ForboForbos new STEP collection of R10, R11 and R12-rated flooring proves that design does not have to be compromised in order to achieve enhanced levels of slip resistance and pedestrian safety. New modern colourways, calming patterns and all-over abstract designs have enhanced the appeal of the R10-rated Surestep range, which is ideal for use in the retail environment, and the incorporation of innovative STEP safety crystals embedded throughout the wear layer guarantees the slip resistant characteristics for the lifespan of the product.

    T. +44 (0)844 822 3928 E. [email protected] www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/STEP Twitter: forboflooring

    Geaves Eraora is the new range of deeply embossed, raw timber-effect melamine faced chipboard and high pressure laminates from Geaves. The surface is engraved deeply with a natural wood grain texture to give the contemporary finish. The perfect alternative to a natural wood surface, this cost-effective solution has a beautiful uniform finish that is easier to maintain than natural wood. The full range of coordinated products available, including HPL and ABS edge, gives users the flexibility to design seamless wood-effect interiors with a natural finish for a wide variety of applications. Eraora wood-effect MFC and HPL is available in six stylish wood grains, including Whitewash and Walnut.

    T. +44 (0)1245 329 922 E. [email protected] www.geaves.com

    ArmourcoatArmourcoat will exhibit at Super Brands for the first time this September, as part of the London Design Festival. The decorative coatings specialist will present ArmourFX - custom-made decorative wall panels, recently specified for use on the Jaguar Land Rover In Residence global exhibition stand programme. Visit the company on stand 31.

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  • 52

    products

    lightingHelvarUsing its 910 lighting routers to control DALI luminaires throughout the new Nike Factory store in Norwich, Helvar has provided a complete lighting control system that enables quick switching between six different lighting scenarios. Across the store, four of Helvars 910 routers were installed each of these carries two DALI lines, with each line being equipped to control up to 64 points. Connected to an Ethernet cable, the routers allow for individual intelligence, meaning a series of lighting scenes can be remotely selected via the touch panel, which is itself connected via an Ethernet cable.

    T. +44 (0)1322 222 211 E. [email protected] www.helvar.com

    GE LightingThe Beaney House of Art & Knowledge, Canterburys central museum, library and art gallery, has recently undergone a 14 million restoration project, which included the installation of GE Lightings products in an LED upgrade. Chosen for its advanced flexibility and efficiency, GE Lightings Infusion Generation 3 LED module was installed throughout the Grade II listed building, offering significant annual energy savings and reduced maintenance costs. The modules are capable of being individually adjusted, offering a range of beams that can be sensitively dimmed for multiple purposes, ideal for the changeable atmosphere of the state-of-the-art gallery that hosts regular new exhibitions..

    T. +44 (0)800 169 8290 www.gelighting.com Twitter: GELightingEU

    Hacel LightingCombining contemporary design edge with an energy efficient state of the art Zhaga single point LED Module, Hacel is proud to present the Manta LED Power Spot. With CRIs of 80 and 90 available, the luminaire has three wattage variations of 12W, 17W and 24W. The decorative chrome feature can be replaced with