retail focus may 2014
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Retail Focus - The magazine for retail design.TRANSCRIPT
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!
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Introducing... SmokePart of the Armourcoat Sculptural range for 2014The latest online brochure with the full range of 22 designscan be viewed at www.sculptural.armourcoat.com
Regulars7 Leader
8 Diary
11-14 News
17-18 WindowshoppingInspiring window displays from around the globe.
20 TopofthePOPS
23 KarlMcKeeverShopper analytics tools
are excellent to help inform retailers’ tactics but they cannot account for getting the basics right. That’s where VM comes in, argues Karl this month.
www.retail-focus.co.uk
.25-32 ProjectFocusKite: La Grande Épicerie de Paris: Osprey
45 OpinionThere used to be a dearth of decent menswear outlets beyond the exclusive worlds of Sloane or Bond Street, but that has changed, claims Pentagram architect William Russell. Today in London, there are plenty of premium boutiques that cater for men who like to shop.
51-54 ProductsProducts and services for the retail industry.
35Productdisplay
66 Q&ACarlo Freddi of Italian sport fashion label, Freddy talks growth plans, inspiration and opening on London’s King’s Road.
58
47In-storeselfservice
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FeaturesGlobal expansion plans are back on the agenda with investment in new
and existing stores a key priority for retailers, finds Retail Focus.
Thinkglobal,designlocal41-42
7
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Gemma BalmfordEditor
EditorGemma Balmford
t. +33 (0)7 61 03 21 33
Production & WebTerry Clark
t. +44 (0)845 680 7405
Display SalesLee Cullumbine
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f. +44 (0)871 528 8000
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Large scale expansion plans are apparently firmly back on the agenda. A report by CBRE, published earlier this year, predicts an increase in global expansion plans in 2014, with over a third of retailers surveyed looking to open more than 40 stores. Top of the list of target markets is Germany, followed by France, the UK and Austria. This month we look into the findings from the study and highlight some of the retailers who are seeking to grow their global network (pages 41-42).
One brand that continues to embark on an expansion programme across Europe is Italian sport fashion label Freddy. As well as opening new stores - including the recently launched King’s Road shop in London - the brand is also gaining momentum through multichannel exposure. In this issue, we talk to the company’s founder, Carlo Freddi (page 66).
In addition, we look at new approaches to in-store self service (pages 47-48) and find out which designers and retailers are pushing the boundaries of product display (pages 35-38).
That’s on top of our regular Project Focus, where we check out the new store concepts for Kite, La Grande Épicerie de Paris and Osprey (pages 25-32)
Don’t forget you can keep up to date with the latest inspiring window displays from around London and Paris on our blog (www.retail-focus.co.uk/blog) and if that’s not enough, there is always the Window Shopping section in the magazine (pages 17-18).
Until next month!
May ‘14
8
diary
New Designers 2014Business Design Centre, London25-28 June 2014 (Part one)02-05 July 2014 (Part two)
New Designers has launched more than
100,000 students into the professional
world since it began 29 years ago. Taking
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fashion, accessories, contemporary applied
arts, jewellery and precious metalwork,
while part two will focus on furniture,
product design, visual communications,
motion arts and theatre design. Running
across both parts, One Year On will
showcase a group of emerging designers
in their first year of business.
NewDesignerswww.newdesigners.com
Bread & Butter BerlinAirport Berlin-Tempelhof8-10 July 2014
Bread & Butter is the international
tradeshow for selected brands. Under
the maxim ‘fun & profit’, the event unites
inspiration and business. This summer
from 8-10 July, Bread & Butter invites
visitors to celebrate vibrant fun and
business under the motto ‘Carnaval do
Brasil’.
breadandbutterwww.breadandbutter.com
Marketing Week LiveOlympia Grand, London25-26 June 2014
Marketing Week Live has been redesigned
to help visitors tackle their biggest
challenges, from equipping their business
with a futureproof marketing team to
selecting and getting maximum ROI from
suppliers. The show is divided into four
main zones, namely: Understand, Engage,
Experience, Convert.
MWL2014www.marketingweeklive.co.uk/retailfocus
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11
Selfridges has revealed plans to
transform its Birmingham store through an
ambitious programme of redevelopment.
The store, which opened in September
2003, has started to invest £20 million in
redevelopment work, which will involve a
complete overhaul of every floor.
The department store has
commissioned London studio Ab Rogers
Design to reimagine the shop floors
to maximise the flow of the shopping
experience and give added vibrancy to
the surroundings.
Commenting on the project, Ab
Rogers says: ‘Selfridges Birmingham is
a world-class piece of architecture and
our masterplan proposal is designed
news
to celebrate the original building
design, implementing a strong, dynamic
connection between inside and out.
‘New entrances will set the store in a
dramatic frame, communicating to visitors
that they are entering an exceptional retail
space that feels fresh and alive,’ explains
Beefeater Gin, part of the Pernod Ricard premium spirits
business, will open a dedicated visitor centre on 22 May at its
home in Kennington, South London. Created in collaboration
with design studio Four-by-Two, brand communication agency
Contagious and Lee Boyd Architects, the new experience will
invite visitors to learn about the history of gin through a series of
interactive exhibitions.
The visitor centre forms part of the greater distillery buildings
and is divided into four distinct zones, namely an entrance
and reception area, housing retail and services; a self-guided
interactive exhibition area; a newly built external circulation tower;
and a tasting experience.
‘The idea was to create a genuinely enjoyable experience
for the visitor, yet provide sufficient depth of insights to allow gin
enthusiasts to drill down and discover the layers of information,
all whilst supporting the values of the Beefeater brand, before
being picked up by the guide and taken to the Still Room for the
ultimate tasting experience,’ says Bob Thwaites, founding partner
at Four-by-Two.
For the self-guided interactive area, Contagious has
created films, animations, touch screens, soundscapes and
iPad interpretations.
Selfridges Birmingham to undergo £20 million redevelopment
Rogers. ‘The design solution carries a
strong narrative and will stimulate the
eye, offering unobstructed views and
clear sightlines to retail displays and
circulation routes.’
The refurbishment works are expected
to be completed by the end of 2017.
Beefeater to open gin distillery visitor centre
12
news
In brief...John Lewis has announced that it will open
a ‘Click & Commute’ shop at London’s
St Pancras station this autumn. The new
format will offer a specially selected
boutique range of electronics, gifts,
beauty, home and fashion accessories.
It will also provide customers with the
opportunity to collect online purchases.
If successful, the format could be rolled
out to other transport hubs and high
street locations.
French luxury leathergoods brand,
Longchamp has opened a 700 sq m
flagship store in Barcelona, Spain.
Commercial real estate services firm,
Cushman & Wakefield advised the brand
on the new store.
Karl Lagerfeld has announced a retail
development partnership with Chalhoub
Inc, a leader in the distribution and
marketing of luxury brands in the
Middle East and a member of the
Chalhoub Group. Through the five-year
agreement, Chalhoub Inc. will represent
Karl Lagerfeld in the Middle East and
implement multifaceted strategies
to expand and leverage the brand’s
presence in the region.
Cedar House Investments has submitted
a planning application for a £10 million
landmark retail scheme in Daleside Road,
Nottingham. Called East Point, the site
has already attracted Aldi, which will be
the anchor tenant, taking a 1,533 sq m
unit. There will be a further 2,787 sq m of
retail space and 495 sq m of ancillary use
and restaurants.
John Lewis has once again been named
the nation’s best retailer at the Verdict
Customer Satisfaction Awards. Dunelm took
second position followed by IKEA.
Portview Fit-Out has completed
refurbishment works for West Elm’s new
Tottenham Court Road store in London.
Designed by Zebra Design, the store is the
US-based homes and interiors retailer’s
first foray into the European market. Works
included moving the main staircase and
exposing the internal brickwork to achieve
the natural effect that is central to the West
Elm identity.
12
Department store chain John Lewis
has collaborated with Lumsden Design
to create an immersive exhibition
that celebrates the retailer’s 150th
anniversary. Located on the third
floor of the John Lewis flagship store
on London’s Oxford Street, the
260 sq m exhibition space is divided
into eight distinct zones, focusing on
key chronological points on the John
Lewis timeline. Film, graphics, sound
and scents are used alongside artefacts
to change the pace of each zone,
bringing the story to life.
Visitors enter the exhibition through
the doors of the original 1864 draper’s
shop to an engaging recreation of the
original haberdashery interior, which
is based on a surviving illustration.
Central to the narrative is the vision
of John Spedan Lewis, the man with
the revolutionary idea that all workers
should be co-owners and share in the
success of his company.
‘Curating and presenting 150 years
of history of a British icon was no mean
feat,’ says Peter Cross, communications
director at John Lewis. ‘From the recreation
of the odour of a 19th Century draper’s
shop to the terror of the Second World
War, Lumsden has been relentless in
creating, with us, a truly memorable and
atmospheric experience.’
The exhibition includes a ‘Craft of
Shopkeeping’ area, which explains how
John Lewis’ passion for customer service
has guided the business ever since and
a WWII installation, which tells the story of
the bombing that threatened the future of
the business.
Visitors exit the exhibition with a
glimpse into how we will shop, live and
look in the future, through a unique
collaboration with the Royal College of Art.
The exhibition was unveiled on 3 May
and will remain open for seven weeks.
Lumsden Design helps celebrate 150 years of John Lewis
13
news
Transport for London (TfL) has announced the opening of seven
new pop-up shops at Old Street Tube station, including optical
brand Bailey Nelson, electric bike company Fully Charged and
juice company Press London. The pop-up shops will complement
existing retailers at the station as TfL continues to broaden the
retail offering available for customers using the transport network.
In March 2014, TfL announced that it had appointed online
retail space marketplace Appear Here to set up pop-up shops,
bringing a variety of new and innovative retailers across its
retail estate. Around 22 million people use Old Street station
each year and given its proximity to Tech City, TfL chose it as its
first dedicated pop-up shop location to reflect its creative and
innovative location.
Alongside the pop-up shops, TfL has also appointed design
consultancy, Tait to improve the appearance of the shop units,
signage and passageways at the station, making it easier for
customers to navigate their way around the area.
Robert Rosser, creative director at Tait, comments: ‘We’ve
addressed the retail offer by creating new gallery-like bite size
units, as well as creating a fresh vibrant look for the existing
tenants. We’ve been able to accentuate the great retail already
on offer and revitalise their look and create a platform for the
retail to re-engage with the regular commuter.
‘We’ve also redesigned the wayfinding system that takes you
from ticket hall to street level,’ says Rosser. ‘Each subway has
been given an immersive colour wrap and numbering system
to aid navigation, in an exuberant “digital ribbon” design that
13
Old Street Station reveals new pop-up shops and fresh look
Ted Baker has opened a new store in
Glasgow that will trade alongside its
original Princes’ Square store. Inspired
by ‘Great Scots and their world firsts’, the
250 sq m space showcases a new design
with a focus on digital innovation.
Shapes, colours and patterns inspired
by Glasgow’s architectural pioneers
feature throughout the store, with a neon
yellow pantone guiding customers through
the space. The ceiling plays host to screen
cut-outs at different heights, with designs
taken from the city’s coat of arms, while
white painted walls show an exposed brick
interior with an ‘electronic museum’ on
either side of the shop fit. Wall-mounted
irregular grids with polished brass frames
and a series of cabinets feature a variety
of collections in neatly curated rows. In
addition, digital screens displayed at
various levels feature seasonal brand
content and images of inventors from the
past to the present day.
The fitting rooms, which spread along
the right hand side of the space, display
black and white images of Scottish
architecture that are designed to work
like a kaleidoscope when in place, as a
reference to Glaswegian inventor, Sir David
responds to the tech-based locality.’
The pop-up shops form part of TfL’s Commercial Development
strategy, currently forecast to raise £3.5 billion over the next
10 years, all of which will be reinvested back into the public
transport network.
Graeme Craig, director of commercial development at TfL,
comments: ‘We are delighted with the vibrant and diverse line-up
that is launching what we hope will be the first of many successful
pop-up shops at Old Street station. Pop-up shops provide an
opportunity for new and existing retailers to showcase their
innovative products and services to the millions of people who use
the station each year.’
TfL continues to work with existing retailers on its network
while reviewing new commercial opportunities. In January 2014,
it announced that it was working with Asda, Tesco, Waitrose and
automated parcel locker company InPost to establish ‘click and
collect’ facilities at London Underground station car parks to
transform and diversify the services on offer to customers as they
move around the transport network.
Brewster, who created the kaleidoscope.
The cash desk depicts the same black
and white images, which have been
strategically placed to create an abstract
pattern; this is then overlaid with a neon
yellow map of Glasgow city centre.
Ted Baker collaborates with FormRoom on Glasgow store
A glass box on the wall contains the
first ever Ted Baker accessory; a men’s
satchel from 1988.
Ted Baker collaborated with
FormRoom on the new store design
concept.
14
news
Q: How important a part of leadership is ‘looking the part’?
A. I’ve been advising on the appointment of leaders for 20 years and this situation is definitely less common than it used to be. Times have, largely, changed: office rules and cultures are more relaxed and a different generation of bosses are more open-minded than some of their predecessors. In addition, recruiters and business psychologists use a variety of tools and techniques to make certain that selection processes are fair and objective, to give candidates an equal playing field and to ensure that decisions are free of bias and are based on merit.
However, final decisions by boards, panels and individuals, occasionally still reflect a more basic judgement. Rightly or wrongly, looking the part may play a larger role than many think.
A Wall Street Journal article by Joann S Lubin began: ‘Savvy executives know the part, act the part and look the part. That’s because they exude “executive presence”, a broad term used to describe the aura of leadership.’ The piece makes a strong case for developing your presence and appearance, for getting coaching, voice training and even acting lessons. Certainly this might be appropriate for key media or public facing roles, but what does that mean for the rest of us who are not subject to constant scrutiny from the media?
We can’t all be statesman-like in our manner or appearance, but we should work hard to make the best of the raw material we have and match to the style of the environment we work in - and it’s not all about the clothes we wear. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence are the keys. Look at yourself in the real, and metaphorical, mirror and understand who you are, your strengths and what you need to work on. Ask for feedback from friends, family and colleagues and act on their advice, if necessary, to increase your presence and impact. Seek coaching if there is a significant gap between your perception and that of others.
My experience, working with leaders in hundreds of organisations, is that first impressions still count, and are often hard to change. If you’re an ambitious or aspiring leader, you should give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed.So, will style always win over substance? When it comes to ‘looking the part’, remember one thing. If I go out today, buy an airline pilot’s uniform and put it on – it doesn’t mean I can fly an aircraft.
T. 01332 565 125www.bfpexecutiverecruitment.co.ukTwitter: bfpRecruit
sponsored column
Talk shopJohn Hamilton of BFP answers your questions on retail design and marketing recruitment.
Selfridges London has collaborated with Campaign, The Future
Laboratory and Givaudan to create a Fragrance Lab as part of its
Beauty Project. The immersive installation enables customers to
purchase their signature scent in a one-of-a-kind retail journey.
Taking over the Concept Store at Selfridges, the Fragrance
Lab invites customers on an olfactive journey through a series of
interactive zones, including the store’s windows. The experience
culminates with a fragrance created by Givaudan perfumers, with
the alchemy informed by the stimuli and answers to the questions
the consumer experienced along the way.
‘Fragrance Lab offers a tantalising glimpse into the future
of in-store retailing, where customers’ habits, preferences and
tastes, as well as their physical interaction will be used to
develop a personalised service or product,’ says a spokesperson
for Campaign.
The Fragrance Lab is open until 30 June as part of The Beauty
Project.
Selfridges launches Fragrance Lab as part of Beauty Project
Fast fashion chain Primark has announced plans to open
stores in the north east of the USA. The retailer has signed
a lease for some 6,500 sq m of selling space in the historic
Burnham Building in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts.
The Primark store is planned to open towards the end of
2015 and negotiations are under way to open further stores in
the north east, through to the middle of 2016. The US stores will
be supported by warehousing in the region.
Primark to open in US
17
visual merchandising
Window
Asprey LondonAsprey collaborated with Millington Associates to create this playful
window display, featuring luxury game sets atop giant dice and
backgammon pieces. The backdrop is made up of masterfully
stitched, oversized monochrome backgammon board panels.
shoppingInspiring window displays from around the globe
Liberty LondonThe April window displays at Liberty London were inspired by still life
set ups in muted colour tones. The department store took four colours
and worked each window into a serene still life, full of textures and
tones in the materials used and products from the store.
Le Bon MarchéIn this recent installation at Le Bon Marché in Paris,
prints from 10 selected brands fly away on wheels in
movement. Brands involved in the scheme include
Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy,
Marni, Miu Miu and Stella McCartney.
18
visual merchandising
SelfridgesThis month, Selfridges is celebrating all definitions of beauty in its
new campaign, The Beauty Project. To celebrate the launch, the
retailer has transformed the London store windows into a
thought-provoking exploration on the definition of beauty.
JosephThe April windows at Joseph 77 Fulham
Road focused on metallic in bronze
and copper - a key trend for the SS14
season. Taking inspiration from its
favourite collections, and Dahn Vo’s
‘We the People’ fragmented copper
Statue of Liberty installation, the retailer
commissioned copper-like sculptures
surrounding the mannequins, which
stand on a floor of black volcanic sand.
Harlequin Design produced the oversized
and multilayered metallic flowers.Cath KidstonTo welcome in the great British summer, Cath Kidston has
created a bright and cheerful window display, full of summer
holiday fun. More than 7,500 beach balls have been used in
Cath Kidston store windows across the UK, Ireland and Asia. The
London flagship store also features a giant inflatable whale on
top of a road tripper car, a giant sandcastle made from 500
beach buckets and a life-size beach hut made entirely of cool
boxes with an ice-pack roof.
John Lewis (Samsung)Samsung has taken over
a single window display
in nine John Lewis stores,
including Peter Jones in
Chelsea, to launch its new
WW900 washing machine.
The displays are Samsung-
branded with the appliance
taking centre stage against
a blue 3D backdrop
of iconic household
products, accompanied
by the caption: ‘There
has never been an iconic
washing machine’. Cheil
UK is responsible for
the campaign concept,
creative thought, window
display design and
creation of all in-store
materials.
Harrods (Prada)Italian fashion brand Prada has taken over London department
store, Harrods with 40 window displays, a pop-up shop, multiple
screen displays, an elegant Marchesi cafe and Pradasphere: an
exhibition that traces the company’s multivalent obsessions, from
fashion and accessories to art, architecture, cinema and sport.
The windows serve as an index of classic store elements, from
marble floors to green ‘sponge’ walls.
See more window installations from London and Paris on the blog:
www.retail-focus.co.uk/blog
POP
POPStopCompany:Kesslers International
Client:Volkswagen
Display title:Volkswagen e-mobility cube
Sector:Automotive
Locations:VW dealerships, nationally
The Brief:For the launch of the new e-up electric
vehicle, Volkswagen wanted a premium
looking display that used a very small
footprint on the shop floor. The design
also needed to be interactive and in line
with Volkswagen’s brand image. As the
company’s first fully electric vehicle, the
unit needed to display a large amount of
information and have interchangeable
graphics that could be updated with new
information when necessary.
The Result:The design team at Kesslers International
used a combination of edge-lit acrylic and
lit back panels to ensure Volkswagen’s
premium brand identity is communicated
effectively, while also being accessible to
its customers. The interactive unit features
spinning blocks that customers can rotate
to find out more about the new car. The
unit is easy to move and uses a very small
surface area on the showroom floor.
www.kesslers.com
20
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Q & A
23
Retail’s not a complete numbers game
Has anyone else noticed how many new products are popping up
that record and measure customers’ in-store behaviour? Some tell
retailers how many times something gets picked up, others monitor
time in aisles and so on.
Love them or hate them, these tools do offer an exciting
opportunity to reduce the margin for error, and make sales and
profits where other retail practices may not.
Most retail categories will find a use for this growing area
of information technology, from FMCG through to all manner of
general merchandise goods. Large scale, multiple and volume
retailers will likely benefit most, where the difference between
getting a single day, weekend or weeklong selling period right or
wrong can make all the difference.
These tools are ‘predictive trend technologies’, but in my
experience retail often wins out on the unexpected. For example,
such gizmos cannot effectively predict the effects of breaking news
such as births and deaths, and instant twitter-born trends such as
what a celebrity might do or wear? Even our ‘accurately’ forecasted
weather is prone to being somewhat contrary. These factors all
create surges and peaks and troughs in demand that even the
smartest systems cannot foresee.
Where VM adds something different in this area is the ability
to ‘create’ sales through generating surprise and delight for
consumers. The unexpected focal point along a dingy walkway,
the brand that now stands out against competitors, the powerful
presentation and impact of a well-stocked, colourful grocery
counter or the window display that stops someone in the street.
Certainly, scientific explanation of what makes these work can
be undertaken, and shopper behaviour probed and analysed to
find out the reasons why people react in a certain way. However,
unlike machines and electronic instruments, human beings are
delightfully (and frustratingly for retailers) prone to being random,
and likely to change their minds.
Here VM works on creating distracting, diversionary and
behaviour-changing effects that, when executed well, cause
consumers to switch what and how they buy particular goods.
By creating a sense of planned difference, VM can quite
Karl
literally interrupt shoppers’ ‘planned’ or ‘normal’ reactions in all
kinds of retail-based behavioural scenarios – put simply, when they
are ‘shopping’.
Shopper analytic devices could be useful to direct and inform
VM and marketing campaigns, helping to determine which
products to promote or the likely combinations that ‘most’ people
would find beneficial, useful or attractive. These are potentially
useful ways to provide VM teams with the right product knowledge
to deliver more productive displays.
Retailing is and has always been about having great
products, which are attractive enough for consumers to buy.
That attractiveness is made up of many considerations. Some
are practical ones such as quality and price, while others are
emotional, like store environment, marketing and customer services.
So for me, the factors that make shops and stores successful,
cannot just be turned into a purely technical business model as
adopted by the likes of Amazon and eBay.
In many sectors, impulse sales still account for a bigger
part of a consumer’s purchase decisions. Effectively, being more
valuable to retailers than the amount of planned, regular or
repeat purchases. Customers remind businesses all the time that
they are quirky, unusual and like to be treated as individuals. With
the rise of the ‘everyone is an individual’ culture, surely this matters
even more?
All retail technologies still require some level of human
interaction to make them work. In-store analytics can provide
the sales data and ‘intelligence’ but they will still rely on store
managers and shop teams to react to this data and move the
goods and promote products according to the data set produced.
Many promotions and sales are lost through ‘poor retail
implementation’ practices in store. This is sometimes due to the
fact that teams are slow to react, or react to the wrong things, or
other issues such as when supply chain slip-ups get in the way
etc. Fundamentally, retail will always be a ‘people’ business - a
relationship between the buyers (the customers) and the sellers
(the store owners). No amount of fancy technology will account for
getting the basics right, and that’s where VM is one of those ‘soft’
but nonetheless effective tools that a business can deploy to
make sure its shops and stores maximise whatever opportunities
they have.
Analytics tools are excellent to help inform retailers’ tactics, but
in my experience they are not a universal palliative for effective
brand strategy and in-store implementation practices to deliver
commercial success.
column
Karl McKeever is creative director of visual merchandising and brand delivery consultancy Visual Thinking.
Email Karl at [email protected]
McKeever
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project focus
Design: FourmationOpening date: March 2014Store size: 92 sq m
‘From the beginning we have been driven by the concept of
transforming the sterile opticians experience of today and turning
it into something stylish and exciting,’ says Asad Hamir, founder of
Kite, a new fashion-forward opticians at Westfield Stratford City in
East London. Located on the ground floor of the shopping centre,
the 92 sq m boutique opticians intends to change the traditional
customer journey for the better, refocusing on fashion, service
and expert eye care.
‘In our world, shopping for glasses should be as fun and
exciting as any other retail experience on the high street today,’
says Hamir.
Designed in collaboration with London-based consultancy
Fourmation, Kite has a colourful, open interior that invites
consumers to hang out and have fun. Working with music
specialist, Music Concierge, the company has developed a
soundtrack for the store that matches the values and personality
of the brand. In addition, two Kite Kiosks incorporating 46-inch
multitouch displays enable customers to take #specselfies of their
favourite frames and then share the pictures on social networks.
A further four mini tablet-based kiosks are situated on the large
central consultation bench for customers to use.
The materials palette includes large format porcelain tiles
and powder-coated metals, which are contrasted with raw
unfinished steels and vintage oak cladding. ‘We also wanted
to play some games with the colours, having bright accents with
dark backdrops in order to highlight the areas we wanted the
customer to focus on,’ explains John Foden, creative director
at Fourmation.
For the lighting, Fourmation worked with LTS Fagerhult to
design bespoke X fittings using LEDs that create a daylight
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KiteWestfield Stratford City, London
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26
project focus
effect in the centre of the store. ‘We also
developed a unique cross mechanism to fix
the sections together without creating any
loss of continuous light,’ says Foden.
The testing rooms at the back of the
space, which are used to carry out eye
examinations, are designed to feel more
like a spa, with the latest equipment
to hand and images that follow the
development of the Kite brand over the last
two years.
The company plans to open further
stores in 2014 as well as a pop-up concept.
‘We see bricks and mortar as a key part of
our expansion strategy,’ says Hamir, ‘and
we have the ambition to be a national
brand over the coming years.’
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R_Focus_RH_Soledo.qxp_Layout 1 14/03/2014 15:44 Page 1
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Design: Interstore Design & DYArchitectesOpening date: December 2013Store size: 3,500 sq m
La Grande Epicerie de ParisLe Bon Marché, Paris
project focus
Following 18 months of refurbishment works, luxury food emporium
La Grande Épicerie de Paris has unveiled a new look that picks up
the tradition of typical French markets and specialist stores. The
fine foods concept at high-end department store Le Bon Marché
Rive Gauche is spread across three levels with a restaurant led
by chef Jean-Jacques Massé on the first floor, an extensive food
hall on the ground floor, and a wines and spirits department with
adjacent wine bar in the basement.
The floors are linked by a new stairwell and escalators in the
centre of the store, which are flooded with natural light from the
stunning glass-domed cupola designed by DYArchitectes.
At the heart of the food hall, which has been designed in
collaboration with Zurich-based Interstore Design, is a new ‘Place
du Marché’ where fresh fruit and vegetables are presented on
a large marble table and authentic market van. Surrounding
the marketplace are the pâtisserie, chocolaterie, boulangerie,
charcuterie, rôtisserie, boucherie, fromagerie and poissonnerie, all
designed like boutiques or market stands that are clearly arranged
and more open than in the past. Each department features large
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handcrafted glass mosaic patterns by contemporary French
artist Mathilde Jonquière on the counters and rear panels that
distinguish and unite the specialist sections.
Other key design elements include the striking canopy
installation in the marketplace, the water display with mirrored
background, featuring more than 100 types of water from around
the world, and the 20 new automated tills equipped with a
self-scanning system.
Delicatessen sales manager, Laurent Trégaro says the aim for
the grocery store was twofold: ‘To enrich our section in terms of
both quality and quantity for the product ranges popular with our
customers, in line with well-established trends; and to showcase
these collections more effectively through a spectacular display,
advice [and] tastings’.
The 550 sq m wines and spirits department together with
the Le Balthazar wine bar were the first to be completed,
followed by the food hall and La Table de la Grande Épicerie de
Paris restaurant.
‘Today’s brand new Grande Épicerie de Paris is Europe’s most
ambitious fine-foods concept,’ says Patrice Wagner, president of
Le Bon Marché and La Grande Épicerie. ‘We wanted to offer our
clients a totally unique gourmet experience. The know-how and
skills of our architects, our craftsmen and the artists we selected to
join us for the adventure means this is now a reality.’
29
project focus
31
project focus
Design: In-houseOpening date: April 2014Store size: 465 sq m
It took Osprey London nearly three years to find the ‘right’
building for its new flagship store, which opened in April at
27 Regent Street St James’s in the West End. The British luxury
lifestyle brand, originally known for heritage-inspired leather
bags and accessories, is using the Grade II listed space to
showcase its fashion collections as well as its ever-expanding
lifestyle product ranges.
Spread across two levels, the store houses the wider Osprey
London and O.S.P Osprey collections for both men and women,
as well as home furniture and accessories, and a hospitality area
where customers can relax with food and hot beverages in the
style of the Saddlery Cafe, which can be found at the Osprey
St Albans lifestyle store.
Speaking ahead of the opening, founder Graeme Ellisdon
said: ‘As one of the most important cities in the world, we consider
this move to London a significant milestone in the company’s
growth. The new flagship store will embody the core brand
values that tie the different collections and lifestyle categories
of the brand together - a love of natural materials, traditional
techniques and a robust sense of design.’
Designed in house, the aim was to create a welcoming and
personal space. As such, the ground floor is designed to feel like
‘our place in town’ while the basement is designed to feel like
‘our place in the country’, a concept which is reflected as much
in the materials palette as in the merchandise itself.
The entrance to the store features an oak-panelled lobby
with oak-framed glass doors and wide glass display cases
framed in dark grey wood on either side. On the ground floor, a
limestone border has been used to edge an aged parquet floor
in a traditional Versailles pattern in keeping with the period of the
property. The walls have been painted in a heritage palette of
pale grey, with a darker grey for the men’s area, and a series of
glass-topped tables made from the highly polished twisted trunks
of trees have been strategically placed throughout the space. For
the lighting, three round flat-line chandeliers bring a clean and
contemporary look to the floor while a globe chandelier in the
Ph
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OspreyRegent Street St James’s, London
32
project focus
same materials is suspended over the men’s area in the far right
corner of the store.
‘The aim is to use the building and our design as a visual
metaphor for the heritage of the brand, which is partly rooted in the
British countryside and partly rooted in London,’ says Ellisdon. ‘As a
brand steeped in natural materials and traditional techniques, this
approach was extended to an insistence on the use of solid woods,
metals and bespoke finishes.
‘Throughout the store we’ve used a variety of different natural
materials including oak,’ continues Ellisdon. ‘Oak has a natural
affinity to leather and provides the perfect foil for its display.’
A staircase, featuring oak treads with metal ridge details, leads
customers to the lower ground floor. Hanging above the impressive
stairwell is a large, vintage-inspired crystal chandelier with French
plisse silk shades in muted tones which pick out the colours of the
exposed brickwork.
The lower ground floor has a more informal atmosphere, with
walls clad in reclaimed London pitch pine floorboards in a variety
of colours and states of wear. Against the white metal joists of the
ceiling, the look is architectural yet cosy and serves to create a
comforting cocoon which seems far away from the noise and bustle
of Regent Street. In the centre of the space is a large square pillar
on which tongue-in-cheek cloth taxidermy is hung, and around
which sits a large oak-topped counter housing the till point.
To the left of the stairs on the lower ground floor is the Saddlery
Cafe, which serves drinks and fresh, seasonal and locally made
bakes. The walls in the cafe stand out from the downstairs scheme
with a clean, contemporary white wash.
‘As a brand, we love to work within architectural spaces,
especially those with a story to tell, and these properties are hard
to come by,’ says Ellisdon. ‘We are thrilled to be an early part of this
regeneration project of the St James Gateway for the Crown Estate.
It feels like we’ve come home.’
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33
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34
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35
Storytelling is an approach taken by many brands and retailers
to entertain and engage with consumers, and stand out from the
competition. Far more than just words and narrative, a brand
story is about actions and experiences. In a store, every element
of the design, including the fixtures and fittings, can be used to
create relevant and memorable experiences. Here, Retail Focus
looks at five original display systems designed to reinforce the
brand identity.
display systems
Stands of attentionInspiring product displays from stores across the globe
Stuart Weitzman, Hong Kong & MilanZaha Hadid Architects
The new retail concept for luxury shoe brand Stuart Weitzman is
divided into invariant and adaptive elements, enabling the design
to establish unique relationships in each worldwide location, yet
also allowing every store to be recognised as a Stuart Weitzman
space. Created in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects, the
design concept is a playful dialogue of geometries; creating a
rhythm of folds and recesses that have been shaped further by
functional and ergonomic considerations.
An intricate combination of materials and construction
technologies are used to define the spatial experience. The
curved modular seating and freestanding display elements are
constructed from fibreglass dipped in rose gold - a technique
similar to that used in boat manufacturing. In addition, the
glass-reinforced concrete of the walls and ceiling expresses
solidity while at the same time the precision of complex curvatures
generate focal points and areas for display.
The retail concept launched in Milan, Italy in September 2013
followed by a 63 sq m boutique in Hong Kong. Additional flagship
stores by Zaha Hadid Architects are planned over the next few
years, including Rome and New York.
Photography (Hong Kong): Virgile Simon Bertrand
Photography (Milan): Jacopo Spilimbergo
Hong Kong
Hong KongMilan
SoleRebels, BarcelonaDom Arquitectura & Asa Studio
Ethiopian shoe brand SoleRebels opened
a store in Barcelona in 2013, designed by
Dom Arquitectura and Asa Studio. Located
in a former butchers shop, the space
features recycled items such as pallets,
ropes and wheels that fit with the brand
image. ‘We had a very small place and a
very limited budget,’ says a spokesperson
for Dom Arquitectura. ‘We decided to use
natural materials and neutral colours to
highlight the product.’
One side of the store is lined with
pallets, giving warmth to the space. Ropes,
which are tied to the pallets are secured
to the wall and ceiling and come down to
the other side of the store, where they hold
large wheels, reused to display product.
‘Everything is held between both sides
and generates a sustainable tension,’ says
the studio.
Photography: Jordi Anguera
COS, MilanNendo
At the recent Salone del Mobile in Milan, fashion brand COS
collaborated with Japanese design studio Nendo to create a
‘space dipped’ shirt installation and temporary concept store.
The COS x Nendo installation featured sculptural pieces that
relied on the interplay of the popular COS white shirt and a series of
brushed steel frames. ‘The smartly ordered shirts are crisp, classic
white until they fall inside the steel cube frames, at which point
they take on colour as though the space itself has dyed them,’
explains Nendo founder, Oki Sato. ‘The simple yet effective framing
strengthens viewers’ awareness of the space.’
Nendo also created a number of pieces for the concept store,
including a ceramic tea set and a modern globe.
Photography: Daici Ano
display systems
37
38
display systems
ODEEH, BerlinZeller & Moye
This new concept store for German fashion
brand ODEEH incorporates a number of
moveable elements to allow for maximum
flexibility. Designed by Zeller & Moye, the
display units are made from raw cement
boards and are complemented by a series
of delicate metal objects, such as clothes
stands, hooks and trays. In addition,
mirrored screens create a kaleidoscope-like
interior, enabling customers to view
the products from all angles. The zigzag
lines present throughout the space,
together with the cross patterns of the light
fittings are inspired by the stitching methods
in tailoring.
The 250 sq m fashion store opened in
April in the Bikini Berlin shopping centre,
located in West Berlin.
Photography: Harry Weber
Belvedere Museum, ViennaLumsden Design
For the gift shops at Vienna’s Belvedere Museum, UK-based Lumsden Design created
a bespoke modular display system that harmonises with the architectural surroundings.
Created for the shops at the Lower Belvedere and the Prince’s Winter Palace, the
merchandising system comprises a series of stacking trays made from Valchromat and
has a limited colour palette of dark grey with an accent of Belvedere’s signature red.
Manufactured by Kamper in Austria, the reversible trays are designed to be easy for
the retail team to disassemble and reconfigure as display tables, jewellery stands and
a cash desk.
The studio has also developed feature wall displays with the same flexibility, with two
different modular shelf inserts that create a variety of spaces to fit product or graphics.
‘The challenge was to create a retail concept that would be respectful of the Belvedere
brand but that would work in two very different but architecturally imposing sites,’ says
Callum Lumsden, founder and creative director at Lumsden Design. ‘The display system
needed to be modular so it could not only adapt to the different sites but would be quick to
install and easy to reconfigure by the retail team.’
All the display furniture features built-in LED lighting.
Photography: Catriona Mills
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41
global expansion
Think global, design localGlobal expansion plans are back on the agenda with investment in new and existing stores a key priority for retailers, discovers Retail Focus.
The proportion of retailers with international store expansion
plans has increased dramatically in 2014, revealing a renewed
confidence in the global retail market, indicates a new report
by commercial real estate services firm, CBRE. Of those retailers
surveyed, more than a third plan to open 40 stores or more this
year, with mid-range fashion and value fashion accounting for the
most active sectors.
‘An upturn in consumer confidence and renewed vigour in the
global retailer community has put large scale expansion firmly
back on the agenda,’ says Peter Gold, head of cross-border retail
at CBRE.
The study, entitled: ‘How active are retailers globally?’, suggests
that Germany is ‘by far’ the most sought after retail market in the
world, followed by France, the UK, Austria and China. ‘Germany’s
growing appeal to international retailers reflects the strength
of its consumer economy, the relative under representation of
international retailers compared with similar sized cities elsewhere
in Europe, and the opportunity for retailers to target 20 large cities
in one market,’ says the report.
Fast fashion retailer Primark has an active schedule of store
openings planned this year, with the pipeline of new stores for the
future said to be ‘as full as it has ever been’. Since the last financial
year end, the company has opened more than 16 new stores across
Europe, including in Germany, The Netherlands, Austria, Portugal
and its first stores in France. According to parent company,
Associated British Foods (ABF), capital expenditure on new Primark
stores and refits for the full year is planned to be ahead of last year.
The company also recently announced that it plans to take the
Primark concept to the USA with a new 6,500 sq m store expected
to open in Boston, Massachusetts towards the end of 2015.
Negotiations are also said to be underway to open further stores in
the north east of the USA through to the middle of 2016.
Earlier this year, British high street retailer Marks & Spencer also
revealed plans for further international expansion, with a focus
on opening 250 new stores, as well as growing its food business
and increasing its franchise operations. The company will expand
internationally with a ‘bricks and clicks’ approach by establishing
flagship stores in key cities, supported M&S Food stores and a
Above:
Pringle of Scotland has entered the Chinese market with a
new flagship store in Chengdu, designed by atelier oï.
Below:
Fast fashion retailer Primark has an active schedule of store
openings planned this year.
global expansion
42
full online offer. It will also expand its food business in Western
Europe by opening around 20 standalone food stores in Paris over
the next three years.
‘Our strategy of becoming an international, multichannel
retailer is more relevant than ever before because of the strong
growth potential of international markets,’ says M&S’ chief executive,
Marc Bolland. ‘We are focusing on flagship stores to deliver brand
presence and stand-out. We also see great opportunities in fresh
food, and lingerie & beauty concepts.’
The report by CBRE reveals that while investment in
multichannel is important, investment in new and existing stores
remains the number one priority for retailers.
When expanding into new markets, most brands want to
convey a cohesive vision and then adapt the experience to
local sensibilities, claims a spokesperson for design consultancy
UXUS. The company has recently collaborated with Qatar Luxury
Group to launch its first homegrown luxury brand, Qela. The pilot
store opened in Doha towards the end of 2013 with a second
store expected to open in Paris this summer. The design brief,
explains UXUS, was to showcase Qela’s Qatari savoir-faire and
craftsmanship, while honouring the cultural legacy of each store
location. ‘It was also important to communicate a clear global
vision to differentiate Qela from other leading luxury brands,’ says
the spokesperson.
For the Paris location, the consultancy has personalised the
platform by infusing Qela touchpoints with aspirational Parisian
influences. ‘The result is a signature brand experience that sets a
point of difference globally, while staying relevant to the culture
and consumer of each market,’ adds UXUS.
David Dalziel of UK design firm Dalziel & Pow is of the opinion
that global brands are typically successful because they know
themselves, they know their brand and they don’t deviate too far
from that message when adapting to local markets. That said, an
element of local context can go a long way, he adds.
‘We love what H&M are doing in various key locations around
the globe,’ enthuses Dalziel. ‘For such a retail giant they have
successfully created local experiences in Barcelona, Rome, Paris,
Los Angeles, Dubai, New York and more. Every key location has had
a unique design response while the second tier stores deliver a
consistently good experience that supports the brand.’
Dalziel & Pow has been working with Primark for some time,
creating a benchmark retail identity for the UK, Ireland and Europe.
In recent years, the retailer has attempted to adjust its proposition
in each major location when it opens; an interesting challenge,
says Dalziel, when you are growing as fast as Primark.
The first evidence of this came with the opening of the Oxford
Street East store in London towards the end of 2012. ‘Local maps
used in static and digital graphics, local transport references
in the form of sections of tube trains, the acceptance of found
architecture in the space all added to the “London” quality in
the space, a characteristic enjoyed by locals and tourists alike,’
explains Dalziel.
‘In Dusseldorf, we uncovered some interesting materials in the
shell and chose to leave those exposed, coupling them with a very
fashion forward architectural materials palette to give relevance to
the location,’ adds Dalziel.
While the top target markets for 2014 listed in the CBRE report
are dominated by countries with mature retail sectors, a number of
emerging markets also feature strongly, including China, Turkey,
Russia, Singapore and Malaysia.
‘China is currently a very exciting place to be as a retailer,’ says
CBRE’s Sebastian Skiff. ‘Globally speaking, the Chinese consumer
accounts for a significant proportion of many retailers’ sales,
whether they are registered through their stores in China or London,
New York, Paris etc. Having a strong presence in China is an
important strategy to drive sales across a brand’s global locations,
not just within China itself.’
Pringle of Scotland has just entered the Chinese market with
a new flagship store in Chengdu. It is said to be the first in a
series of important Chinese openings for the brand, which intends
to open 15 to 20 free-standing stores over the next three to five
years. Designed in collaboration with Swiss architect atelier oï, the
materials palette of the 240 sq m retail space draws inspiration
from the brand’s Scottish heritage, with wood and stone prevalent
throughout. Pringle of Scotland’s argyle pattern is also referenced
through the use of sharp angles and dissecting lines wrought in
gun metal structures that feature across shelving units and fittings.
‘We see China as an exciting long-term opportunity and the
store is our first step into a market that has huge growth potential,’
says Wilfred Koo, Pringle of Scotland’s president for Greater China.
‘It is important the customer is introduced to the brand and its
heritage through the bricks and mortar store concept, however we
do have plans to introduce a Chinese website in the future.’
In April, Burberry opened a new flagship in Shanghai,
inspired by its Regent Street store in London. Incorporating British
craftsmanship and materials, the space reflects the architectural
design concept developed by chief creative officer, Christopher
Bailey. Highlights of the new store include a dynamic illuminated
facade, the first digital brand gallery in Asia and the first in-store
Burberry Beauty room in China.
Like Burberry, brand consultancy Interbrand believes
retailers in mature markets must enhance their global presence,
provide new services and use technology to simplify and enrich
customer interactions.
‘In a crowded, competitive space, overflowing with options,
it is imperative [that] retailers make an effort to understand the
local habits and culture of every market they enter, address
real needs, acknowledge changing preferences and bring
something new and better to that market,’ says the Interbrand
website. ‘Whatever the market, there is always potential for growth.
Retailers just need to find the unique idea that will unlock growth
opportunities in the region.’
Top:
Burberry has opened a new flagship in Shanghai, inspired by
its Regent Street store in London.
Bottom:
Primark in Dusseldorf, designed by Dalziel & Pow.
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45
What men wantThere used to be a dearth of decent menswear outlets beyond the exclusive worlds of Sloane or Bond Street but that has changed argues Pentagram architect, William Russell. Today in London, there are plenty of premium boutiques that cater for men who like to shop.
The growth in the number of stores like Start, Present and Hostem
in the East End, and Trunk, Album and Oliver Spencer further
West seems to indicate a change in men’s attitude to retail. These
relatively recent stores have joined the more well-established
London brands like Paul Smith, Nigel Hall and Margaret Howell
to transform the landscape, servicing an increasingly
sophisticated clientele.
The wealth of these shopping experiences aimed at the
stylish, cultured male shopper with an appreciation for design
suggests that the so-called ‘smart man’ has already risen and the
high street has some catching up to do.
The prevailing attitude of these savvy professional males
places a high value on buying quality in small quantities. In
some respects, this is a product of an economic era where men
have seen their disposable incomes shrink and have tailored
their shopping expenditure accordingly. As a result, instead of
following current trends, some men are choosing to carefully
assemble wardrobes with classic, contemporary apparel - apparel
that transcends seasonality and last years not weeks.
Margaret Howell, who I’ve been collaborating with on store
design for more than a decade, is a perfect example of these
contemporary shops. The selection of clothing you will find in
her stores is geared towards highly functional items with greater
longevity as opposed to highly fashionable items, which could
be seen as disposable. When conceiving the design personality
of her shops, we created a very functional and unobtrusive
environment that mirrored the qualities of her clothing designs,
from the materiality of the fittings to the use of space.
This growing genre of men’s stores has tended to offer a
more holistic experience than major retailers, whose sense of
store design and curation often leaves a lot to be desired. The
apparel you will find in stores like Margaret Howell and Present
on Shoreditch High Street is complemented by a rich assortment
of heavily curated products that appeal to the lifestyles of those
who shop there, such as furniture, books, cutlery and incense.
The meticulous nature in which these well-considered items
and artefacts are compiled by their vendors, after scouring the
ground of countries further afield, has earned them widespread
recognition and admiration.
These luxury stores aren’t definitively masculine or feminine,
but non gender-specific. In the case of Margaret Howell stores,
men’s and women’s clothes occupy the same racks in the same
undivided space. These shops cater for a calibre of shopper who
challenges the 21st century perception that men are reluctant to
invest in their wardrobe. The men who frequent these stores don’t
need a lot of encouragement to spend large amounts of money
on fashion impulsively - even throughout times of austerity. In fact,
in 2014 they are twice as likely to buy from high-end stores.
The hand-picked approach to merchandising and pared-
down store formats is not just limited to fashion. A similar
approach is being championed by Rachel and Simon of Labour
and Wait. Their take on homeware has proven to be hugely
successful and appeals equally to both genders. This has
definitely been noticed by the larger retailers, and John Lewis has
successfully embraced a similar approach in some of its newer
merchandising and design principles.
As for fashion store concepts, the COS store I designed for
the H&M group a few years ago adopted similar principles to the
Margaret Howell concept, and recently, & Other Stories has taken
this curatorial approach even further.
In the future, we will certainly see the growing influence of
small, independent boutiques, with a carefully constructed
niche, trickle upwards and shape the aesthetic impact and
merchandise of the high street retailer. This comes as good news
for men, particularly those who feel estranged from high street
shopping. If more and more mainstream menswear outfitters
follow this lead and adopt a more expansive attitude towards
creating rich, desirable assortments of items - housed in relaxed,
welcoming retail environments - perhaps the majority will feel
better catered for.
www.pentagram.com
opinion
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Cats A4_1 Ad_RT Lion & Kitten A4 30/08/2013 09:11 Page 1
47
self service
As consumers become accustomed to
the simplicity of online transactions, they
become less tolerant of poor service,
states a new report by shopping centre
group, Westfield which examines shopper
behaviour in the UK. The research shows
that consumers are increasingly relying
on technology to give instant service, from
click-and-collect and self-service tills to
online price checking and touchscreen
ordering kiosks.
The study, based on responses from
8,000 consumers across the UK, found
that 63 per cent of shoppers prefer
self-service over service with more than
75 per cent adding that they would like to
use touchscreen ordering points. ‘The way
consumers are using technology when
shopping is focused on having control
and efficiency, with click-and-collect,
self-service tills, reading online reviews
and checking prices being the most valued
technologies,’ says Westfield director,
Myf Ryan.
In 2009, some 23,000 self-checkout
terminals were shipped worldwide, with
this number predicted to reach nearly
60,000 by 2018, according to RBR London.
However, a study by Tensator shows that
there is still significant dissatisfaction with
both queueing and current self-service
till systems, with one in three shoppers
admitting to walking out of a store without
buying the goods they intended to because
of a bad experience. ‘Go into any high
street store and the emphasis is very
much moving towards self-service, but
retailers need to ask themselves if they
are getting it right,’ says Alan McPherson,
CEO of Tensator Group. With 84 per cent
of shoppers claiming to need help when
using self-service tills, retailers should to be
With a growing number of consumers relying on in-store self service technology, retailers need to think bigger and better, finds Retail Focus.
looking at the technology they use and the
way its being presented to the consumer,
argues McPherson. ‘If so many people need
help, it’s not self service.’
Mark Curtis, chief client officer at
global service design consultancy Fjord,
agrees that there is growing customer
vexation towards self-service technology.
‘In theory, companies handing more
control to their customers is a positive
development,’ he notes. ‘The problem is,
all too often this transference of control
comes across as companies abdicating
responsibility by offloading costly front-
end activities to their customers. Instead of
being empowered, customers frequently
end up feeling frustrated and abandoned,
without there being any trade-off in terms of
actual time saved.’
The technology certainly has a
future, maintains Curtis, but improving
the customer service experience will
be crucial. ‘This could include allowing
more personalisation, transparency and
contextualisation of a service in a way
Self service: Empowering the consumer
Below:
Waitrose is trialling a range of
technologies at its new store in
Swindon that are intended to
enhance the consumer shopping
experience.
48
self service
that resonates with a consumer’s needs and
expectations for a brand,’ he adds. ‘The
smart players in the self-service space will
design services that don’t make consumers
feel like they must perform tasks, but
rather, that they are involved in creating
the service. Empowered and intrigued by
the possibilities of getting more out of the
service, consumers will feel more invested in
the brand and more likely to stay loyal.’
Today, self-service technology
extends beyond the traditional self-service
checkout. Handheld scanning devices,
touchscreen kiosks, smartphones and
tablets are all being used to enrich the
in-store experience.
‘Stores are now blending physical and
digital retailing, and allowing customers to
be in control of their own retail experience,’
observes Katie Baron, senior retail editor at
Stylus.com.
The technology, says Baron, hands over
the control to the customer and provides
them with the information they need to feel
happy about their purchase. ‘Customers
who shop online are used to being in
control of their own experiences and now
want to have the same amount of control in
store. One brand in particular, Sneakerboy
[Retail Focus, February 2014] has seen that
although both men and women have shown
the same level of interest in tech in the retail
space, a larger amount of men are keen on
browsing at their own pace. In response to
this, the Australian brand allows customers
to checkout their chosen items via in-store
tablets or through the brand’s mobile app.
These technologies are giving time-poor
consumers the combination of traditional
retailing and e-commerce, and ultimately
enhancing the retail experience.’
In the grocery segment, Waitrose is
trialling a range of technologies at its
new store in Swindon that are intended
to enhance the consumer shopping
experience. The branch has a number
of touchscreen devices for customers
to browse content and place orders as
well as mobile charging points and a
mobile payment app that could replace
its QuickCheck scan-as-you-shop service.
It is also one of the first supermarkets to
test iBeacon technology, which transmits
information and offers to customers as they
enter the store.
When it comes to in-store self service,
retailers need to think bigger, claims
Kate Ancketill, CEO and founder of GDR
Creative Intelligence. ‘Customers expect
to be able to do almost anything on their
smartphones,’ she says. ‘Increasingly, this
now includes ordering via their phones
before they’ve even arrived at a store, and
using them as a payment method when
they leave.’
David Lowrence, retail engagement
manager at Fujitsu UK & Ireland, a leading
supplier of self-checkout terminals, agrees
that self-service processes have expanded
from the original concept of static in-store,
retailer provided technology to customer-
owned devices. ‘This empowers the
customer to a massive degree, allowing a
full omnichannel shopping experience, and
forcing retailers to cater for a BYOC (Bring
Your Own Checkout) environment,’ he
says. ‘The new approaches to self service,
together with the associated technology
are having a huge effect on both the
customer journey and the retailers’ ability
to “save the sale”. By linking omnichannel
techniques to both user-provided and
in-store self checkout devices, an endless
aisle can be created so that the shopper
can purchase anything, anywhere, anytime
from one device.
‘The omnichannel world is here,’ says
Lowrence, ‘and self service is a major part
of that experience.’
Below left:
Waitrose trials
a range of
technologies at
its new Swindon
store.
Below:
Sneakerboy
in Australia
combines the
best of digital and
physical.
Above:
Primark
self-service
checkout in the
Denim Studio at
Selfridges.
morplan.com • Freefone 0800 451122 • Visit our 4 regional stores
Over 5,000 products from stock
• carrier bags • shopfittings • display props •shop equipment • ticketing and more!
NEW
NEWNEW
Over 150 NEW Products
NEWNEW
NEW
NEW
A4 New Products_Layout 1 27/02/2014 15:22 Page 1
Call: 0845 680 7405 to advertise
50
High gloss, acrylic Parapan® is extremely versatile and increasingly being specified for prestigious installations in retail and commercial sectors.
• 24 colours
• UV stable
• Hygenic & stain resistant
• 18mm & 4mm solid acrylic
• Cut to bespoke sizes
• Thermoformed to any radius
• Durable
• Waterproof
Add a touch of gloss and glamour to your retail or office space with Parapan®
Tel: 01482 440680 Fax: 01482 440680
[email protected] www.parapan.co.uk
high gloss acrylic
Call: 0845 680 7405 to advertise
51
High gloss, acrylic Parapan® is extremely versatile and increasingly being specified for prestigious installations in retail and commercial sectors.
• 24 colours
• UV stable
• Hygenic & stain resistant
• 18mm & 4mm solid acrylic
• Cut to bespoke sizes
• Thermoformed to any radius
• Durable
• Waterproof
Add a touch of gloss and glamour to your retail or office space with Parapan®
Tel: 01482 440680 Fax: 01482 440680
[email protected] www.parapan.co.uk
high gloss acrylic
Flooring + SurfacesFlooring + Surfaces
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, visitor’s
centres and offices.
T. +44 (0)1277 350 925
www.ipad-displaystands.co.uk
51
Andy ThorntonAndy Thornton offers a range of retail display tables in a variety
of materials and finishes. Used like these Industrial cast iron
pedestal tables in distressed finishes with variable heights,
they are perfect for displaying fashion items and giftware. The
tables are part of the company’s rapidly expanding ‘Urban
Vintage’ collection of visual merchandising display equipment,
which includes shelving units, carts, trolleys, cabinets, drawers
and garment rails. Andy Thornton also supplies vintage-style
lighting, original shop fittings and decorative metal tiles for
cladding ceilings & walls.
T. +44 (0)1422 376 000 E. [email protected]
www.andythornton.com Twitter: andythorntonltd
VisplayChange by Invisible gives you the freedom to transform your store design and
merchandise display as needed – quickly, any time and as often as necessary. Front
panels can simply be removed from the rear wall using a special clip. The height of
the Invisible 6 P/L profile can be adjusted thanks to an intelligent substructure. The
Change panel can be repeatedly adapted to new product lines with little effort, using
different quantities of profiles and panels. You can use colours and pictures to adapt to
the new season, and react quickly to changing merchandise density and new product
lines. Power can be accessible for connecting the virtual world to your shop.
T. +44 (0)207 288 9570 E. [email protected]
www.visplay.com www.youtube.com/user/Shopfittingsystems
products
POP + Display
arken P-O-Parken has extended its LED light box offer with the Finelite
LED light box. The LED poster display has a slim design that
illuminates the graphic insert to make it vibrant for maximum
impact. The product is made from naturally anodised aluminium
and features a non-reflective PFS front sheet. It also uses LED
strips to create even illumination across the whole fascia.
T. +44 (0)1638 565 656 [email protected]
www.arken-pop.com
Flooring + SurfacesFlooring + Surfaces
ArmourcoatArmourcoat has launched the Duncan
MacKellar Signature Collection of
polished plaster wall finishes. Devised
by Armourcoat founder and creative
director, Duncan MacKellar, the
Signature Collection comprises four
polished plaster finishes; Biellese,
Calabresi, Nebrodi, Volsini – inspired
by an Italian heritage and MacKellar’s
artistic interpretation of natural forms
and surface effects. The launch comes
as Armourcoat celebrates its 30 year
anniversary.
T. +44 (0)1732 467 993
www.armourcoat.com
Twitter: Armourcoat
53
PolyflorA diverse range of flooring products from Polyflor, the UK’s
commercial and residential vinyl flooring specialist, have
been installed in the new state-of-the-art headquarters of
fashion house, SRG Apparel, in Whitefield, Manchester. More
than 750 sq m of Polyflor products were specified by Jenkins
Design of Bury, and installed by Bramhall Flooring, including
Expona Control, Expona Design, 2000PUR, Polysafe Arena and
Modena PUR. All Polyflor flooring is 100 per cent recyclable via
the Recofloor recycling scheme and contains up to an average
of 40 per cent recycled content. SRG Apparel designs, creates
and supplies to UK market leading retailers such as River
Island, Next, Tesco, Asda and New Look.
T. +44 (0)161 767 1111 E. [email protected] www.polyflor.com
Twitter: polyflorltd
ArmourcoatArmourcoat, a leading manufacturer of surface finishes and sulptural effects, has
collaborated with UK furniture designer Steuart Padwick on the ‘Eye of the Storm’
table. This highly original concept design, made from Ductal Ultra-High Performance
Concrete (UHPC), will launch at Clerkenwell Design Week in London. Commenting
on the project, Padwick says: ‘This collaboration began with a chance meeting
with Armourcoat at Design Shanghai in March. I was immediately excited by the
enormous potential of Ductal and it gave me the idea to create a table that showed
off Ductal’s properties, and yet was a dramatic piece of furniture in its own right.
T. +44 (0)1732 467 993 E. [email protected]
www.armourcoat.com Twitter: Armourcoat
products
surfaces + finishes
RockfonCinema chain Cineworld has specified Rockfon ceiling
products for sites across the country. Chosen for their superior
acoustic control, Rockfon Color-all tiles in charcoal colour are
fitted in the auditoriums to enhance the atmospheric surround
sound the cinema chain is proud of offering its customers. In
addition 500 sq m of Rockfon Artic ceilings tiles are installed in
the foyer of each new cinema complex to create a welcoming,
contemporary look.
T. +44 (0)800 389 0314 E. [email protected]
www.rockfon.co.uk
54
products
selection
Movetech UKMovetech UK’s 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
Wrights/GPX PlasticsLEDMAG is a great looking LED light box system that is easy
to use, 100 per cent adaptable and designed to create
stunning displays in a variety of retail and service locations.
No specialist onsite installation – just a sleek and stylish
display system that is low on cost and big on style. LEDMAG
uses magnets to ensure that once a display frame is attached
to stylish chromed steel frame it lights up automatically.
Mix-and-match different light boxes to create impact and
maximise the effectiveness of the display. The boxes come in
a variety of ‘A’ sizes and it is easy to change images, photos
or copy to ensure your display is always up-to-date and
always creating interest.
T. +44 (0)121 580 3080 E. [email protected]
www.gpxgroup.com Twitter: WrightsGPX
3MSpandex, trade supplier to the sign making and display industry,
has been announced as master distributor for 3M Architectural
Markets, specialising in innovative surface finishes that transform
interior and exterior spaces. Spandex customers now have access
to a large stock of Fasara Glass Finishes and DI-NOC Architectural
Finishes at bespoke prices and available for next day delivery.
Both products are ideal for
refreshing retail spaces without the
need for planning approval, with
minimal disruption and for as little
as 10 per cent of the cost of a full
refurbishment.
T. +44 (0)845 606 388
www.3M.co.uk/innovativefinishes
Twitter: 3MGraphicsUK
MessagemakerMessagemaker has increased the interactivity of its digital
LED signs and displays by providing direct control from a
mobile device. The new instant messaging solution uses the
TwittLED range of moving message displays and so also offers
the capability to stream live Twitter feeds. Installed in shop
windows, digital displays with a scrolling feed provide an
impactful way to promote your business and brand build 24/7.
T. +44 (0)01737 774 738 www.messagemaker.co.uk/twitter-sign
Twitter: messagemakerLED
www.theretailfactory.co.ukCall now 0844 8009 305
Opening a new store ?We can supply all your needs in just one delivery... savingyou money!Vist our online shop with over a thousand products available and in stock or call our Sales Team today
• Distribution • Shop fittings• Bespoke design• Display systems• Mannequins• Point of sale• Printed bags• Printed hangers
Talk to us today call 0844 8009 305 or email
The Retail Factory provide a unique...
Store opening and closure service...We can now offer retailers a way to consolidate and simplify the process of new store set-up, the refurbishment of existing stores and the closure of any unwanted locations. Our service removes the organisational and logistical burden during a new store opening, significantly decreasing the stress, hassle and cost involved, allowing you to shift your focus onto the more crucial issues relating to establishing a successful retail environment.
We will source all the products you need for your store openings, supplying everything you require from our retail, stationary and back office range of over 40,000 products. We organise the delivery of the items centrally into our 25,000 square foot warehouse, to be stored ready for dispatch to your locations, on the dates you specify.
Before dispatch, all the items needed for a particular store are picked and packed onto pallets for delivery to you simultaneously, significantly reducing onsite traffic and the confusion that can be caused by multiple drops from several different suppliers.
source· Consolidating your order process · Save hassle of dealing with multiple suppliers · Significant cost savings · Reduce your financial outlay on the project· One point of contact for all matters relating to your order · Invoicing and administration streamlined
store · Central storage point for all your items· Delivered direct to our warehouse and stored until needed· Deliveries unpacked, checked and inventoried · Picked and packed on a store by store basis
deliver· Delivering on demand · No ordering in bulk · Distributing to stores, only when required · Fewer deliveries
store closures· Help in the event of store closure· Organise pick up, sorting and secure storage of equipment· Recycling and disposal of unwanted and damaged items· Collect directly and transport to our warehouse· Undamaged items inventoried, repacked and stored
“Our team of warehouse professionals will accurately pack the items you require for delivery, getting you everything you need, when you need it and where you need it.”
source · store · deliver
58
flooring
focus on:The choice of flooring in a retail store will have a significant impact on the look and feel of the space. Not only should it help reinforce brand image and, possibly, aid wayfinding, it must be comfortable underfoot as well as durable, safe and easy to maintain. This month, we walk you through some of the latest designs, materials and textures available on the market, from carpet and vinyl to wood, stone and porcelain tiles.
Flooring
Pukka tiles Some 128,000 individually cut tiles have
been used to create a repeating black
and beige pattern on the floor in Jamie
Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant in Cornwall, as
part of a recent renovation project. The
tiles, which were created from Tarkett’s
Luxury Vinyl Tile iD Inspiration 70 range,
were used to build 320 larger 50cm x 50cm
tiles for easy installation at the entrance to
restaurant and around the bar area. The
flooring is 100 per cent recyclable and is
manufactured with a 0.70mm transparent
PVC wear layer, which means it’s
hard-wearing without losing any of its
visual appeal.
www.tarkett.com
Watch this SpaciaAvailable from May 2014, the 26
new additions to the Amtico Spacia
collection offer a dynamic blend
of rustic textures, neutral colour
palettes and warm woods. The
products include Nordic Oak, which
hints at chic Scandinavian style and
Spiced Timber, which has a rough-
hewn surface and natural, rustic
grain. The collection comprises 96
products in total in wood, stone and
abstract ranges.
www.amtico.com
Fashion statement A range of products from vinyl flooring
company, Polyflor have been installed in the
new state-of-the-art headquarters of fashion
house SRG Apparel in Whitefield, Manchester.
Jenkins Design of Bury specified more than
750 sq m of flooring products, including
Expona Control in warm grey concrete and
Polysafe Arena PUR in brushed titanium to
create zonal areas throughout the first floor.
Expona Design in aged Indian apple has been
installed in the feature showroom due to its
strong directional contrasts, which complement
the overall design of the space. Polyflor
flooring is 100 per cent recyclable via the
Recofloor recycling scheme and contains up
to an average of 40 per cent recycled content.
www.polyflor.com
59
New colours Developed specifically for the commercial interiors market, the
Kerastar range of porcelain floor tiles from Johnson Tiles now
features more shades and new larger sizing choice for maximum
creativity. The expanded colour palette includes chalk and linen
through the spectrum to the darker tones of shadow, graphite and
night, with four different finishes dependent on usage. The tiles are
available in four sizes: 200mm x 200mm, 300mm x 300mm and two
new sizes of 600mm x 600mm and 900mm x 450mm.
www.johnson-tiles.com
Wood be good Saw Mill Oak from solid wood flooring company Junckers is popular
among architects and designers for its rustic surface texture with
distinctive grooved saw marks. The rough, irregular transverse lines
created by a band saw add character to the wood, with a patina
that improves with age and use. The product is pictured in an
interiors store called Couch, in Copenhagen.
www.junckers.co.uk
Inspired by nature Inspired by natural materials, Karndean’s updated collection of
Art Select Stones and Woods showcases intricate and realistic
embosses, each handcrafted to reflect the unique patterns and
textures of real wood and stone. The new-look Art Select Stone
collection comprises four slate, three marble, three travertine
and four limestone designs while the Art Select Wood collection
welcomes three new parquet colours: Sundown Oak, Spanish
Cherry and Morning Oak.
www.karndean.com
flooring
60
flooring
Look sharp The new FP800 digitally printed carpet range from MD Flooring
Solutions has been developed specifically for the retail and
display market, for advertising and enhancing brand identity. The
polyamide 8 nylon cut pile carpet on actionbac brings to life the
sharpest and brightest of designs.
www.mdflooringsolutions.com
Silence is golden Inspired by the calm, tranquil beauty of the forests, lakes and
wide skies of Sweden, Silence from Bolon is a new versatile carpet
collection that is subtle, light and warm, but still rich in colour with
a silk-like appearance. The flooring can be used to create 3D
effects and reflect light, resulting in a totally different appearance,
depending on the direction from which the light is falling.
Showcased at Salone del Mobile in Milan in April, the collection is
offered as a combination of sheets, tiles and planks in a choice of
colours. Bolon also intends to offer tiles from the Silence collection
with sound absorbing qualities later in 2014.
www.bolon.com
Alluring tiles The Allura collection of luxury vinyl tiles from
Forbo Flooring is designed to respond to
the trend for more open, brighter spaces
in the retail sector. ‘There’s a move away
from dark and tropical wood types to much
lighter hues,’ notes a spokesperson for the
company. ‘This subtle natural look provides
the perfect backdrop in any large open
space for an injection of colour, via deep
and rich supporting shades or colour pops
from fittings, signage and merchandising.’
The larger tile and plank formats (available
in lengths of up to 1.5m) together with the
introduction of large-scale designs are
ideal for opening up interior spaces.
www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/allura
Directory
62
Retail Supplier Directory, find the specialist retail products and services you are looking for from leading suppliers around the world.
Visit the Retail Focus online directory
at www.retail-focus.co.uk to discover a
comprehensive list of the UK’s leading
retail suppliers. Each listing contains in-
depth company information together with
inspirational images, video footage and
informative press material. You can also
link through to company websites and
connect with suppliers through Twitter and
Facebook.
The Retail Supplier Directory is divided into
a number of categories, such as design
agencies, point-of-purchase, lighting,
props and surfaces, to make the site easy
to navigate.
To feature in the online directory, contact
Terry Clark on 0845 6807405
or email [email protected].
DirectoryDirectory
Retail Supplier Directory
Directory
63
Aluminium Fittings
Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry.
Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights*Aluminium slatwall*Perimeter Sections*Corner sections*Design and bespoke service.
DirectoryDirectory
T: 01273 582241 E: [email protected]: www.d-i-a.netS. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin
Aluminium Fittings
MicroSlat is a strong versatile 25mm fine pitched aluminium slatwall system. With a bespoke range of components it can be used to build unique and interesting displays or add value to existing designs.
T. 01325 351 276E. [email protected]. www.microslat.comS. www.twitter.com/MicroSlat
Aluminium Fittings
Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry.
Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights*Aluminium slatwall*Perimeter Sections*Corner sections*Design and bespoke service.
T: 0 01422 310767E: [email protected]: www.wbelland.com
Bespoke Display
Axis design, develop, manufacture and install bespoke retail display solutions. We’ve worked with the biggest names on the high street, but approach every project in the same way, with the maximum thought for your brand, products and sales environment.
T, 020 3260 3888E. [email protected]/retailS. www.twitter.com/AxisEuropePlc
Bespoke Display
H Squared Limited are display specialists in creating brand presence at the point of purchase. Through a holistic approach to the development of display... strategic led creative design and cost effective manufacture, supply and installation, H Squared are able to offer clients an experience to nurture an idea as well as the capability to realise and deliver these ideas.
T: 01530 814200E: [email protected]: www.hsquaredltd.co.ukS: www.twitter.com/HSquaredLtd
Bespoke Display
Bespoke Display
KSF provides retail merchandising display solutions to retailers, brands and trade customers from CONCEPT to COMPLETION via our global supply chain (China/UK/East EU) to deliver LOWER total cost of ownership. YOU’VE TRIED THE REST; NOW PUT US TO THE TEST.
T: +44 (0)8450 944 699E: [email protected]: www.ksf-global.comS: www.twitter.com/KSFGlobal
RGB Products
Bespoke Display
We provide a bespoke manufacturing service for Point of Purchase and Exhibition Display products. Using our CNC Router and other machinery, we can prototype and produce your merchandising displays and products.
T, 01403 783670E. [email protected]. www.rgbproducts.co.uk
Bespoke Display
Spur Creative Workshop deliver unique visual merchandising solutions for retail brands. Boasting a wealth of experience in high quality prop making we create display concepts for window staging, POS and brand awareness campaigns.
T 01892 890608E: [email protected] www.spurcreative.co.ukS: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative
Bespoke Display
Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry.
Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights*Aluminium slatwall*Perimeter Sections*Corner sections*Design and bespoke service.
T: 0 01422 310767E: [email protected]: www.wbelland.com
RGB Products
CNC Routing
We provide a bespoke manufacturing service for Point of Purchase and Exhibition Display products. Using our CNC Router and other machinery, we can prototype and produce your merchandising displays and products.
T, 01403 783670E. [email protected]. www.rgbproducts.co.uk
Design Consultancies
H Squared Limited are display specialists in creating brand presence at the point of purchase. Through a holistic approach to the development of display... strategic led creative design and cost effective manufacture, supply and installation, H Squared are able to offer clients an experience to nurture an idea as well as the capability to realise and deliver these ideas.
T: 01530 814200E: [email protected]: www.hsquaredltd.co.ukS: www.twitter.com/HSquaredLtd
Design Consultancies
IGNITION is an independent creative companyOur multi-disciplined team work together to deliver exceptional retail and commercial environments, global exhibitions and brands.
T, +44 (0) 1179 725168E. [email protected]. www.ignitiondg.com
Display
Axis design, develop, manufacture and install bespoke retail display solutions. We’ve worked with the biggest names on the high street, but approach every project in the same way, with the maximum thought for your brand, products and sales environment.
T, 020 3260 3888E. [email protected]/retailS. www.twitter.com/AxisEuropePlc
Display
Graphica Display print, produce and install retail graphics including till point graphics, window graphics, LED lightboxes, cut & printed vinyl and much more. Nationwide & Euorpean delivery and installation.
T: 0845 3730073E: [email protected]:www.graphicadisplay.co.ukS. www.twitter.com/graphicatweet
Original suppliers of display fabrics, textiles, PVC and polycarbonates for retail displays and exhibition stands since 1934Backgrounds have been our background since backgrounds began and B Brown have more than 400 in stock.
T, 08705 340 340E. [email protected]. www.bbrown.co.ukS. www.twitter.com/luvbbrown
No.1 Advertising Balloon Service:• Printed Latex and Foil Balloons• Helium Gas delivery and collection• Flags, Bunting and Banners• Promotional Sashes and T-shirts• Multi-store distribution nationwide
T, 01494 774376 E. [email protected] W. www.b-loony.com
Balloons & Bunting
Directory
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Display
Are you looking to increase your product sales, re-brand or launch a new product? If you’re not already talking to us, you should. Our group offer an unprecedented level of experience coupled with a comprehensive range of products and services. Our aim is to make your products sell and your service the best on the market.
T: +44(0)113 265 0093E: [email protected] W: www.concept-data.comS. www.twitter.com/GDProjects
GDP designs, manufactures, delivers and installs world-class retail environments, store fixtures, displays and visual merchandising equipment. GDP is truly Global, through its activities in many parts of the world. We have supplied high-end displays and furniture to successful retail brands throughout Europe, North America, South Africa and South East Asia.
T: +44 (0)1582 433 771E: [email protected]: www.gdprojects.euS. www.twitter.com/GDProjects
Display
Display
Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry.
Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights*Aluminium slatwall*Perimeter Sections*Corner sections*Design and bespoke service.
T: 01273 582241 E: [email protected]: www.d-i-a.netS. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin
Graphica Display print, produce and install retail graphics including till point graphics, window graphics, LED lightboxes, cut & printed vinyl and much more. Nationwide & Euorpean delivery and installation.
T: 0845 3730073E: [email protected]:www.graphicadisplay.co.ukS. www.twitter.com/graphicatweet
Impulse are a retail display design and manufacturer, offering our own UK facilities and overseas supply chain if time allows.
T, 01767 682756E. [email protected]. www.twitter.com/impulsepop
Display
Display
Spur Creative Workshop deliver unique visual merchandising solutions for retail brands. Boasting a wealth of experience in high quality prop making we create display concepts for window staging, POS and brand awareness campaigns.
T 01892 890608E: [email protected] www.spurcreative.co.ukS: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative
Display
Display
We create bespoke tailored solutions for retail, interiors, exhibitions, museums and 3D and we know one size does not fit all. Our teams are always ready for the challenges, big or small.
T: 01923 800666 E: [email protected]: www.stylographics.comS. www.twitter.com/hellostylo
Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry.
Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights*Aluminium slatwall*Perimeter Sections*Corner sections*Design and bespoke service.
T: 0 01422 310767E: [email protected]: www.wbelland.com
Display
Display - Digital
Crystal Display Systems is already a leading UK designer, distributor and value added reseller of flat panel display solutions. We have a vast array of media players, interactive displays, videowalls and shelf edge displays. Our knowledge and expertise has also led to us being one of the European leaders in transparent LCD.
T: +44 (0) 1634 292 025E: [email protected]: www.crystal-display.comS. www.twitter.com/CrystalDisplays
Impulse are a retail display design and manufacturer, offering our own UK facilities and overseas supply chain if time allows.
T, 01767 682756E. [email protected]. www.twitter.com/impulsepop
Offering an extensive range of EPOS hardware from world class suppliers such as Star Micronics, Honeywell and Posiflex, DED offer the complete EPOS hardware solution alongside a unique rewritable loyalty system.
T: 01797 320636E: [email protected]: www.ded.co.uk
S: www.twitter.com/dedltd
Display - Digital
EPOS
Finishes
Armourcoat is the world’s foremost supplier of polished plasters, sculptural effects and innovative surface finishes.
T. +44 (0)1732 460 668 E. [email protected]
W. www.armourcoat.comS. www.twitter.com/Armourcoat
Furniture
Spur Creative Workshop deliver unique visual merchandising solutions for retail brands. Boasting a wealth of experience in high quality prop making we create display concepts for window staging, POS and brand awareness campaigns.
T 01892 890608E: [email protected] www.spurcreative.co.ukS: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative
We create bespoke tailored solutions for retail, interiors, exhibitions, museums and 3D and we know one size does not fit all. Our teams are always ready for the challenges, big or small.
T: 01923 800666E: [email protected]: www.stylographics.comS. www.twitter.com/hellostylo
Furniture
Graphics
Graphica Display print, produce and install retail graphics including till point graphics, window graphics, LED lightboxes, cut & printed vinyl and much more. Nationwide & Euorpean delivery and installation.
T: 0845 3730073E: [email protected]:www.graphicadisplay.co.ukS. www.twitter.com/graphicatweet
Graphics
We create bespoke tailored solutions for retail, interiors, exhibitions, museums and 3D and we know one size does not fit all. Our teams are always ready for the challenges, big or small.
T: 01923 800666 E: [email protected]
W: www.stylographics.comS. www.twitter.com/hellostylo
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65
Interactive Displays
Crystal Display Systems is already a leading UK designer, distributor and value added reseller of flat panel display solutions. We have a vast array of media players, interactive displays, videowalls and shelf edge displays. Our knowledge and expertise has also led to us being one of the European leaders in transparent LCD.
T: +44 (0) 1634 292 025E: [email protected]: www.crystal-display.comS. www.twitter.com/CrystalDisplays
Integrated Marketing
BWP Group is an integrated communications agency that specialises in retail destination marketing. We drive footfall to shopping centres and retail brands across Europe, through a combination of marketing and brand consultancy, PR, experiential, events, social media and digital communications.
T, 01628 625 900E. [email protected]. www.bwpgroup.comS. www.twitter.com/BWP_Group
Logistics
At Chequers, we provide a specialist fragile transportation and logistics solution, dedicated primarily to the retail visual merchandising, POP/POS display and shopfitting sectors.
T, 01757 707077E. [email protected]
W. www.chequerstransport.com
Lighting
Atrium, established 36 years ago, is the UK’s longest standing independent architectural lighting supplier. Flos, Ilti Luce, LTS and Modular have granted us full exclusivity for the UK and the Republic of Ireland. We specialise in the supply of high quality design-led technical and decorative luminaires to the commercial project market.
T: +44 (0)20 7681 9933E: [email protected]: www.atrium.ltd.ukS. www.twitter.com/Atrium_ltd
Lighting
Wandsworth is the oldest independent manufacturer of electrical accessories in the UK. A truly British company, the majority of our products are sold throughout the world. Wandsworth’s traditional activities are the design and manufacture of superior metal-finished electrical wiring accessories.
T, 01483 713 400E. [email protected]. www.wandsworthgroup.comS. www.twitter.com/WandsworthGroup
POP/POS
H Squared Limited are display specialists in creating brand presence at the point of purchase. Through a holistic approach to the development of display... strategic led creative design and cost effective manufacture, supply and installation, H Squared are able to offer clients an experience to nurture an idea as well as the capability to realise and deliver these ideas.
T: 01530 814200E: [email protected]: www.hsquaredltd.co.ukS: www.twitter.com/HSquaredLtd
POP/POS
We are the leading retail implementation agency with unrivalled expertise in Installation, Retail Audits, Merchandising and Field Marketing. If you think your campaigns might benefit from a complete service, you should talk to us.
T: 0161 486 7878E: [email protected]: www.momentuminstore.comS: www.twitter.com/momentuminstore
POP/POS
POP/POS
Impulse are a retail display design and manufacturer, offering our own UK facilities and overseas supply chain if time allows.
T, 01767 682756E. [email protected]. www.twitter.com/impulsepop
KSF provides retail merchandising display solutions to retailers, brands and trade customers from CONCEPT to COMPLETION via our global supply chain (China/UK/East EU) to deliver LOWER total cost of ownership. YOU’VE TRIED THE REST; NOW PUT US TO THE TEST.
T: +44 (0)8450 944 699E: [email protected]: www.ksf-global.comS: www.twitter.com/KSFGlobal
SlatwallPOP/POS
Spur Creative Workshop deliver unique visual merchandising solutions for retail brands. Boasting a wealth of experience in high quality prop making we create display concepts for window staging, POS and brand awareness campaigns.
T 01892 890608E: [email protected] www.spurcreative.co.ukS: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative
POP Install
POP Install
Slatwall
Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry.
Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights*Aluminium slatwall*Perimeter Sections*Corner sections*Design and bespoke service.
T: 01273 582241 E: [email protected]: www.d-i-a.netS. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin
MicroSlat is a strong versatile 25mm fine pitched aluminium slatwall system. With a bespoke range of components it can be used to build unique and interesting displays or add value to existing designs.
T. 01325 351 276E. [email protected]. www.microslat.comS. www.twitter.com/MicroSlat
Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry.
Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights*Aluminium slatwall*Perimeter Sections*Corner sections*Design and bespoke service.
T: 0 01422 310767E: [email protected]: www.wbelland.com
Slatwall
Suspension systems - Simple installation, high carrying weights, automatic height locking device and progressive adjustment, compatible with existing covering and panelling.
T: 020 8446 0161E: [email protected]: www.walterlogan.com
Suspension System
Our aim is simple: To provide GOLD STANDARD Installation and Merchandising of Display Equipment at competitive prices.
T: 0161 941 2239E: [email protected]: www.plan2install.co.uk
From small, lightweight point-of-sale display turntables for short term use, to larger turntables designed for durability and reliability over many years, Movetech UK has a turntable to meet your needs.
T: 01204 537680E: [email protected]:www.movetechuk.comS. www.twitter.com/movetechuk
Q & A
66
In 1976 Carlo Freddi founded a new sportswear brand called Freddy
in his home market of Italy, with a strong focus on dance wear.
Since its launch, the brand has been the official sponsor of and
supplier to the Corps de Ballet and the Accademia d’Arti e Mestieri
dello Spettacolo at Milan’s famous Teatro alla Scala as well as to
the Italian Olympic team. It has achieved a position of leadership
in the Italian market and continues to embark on an expansion
programme across Europe. This month, Freddi talks growth,
inspiration and opening on London’s King’s Road.
RF. Who is Freddy?
CF. The Italian pant company since 1976. When I was 19, I wanted to
do something mine: I started this business using my surname,
and changing the ‘I’ into a ‘Y’ for an international touch.
RF. What inspired you to launch a sport fashion brand?
CF. I identified a clear gap in the market when first launching
the Freddy brand in the home market of Italy. Whilst our DNA
is in the dance fitness genre, Freddy has since matured into
a truly rounded sport fashion global brand. Our strength lies
in our attention for details, thereby creating truly aspirational
product that women want to be seen in. Through our continued
expansion, our brand mandate has always remained consistent
and this is key. I am an avid believer in the ‘one brand, one
voice’ philosophy.
RF. How many stores does Freddy have in its estate?
CF. To date, Freddy has 27 single-brand stores worldwide, including
first-line stores, outlets and Pant Rooms.
RF. The company has recently opened a new store on King’s Road,
London. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in
expanding into the UK and beyond?
CF. The UK is notoriously a very difficult market to enter, but equally,
a very rewarding one if you come up with the right formula and
a clear message. This we now have thanks to the emergence
of the unique WR.UP pant and its patented technology. This
convinced us to remould our retail footprint both in terms of
platform and preferred location. King’s Road itself represents
the perfect demographic target to spring-board this product.
We now play to our brand strengths that will allow us to solidify
a strong multichannel presence in the UK as well as new
emerging ones.
RF. What growth plans do you have for Freddy?
CF. Besides accelerating our own retail footprint through traditional
bricks and mortar concept stores, we are now gaining
considerable momentum through multichannel exposure
given our brand clarity focus that sees us more immediately
recognised as women being our key gender, pants being our
product typology and WR.UP being our halo product. As with
all global brands, the consumer tends to recognise one
particular trigger product as a brand identification. In this case
for Freddy it’s undoubtedly pants (like-for-like sales are +30 per
cent versus FW13).
RF. How do you engage with the digital consumer?
CF. Lately, social networks - and the web as a whole - have
become one of the main points of contact between Freddy
and its consumers, who can send us spontaneous and
genuine feedback on our work and products. At Freddy we
take good care of online conversation, and we like people to
talk about our products in first person. Try and look up WR.UP
on Instagram: our clients are our best testimonials! We also
pay great attention to fashion bloggers, with whom we like to
interact at events and launches, and from whom we always
receive interesting ideas and fresh inspiration. We should not
forget, of course, Facebook, which is still the heart of our daily
conversation with our fans.
RF. Tell us something we’d be surprised to learn about Freddy.
CF. Despite the company being founded upon a concept of dance,
it now contributes less than five per cent of global revenues as
the brand is more readily recognised as a sport fashion brand.
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