Global Wholesale Strategy (VM) Trend- Versatile VM

WHOLESALE GLOBAL STRATEGY (VM) TREND:

Versatile VM

This trend sees multi-functionality and minimalism re-born and brought back to life through various areas of visual merchandising. Going into the future, consumers will be drawn to a more flexible, unconventional in-store experience, making multifunctionality the key inspiration for this trend. Versatile VM focuses on design that is both practical and decorative, producing flexible fixtures and fittings that are able to be relocated or altered in order to change the design of the store and/or make space for events, with no comprimise to beauty and style.

The minimalistic style of this trend makes it perfect for Free People as it aligns with their brand identity. Versatile VM takes a muted colour palette, raw materials, soft fabrics and curved lines and creates an understated yet enticing atmosphere that allows consumers to have a relaxing, mindful and gratifying store experience.

Understated

Minimalist

Multifunctional Muted

Soft

Subtle

WHOLESALE GLOBAL STRATEGY (VM) TREND:

Versatile VM

This trend sees multi-functionality and minimalism re-born and brought back to life through various areas of visual merchandising. Going into the future, consumers will be drawn to a more flexible, unconventional in-store experience, making multifunctionality the key inspiration for this trend. Versatile VM focuses on design that is both practical and decorative, producing flexible fixtures and fittings that are able to be relocated or altered in order to change the design of the store and/or make space for events, with no comprimise to beauty and style.

The minimalistic style of this trend makes it perfect for Free People as it aligns with their brand identity. Versatile VM takes a muted colour palette, raw materials, soft fabrics and curved lines and creates an understated yet enticing atmosphere that allows consumers to have a relaxing, mindful and gratifying store experience.

Indulgent

Sophisticated

Simplistic Flexible

Clarity

Unwind

Inspiration

Alessandro Isola

We’ve taken inspiration from London based designer and architect Alessandro Isola, who practices multidisciplinary design. Multidisciplinary design uses a variety of skill sets and elements to create one specific topic or product.

In this case Isola was inspired by the creases in rugs and carpets that one can stumble upon and has used it to create coffee table with a functional effect as well as the rug being decorative.

Free People could potentially use this design idea in the same way or on a larger scale to create display tables for products in the store.

Selo Store- Sao Paulo

Multifunctionality works based on its capability to deliver across a multitude of areas. It needs to be high quality, needs to look good and it needs to be comfortable. With all these three things in place it means that the consumer will buy them at a higher more premium price because they are seen as a worthwhile investment. For example, wearing the same clothing to the airport, to the gym or even at home because it can perfectly apply to all three and more. Selo perfectly exemplifies this. The seemless look of Selo’s Sao Paulo store is designed to provide a sense of escapism for customers and gives them a premium feel.

Space

In Free People stores, wall partitions/moving walls can change the space significantly. Creating either a bigger or small space which can be useful for hosting events or creating areas for popular collections.

Finishings & Soft Furnishings

Softer and more understated furnishings and finishes will take away from the harsher industrial materials of the space, such as concrete and wood to help maintain the minimalistic feel to the store whilst not making it feel cold. In concessions these subtle yet cosy attributes will work well to entice consumers into the smaller space.

Lighting

Soft, elegant lighting that blends into the background whilst also highlighting key areas/products in the store.

The ability to move the light fittings up and down can enable Free People to create a different atmosphere and space in their stores.