Retail Focus June 2015 by Retail Focus

n g i s e d s a m t is r h C n i s t r e p Ex on i t c u d o r p & inspiration Design and complete visual merchandising solutions Global Manufacturing and Logistics CNL bespoke designed Mannequins and Forms Christmas Factory Decorado off the shelf decor and props

RF_June_DPS.indd 2-3

e: info@barthelmessuk.com t: 01438 318634 - 724065

www.barthelmessuk.com

CNLmannequins THE NOW COLLECTION

09/06/2015 12:22

a sprinkle of

Snowsoft Medium www.mtfx.com/vm

Features Regulars Sole purpose

31-32

TOMS has opened a new UK flagship in Foubertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place, Carnaby, offering a unique hybrid of retail and community space.

10 Clerkenwell Design Week 35

Travel retail

Leader Diary

13-15 News

17-18 Window shopping Inspiring window displays from around the globe.

Top of the POPS

Karl McKeever Karl reflects on the power of windows after a recent trip to San Francisco.

Department stores

on: 58 Focus Fixtures & fittings

40 Chelsea in Bloom

25-32 Project Focus

Mulberry: Lush: TOMS

Opinion

David Wright, group marketing director of Dalziel and Pow, says the time is ripe for beauty brands to reassess what they are offering male shoppers.

Q&A

Matt Crew, senior creative manager at Topshop, chats about his career, favourite windows and his passion for design and VM.

48-56 Products Products and services for the retail industry.

www.retail-focus.co.uk

15th

AnnuAl

8 - 9 September 2015

Business Design Centre, London

THe beST speAKeR LIne-UP In 15 YeARs

www.terrapinn.com/customer-rf

leader

June ‘15 The RHS Chelsea Flower Show last month was a great inspiration for retailers and their displays. Harrods took this one step further, creating a stand at this year’s show. The Knightsbridge giant collaborated with award-winning garden designer Sheena Seeks to produce The Harrods Fragrance Garden, a celebration of perfume through the medium of flowers. Taking the art of perfume making as its theme, the concept garden reflected the cross-fertilisation of nature and science, as well as traditional floral perfumes. Chelsea in Bloom gave retailers the chance to think outside the box and jazz up their store fronts with the theme of fairy tales. Retailers in Kings Road, Sloane Street and Duke of York Square joined together in celebration of all things floral. We review some of their creative concepts on pages 40-41. Exciting times are ahead for travel retail, with a multitude of rail and airport developments taking place to meet the growing needs and numbers of passengers. John Lewis has a great concept at St Pancras, aimed at the commuting convenience market. Products ordered online from home before 8pm are delivered to the store the next day and can be collected after 2pm on a person’s way home from work. On pages 35-37 we look at how this growing retail sector is evolving. The department store is another area of continual evolvement. More than just a store with many brands under one roof, they offer experiential retail, places to dine, pop-ups, events and even a place to learn such as the Liberty Sewing School. As Gregor Jackson, partner at gpstudio, says: ‘Playing safe, or simply a shell to house brands, will not be enough, and the future department store needs to wave the creative and entrepreneurial flag.’ Turn to pages 44-45 to find out more about department stores.

Lyndsey Dennis Editor

Editor

Display Sales

Lyndsey Dennis e. lyndsey@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)845 680 7405

Lee Cullumbine e. lee@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)845 680 7405 f. +44 (0)871 528 8000

Production & Web

Subscriptions

Terry Clark e. terry@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)845 680 7405

For subscription enquiries please email:

Get more from Retail Focus online!

www.retail-focus.co.uk

subscriptions@retailfocus.co

Search Retail Focus

Retail Focus is published 12 times a year by Retail Focus Promotions Ltd, Yeomans, Bassetts Lane, Woodham Walter, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6RZ.

Industry associations

@retailfocus

No part of Retail Focus may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval address all enquiries to the editor at the above address. The opinions expressed in Retail Focus are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information contained in these pages. We will assume permission to publish any unsolicited material unless otherwise stated. ©Retail Focus Promotions Ltd 2013.

Find us on...

system or transmitted in any form without permission. Please

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

instagram.com/retailfocus

Pinterest /retailfocus

diary

Europe’s Customer Festival Business Design Centre, Islington, London 8-9 September 2015 Europe’s Customer Festival looks at the customer’s journey point of view, understanding the whole journey from start to finish. The event will see more than 70 expert speakers take to the stage, from organisations including Yahoo!, Direct Line, Nissan, Deutsche Telecom, Lego, Swarovski and Mercedes-Benz. Visitors can get involved in focus sessions, round tables and interactive workshops, and choose from six different conference streams: Loyalty, Big Data, Omni-Channel, Total Payments, Engagement and Experience. customerss

www.terrapinn.com/conference/ customer-festival/

POPAI Awards Lancaster London Hotel, London 3 September 2015 The POPAI Awards return this September at the glamorous setting of the Lancaster London Hotel. Judging takes place in June, and nominations will be announced on 1 July at a new POPAI Awards Nominations Showcase event at 30 Euston Square, London. popaiuki

www.popai.co.uk

London Design Festival London, Citywide 19-27 September 2015

100% Design Olympia London 23-26 September 2015

First staged in 2003, the London Design Festival is one of the world’s most important annual design events. The festival programme is made up of more than 350 events and exhibitions staged by hundreds of partner organisations across the design spectrum and from around the world.

100% Design is the largest and longest running contemporary design event for industry professionals in the UK. For 2015 the show will move to a new venue, Olympia London. The show is defined by four key industry sections: Interiors, Workplace, Kitchens & Bathrooms and Design & Build.

@L_D_F

www.londondesignfestival.com

designlondon

www.100percentdesign.co.uk

Design Freedom through Emulation A challenging budget doesn’t have to limit your choice of materials, finishes or effects - discover Design Freedom with Novograf emulations. We can emulate bricks, wood, tiles (as shown) slate, marble - in fact, any hard or soft material you can think of. That’s because at Novograf we know anything imagined is possible. Novograf emulated materials look like the ‘real thing’ and they save money because they are designed for rapid installation. Our durable, semi-flexible, self-adhesive Lamigraf and Digigraf products can be easily customised to look like almost anything you can imagine.

Let’s talk

about how easily we can create an emulation for you. Contact us today on 01355 900100 or hello@novograf.co.uk.

www.novograf.co.uk

Clerkenwell Design Week

CDW 2015: A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

Highlights from the sixth edition of Clerkenwell Design Week.

Clerkenwell — the perfect location for a design festival. The area is home to more creative businesses and architects per square mile than anywhere else, making it one of the most important design hubs in the world. It’s no surprise that this year’s Clerkenwell Design Week attracted record numbers of visitors on its opening day last month. Now in its sixth year, the event brought together a huge showcase of leading UK and international brands in a series of showroom events, pop-up exhibitions and special installations across this design pocket of London. This year’s event celebrated the transformation of London’s public spaces in a city that is rapidly densifying. As part of CDW Presents, a number of street installations were situated across Clerkenwell to explore this theme; from GRUPPE’s temporary structures inspired by an ancient Roman city and children’s building blocks (in partnership with EQUITONE), to a jewel-like, multi-coloured glass pavilion by London-based architects Cousins & Cousins (with Gx Glass) and Monotype’s vinyl graffiti depicting a panoramic 19th Century view of London on an old prison’s wall. Four focused exhibitions — Design Factory, Platform, Detail and Additions — showcased the latest innovations from a diverse mix of companies, alongside leading showroom partners in the neighbourhood. The ever-popular talk series, Conversations at Clerkenwell, was held on the top floor of Design Factory boasting a star-studded line-up of speakers from the architecture and design world. Johnson Tiles unveiled a spectacular reflective 3D wall of colour entitled Verve, transforming the entrance to the Design Factory. With mirrors cleverly placed behind rows of tiles emerging from the wall, it produced an array of reflections, evolving shades and playful visual effects, interacting with passers-by and the

surrounding buildings. A celebration of manufacturing and design, Clerkenwell Design Week is a worthy date to put in the diary for some creative inspiration and to keep an eye on the latest trends. We look forward to seeing what next year’s event has in-store, and recommend plenty of time to make your way around.

©Sophie Mutevelian

©Sophie Mutevelian ©Sophie Mutevelian

From top: Johnson Tiles’ 3D wall; Lintex at Design Factory; Icon’s House of Culture; Renault, sponsor of Clerkenwell Design Week

Far left: ©Sophie Mutevelian 10

Glaze by Cousins & Cousins in collaboration with Gx Glass

P R E S E N T S

THE ULTIMATE RETAIL MEETING

The events E-Commerce Paris and Digital(in)Store federate 35,000 players from e-commerce and retail around tomorrow’s major challenges!

21 23 sept. 2015 PARIS EXPO PORTE DE VERSAILLES FRANCE

Pavilion 1

2 EVENTS, 1 PLACE

NEW

• 600 participating companies • + 250 Workshops • + 30 Masterclass • 2 Start-up Villages • 10 Reference Awards including 1 start-up «Rookie of the Year»

Inside Paris Retail Week • 4 exceptional Plenaries • The Facebook, Twitter, Google Academiese • The Awards ceremony - Sept. 21 • A Careers Area

«Hors Les Murs» in Paris • 2 store tours • Networking evening

Non-contractual information subject to change

• Partner events

REQUEST YOUR FREE BADGE ON: Prepare your visit and download the apps

an event by

ECOMMERCEPARIS.COM DIGITAL-IN-STORE-EVENT.COM

PARIS, CAPITAL OF CONNECTED COMMERCE.

Join the community

#ParisRetailWeek

#ECP15

#DIS15

flix

FINISHES OF THE FUTURE. www.rarebasic.com

news

Harrods creates stand for RHS Chelsea Flower Show In celebration of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show last month, Harrods came up with its Pop-Up Flowers campaign. Part of this was a collaboration with award-winning garden designer Sheena Seeks to produce The Harrods Fragrance Garden for the show, a celebration of perfume through the medium of flowers. Taking the art of perfume making as its theme, the concept garden reflected the cross-fertilisation of nature and science, as well as traditional floral perfumes. Inspired by the 19th Century artisan tradition of enfleurage, a technique whereby the scent

of flowers is captured in wax, on one side of the garden flowers appeared enclosed in oversized laboratory beakers and test tubes, whilst on the adjacent side they reappeared, transformed into giant paper blooms. Incorporating digital innovation, the garden also featured augmented reality images on giant screens dividing

the garden, which leapt into life when viewed through a phone or tablet. As part of its advertising campaign, Harrods created a scent-emitting bus stop at Hyde Park Corner. During May, the bus stop emitted floral scents to emulate Pop-Up Flowers and encourage visitors to experience the full in-store campaign.

Zara opens fifth store on Oxford Street Zara has opened a new flagship at the east end of London’s Oxford Street, taking the number of Zara stores in the UK to 67, five of which are on Oxford Street itself. Designed by Elsa Urquijo Architects, the 4,500 sq m site is spread over four floors and includes all of the brand’s clothing collections — women, men and kids. This site is one of the largest Zara stores in the UK, known as the brand’s Soho flagship. On the outside, the new flagship stands tall with a glass and steel frontage, allowing lots of natural daylight to flood into the store. Extensive regeneration is currently taking place at the east end of Oxford Street in preparation for Crossrail. Zara has joined the likes of Primark, Accessorize and Office. The design of the store aims to

incorporate Zara’s global store concept, which combines beauty, clarity, functionality and sustainability within a dynamic urban space. The store is designed to reflect the younger, more dynamic area around Tottenham Court Road, using a mix of modern industrial touches such as brushed concrete and exposed ceilings. Space between the

rails reveals the building’s glass exterior to connect the store with the movement of the street outside. Lighting and a neutral backdrop help the garments to take centre stage. The new store also boosts a number of energy saving credentials. This Oxford Street site is fully sustainable, with 30 per cent less energy consumption than a conventional store.

news

Marks & Spencer unveils new Brussels flagship

In brief... At its AGM on 13 May, the Shop and Display Equipment Association (SDEA) elected Alan Pegram, managing director of Global Display, as president and Bob Garton of Glencourt Associates as vice president.

Expansion plans for Prada

Trinity Leeds has been award the 2015 Best of the Best VIVA Design Award at ICSC’s annual RECon Conference in Las Vegas. The Land Securities shopping centre, which opened in March 2013, was recognised for its outstanding architecture, as it continues to set the benchmark for market leading, modern centres, both in the UK and abroad. A new concept store named Costa to Go is being trialled by the coffee shop in locations across London. The express format is currently being tested in selected transport hubs across the capital. There are currently two stores formats, one in Holborn and the other in Moorgate.

Marks & Spencer has unveiled a new flagship store on Avenue de la Toison d’Or in Brussels, Belgium. The 5,000 sq m store encapsulates the very best the retailer has to offer across three floors. Designed to inspire and delight customers with its new premium boutique shopping experience, M&S Toison d’Or will showcase more than 2,500 quality styles across womenswear, menswear, lingerie and kidswear, as well as over 840 homeware products. The store will also offer more than 3,000 lines of M&S food and wines, as well as its first ever in-store bakery and M&S Café in Belgium.

BFP Executive Recruitment is celebrating 25 years of finding talent for retail design and marketing. The company started life in 1990 when Brian Ford Powell established the business in Leicester in 1990. Where BFP began as a recruiter solely to the POS and POP sector locally, the firm, under new leadership since 2012, now works as a trusted advisor to an international client base of designers, suppliers, retailers and brands.

Prada’s global expansion programme continues, with several new stores opening worldwide this year. It’s new 250 sq m store in Alter Markt (Old Market Square) in Salzburg was curated by architect Roberto Baciocchi and is sympathetic to preserve the image of the 14th century Steindl building. Prada collaborated with the Austrian Department of Fine Arts and the City of Salzburg to preserve the soul of this historic site, aligning the brand’s image with the histroy of the Steindl Haus, the elegant fashion boutique and local landmark. Innovation, heritage and Prada’s historic reference elements are perfectly balanced. The chequerboard floor in black and white marble of the first Prada store, opened in 1913 in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, as well as the precious chandeliers, stucco work, mouldings and detailing. Also, the leather goods, steel display cases, with glass shelves and backdrops in studded parchment, are perfectly integrated into the context, reinforcing the magnificence of the store. The countertops in polished steel and chairs in wood and leather complete and embellish the atmosphere of the ground floor.

Starbucks introduces its first express format store in New York Starbucks has opened its first express format store at 14 Wall Street, New York. Most Starbucks stores are designed in layers, integrating community gathering spaces, working environments and immersive coffee experiences, all in one location. This new express format store will be one of the most streamlined experiences in the company’s portfolio. At a compact 49 sq m, this pilot project is tailored for customers on the go who want high-quality Starbucks products in a beautiful environment, coupled with the efficiency that comes with knowing what they want, quickly. Simply put, this format is the ‘espresso shot’ version of the store experience Starbucks is known for. Moving through the space, to the

right of the entry, customers see a digital menu board displayed on four low glare monitors. A set of menu options, which have been tailored for New York customers, rotates on the screens. This display also serves as a form of art at night with glowing images of coffee farms shining through the front window. ‘It was a small space so it was important that we keep it as open as possible,’ explains Starbucks’ senior

architectural designer John Park. ‘The bar is low and the kitchen framed wide, like a show kitchen, so our partners are able to interact with customers from every point in the space. ‘We carefully considered every component from a design and environmental perspective. Not only have we created something beautiful but we have built it to our green building LEED standards,’ says Park.

sponsored column

news

EuroShop RetailDesign Awards recognise the best store concepts

What makes UK retail design great Last month, EHI and Messe Düsseldorf awarded the EuroShop RetailDesign Awards to the stores with the best design concepts. For the first time, the ceremony was held during the EuroShop subsidiary, C-Star, which celebrated its debut in Shanghai. This year, 79 projects from 23 countries were submitted — a new participation record for the awards scheme. Once again, the crucial winning criterion was a holistic store concept with a clear message about the product range. The international jury selected this year’s winners from the 28 finalists. To emerge as a winner from the competition, entrants once again had to appeal to their customers with a successful mix of store architecture, colour, materials, lighting and visual merchandising, and convey a clear message about their product range. The three winners were: • Hershey’s Chocolate World, Las Vegas, USA — designed by JGA • Jablka Adama (Adam’s Apples), Poznań, Poland — designed by Modelina Architekci • Replay The Stage, Milan, Italy — designed by Roman and Williams Interior.

The Estée Lauder Companies UK & Ireland launches new retail format at Piccadilly Circus The Estée Lauder Companies UK & Ireland has launched a new retail format at Piccadilly Circus Underground. The pop-up showcases a range of The Estée Lauder Companies’ brands through a rotational programme of retail, service and experience. Botanical hair and beauty brand Aveda kicked off the year-long residency with its first ever pop-up. For three months the brand will offer an express experience where commuters and guests can fix their hair on-the-go as well as pick an edited offering of the season’s must-have products. ‘As a consumer inspired company we wanted to create an offering that would speak to our consumer’s needs for a retail experience that fits around their busy lifestyles. With more than 41 million journeys made via Piccadilly Circus Underground each year, by bringing The Estée Lauder Companies’ wide offering of premium brands to Piccadilly Circus we are able to extend our high-touch service to reach consumers in a new and unexpected format,’ says Jo Dancey, executive director of Retail Operations and Property Services for The Estée Lauder Companies UK & Ireland. A selection of pop-ups from the company’s other brands will follow.

In the first of a three-part series, we talk to Umbrella’s senior designers, Adam Hewitt and John McCarthy, to find out what they feel makes UK retail design great and the ideas that are inspiring them. Do we understand good retail design in the UK? AH: People are more design savvy than ever before. TV’s countless property programmes have helped us appreciate the power of great design and what we are capable of creatively. JM: Now the public is more discerning, the retailer has had to lift their game, which they undoubtedly have. Innovation in technology, materials and lighting are all coming together to give us a rich diversity of retail environments.

What are the top design trends right now? AH: For me it’s about generating activity in-store. The cross selling of services that can’t be purchased online e.g. hairdressers/nailbars/cafes, etc. in stores such as Topshop and Benefit boutiques. The customer must visit the physical store to access these services and will then make additional purchases. JM: For me there are three important areas: Narrate — consumers want to buy into products that mean something to them. You have to show the customer where products are from and how they were made. Curate — less is more. More devalues the quality of purchase experience. You can’t bombard the customer. They have to trust ‘your’ selection. Celebrate — retail as an event. Fashion shows, DJs, product launches. They all add excitement. It’s what the customer wants. When they’re excited they’ll say; ‘I want that! I am that! I want to be that ...to make it all better!’

What’s your favourite project you’ve worked on recently? AH: Avon was a fantastic opportunity for us to flex our creative muscles. This was the first time the brand had explored physical retail and it trusted us with translating its brand ethos into a store environment. JM: The result was a true showcase. We created an aspirational experience that challenged preconceptions, whilst preserving the values of openness, friendliness and homeliness that made the brand great.

How has technology impacted retail? AH: It’s both a blessing and a curse. Technology has the potential to greatly improve the retail experience. But, if you’re not careful, it can ruin it. Apple does technology very well. It’s an invisible part of the experience. It never jars. JM: This is in stark contrast to the self-service tills in supermarkets, which create complexity and in many cases frustration for the customer.

What does the future hold for retail design? AH: Forward momentum. We are in a good place but have to be careful not to slip into blandness. Over diversification, having everything under one roof, like you do with Tesco, and Walmart has the potential to suck the life out of environmental design. JM: Focusing on a niche is much better. Brands that can tell the story of where their product has come from and how it’s been made will build a following.

T. 020 7833 4032 www.umbrelladesign.co.uk

Retail concepts.

Window designs. Instore environments. Prototyping. Prop sourcing. Global production. Logistics. Distribution. Installation.

harlequin-design.com twitter.com/HarlequinLondon facebook.com/harlequindesignlondon +44(0)20 7253 6238 Harlequin Design (London) Ltd. 4th Floor 26/27 Great Sutton Street, London EC1V 0DS

visual merchandising

Window shopping Inspiring window displays from around the globe

Harvey Nichols Harvey Nichols has made a real spectacle of its circus-themed windows, as Janet Wardley, head of visual display, explains: ‘Daredevil mannequins, stylishly dressed in the likes of Christopher Kane, Phillip Lim and Jimmy Choo fearlessly trapeze, tightrope walk and interact with each other in a clever three-dimensional display, which gives the windows depth to evoke the feeling that you are an audience looking in. The scheme uses rich colour combinations with bold patterns and hints of metallic as a continual thread across all of our windows, and calls on elements such as fire and water to create a stylish extravaganza inspired by the circus.’

Banana Republic In collaboration with Harlequin Design, Banana Republic has launched a new green campaign, recycling bottles and cardboard for use in its window displays. Think Outside The Bottle uses bottles that have been thrown away each day. Banana Republic is littering its windows instead of the planet and has turned these bottles into art.

Fortnum & Mason During Fortnum & Mason’s Sensorium campaign, its Duke Street windows were themed around the relaunch of the second floor, with perfume bottles, beauty products and luxury loungewear displayed in abundance. One window showed scarves framed like pieces of art hanging on the walls. The windows on the Piccadilly side highlighted the deliciously bonkers pairings that shouldn’t but do work, chosen by the retailer’s in-house buyers. Large hands hold various pairings taken from different parts of the store, such as cheese and fine fragrance or flowers and wine.

visual merchandising

Harrods In celebration of its Pop-Up Flowers campaign, Harrods was taken over by all things floral during May. Millington Associates collaborated with the retailer on its Pop-Up Flowers campaign, creating giant sculted flowers over the two main entrances on Brompton Road. Created by Tenn, Dior’s window broke away from Jessica May Underwoods illustration as it had a heritage of paper crafted floral displays. Dior also has a Les parfums book which looks back over the brand’s fragrance history. Tenn designed and made a replica book at one and a half times the scale of the original.

See more window installations on the blog:

www.retail-focus.co.uk/blog

Debenhams PLANarama has helped produce Debenhams’ summer windows. Oversized cardboard creatures were created, showcasing the colourful prints of the summer collection. All were produced in printed cardboard, using the various prints at different scales with coloured foil highlights. Items include a 3m-wide parrot, chameleon and toucan set in a jungle backdrop with graphic branches. Alongside, a sole tropical fish was set in an underwater scene.

Roy Roger’s

Charlotte Tilbury at Fenwick

In Italy, Arte Vetrina Project has created the Roy Roger’s spring/ summer window campaign at its flagship stores in Milan, Florence, Forte dei Marmi, Rome and Naples. The mood created for the windows comprises a mix of white chrome, pictures on the wall, a white wooden floor and carpets, big cactus plants, sun glasses and sneakers. This evokes a beach environment and surfy scenario such as the Hamptons during this period of the year for a young denim jeans collection.

Propability worked across both in-store props and windows for the launch of the Charlotte Tilbury cosmetic counter at Fenwick. The ultra-glamour Hollywood style window scheme was dressed from floor to ceiling in luxury velvet curtains and featured 3D illuminated fairground style lettering, super bright neon, highly polished vintage spotlighting and flashing vintage paparazzi cameras to highlight a dressing table any beauty queen would be proud to feature as the centrepiece.

ANNOUNCING

TA B L E S & T I C K E T S Recognising & celebrating the work of our innovative and talented industry, the 11th VM & Display Awards will this year be held on the 19th November 2015 at the exclusive Bloomsbury Big Top in London. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great opportunity to attend an event at this very special location. But tables and tickets sell out very quickly so please contact us as soon as possible.

ENTRY SUBMISSIONS Your chance to join the industry Hall of Fame. Projects are free to enter and can be submitted by retailers or suppliers. All projects dated between 1st August 2014 and 1st August 2015 are eligible. The deadline for entries is 14th August 2015. See the full list of categories and requirements on our website.

T: 01 9 45 420 0 6 8 | E: EN Q U I RI E S @ RVMW W.COM | @VM DIS PL AYAWAR DS | VMAN DDIS PL AY.COM TH U RS DAY 19TH NOVE M B E R 2015 AT TH E B LOOM S B U RY B IG TOP LON DON

POP

p o t POPS e h t f o

Company IPOS Design

Client Skechers

Location Schuh, Oxford Street, London

The brief To create a premium and luxurious retail window display to showcase the new, comfortable and light Skechers Kelly Brook Memory Foam collection.

The result Following up on the theme from Skechers’ recent Kelly Brook TV campaign, IPOS Design was tasked with creating a replica of the giant white bed, complete with duvet, branded memory foam pillows and the illusion of a number of smaller floating pillows to illustrate how light and comfy the new shoes are. The bed headboard included an LCD TV showing the Kelly Brook Skechers Memory Foam commercial alongside a promotional video by Skechers US Ambassador Demi Lovato. The store side of the bed included shelving units to showcase the latest collection. The Skechers UK Marketing Manager says: ‘The Skechers Memory Foam display for Schuh is another great example of how IPOS Design bring our amazing marketing campaigns to life in-store.’

www.ipos-design.co.uk

WE ARE IPOS A retail design and brand communications agency.

We create exceptional marketing campaigns across every aspect of retail point of sale throughout UK, Ireland and Europe.

Come and see what we do at ipos-design.co.uk

iposdesign

IPOS: Unit 2d, Heapriding Mill, Ford Street, Stockport SK3 0BT London: IPOS, 63 Redchurch Street, London E2 7DJ

info@ipos-design.co.uk | 0161 477 8501 | ipos-design.co.uk

Call: 0845 680 7405 to advertise

The essential buyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; guide to creating innovative retail interiors

The new SDE A

Retail Display Directory SHOPFITTINGS . DISPLAY . POS . POP . LIGHTING SIGNAGE . VISUAL MERCHANDISING

Order your free copy today by calling SDEA on 01883 348911, or email directory@sdea.co.uk

Shop and Display Equipment Association 24 Croydon Road Caterham Surrey CR3 6YR T: 01883 348911 F: 01883 343435 E: enquiries@sdea.co.uk www.shopdisplay.org

Q&A column

Karl McKeever Windows of opportunity? Outside of Christmas and the Olympics, it’s not often that I get to discuss windows these days, and so I was pleased to notice some window innovation when working with clients in San Francisco last month. The first, H&M, is running a major recruitment drive for store management, visual and sales associates in its San Francisco flagship store and other branches locally. Small scale, apologetic window displays these aren’t; they’re full-on recruitment campaigns created in a truly brand appropriate way. The window struck you as you walked by, using highly impactful black and white photography with stylish images of the store team alongside emotive graphics and wrapped up with the strapline ‘Power of Possible’. It delivers a strong graphic campaign and it’s only when you stop and read the message that you understand what is being communicated. Once instore, H&M carries on the drive with a recruitment desk within the entrance lobby, where people can apply for a role there and then. Certainly for recruiting VM people, the shop window could be the ideal mechanism. Using the power of windows to attract the right and like-minded people to join the business should in theory be a success — a self-fulfilling prophecy that gives retailers a better chance of delivering great VM going forwards. For this reason, for me, H&M’s windows are delivering powerful key messages about the business, making it more likely for it to find the right people with the right skills to contribute the most effective future performance. It’s often said that window displays can be a 24/7 advertising billboard, and in San Francisco this could become the new thing. Today, we are often told to focus on online advertising, but for me the billboard has to be here to stay — yes, it’s now probably digital and interactive with consumers in some cases, but the impact of a 48 sheet can’t be ignored as you simply often can’t miss it. Even more so on the high street or in a mall, where the people are largely only there to look into shop windows. In a way this is a kind of conservative guerilla marketing campaign, as people expect to see clothes and goods in a shop window not a recruitment campaign from a retailer. But this is exactly why it should work, as there is interest in the curiosity factor. It’s not what people expect to see, with the only examples Karl McKeever is creative director of visual merchandising and brand delivery consultancy Visual Thinking.

Email Karl at karl@retailfocus.co www.visualthinking.co.uk

of windows, which don’t feature products, being those blocked out with POS for sale campaigns. These are not quite as obscure an advertising method as benches painted as Kit Kats, the Copenhagen Zoo snake bus advert, or the McDonalds fries on a pedestrian crossing, but they will be noticed. Banana Republic is also using its windows in a bold new way, only this time the theme is a serious attempt to show environmental credentials and increase public awareness of important issues. The message here is designed to urge us all to help save the planet. One window is awash with recycled water bottles reminding us to recycle, whilst another uses recycled cardboard for props instead of fancy, expensive displays. In another store, some of the windows had actually been blanked out and the lights turned off, with the strap line Lights Out, followed with an explanation.. The cynic in me would argue that Banana Republic’s environmental message is simply about attracting consumers, as opposed to a wholesale change in its thinking about the environment. I say this as there was little to suggest a drive towards sustainability or reducing its environmental footprint in-store. This campaign is the product of the new creative director who has recently joined the brand. It has taken her some time to find her feet, but now she is seemingly loosening up the previous corporate approach, and this experiment into the world of recycling may or may not resonate with Banana Republic’s core consumers. Certainly in California with a more receptive audience, there is a chance that this may work, but will this be the case for the ‘harder edged’ metro areas or urban cities? It’s always been fairly common for big brand retailers to utilise their windows for campaigning stances, or to advertise particular messages. Many of you will remember The Body Shop in the 1990s, which was renowned for this kind of ‘conscious raising’ marketing. The difference here for me is the fact that, unlike some British brands which have done this with a very selective or secondary message, these international brands’ windows are 100 per cent given to promoting the internal needs or causes aligned with their brands, at the expense of promoting any goods or services. I like this, it’s an interesting experiment, especially within such corporate and normally ‘on message’ brands. Only time will tell if it catches on and becomes a trend on a wider scale. As anyone who has been in the industry long enough should recognise, the most successful retailers, like Apple, win out because of their ability to recruit not just people but genuine brand advocates with a passion and commitment to the name. As a result, harnessing the power of store windows as a medium for recruiting tomorrow’s VM and in-store champions surely makes sense? If the purpose of window displays is to stop you in the street and attract your attention. then both H&M and Banana Republic have achieved their primary objectives. But like everything else in retail, the ultimate success of window campaigns will be judged on their sales performance — be that through the ringing of tills today, or acting as catalysts that enable retailers to keep the message fresh and ring the changes in their brand promotion in future.

MODEL - 2015 Ralph Pucci ( b . 1957) With elongated legs, simple poses, and interchangeable arms, Model was conceived as a workhorse mannequin inspired by art. While the 19 male and female bodies are standard the heads are based on a traditional wooden mannequin form. Pucciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s influences for the collection include the sculptor Fritz Wotruba and the sculptural forms of the artist William Turnbull. To emphasize its artistic aspect, the mannequins have two finishes: a foundry finish with exposed seams and an aged plaster finish. Both show the makerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand.

Ralph Pucci mannequins are produced under license by Cofrad Mannequins

WWW.COFRAD.COM

project focus

MULBERRY Rue Saint-Honoré, Paris Design: Universal Design Studio Opening date: April 2015 Size: 297 sq m

Mulberry has changed locations on luxury shopping street Rue Saint-Honoré in Paris, now taking up residency at number 275. Unlike most Mulberry stores, the new Paris store was organised as a series of three boutiques; the first showcasing accessories, the second focusing on bespoke service and the third housing ready-to-wear and dressing rooms. These areas have been defined by a multi-tonal herringbone stone floor. The brief given to Universal Design Studio was to create a destination concept store for Mulberry in the capital of fashion from which to showcase all product categories including accessories, ready-towear, shoes and jewellery. ‘The interior was to emphasise the personality of the brand and represents the best of British craft and design,’ explains Hannah Carter Owers, director at Universal Design Studio. The interior has been designed to create a calm atmosphere through a combination of pale oaks, marble, luxurious leathers and limestone flooring. Lighting

plays an important role in setting the look. The lighting changes the ambient mood over the course of the day and evening through the use of clever uplighters that respond to the light outside. ‘Responding to the brand’s core values, our concept and choice of materials is inspired by Mulberry’s heritage and roots in the Somerset landscape where it has been manufacturing premium luxury leather goods for more than 40 years,’ says Carter Owers. ‘The concept palette is largely built around limestone in varying tones and textures available from Somerset, untreated oaks and natural leathers with accents of brass to warm the palette and reference the products’ hardware. In the Paris store we introduced a broader mix of more colourful marbles, textured with a leather effect, and at the rear of the store the dressing room area is carpeted in green referencing Mulberry’s fascination with the British countryside. The palette creates a warm, neutral and textured framework within which to showcase the often brightly

project focus

coloured product.’ The design studio commissioned a number of British specialist designers to bring certain elements to the interior. London-based textile artist Genevieve Bennett has created a bespoke leatherwork tile design called Tudor Rose that is used for wall panels, inspired by a Medieval floral motif carved into ornate stonework in Somerset’s Wells Cathedral. Award-winning designer Lee Broom created a feature chandelier for the new store. Personalisation is currently key to luxury and Universal Design Studio created an area for Mulberry’s new Paris store to offer a bespoke monogramming service for leather goods. At the heart of the store is

a circular stone and glass personalisation bar, which will be a focus for customers to see examples of personalisation as well as French and British icons that are exclusively available at the Paris store. The Ready-to-Wear Room is located at the rear of the store and offers customers a more luxurious dressing room environment to browse items. The sage green carpet, soft fluted walls, upholstered furniture and chandeliers come together to create an atmospheric contrast to the open, external feel of the accessories areas. The store’s first window installation was created by British floral artist Rebecca Louise Law and featured a huge array of 12,000 delicately pressed delphiniums

suspended on copper wire. ‘The opening of our new Paris store is a major milestone for Mulberry. We look forward to bringing the spirit of British luxury and our traditional craftsmanship to new customers in the city. The arrival of Johnny Coca as our creative director in July will mark the start of an exciting new era for the Mulberry brand,’ says Thierry Andretta, CEO of Mulberry. The new store joins Mulberry’s portfolio of international stores that includes New Bond Street in London, Madison Avenue in New York and Harbour City in Hong Kong. The brand has recently opened stores in Hamburg, Frankfurt, Las Vegas and Dallas, and has 122 stores worldwide.

I founded Armourcoat 30 years ago to pioneer ideas in stunning polished plaster decorative wall finishes. In that time we’ve become an integral part of the world’s most prestigious architectural interiors. The Signature Collection is my celebration to all we’ve achieved. It reflects our unmatched quality, innovation and commitment to our craft.

I’m proud to put my name on it.

B AC KG R O U N D F I N I S H : VO L S I N I

C RON A C H A IR K IN DLY SU PPLIED BY BRU N N ER

signature.armourcoat.com

E2868_AC_SignatureAd_VOLSINI-210x297_P1_AW.indd 1

26/06/2014 09:59

project focus

LUSH Oxford Street, London Design: In-house and Design Time Opening date: April 2015 Size: 882 sq m

project focus

In it’s 20th year of business, Lush has chosen 175 Oxford Street as the site for its new flagship, its largest shop in the world. The new store is the ultimate brand experience. Spread over three floors, the 882 sq m store offers customers an experience like no other. It’s home to more than 200 products, a Gorilla Perfume gallery, regular events and classes, and the Lush Spa, a haven in the chaos of London. The Lush Spa has four treatment rooms including a double treatment room for those special pampering days. The shop introduces new concepts for the first time, including a Hair Lab where customers can try products before they purchase, large fountain sinks for experiencing products, and a dedicated events space that will be brought to life with an array of regular expert talks, workshops and activities. ‘The brief was to bring the complete Lush experience and theatre to one of the busiest high streets in Europe,’ explains Katie Tabram, store design at Lush. The store fit-out boosts a number of environmental credentials. Lush Oxford Street is being assessed using the Ska Rating tool for sustainble fit-outs, which is operated by the RICS. The choice of materials used were inspired by the sustainable ethos of the brand and to create a platform to showcase the product without being over powering. All wood used in the construction is FSC certified. Reclaimed wood and vintage buys have been used in much of the furniture and any that isn’t reclaimed is also FSC certified. An LED lighting scheme, Fermacell wall linings and Zero VOC Eco lable print are used throughout the scheme. Energy efficiency is maintained by

the use of lighting timers and sensors, stock lighting and trading lighting levels installed throughout. An energy efficient HVAC system has been used in the store, including pipework insulation and ceiling and wall void insulation. There are acoustic installations throughout the spa. The wall and floor tiles are made with 50 per cent recycled content. A Site Waste Management Plan was carried through both phases of the project with the current percentage of recycled waste and materials diverted from landfill at 100 per cent. So, what sets this store apart from other Lush stores? ‘Size being the obvious one, with many large scaled demonstration areas to get really involved and hands on with the product spread over three floors,’ says Tabram. ‘Lush Oxford Street also has over 200+ new, exclusive products that will filter down to our existing stores over time.’

project focus

TOMS Foubert’s Place, Carnaby

Design: In-house Opening date: May 2015 Size: 148 sq m Californian footwear brand TOMS has launched its UK flagship at 5-7 Foubert’s Place in London’s vibrant Carnaby. The new store offers the full TOMS experience, selling the largest collection of product available in the UK and also includes a cafe selling the retailer’s own brand of coffee, TOMS Roasting Co. ‘We wanted a space that feels like TOMS has come to life in London; somewhere for locals to meet like-minded people in the heart of the city,’ explains Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS. TOMS London represents the brand’s global One for One movement and strives to host a deeper conversation with supporters and community alike. ‘All TOMS locations are meant to serve as Community Outposts. It’s a unique hybrid of retail and community space that welcomes locals to work remotely, utilise complimentary wireless internet, plug in laptops, connect with like-minded individuals and dream up big ideas together,’ says Mycoskie. The flagship stocks a selection of men’s, women’s and children’s products including footwear, sun and for the first time in Europe optical eyewear and the newest One for One product, handbags. The store is spread over two floors

project focus

representing TOMS’ global, artistic aesthetic with some subtle local touches. The front entrance leads visitors directly to the cafe, where its very own TOMS Roasting Co. coffee is on offer at the full barista bar. A secondary entrance opens directly onto the retail section and can be accessed through Kingly Street. The first floor has been intentionally designed to offer space for special TOMS events, with a lounge area where customers can learn more about the company’s giving programs and interact with built-in iPads that share in-depth giving stories. ‘The store’s design embraces a range of influences. We tried to keep it timeless and multicultural. We used a collaboration of hand painting, reclaimed materials and locally sourced furnishings. At TOMS, we like playing with ethnic fabrics and colours inspired from TOMS giving locations, mainly from countries in South America like Peru, Argentina, Guatemala,’ says Mycoskie. TOMS London is the brand’s second European flagship store. The first flagship opened in spring 2014 in Amsterdam at Runstraat 13. TOMS is opening a space at Bicester Village on 1 July for 10 weeks, but no other permanent sites are planned.

R_Focus_Manta_Hacel_2015.qxp_Layout 1 20/03/2015 14:29 Page 1

M a n t a : L E D S i n g l e Po i n t

Sharp yet Sophisticated The refined Manta LED, designed and manufactured in the UK by Hacel combines state of the art Zhaga single point LED modules and exceptional CRIs. This is a distinguished product showcasing an inspired design, bringing a unique dimension to innovative spotlight illumination. Artistic Flair. Advanced Performance.

Our stunning new Fluent in Lighting Catalogue presents a dynamic range of architecturally inspired, class leading LED luminaires with superior perfomance. Download now

w w w. h a c e l . c o. u k

FLYING THE FLAG FOR UK MANUFACTURING

IU M

We believe in sourcing the best materials for our customers. We have built up an enviable range of UK sourced substrates delivering quality, consistency and availability for your projects.

nu fa c

P X OL YC M a

te r

RB tu re O d N in Do A nc TE as

an uf ac

tu re d

ou nt y

RI in G C

Du V C rh am

AL UP AN EL

AL UM

an OM uf PO ac tu re SI d T in Ke E nt

tu re d

an uf ac

PE RS PE X

re d

PA LI an G uf ac HT tu

ou nt y

PV C C

ha m

hi re

FO A Du M r

AC R in La YL nc as IC

Choose from our unrivalled range of UK manufactured sheets for your point of sale projects

LATEST NEWS: Alupanel Aluminium Composite is now produced in Kent – the only product of its kind to be produced in the UK.

Available to purchase from your local Perspex Distribution branch: Blackburn 01254 272800 sales.blackburn@perspex.co.uk | Chelmsford 01245 232800 sales.chelmsford@perspex.co.uk Tamworth 01827 263900 sales.tamworth@perspex.co.uk | Weybridge 01932 356900 sales.weybridge@perspex.co.uk

Visit www.perspex.co.uk to view our full product range

travel retail

TRAVEL RETAIL:

FLYING HIGH Exciting times are ahead for travel retail, with a multitude of rail and airport developments taking place to meet the growing needs and numbers of passengers. Above: The proposed design for Beijing Airport Terminal 1 We’ve all done it; got to the airport and realised we’ve forgotten to pack our toothpaste or a particular item of clothing. We spend time walking round the shops before our flight and end up buying another pair of sunglasses, that perfume that’s on offer and an extra pair of flip flops. Some of us even choose to pack light so we can buy holiday outfits at the airport. It’s all part of the build up to the holiday experience. ‘Travel retail is a very exciting growth industry within the retail sector and many stores are using travel hubs to showcase new ideas, using fresh technology to cross over retail and bricks and mortar shopping channels to provide convenience to commuters as they pass from home to work and back again,’ says Doug Barber, managing director of Barber Design. Following its first foray into travel retail at London Heathrow’s Terminal 2, John Lewis opened its first click and commute store at St Pancras in October. The 278 sq m store provides convenient service for commuters, enabling them to shop online and collect their items as they pass through the station. The store is its first ever to be located in a railway station, aimed at the commuting convenience market. Products ordered online from home before 8pm are delivered to the store the next day and can be collected after 2pm. The store is also a pull for tourists and international travellers going on the Eurostar. Longer opening hours is another bonus. ‘Our customers show us that they want different ways to shop that are most convenient for them. John Lewis St Pancras is our latest shop format innovation to meet our customers’ evolving needs serving the station’s travellers,’ explains Maggie Porteous, director of selling at John Lewis. New openings at St Pancras include Gant, Curious Pig and Barzetti, with Cath Kidston and Thomas Pink having recently refitted their stores. The station’s retail sales figures from April - May 2015 are up eight per cent on the same period last year. Speaking of expansion, Wendy Spinks, commercial director of HS1, says: ‘St Pancras Station has attracted some of the biggest names in retail, including John Lewis, Fortnum and Mason and Hatchards, with Gant our most recent store opening. We place great value on our partnerships with retailers at the station and are constantly looking at ways to both support our existing retailers and deliver new consumer services to offer the best possible experience to station users, many of whom are not even catching a train.’ Crossrail will deliver a high frequency, high capacity service to 40 stations, linking Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east. The retail offering at Crossrail Place

Render by Methanoia © Zaha Hadid Architects

Canary Wharf station is now open. The seven-storey station has been built in the North Dock of West India Quay with four of the six station levels forming the new retail destination. Arup led the design team for Crossrail Place, developing an engineering solution that allows future changes to Crossrail Place to be undertaken without any disruption to the operation of the station below. Arup has worked closely with architects Adamson Associates, Foster + Partners, and Tony Meadows Associates and the client, Canary Wharf Contractors, since the firm was appointed eight years ago. The four levels of retail, a roof garden, pavilions and station entrances are unified by a complex timber roof, which wraps around the building like a shell. The retail area covers 10,683 sq m of space, the upper three floors of which opened in May 2015 and include a mix of leisure operators such as Everyman Cinema, Sports Bar & Grill and Poncho 8. ‘The roof garden is designed to evoke a ship laden with unusual and exotic specimens from around the globe. The architectural language of the roof responds to the design of the garden — designed by landscape architects Gillespies — through the timber lattice roof that wraps around the building like a protective shell. The roof opens in the centre to draw in light and rain for natural irrigation and opens along the sides and at either end to allow views of the water and surrounding streets,’ explains Ben Scott, partner at Foster + Partners. As a result, the roof garden offers a comfortable environment for people to enjoy all year round, as well as providing a gentle microclimate for some of the plant species that first entered Britain through the docks. ‘The opening of Crossrail Place is a defining moment for Canary Wharf. The area is constantly evolving, providing a diverse range of options and addressing the increasing demand for social and leisure facilities. With the arrival of Crossrail in 2018 and the recent launch of Canary Wharf Residential, residents and visitors to the area will be able to enjoy the estate as a place to live, work and relax,’ continues Scott. Stuart Fyfe, head of retail leasing at Canary Wharf, agrees: ‘Crossrail Place represents a key milestone in the ongoing evolution of Canary Wharf into a truly mixed-use destination that will soon be a place for people to live. It will boost the already high levels of footfall at Canary Wharf; currently over 800,000 people come to the area every week, including 55,000 on Saturdays and 45,000 on Sundays. Furthermore, it will add diversity and a further 10,683 sq m of leisure and retail outlets which will bring the total amount of retail at the Canary Wharf estate to around 92,903 sq m.’

travel retail Network Rail recorded strong retail growth in the last quarter of 2014. These results point towards the changing consumer buyer behaviours within both the retail and food & beverage sectors. Passengers and station users are increasingly seeking travel hub convenience and spending time in stations as they continue to become destinations in their own right. Samantha Turner, head of retail at Network Rail, says: ‘The results show Network Rail is giving passengers the brands and convenience they want at stations. Around 214 million people passed through Britain’s biggest stations between October and December 2014, almost 10 million more than in 2013, and our figures show people are spending, with more than one in three visiting a retail unit — that’s over 72 million.’ At Euston, new food and beverage units are opening. Construction is well underway on a £12.5m project to create more space and choice for passengers and the local community. More than 71 million travellers who pass through the station annually will soon be able to enjoy an increased and varied retail and dining offer along with a more user-friendly layout. The Euston Station Balcony Development Scheme will include more than 1,021 sq m of food and beverage space with a new balcony level opening up the station and providing passengers with an area to relax and eat away from the busy concourse. Grand Central Birmingham at New Street Station is on schedule to open this September. The first half of the new station opened in 2013. The project has already won its first award, Excellence in Sustainability at the Chamber of Commerce Awards. When the project is completed later this year, the station will be enclosed by a giant atrium, allowing natural light throughout the station and the 12 platforms. The redeveloped Pallasades shopping centre, relaunched as Grand Central Birmingham, will boast the biggest John Lewis outside of London measuring 23,225 sq m. The centre will provide 18,580 sq m of retail space for over 40 new premium fashion and lifestyle shops and more than 20 new concept cafes and restaurants. ‘Grand Central Birmingham will offer a very different shopping experience to what people have previously been used to in the city. Being situated above the magnificent New Street train station, the busiest station outside of London, it will offer a unique shopping experience which has something for everyone,’ explains Richard Brown, Grand Central development director. ‘There will be 60+ premium shops, restaurants and cafes, and one of the largest John Lewis department stores in the country, all surrounding a stunning atrium. People can visit for a quick bite to eat while on the go or for a longer day of indulgence.’ Phase two of Stansted’s £80m terminal transformation is now complete. The departure lounge development is home to a mix of cafes, bars and restaurants and designed to offer passengers a wide range of options depending upon budget, appetite and taste. The latest milestone follows on from the opening of a bigger security area, a new World Duty Free store and first phase of the new shopping areas in summer 2014. ‘Over 70 tenders were received for the 12 cafe, bar and restaurant units available as part of phase two of this multi-million pound development. Narrowing down the strong competition to deliver a menu that provided a wide variety of choice based on taste, appetite and budget for our passengers is one of the best headaches I’ve ever dealt with, and a scenario that clearly demonstrates the exciting step change taking place at Stansted, with so many leading brands wanting to secure their involvement,’ explains Beth Brewster, director at airport operator MAG Retail. ‘With many airport firsts, brand new concepts and the first celebrity chef appearance for Stansted, this really has been an exciting development.’ These include the first ever James Martin Kitchen and first airport-based Harris + Hoole. The departure lounge has been extended by more than 60 per cent, with 70 per cent more seating and the installation of

Above from top: The Prague Outlet is nearing completion at Václav Havel International Airport; New food and beverage units are opening at Euston station. Below: John Lewis opened its first click and commute store at St Pancras lat year; Phase two of Stansted Airport’s £80m terminal transformation is now complete. Facing page from top: Grand Central Birmingham will boast 18,580 sq m of retail space including the biggest John Lewis outside of London; The retail offering at Crossrail Place Canary Wharf is now open; Fortnum & Mason opened a champagne bar opposite its new store at Heathrow Airport in January, designed by Universal Design Studio.

travel retail flight departure screens along all main thoroughfares and in all shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, so that passengers can relax in the knowledge they are never far away from the latest flight information. Harris + Hoole is located immediately after security by the entrance to World Duty Free, the flagship entrance to the new departure lounge experience, giving travellers the opportunity to stop and relax after security before continuing their journey. Once through World Duty Free, passengers are led on an intuitive path that guides them with ease to either browse and experience the retail offer at leisure or continue onwards with their journey. All the new beverage and food outlets alongside general seating are strategically located in one dedicated area near the exit points to all departure gates. In December 2014, London Gatwick celebrated its fifth birthday under independent ownership, and to mark the occasion it announced a planned £1bn investment to transform the airport. Plans include a bigger departures area and revamped retail space. £21m will be invested to create a new departure lounge in North Terminal comprising more space to make room for future growth, while 2,787 sq m of new retail and restaurant space will provide passengers with greater choice. This includes a new World Duty Free opening in 2017 to match South Terminal, which was the world’s largest World Duty Free store when it opened in 2012. Gatwick train station will also receive a makeover. The £120.5m redesign will transform the station and passenger experience, with work scheduled to start in 2017 and complete in 2020. Passengers have voted Heathrow Airport as the Best in Western Europe at this year’s World Airport Awards. As well as this new accolade, Heathrow was praised for the quality of its shops, restaurants and terminals and received the Best Airport for Shopping for a sixth time and World’s Best Airport Terminal for Terminal 5 for a fourth year in a row. The last 12 months have been a big year for Heathrow. Since 2003, Heathrow has invested £11bn across all of its terminals. When Terminal 2 opened last year, Heathrow became the first airport in the world to have its own personal shopping lounge, two restaurants created by Michelin starred chefs — including The Perfectionists’ Café by Heston Blumenthal — and a John Lewis shop. Following an investment of more than £40m and 18 months worth of work, January 2015 saw the reveal of Terminal 5’s latest luxury shopping re-development. Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Rolex, Fortnum & Mason and Bottega Veneta joined the line-up at Terminal 5, cementing the airport’s fashionable reputation amongst frequent flyers. The terminal now has a collection of 22 fashion and luxury brands, each of which has been beautifully redesigned to echo the store’s flagship location. A worldwide first, Heathrow’s Terminal 2 features a dedicated Personal Shopping Lounge where passengers can browse, try and purchase a specially curated selection of products in a comfortable and private consultation suite. Heathrow’s exclusive personal shopping service gives customers access to more than 140 brands bringing together Chanel, Gucci, Dior and more, all in one place. The lounge also has free wi-fi and an information display screen so passengers are kept up to date with the latest flight details. Over in Beijing, airport developer ADPI has collaborated with architect Zaha Hadid to design the world’s largest terminal. Following the 2011 international competition bid, in October 2014 the Beijing New Airport Headquarters created a joint design team bringing together ADPI and Zaha Hadid Architects with competition consortium group members Buro Happold, Mott Macdonald and EC Harris to collaborate on the optimised concept design for the Beijing New Airport Terminal building. Opening in 2018, the plans for Terminal 1 will see 696,772 sq m of space that will process 45 million passengers a year. The six-tier design features a central open communal space and is designed to minimalise walking distances

for customers and increase connectivity. At the moment, plans for the retail offering haven’t been revealed, but going on the fact that the terminal will be almost double the size of the world’s current largest terminal — Heathrow’s Terminal 5 — there will no doubt be some great shopping experiences for travellers. This year, Prague has been listed as 14th in the Retailer Attractiveness Index, beating the likes of Vienna and Brussels. The Prague Outlet is set to open next to Prague’s Václav Havel International Airport and will include airport facilities such as on-line check in, luggage hold, departure and arrival boards and shuttles to and from the airport. The Prague Outlet is being positioned as a high-end outlet centre, something which is currently missing in the Czech market, and a tenant mix is being assembled accordingly, with premium European brands in the middle and upper segments being a large focus of leasing efforts. More and more retailers are looking at the benefits of having sites at train stations and airports. Increasing pressure on funding for public transport and the need to keep rail fare increases as low as possible mean that rail and transit authorities need to maximise their revenue from other sources. Realising the full potential of station retail and commercial development around stations provides vital additional funding to support the development of rail infrastructure.

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

A boutique style service 0844 800 9305 | info@visualmerchandiser.co.uk | visualmerchandiser.co.uk VISUAL MERCHANDISER UK PARTNER OF EURODISPLAY

Chelsea in Bloom

Smythson — Highly Commended

Sarah Chapman — Best Floral Display

FLOWER POWER Mary Quant

Retailers celebrated the 10th Chelsea in Bloom with a creative selection of fairy tale schemes. Kate Spade — Innovation Award and People’s Champion

Hamptons International

Chelsea in Bloom The winners of Chelsea in Bloom 2015: Sarah Chapman — Best Floral Display Smythson — Highly Commended Kate Spade — Innovation Award and People’s Champion

Moyses Stevens Produced by the Cadogan Estate during the Chelsea Flower Show, in association with the Royal Horticultural Society, Chelsea in Bloom transformed the streets of the London borough. With a theme of fairy tales, the event also included a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on Duke of York Square and a Fairy Tale Forest on Sloane Square. Retailers on King’s Road, Sloane Street, Cadogan Gardens and Duke of York Square interpreted the brief in their own unique way, some choosing Cinderella and Snow White while others opted for Alice in Wonderland and Sleeping Beauty as the theme for their displays. A mix of princesses, fairies, butterflies and mushrooms featured in the schemes.

Brunello Cucinelli

Brunello Cucinelli Fendi

Browns

Call: 0845 680 7405 to advertise

department stores

DEPARTMENT STORES: COMPLETE EXPERIENCE With an array of events, campaigns and pop-ups, department stores are a great destination for experiential retail, constantly evolving in their offerings to attract customers. There’s no denying department stores have changed the way we shop. The convenience of having everything under one roof, and a wide selection of brands and goods to peruse. Many department stores also host regular events and pop-ups to keep the shopping experience fresh, exciting and reasons to return to the store. Selfridges, which has been named Best Department Store in the World for a third consecutive year by the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS), has this perfected; there’s always something happening at the store. It’s Work It campaign ran from 22 April to 6 June and ranged from de-stressing evening workouts to learning a new skill at one of the retailer’s workshops. ‘Everything that touches the way our customers live their lives is of interest to us as it influences the way we speak and engage with them. With work being such a huge part of people’s daily concern, we felt that this year, more than any other, the time was ripe for a look at some of the trends that are currently reshaping both the workplace and the retail space and champion ‘me time’ as a way to reclaim a better work-life balance,’ says Linda Hewson, Selfridges’ creative director. Selfridges’ Big Beauty Lunch Breaks concept allowed workers to visit the beauty hall and return to work feeling refreshed, relaxed and radiant after a lunchtime beauty experience. Makerversity Workshops allowed guests to take part in a series of immersive workshops, including creating personalised stationery. John Lewis is planning new stores for Birmingham this year, the Victoria Gate area of Leeds in autumn 2016 and Westfield London and Oxford in 2017. A new flexible format store will open in

Chelmsford’s new Bond Street development in 2016. The format sits between the full size department stores and the ‘at home’ shops. John Lewis has also developed an international expansion programme that sees it open shop-in-shops within 11 branches of SM department stores and Our Home stores in the Philippines. Due to open this summer, the shop-in-shops will build on the success of John Lewis’ existing outlets in seven branches of South Korean department store Shinsegae and follows the retailer’s recent announcement to open shop-in-shop departments in three branches of Singapore department store Robinsons. ‘SM Retail and Robinsons are the perfect partners to help bring the John Lewis brand to a new Asian customer base. We are actively looking for more international partnerships and expect to make more announcements about our international plans in the next year,’ says Andy Street, managing director at John Lewis. ‘While our move into the Philippines and Singapore will give us access to a new emerging talent, our focus for physical remains firmly on the UK, with eight new shops scheduled to open in the next few years.’ Currently on gpstudio’s drawing board are projects for John Lewis in the UK, Shinsegae in South Korea and Avanti in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ‘The department store is currently going through a considered introspective process, one leading to an exciting strategic springboard. Considering its relationship with the brands that it hosts, how it behaves, its omnichannel offer, its look and feel, food, and its role as curator (whether that be by brand, vm, entertainment or education),’ says Gregor Jackson, partner at

department stores

Facing page (clockwise): Harrods’ Flower Wall by SFD; John Lewis has eight new UK stores planned for the next few years; gpstudio is working with a number of department stores including Centria in the Middle East; Selfridges has transformed its rooftop into the Vintage Salt restaurant and bar for the summer. Above: Harrods Little Green Men created by JUSTSO; Fortnum & Mason has unveiled its new beauty floor, designed by Waldo Works; Millington Associates created giant flowers for Harrods’ Pop-Up Flowers campaign.

gpstudio. ‘I feel department stores will remain the flagship temples of retail — commercially and aesthetically — yet we will see them morph into different shapes and sizes, offers and collaborations. Playing safe, or simply a shell to house brands, will not be enough, and the future department store needs to wave the creative and entrepreneurial flag.’ In celebration of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May, flowers could be seen everywhere throughout Harrods during its Pop-Up Flowers campaign. Customers were invited to experience a Flower Wall created by SFD, where each individual flower contained a prize. As part of the Pop-Up Flowers campaign, Millington Associates created giant sculpted white peonies above the two main entrances on Brompton Road. For foodie fans, The Tea Room on the second floor served floral afternoon tea, while the Chai Wu restaurant on the fifth floor presented a botanical themed menu. The Harrods Food Hall also got involved with tastings, flower adorned treats and samples of food and beverages. In April, the department store utilised the power of social media to engage with customers to win prizes. The event invited fans to take photos of the famous Harrods green man in an imaginative location; people could either pic up a cut-out in-store or download one from the Harrods website. People had to upload their photos to Instagram using the hashtags #MyGreenMan @ Harrods #VogueFestival. Crowd Reactive was asked by TimeBased to create the activation for Harrods. JUSTSO was responsible for the artwork design for the paper cut-outs. It also created premium wooden green figures of the doormen for the store’s top clientele. Fortnum & Mason has been exploring the use of our senses to create a complete experiential retail experience. Its Sensorium campaign essentially set the scene for the relaunch of the store’s second floor, its new fragrance and beauty space. The Bamford Haybarn spa has also launched on the second floor, offering consumers a peaceful haven from the busy streets of London. Waldo Works was responsible for the second floor redesign, the concept of which is based on the idea of the Georgian salon in which ladies selected items on a one-to-one basis. The design approach also reflects the heritage of Fortnum & Mason, established in 1707, with an elegant deportment combined with moments of folly and whimsy. Emphasis was on creating an environment for consultation — a place to dwell, interact with staff and learn about the products in these specialist sensorial departments. The space has been furnished with rarefied materials and semi-precious stones such as pink rose quartz and Amazonian malachite through to fine veneers in figured sycamore and bird’s

eye maple. Illustration has been used throughout, taking inspiration from the store’s archives. Famous for its afternoon tea, Fortnum and Mason has partnered with The View from The Shard to offer Sky-High Tea experiences on level 72, bringing the experience out of store. It placed a giant hamper at the base of The Shard to create intrigue, finally revealing plans for its Sky-High Tea experience the next day. The image of the iconic F&M hamper was shared on social media with the hashtag #SkyHighTea — a great marketing campaign to get fans of both the department store and The Shard engaging. Liberty is currently hosting the Liberty Sewing School in the Heritage Suite on the third floor. There are a number of special craft, knitting and sewing workshops that people can book. Attendees also receive 20 per cent off at Cafe Liberty — another incentive to spend in-store. The retailer has a number of beauty events and treatments such as massages planned for the summer. House of Fraser’s new Chinese owner, Sanpower, is planning on expansion both in the UK and overseas. Sanpower has given the go-ahead for the retailer to invest £150m in the UK over the next four years in store redesigns and developing its online presence. House of Fraser holds a number of in-store events and various pop-ups that run nationally and regionally. ‘House of Fraser has a wonderful regional presence that allows us to build tailored events that are specific to the locality, not just big national campaigns. The largest of late has been the (BAFTA) British Academy Television Awards, which we were title sponsors to and which gave us lots of in-store opportunity — red carpet masterclasses, photo booths, occasion wear exclusive pop-ups and beauty tutorials,’ explains a spokesperson from the department store. ‘We’ve also introduced a dedicated Edit pop-up that showcases the best of seasonal fashion buys collated and presented by our dedicated design team, which advises customers of the season’s most directional trends. Celebrity public appearances are also important, most recently with Michelle Keegan and Millie Mackintosh. We are currently working on PAs with Barbara Hulanicki, founder of BIBA, which we stock exclusively. ‘In-store events help to create retail theatre, which in turn drives footfall, brand awareness and ultimately sales and most importantly sets House of Fraser apart form our competitors. Creating an exciting atmosphere and retail buzz through events helps entertain and deliver exclusivity for customers who look for enjoyable and creative shopping experiences.’

Call: 0845 680 7405 to advertise

Easily installed

VISIT US AT FESPA 18 - 22 MAY Hall 7 Stand #M51

Large format graphics

Up to 3 overlays

Rapid change

RETAIL ENVIRONMENTS NEED:

A rapid change display to transform your retail space in seconds with stunning large format graphics... visit www.anchormagnets.com/digi-film or call: 0114 244 1171 RETAILFOCUSADVERT.indd 1

02/04/2015 14:28

opinion

BEAUTY,S MENAISSANCE With consumers’ attitudes to masculinity in flux and men spending more than ever on grooming and wellbeing, David Wright, group marketing director of Dalziel and Pow, says the time is ripe for beauty brands to reassess what they’re offering male shoppers. The beauty industry has traditionally been geared towards women. But as we explored beauty brand innovations for our Beautiful Convergence report it became clear to us that this is changing. Male salons and barbers are flourishing, while dedicated e-commerce sites like The Motley and Mankind are curating the growing variety of men’s skincare brands, extending as far as Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs’ men’s make-up lines. Two new barbers have popped up on my local high street in Hertfordshire. One is a hipster-inspired space, the other a more traditional Turkish barber — an offering that was previously non-existent. The raft of beauty salons in this commuter town now have men’s luxury pamper packages on their treatment lists, demonstrating a shift in male spending habits outside of London. The very notion of masculinity is blurring and diversifying; just look at Selfridges’ Agender concept, launched March 2015, especially among Millennials. According to Mintel*, US sales for the men’s personal care market hit $4.1 billion in 2014, up 6.7 per cent from 2012, and it predicts sales will grow to $4.6 billion by 2019. The male groom boom is indicative of a far wider shift happening right across consumer facing industries, from fashion (Verdict** predicts the UK menswear market to grow 29.2 per cent over the next five years) to groceries (51 per cent of men are now the primary food shopper in US households, according to NPD Group***), driving brands to rethink how they cater to men.

A room of his own Mintel’s study reveals that men are spending on a gamut of grooming services: 25 per cent of those aged 18-34 have had a manicure or pedicure, and 38 per cent a facial or body treatment. Smart brands are therefore creating holistic ‘man caves’ with justfor-him services and advice. In London, The Refinery offers laser hair removal, anti-ageing facials, massages, manicures and pedicures, plus retail products; Hackett and Liberty both house Murdoch-branded barber shops in store; Ted Baker has seven standalone Grooming Rooms across the city; and Aveda opened a men-only destination in September 2014, offering treatments ‘all from one chair’. In LA, men’s hand and foot grooming salon Hammer & Nails boosts dwell-time with personal TVs, complementary drinks and a library of lifestyle books. And, while not exclusively for men, London’s Barber & Parlour provides a blueprint for hybrid retail, with a barbershop, juice bar and cinema under one roof. Considering that some men won’t be comfortable seeking grooming advice, brands should also offer trusted expert advice — whether via in-store touchpoints, an associated app or online.

subscription boxes are equally as relevant for time-pressed professional men as women. Examples include Birchbox Man ($20/month — four deluxe samples custom-tailored to skin and hair type plus accessory), Dollar Shave Club ($1-$9/month for four cartridges plus razor handle) and Luxury Barber Box ($25.99/ month for nine sample-sized and one full-size product). I also predict we’ll see a growing number of quick-fix, Uberstyle apps. Launched in November, New York app Shortcut lets users book out-of-hours barber appointments to their own home or workplace between 8am to midnight from $75 a session.

Branding male beauty While some opt for type-heavy, heraldic packaging, the new wave of men’s skincare brands largely favour no-frills branding with clean lines and monochrome packaging. One of the pioneers was UK label Bulldog that wanted to stand out against the big brands’ ‘blue and brights’ packaging. Men’s grooming brand No and Büro System both exemplify this new spirit simplicity, where masculinity is no longer something overt or forced but open to interpretation.

Blurred lines Taking neutral branding a step further, unisex products are gaining ground among Millennials. Look at Swedish skincare line Sachajuan, unisex fragrances from US perfumers Smoke Perfume and Le Labo, or the unisex anti-ageing moisturiser from luxury skincare brand TwinLuxe. House of Fraser’s website has a unisex filter in its beauty section. And, with US haircare giant Redken selecting transgender model Lea T to front its global Chromatics campaign in 2014, once more we’re seeing the industry start to purvey a more inclusive message and overturn traditional, restrictive beauty ideals.

Looking forward With gender neutrality on one hand and dedicated man caves on the other, it would seem beauty brands are at a crossroads, with two alternative pathways to pursue. As always, they’ll need to attune to which approach resonates with their specific target audience. But one thing is clear — beauty brands need to put men firmly on the agenda. *Mintel International Group Ltd, 2014. Men’s Toiletries, UK October 2014. Available at: http://store.mintel.com/mens-toiletries-uk-october-2014 **Verdict, 2015. Menswear Market Forecast, February 2015. Available at: https://service. verdictretail.com/verdict/sectors/clothing-and-footwear/menswear/market-forecast/ article20212.ece> ***NPD Group, 2014. Primary Grocery Shopper Report. Available at: https://www.npd.com/

Curate for convenience Convenience was a key trend in Beautiful Convergence, and highly streamlined, personalised formats such as monthly

latest-reports/grocery-shopping/

www.dalziel-pow.com 47

products

FLOORING + SURFACES CD (UK) CD (UK) has supplied DuPont Corian to enhance new Wood Street offices for investment company PGI. Architects M Moser and fabricator Manufacturing By Design worked to a brief from the client to transcend the 11,400 sq ft space, maximising flow while preserving privacy and flexibility for its workforce. DuPont™ Corian in Venaro White was the material of choice, providing an organic shape and standout colour contrast, enabling the design team to mould the reception desk to the seamless shape they wanted. T. +44 (0)113 201 2240 E. info@cdukltd.co.uk www.cdukltd.co.uk Twitter: cdukltd

Moduleo Luxury vinyl flooring manufacturer Moduleo has unveiled its new Click with LockXpress to the UK market. The upgraded product has been engineered for an increase in strength and is available now from all Moduleo-approved stockists. Manufactured with the latest patented push down technology, the Click with LockXpress system simply locks into place without any adhesive. Click with LockXpress is available on all Moduleo products, including the brand new additions to the company’s Select and Transform collections, and its innovative Impress range. T. +44 (0)1332 851 500 E: salesuk@moduleo.com www.moduleo.co.uk Twitter: ModuleoUK

Armourcoat Armourcoat’s new decorative metal rust finish Rusteel has been shortlisted for the Mixology’15 Product of the Year — Surfaces Award. The Rusteel finish offers an authentic rusted iron or patina effect, creating an aged, weather-beaten, metal surface. This time-worn finish similar to weathering (or Corten) steel is created from a water-based paint with metal particles which naturally tarnish when activated.The finish is available exclusively through the ArmourFX modular panel system. The ArmourFX range of panels has evolved from Armourcoat’s renowned applied seamless wall finishes. The company’s specialist designers and artisan plasterers can create integrated custom wall panel systems or design statement single artwork pieces. Photo credit : ©Apache Studios

Gradus Gradus has extended its primary barrier matting collection with the launch of Esplanade 8500, a heavy duty mat suitable for use in the most demanding environments. Esplanade 8500 has been specially developed for use in both interior and exterior environments subject to heavy foot and wheeled traffic, such as shopping centres, supermarkets and railway stations. The matting is available in 12mm and 18mm thicknesses, in open and closed construction, and comprises rubber wipers and silver anodised aluminium linking strips.

Wingback chair — James UK Hooked 3.0 Nude lighting — Buster + Punch

T. +44 (0)1732 460 668 E: sales@armourcoat.co.uk www.armourcoat.com Twitter: Armourcoat

T. +44 (0)1625 428 922 E. imail@gradusworld.com www.gradusworld.com Twitter: Gradus_World

products

Doro Tape UK To add to its already extensive portfolio, Doro Tape UK has introduced a new Illustra range of patterned window decoration film, each with its own design guaranteed to bring individuality and style to any establishment. Manufactured by ASLAN in Germany, these films come in three attractive styles; Polka, Linen and Snow. Suitable for long term exterior applications, they offer excellent scratch resistance, have a dry apply adhesive for ease of application, and as an added bonus are digitally printable. T. +44 (0)1858 431 642 E. sales@dorotape.co.uk www.dorotape.co.uk Twitter: doro_tape

Polyflor SimpLay loose lay vinyl floor tiles from Polyflor have added the finishing touches to a refurbished Vodafone store in Birmingham. They were installed by AFB Flooring Solutions of Lancashire, for retail and commercial fit out specialist Audas Project Management. Suitable for retail and commercial environments, SimpLay tiles and planks have been developed for loose lay installation without the use of adhesive, so they can be fitted quickly with minimal downtime required. The SimpLay range features eight authentic wood plank designs, six natural stone tile effects and two weave pattern tiles. The Rich Walnut 2504 shade complements Vodafone’s signature red and white colour scheme. T. +44 (0)161 767 1111 E. info@polyflor.com www.polyflor.com Twitter: Polyflorltd

3M Decorative surface finishes from 3M have been used to refresh service counters as part of a Post Office Network Transformation Project involving 6,500 main and local category outlets. An estimated 5,000m of easy-to-apply and highly durable DI-NOC Architectural Finishes have been installed by Sign 2000 to refurbish all of the service counters at these sites rather than having to meet the high cost of replacement, thereby enabling savings to be made by the Post Office. T. +44 (0)800 121 4739 E. commgraphics.uk@mmm.com www.3M.co.uk/innovativefinishes Twitter: 3MgraphicsUK

Formica Group The newly launched Formica Collection introduces 113 new décors. With a total of more than 600 decorative laminate solutions, this versatile collection is ideal for all environments, including retail. There are nine new Plain Colors to present a comprehensive palette of 120 colours. Plus Color, a unique toolbox, features 30 colours in eight exclusive surface finishes with 240 combinations. New patterns are based on capturing the authenticity of fabrics, natural and man-made materials, including the introduction of Twill pattern in four colours, eight True Scale marble décors, and four metal and engineered stone patterns. New textures include Linewood, Puregrain, Hammered and the award-winning Plex. T. +44 (0)191 259 3512 E. samples.uk@formica.com www.formica.com Twitter: FormicaGroupEU

products

SELECTION Shelfstore Shelfstore has been used throughout the West Somerset Railway gift shop in Minehead. The store team wanted to reconfigure the space in the shop with a library-style shelving system. With Shelfstore, the books are well supported and they don’t need separators to stop them falling over. The adaptable nature of Shelfstore allows the owner to change the look as and when they like. The gift shop is an old traditional building and the lightness of the wood enhances the airy feel of the space and gives a more traditional finish than metal. T. +44 (0)1628 782 642 E: info@shelfstore.co.uk www.shelfstore.co.uk Twitter: Shelfstore

Venture Lighting Europe Venture Lighting has partnered with Hertz Electrical Distribution to supply more than 250 of its latest LED technology luminaires to one of the largest electrical management specialists in the UK. Two warehouses have been installed with Venture’s VLED Midibay Elite wide beam luminaires as an energy efficient alternative to the previous high wattage lamps, whilst also benefitting from the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) programme. Installed at 9m and 7m heights, the new lighting scheme replaced 270 400W Highbay and 250W Lowbay metal halide fittings in the warehouses, saving over 60 per cent in energy costs. T. +44 (0)1923 692 600 E. info@venturelighting.co.uk www.venturelighting europe.com Twitter: VentureLighting

Sharp UK Sharp UK has launched a new integrated chip and pin solution for its Electronic Cash Registers (ECR) ERA421 and ERA411 that offers increased speed of service and improved accuracy for customers in retail and hospitality. Sharp has partnered with Chip & PIN Solutions to provide integrated chip and pin capabilities with entry and mid-level cash registers enabling automatic, accurate and fast data feeds between devices. The solution is now available for UK customers from all authorised Sharp ECR/EPoS resellers. T. +44 (0)208 734 2222 E. sgs.europe@sharp.eu www.sharp.co.uk Twitter: Sharp_Europe

Spectral Lighting Part of the RIDI Group, Spectral Lighting’s STORA LK luminaire has taken pride of place at the revamped Swindon Designer Outlet Centre. STORA LK is an ultra-efficient LED pendant ring luminaire that creates a striking lighting effect. An elegant and timeless design, it offers continuous direct LED lighting, with its aluminium body acting as a thermal control to ensure a constant temperature and optimum output. STORA LK’s clean lines are accentuated by the drop suspension wires that cleverly integrate power cabling. The project also utilised RIDI’s EDLR downlighters, which provide highly efficient LED lighting ideally suited to retail, commercial and educational spaces. T. +44 (0)1279 450 882 E. enquiries@spectral-lighting.co.uk www.spectral-lighting.co.uk

products

VM + DISPLAY T.C. Millwork, Inc SMARTWALL is a state-of-the-art retail display system that incorporates energy efficient, high quality LEDs into lightweight shelves that are wireless to the end user. This gives the retailer the opportunity to rearrange the shelves anywhere along the wall standards without having to connect or disconnect wires. Installation is quick, clean and easy, with no special expertise needed. A 40ft linear section of SMARTWALL can be powered by one standard duplex outlet. You can choose from an endless selection of films that are applied seamlessly to the miter folded shelves. T. +1 215 245 4210 E: sales@tcmillwork.com www.tcmillwork.com Twitter: TCMillwork

Norbord Caberwood MDF Pro from Norbord is a premium grade MDF with a uniform density across the board. It is ideal for creating bespoke, versatile shopfittings for any space and is a great, cost-effective alternative to moisture-resistant alternatives in terms of strength. Suitable for straight forward machine and surface finishing, and available in six standard sizes, it offers all the benefits of timber without the natural defects. It is also designed to look good and is ideal for most high quality paint and surface finishes including the application of paper foils and veneers to suit individual tastes. T. +44 (0)1786 812 921 www.norbord.co.uk Twitter: NorbordEurope

arken POP The super thin profile (38mm deep) on arkenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Fineline slide-in light box allows the poster message to do all the talking. Bright and vibrant LED illumination creates the wow factor, lighting the image evenly and additionally ensures that they are very economical to run, using 65 per cent less energy than traditional tubes. Changing graphics is quick and easy by simply sliding in via slots in either the top or side of the frame. Ideal for brand category signage in store, these light boxes help increase shopper awareness and enhance the brand image or retail message. Made to order at arkenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Newmarket factory, any size up to 1.2m wide can be accommodated, alongide any colour to suit. T. +44 (0)1638 565 656 E. info@arken-pop.com www.arken-pop.com Twitter: arkenPOP

Graphica Display Graphica Display is a design-led, large format display printing and signage company producing anything from window decals and retail display through to hoardings, promotional printing and point of sale. At the VM & Display Show in April, the company invited visitors to use Graphica Display large format printing to become stars of the high street. The company created the amps, guitar and a piano, and even produced a 3D-printed microphone. T. +44 (0)845 373 0073 E. info@graphica display.co.uk www.graphicadisplay.co.uk Twitter: graphicatweet

Retail Focus Jun 15_Layout 1 05/06/2015 11:59 Page 1

Realistic

articulated mannequins

●

Articulated wooden arms & hands

Linen covered torso and movable head

Easy-to-dress, smooth, fleshtone legs

Top quality, fibreglass construction Complete with glass stand and care kit FREE delivery

only

£229 +VAT

QUALITY YOU DEMAND. PRICES YOU ENJOY. SERVICE YOU EXPECT.

Price valid until February 2016

Over 5,000 products from stock

morplan.com 0330 44 55 666 Visit our regional stores

products

technology Axis Communications Axis Communications, a specialist in network video, strengthens its offering for small systems with the launch of AXIS Surveillance microSDXC Card 64GB, a memory card optimised for surveillance applications, and AXIS Camera Companion 3, a major upgrade of the multiple award-winning surveillance solution for small systems. For optimal storage of video content, the new AXIS Surveillance microSDXC Card 64GB combines the market and technology know-how from SanDisk, a global leader in flash storage, with the extensive security system expertise of Axis. T. +46 46 272 18 00 E. ir@axis.com www.axis.com Twitter: AxisIPVideo

ONELAN ONELAN has provided a communications solution for Barnetts Motor Group, which has multiple car showrooms and sites in Dundee and St Andrews. The company wanted a solution to deliver internal and showroom external marketing messages and information to create customer excitement and staff awareness electronically. The flexibility, immediacy and exciting video content capable of being deployed through digital signage made this a natural choice for a dealership at the cutting edge of technology and process control. A four screen showroom â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;horizonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; deployment will be followed by other showroom applications and staff areas with around 20 screens planned. T. +44 (0)1491 411 400 E. sales@onelan.com www.onelan.com Twitter: onelan_ltd

PEL Music & Media PEL Music & Media has opened Tech Suite, a new demonstration facility at its offices just off the A40 in Northolt, North West London, to showcase what customers can achieve using its specialist extensive audio visual capabilities. Tech Suite features one of the widest selections of videowalls in action in the UK, as well as single and multi-screen ensembles from NEC, Samsung and Sharp. These have been set up by PEL in a variety of example configurations to showcase the many options available to customers, including portrait and landscape formats, as solid 3 x 3 and 1 x 3 videowalls and as a contemporary fragmented wall array. Each individual screen, including those within the videowalls and LED displays, has been fitted with a BrightSign Digital signage player to enable PEL to demonstrate an extensive array of digital signage ideas to customers, using videos, full HD, MJPEG etc. T. +44 (0)333 123 2100 E. studio@pel.co.uk www.pel.co.uk/audio-visual Twitter: PELservices1

ONELAN Investec in Dublin wanted to enhance its reception area and selected a 4K Video wall driven by a ONELAN 4K digital signage player to achieve this. Playing a mixture of full 3,840 pixels wide x 1,440 pixel high bespoke animated content across all six screens to create full brand impact, the bespoke content includes live TV, live market data and promotional HD brand videos. With the ONELAN 4K player Investec was able to seamlessly switch from full wall content to a mixture of content types across multiple screens. Emotion Media, a ONELAN Accredited Content Partner, worked with Digicom who provided the video hardware and carried out the installation. T. +44 (0)1491 411 400 E. sales@onelan.com www.onelan.com Twitter: onelan_ltd

Cats A4_1 Ad_RT Lion & Kitten A4 30/08/2013 09:11 Page 1

whether your problems are BIG or small

we are here for you

retailTRUST improving lives for all involved ...yesterday, today, tomorrow

call our free helpline

0808 801 0808 confidential and independent help for personal and work problems we are here 24hrs, 365 days Or get in touch via: Text HELPLINE to 88010 | helpline@retailtrust.org.uk | www.retailtrust.org.uk

retailEAP leading wellbeing for all

retailRIGHT

providing people for retail

Retail Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (1090136) and in Scotland (SCO39684) Company No 4254201 (Company Limited Guarantee) Registered in England and Wales Registered Office: Marshall Hall, Marshall Estate, Hammers Lane, London, NW7 4DQ

products

DESIGNS IN ALUMINIUM Aluminium panel systems Designs In Aluminium offers a variety of aluminium slatwall panels. This one shown right is a standard panel with a 25mm pitch, which accepts standard euro hook accessories. Powder coating to any RAL colour or anodising gives the aluminium panels an unrivalled contemporary look. T. +44 (0)1273 582 241 E. sales@d-i-a.net www.diagroup.co.uk Twitter: DesignsinAlumin

Socket system This socket system is created as an alternative to the horizontal and vertical system, This system is the ideal choice for minimalist displays. T. +44 (0)1273 582 241 E. sales@d-i-a.net www.diagroup.co.uk Twitter: DesignsinAlumin

Horizontal systems This system pictured above is designed to hold 6mm thick material. Also stocked are extrusions to suit 3mm, 8mm and 10mm glass or acrylic, creating a platform for optimum presentation. The horizontal system can be adapted with the use of arms and accessories for merchandising. T. +44 (0)1273 582 241 E. sales@d-i-a.net www.diagroup.co.uk Twitter: DesignsinAlumin

Slotted upright systems This recessed slotted upright system is strong and versatile, and the accessories can be manufactured to suit the clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s merchandising requirement and design. For more information visit the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website where you can view a selection of case studies. T. +44 (0)1273 582 241 E. sales@d-i-a.net www.diagroup.co.uk Twitter: DesignsinAlumin

fixtures & fittings

focus on: FIXTURES + FITTINGS On the shelf Cooke Brothers has introduced two new shelving strip options in addition to its shelf support range of products. Made from lightweight anodised aluminium, they’re available in various finishes and popular profiles including both surface-mounted or rebate fixing. Further requests for shorter lengths of shelving strip has led to the company supplying Shelving Lite in new standard lengths of 1,140mm. A further addition is the option of solid stainless steel patterns, which are now available across the company’s two most popular profiles, flat (7470) and raised (7472).

www.cookebrothers.co.uk

Fixtures and fittings are a crucial element of a store, bringing together the look and feel of a display system, with flexibility and easy set-up key factors. We explore a range of solutions, from WBC’s Kingsley X-frame made from reclaimed floorboards and distressed metal to D75 illuminati’s Hank system that combines a light source and hanging rail in one nifty design.

Let there be light Handmade in steel by Swedish craftsmen, the Hank system from D75 illuminati combines a light fitting and clothes hanger in one. The fixture is available in several colours and finishes including cumulus white (pictured), curb grey, new denim blue and raw steel. The custom LED source produces 600lm per metre, with a lifespan of more than 30,000 hours.

www.d75.se

Vintage feel Andy Thornton has developed an extensive range of industrial style shop fixtures and fittings via its comprehensive Urban Vintage range. Andy Thornton offers a full line of visual merchandising retail display fittings including shelving units, display tables, trolleys and carts. Whether you are looking for an impressive apothecary display cabinet or just a simple garment rail, the company has something for everyone. The company has a pipeline of new products coming to market with new pieces being launched from its website weekly. As well as offering its range of standard products to an ever growing list of high street brands, Andy Thornton is also regularly commissioned by retail designers to develop bespoke pieces that are exclusive to each customer.

www.andythornton.com

fixtures & fittings

Freedom of movement ALU’s Autopole is one of the best-selling fixtures in the retail sector. In November 2009, MoMA New York added both the ALU Autopole and Super Clamp (far right) to its permanent design and architecture collection. Autopole is a telescopic freestanding pole, secured between floor and ceiling with a simple lever movement. ALU’s Mobile rotating system (right) has been revamped with a new willowy design. Elegant and light, it is formulated to create sophisticated and eclectic environments. Introducing new angles, the reinvented Mobile allows the sleek curves of the product to create new geometries of freestanding, wall-mounted units and tables. Tenn is the UK authorised reseller — www.tenn-ltd.com.

www.alu.com

Flexible friend DesignAgency has created an appliance showroom for Appliance Love in Toronto using a rigid rebar grid system, which divides space and brings down the scale of the almost 4.8m-high ceilings while still maintaining visibility and connections throughout the showroom. The design company also produced a plywood box module for merchandising smaller household items such as kettles, toasters and pots. The boxes can be plugged in anywhere in the grid, enabling the space to be changed and evolve as needed.

www.thedesignagency.ca

The X factor With summer here, many retailers are taking their fixtures and fittings outdoors. WBC’s new Kingsley X-frame is ideal for retailers, pop-ups, window dressers, market traders and exhibitionists alike. It can be used as a fixture in an interior space or to merchandise a space outside. With its roots back in the Middle Ages, the humble tressle table is still as reliable, functional and practical as it was back then. Kingsley is made in the UK from reclaimed floorboards and distressed metal. The collapsible design makes it ideal for temporary displays and then it easily stores away after use. Retailers can figure their own design or choose from a variety of ready-made kits.

www.wbc.co.uk

Directory

Retail Supplier Directory, find the specialist retail products and services you are looking for from leading suppliers around the world. Retail Supplier Directory Visit the Retail Focus online directory at www.retail-focus.co.uk to discover a comprehensive list of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading retail suppliers. Each listing contains indepth 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 terry@retailfocus.co

Directory

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: 01273 582241 E: info@d-i-a.net W: www.d-i-a.net S. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin

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.

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, 020 3260 3888 E. info@axiseurope.com W.www.axiseurope.com/retail S. www.twitter.com/AxisEuropePlc

T 01892 890608 E: phil@spurcreative.co.uk W www.spurcreative.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative

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 814200 E: studio@hsquared.co.uk W: www.hsquaredltd.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/HSquaredLtd

Aluminium Fittings

Bespoke Display

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.

Original suppliers of display fabrics, textiles, PVC and polycarbonates for retail displays and exhibition stands since 1934 Backgrounds have been our background since backgrounds began and B Brown have more than 400 in stock.

Walker Bros (Elland) Ltd is an Engineering Manufacturing company specialising in sheet metalwork and plastic fabrication. We supply precision metal and plastic products, components and light fabrications to a broad range of industries and markets throughout the UK and Europe.

IGNITION is an independent creative company Our multi-disciplined team work together to deliver exceptional retail and commercial environments, global exhibitions and brands.

T. 01325 351 276 E. sales@microslat.com W. www.microslat.com S. www.twitter.com/MicroSlat

T, 08705 340 340 E. customerservices@bbrown.co.uk W. www.bbrown.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/luvbbrown

T: 0 01422 310767 E: sales@wbelland.com W: www.wbelland.com

T, +44 (0) 1179 725168 E. victoria@ignitiondg.com W. www.ignitiondg.com

Aluminium Fittings

Bespoke Display

Design Consultancies

We are IPOS. A creative design agency whose extensive and impressive client list speaks volumes for the professional services we offer. We design, produce and install all aspects of our client’s POS. From instore graphics, window vinyls and 3D bespoke window displays to full multi location campaign roll outs.

With over 24 years experience and knowledge within the industry, we pride ourselves on offering a tailored service for retail solutions such as Mannequins, LED Lighting & magnIQ our patented magnetic wall system. We work with many different sectors, including; Designers, Stylists, Architects and Visual concept team buyers.

We are TWO Visual, the retail agency specialising in visual merchandising. Led by brand directors Jeanette Cheetham and Brendan Gordon we provide everything retailers need to make their brands visually dynamic, whilst improving team and commercial performance.

T: 0 01422 310767 E: sales@wbelland.com W: www.wbelland.com

T: 0161 477 8501 E: info@ipos-design.co.uk W: www.ipos-design.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/iposdesign

T +44 (0)20 8348 9888 E: mail@rarebasic.com W: www.rarebasic.com S: www.twitter.com/rarebasic

T, +44 (0) 1858 414275 E. hello@twovisual.co.uk W. www. twovisual.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/TWO_Visual

Balloons & Bunting

Bespoke Display

Brochure Holders

Display

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

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.

Brochure Holders International Limited is part of the global Taymar group recognised as a leading manufacturer of premium quality injection moulded leaflet holders and display solutions. Committed to on-going product development the Taymar group offers one of the world’s largest collections of ‘clear view’ wall, floor and counter standing brochure displays.

arken are a UK design and manufacturing facility creating bespoke poster display solutions. As well as our bespoke offer, we provide off the shelf products such as poster frames, light boxes, poster hanging systems, pavement signs, forecourt signs, all available in a range of colours and sizes.

T, 01494 774376 E. sales@b-loony.com W. www.b-loony.com

T: +44 (0)8450 944 699 E: ben.wang@ksf-global.com W: www.ksf-global.com S: www.twitter.com/KSFGlobal

T: +44 (0)1473 229250 E: sales@brochureholders.co.uk W: www.brochureholders.com

T: +44 (0)1638 565656 E: info@arken-pop.com W: www.arken-pop.com

Directory

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 0093 E: sales@concept-data.com W: www.concept-data.com S. www.twitter.com/GDProjects

Display

Internationally acclaimed, award winning unique magnetic wall system offers instant flexibility & creative choice to architects, interiors & store designers. Since launching the magnIQ system in 2006 the response has been quite phenomenal. To date the system has won 13 prestigious awards and is now internationally recognised justifying the many years Rare Basic spent on research and development. T +44 (0)20 8348 9888 E: mail@rarebasic.com W: www.rarebasic.com S: www.twitter.com/rarebasic

Display - Digital

Furniture

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 292 025 E: info@crystal-display.com W: www.crystal-display.com S. www.twitter.com/CrystalDisplays

T 01892 890608 E: phil@spurcreative.co.uk W www.spurcreative.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative

Furniture

Display

Display - Digital

GDP display, 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.

We provide total end to end solutions encompassing all aspects of designing, implementing, managing and supporting multi-faceted marketing technology concepts and Digital Screen Media networks.

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: +44 (0)1582 433 771 E: info@gdprojects.eu W: www.gdprojects.eu S. www.twitter.com/GDProjects

T 01892 890608 E: phil@spurcreative.co.uk W www.spurcreative.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative

T, +44 (0)845 481 8020 E. info@screenmediatechnology.com W.screenmediatechnology.com S. www.twitter.com/ScreenMediaTech

T: 01923 800666 E: info@stylographics.co.uk W: www.stylographics.com S. www.twitter.com/hellostylo

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: 0161 477 8501 E: info@ipos-design.co.uk W: www.ipos-design.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/iposdesign

T: 01923 800666 E: info@stylographics.co.uk W: www.stylographics.com S. www.twitter.com/hellostylo

EPOS

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 320636 E: sales@ded.co.uk W: www.ded.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/dedltd

Finishes

Display

Impulse POP specialises in Point of Purchase display systems for the Retail sector. We offer many years of experience in all aspects of retail design, with in house manufacture - including quick turnaround prototypes, or overseas manufacture, delivery, installation and retail merchandising.

Woodwood Group –Tx Frame UK are a specialist in tension fabric display systems and LED light boxes. We are able to deliver the highest quality service with a friendly but professional approach to ensure you receive the spectacular results you deserve.

Armourcoat is the world’s foremost supplier of polished plasters, sculptural effects and innovative surface finishes.

T, 01767 682756 E. sales@impulsepop.co.uk W.www.impulsepop.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/impulsepop

T, 01376 295 016 E. sales@txframe.co.uk W. www.txframe.co.uk

T. +44 (0)1732 460 668 E. sales@armourcoat.co.uk W. www.armourcoat.com S. www.twitter.com/Armourcoat

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 3730073 E: info@graphicadisplay.co.uk W:www.graphicadisplay.co.uk S. 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: info@stylographics.co.uk W: www.stylographics.com S. www.twitter.com/hellostylo

Directory

Interactive Displays

Permanent POS

> In house design and manufacture of permanent displays > Powder coated steel, stainless steel, plastics and print used in any combination > Rapid prototyping and batch manufacture > Confidentiality assured > Let us help you improve your product sales` Find out why our customers keep returning for more………

T: +44 (0) 1634 292 025 E: info@crystal-display.com W: www.crystal-display.com S. www.twitter.com/CrystalDisplays

Lighting

T: 01482 345067 E: sales@jcrpos.co.uk W: www.jcrpos.co.uk S. @JCR_POS

POP Install

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 537680 E: display@movetechuk.com W:www.movetechuk.com S. www.twitter.com/movetechuk

POP/POS

T: 0116 262 5933 E: sales@ledsolutions.co.uk W: www.ledsolutions.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/ LEDSolutionsUK

T: 0333 123 0345 F: 0333 123 0445 E: Sales@ways2display.com W www.artillus.com

T: +44 (0)161 929 9599 E: dan.williams@100percentgroup.com W: www.100percentgroup.com S. www.twitter.com/ 100percentgroup

T: +44 (0)1473 229250 E: sales@brochureholders.co.uk W: www.brochureholders.com

Metal Display

We specialise in Point of Sale (POS) and Point of Purchase (POP). We design, manufacture and fit retail fixtures and store displays and we’re good at it. For over 55 years Axiom has been designing and producing exciting and innovative retail displays for well known brands and retail groups.

T: +44 (0)161 681 1371 E: info@axiom-displays.co.uk W: www.axiom-displays.co.uk

POP/POS

T: 01273 582241 E: info@d-i-a.net W: www.d-i-a.net S. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin

100% provides services in the UK & Europe covering:

POP/POS

Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights *Aluminium slatwall *Perimeter Sections *Corner sections *Design and bespoke service.

Slatwall

Custom made, 20mm deep LED Edge lit ‘Diamond’ light boxes, and 8mm deep ‘Garnet’ light panels for retail display, signage and advertising.

Literature Display Solutions

Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry.

POP Install

LED Solutions are a specialist LED lighting supplier who can offer you a wide variety of bespoke lighting solutions for the sign, shop fitting and display industries.

• • • • • •

Slatwall

Display Installation POS Updates & Maintenance Store Audits Transport & Warehousing Project Management Online Reporting

POP Install

T. 01325 351 276 E. sales@microslat.com W. www.microslat.com S. www.twitter.com/MicroSlat

Our aim is simple: To provide GOLD STANDARD Installation and Merchandising of Display Equipment at competitive prices.

MTFX Winter Effects artificial display snow range includes all you need to give your displays the crispness of a winter setting or the chill of a frosty Christmas.

T: 0161 941 2239 E: mike.kirchin@plan2install.co.uk W: www.plan2install.co.uk

T: 01452 729903 E: info@mtfx.com W: www.mtfx.com

Retail Consultancy

VM - Training & Tools

T: 01482 345067 E: sales@jcrpos.co.uk W: www.jcrpos.co.uk S. @JCR_POS

T: 0161 477 8501 E: info@ipos-design.co.uk W: www.ipos-design.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/iposdesign

T, +44 (0) 1858 414275 E. hello@twovisual.co.uk W. www. twovisual.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/TWO_Visual

Q&A

Matt Crew, senior creative manager at Topshop, chats to Retail Focus about his career, favourite windows and his passion for design and VM. RF. What’s your career background? MC. After studying a visual communication degree specialising in illustration, my career began at Selfridges in Birmingham. I worked as a visual specialist across all floors. From there I made the quick jump to London to work for Harvey Nichols as display supervisor where I had the chance to work on some of the most innovative windows. After nearly three years I moved to Armani as European assistant VM manager, which gave me an insight into the luxury market and a chance to see European markets. In 2010 I was lucky enough to get the job I had been waiting for — creative manager for Topman Oxford Circus. A love for the brand and its fast paced environment has kept me under the Arcadia umbrella, moving to Topshop as creative manager and finally senior creative manager.

windows and interiors, where we will transform the store once again to keep the consumer excited. We are also finalising ideas for Christmas 2015 as well as working on a number of secret projects — watch this space! RF. What trends have you been seeing in visual merchandising and display recently?

MC. It wasn’t my initial intention to fall into a creative/VM career but I always knew I wanted to be associated with design. After starting at Selfridges I quickly realised that a creative/VM career encompassed many of the areas I was interested in and so it was a natural progression for me.

MC. At the moment I think the high street is going through a period of change. Many retailers are paring back their creative and VM solutions in favour of clean windows and minimal product placement. For me its important to keep the consumer excited about the shopping experience, whether through windows, technology or great VM solutions. I want people to walk through Topshop Oxford Circus and feel energised and excited about the product and the environment.

RF. Describe a typical day in the Topshop creative department.

RF. Which other store windows do you admire?

MC. No day is ever the same at Topshop. As a person who can never sit still, this is the perfect environment for me! I am constantly busy from reviewing commercial layouts on the floor, reacting to sales, brainstorming new season windows and interiors, meeting suppliers, installing new creative concepts, working on fashion launches or just simply spending some time with the team. I am also very lucky to be able to travel to get inspiration so we always keep on top of our game.

MC. There are many windows I admire. One that continues to inspire me is Heatherwick Studio’s collaboration with Harvey Nichols where they managed to marry the windows and exterior of the building as one. This was in 1997 and still continues to wow me. I also love what Topshop Topman do as a brand not only in the flagship but all stores and international; its amazing how far down the chain we can push the creative elements. I also admire many independent shops like Rossana Orlandi in Milan. A fantastic and intricate store stuffed full of fashion, design and art.

RF. Have you always wanted to pursue a career in visual merchandising/creative?

RF. What’s your favorite Topshop scheme you’ve worked on? MC. My favorite scheme I have worked on so far has to be Christmas 2013. The store was transformed by pink cherry blossom trees that created an unconventional magical feel for the festive period. Topshop was lucky enough to win Best Christmas Interior at the VM & Display Awards for this. The window had a contemporary slant on the cherry blossom theme and was made up of more than 200 moving petals powered by air. It was an intricate and beautiful build. On another level was the last Kate Moss launch, this was epic. RF. What scheme are you working on at the moment? MC. At the moment myself and the team are focused on AW15

Do you ever collaborate with artists and designers on your RF. schemes, and if so how important is this? MC. Yes, many times and something we love to do. It’s important to see other perspectives on a theme you have worked on. We have collaborated with lots of designers and artists on windows in the past, some of these being ‘live’. For Halloween we painted dripping roses all over the glass over a period of four hours. Topshop has lots of collaborations with innovative designers from Ashish to Meadham Kirchhoff, where we work together to create an impactful launch. For me I love working closely with designers and suppliers to see an idea evolve and then be enjoyed by customers and staff alike.