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CHRISTMAS 2016 d e t r a t s t e g ’s t e L #vminspiration A trip to our studio is always highly inspiring and extremely productive. Regularly visited by top retail display teams, pre visualisation comes to life in our showroom. We can help develop your ideas or brainstorm new ideas together in a cutting edge creative environment. Full prototypes can be developed ready for you to see and work with, which can be changed and re-worked during your visit. We can then implement everything in an authentic shop window to test the scheme’s impact in advance, providing pre-production samples for you to test and sign off during your visit.
Design & complete visual merchandising solutions Global Manufacturing and Logistics
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Christmas factory
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Decorado off the shelf decor and props
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12/04/2016 14:17
Features Regulars 31-32
A taste of France
Founded by Laurent D’Orey, Orée Boulangeries is a new premium French artisan patisserie and boulangerie on London’s Fulham Road, designed by interiors consultancy Shed.
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RDE 2016: Bigger, bolder, better
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Shopping centre development
Leader
21-22 W indow shopping Inspiring window displays from around the globe.
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28-35 P roject Focus
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Dior: Orée Boulangeries: Jimmy Choo
Diary
15-18 News
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60 Focus on Technology
Top of the POPS Karl McKeever While the Middle East may have impressive looking stores, service delivery is traditional and essentially one-dimensional, argues Karl this month.
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Opinion
The dynamic of ‘challenge’ has become central to the customer experience and success of today’s retail space, argues Michael Sheridan, chairman and founder of retail design agency Sheridan&Co.
45 Lighting
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Q&A
House of Fraser’s director of store development, David Blakeney talks refurbishments, trends and lighting technology.
50-58 P roducts Products and services for the retail industry.
www.retail-focus.co.uk
leader
April ‘16 It’s a hugely exciting time for the menswear market said Stacey Cartwright, group chief executive officer of Harvey Nichols, earlier this month. And indeed it is. The luxury department store unveiled its new 2,600 sq m menswear department following a nine-month refurbishment. As well as housing a collection of specialised boutiques, the space now incorporates a style concierge suite, a barbers and a cafe that transforms into an intimate bar in the evening (page 16). British fashion brand, Whistles is also building on the success of the menswear business with its first dedicated menswear store, located in the heart of Shoreditch, London (page 16). In fact, several retailers and designers are capitalising on the growing menswear market. Joseph opened its first standalone menswear store in February (see Retail Focus March cover story), Aquascutum is expected to open a new, extended flagship menswear store on London’s Jermyn Street in the summer, and Stella McCartney is reportedly launching her first menswear line later this year. In Miami, Florida, French luxury fashion house Dior has unveiled a new standalone women’s boutique to join its Dior Homme store, which opened in the area in 2012. Read about the new three-storey retail space in our project focus this month (pages 28-29) along with French artisan patisserie and boulangerie, Orée Boulangeries (pages 31-32) and the new Jimmy Choo boutique in Selfridges (pages 34-35). Also this month, we look at the shopping centre development pipeline in the UK (pages 37-38) and share our thoughts on last month’s Retail Design Expo (pages 48-49). Check back next month for our highlights of the VM & Display Show. Hopefully we’ll see you there!
Gemma Balmford Editor
Managing Editor
Display Sales
Gemma Balmford e. gemma@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)7908 895 906
Lee Cullumbine e. lee@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)845 680 7405
Editor
Production & Web
Lyndsey Dennis e. lyndsey@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)7500 138 810
Terry Clark e. terry@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)845 680 7405
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diary
Missoni Art Colour Fashion & Textile Museum, London 6 May - 4 September 2016 Explore the creative process of Italian fashion house Missoni and the textiles of Ottavio and Rosita Missoni in the context of 20th Century fine art. Missoni Art Colour will showcase more than 60 years of fashion alongside paintings by leading 20th Century European artists, and textile studies, paintings and Arazzi by Ottavio Missoni. Organised by the MA*GA Art Museum in partnership with Woolmark, the exhibition celebrates a family firm that has become an international success by combining craft expertise, materials and the latest design trends. FashionTextile
www.ftmlondon.org
NEC Solutions Showcase Millbank Tower, London 18-19 May 2016
Clerkenwell Design Week Clerkenwell, London 24-26 May 2016
The NEC Solutions Showcase is back for its eighth year, where visitors can experience the latest fully integrated display solutions addressing the specific demands of a wide range of market sectors. The venue presents stunning panoramic views of the city skyline, a breathtaking visual experience; the DNA of the NEC Solutions Showcase event.
Celebrating it’s seventh year, the award-winning CDW has firmly established itself as the UK’s leading independent design festival and annually attracts the international design community to this small area of London for three days of exciting events. Integral to the festival are the local resident design showrooms, who partner with CDW every year.
NECShowcase
www.showcase-nec.com
CDWfestival
New Designers BDC, London Part 1 29 June - 2 July 2016 Part 2 6 - 9 July 2016 New Designers is an important date in the diary for discovering emerging talent. Every year, more than 3,000 of the most promising graduate talents from Britain’s leading design courses exhibit at the show. The event features everything from illustration and animation to furniture and fashion. NewDesigners
www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com
www.newdesigners.com
Photography
©Mark Cocksedge
The NEC Showcase is ‘Back in Town’ Join the AV and Digital Signage, ‘must attend’ event of the year VENUE Millbank Tower, SW1P 4QP DATE 18th-19th May 2016 Register now at www.showcase-nec.com/registration
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5/4/16 16:46
Retail transformations ‘over-night’
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show preview
CDW: Covered With more exhibitions, a new masterplan and a fresh visual identity, Clerkenwell Design Week is set to be the best and most ambitious yet. Text: Gemma Balmford
Once part of London’s industrial heartland, Clerkenwell is now recognised as the design hub of the capital. In recent years, many of the world-class showrooms in the area have opened their doors to the creative community as part of Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW), the annual festival that offers a window into the best in contemporary manufacturing and design. The seventh edition of CDW, which takes place from 24-26 May 2016, promises to be the most ambitious yet, with the format expanding to eight exhibition venues, a gateway destination to Clerkenwell’s showrooms, an installation trail and a new destination at Spa Fields. In a first for the vibrant festival, organisers have appointed emerging architecture practice OMMX to create a strategic masterplan for the event. The new, integrated approach to planning the event across both the temporary (exhibitions and installations) and the permanent (showrooms and fringe) is intended to improve the flow and navigation around the many and varied elements. As an orientation point for visitors, Brewhouse Yard will be temporarily transformed for the festival, to act as a gateway to Clerkenwell’s showrooms. Working with local partners, both of the Yard’s resident architecture practices, Studio Egret West and BDP, will transform large parts of the public domain to celebrate CDW with a dedicated cafe, information point, pop-up workspace and programme of events. ‘The showrooms are the backbone of Clerkenwell as a design destination, and what makes the area so compelling for a wide variety of people, from large-scale specifiers to design lovers,’ says William Knight, director of CDW. ‘This year we are proud to welcome new showrooms to CDW, as well as see established figures in the community. There is a real push from the showrooms for creative collaborations, engaging talks and workshops, and some fantastic new products debuted at Clerkenwell.’ Among the product launches, Tom Dixon will present his first
ever contract carpet collection in collaboration with ege carpets. The Industrial Landscape collection is inspired by the London cityscape and will be on show in ege and Camira Fabrics’ joint showroom on Britton Street. Swedish flooring company BOLON will also open up the London showroom Flooring Concepts to present its new BOLON By You collection, in collaboration with London-based designer Doshi Levien. Other participating showrooms will include Desso, Edge Design, Fritz Hansen, Grant Westfield and Northern Lights. In addition, there will be six main venues to explore, including Design Fields (curated contemporary design), which will be held at Spa Fields, next to Exmouth Market and British Collection (UK designers), which will be located in the Crypt on Clerkenwell Green, St James’s Church. Platform at the House of Detention will feature more than 40 up-and-coming designers, while Project in the Garden of St James will host more than 20 leading international brands. Additions, also set in the Garden of St James, will showcase small accessories for the home, and Detail and Detail Pavilion will focus on luxury interiors. For 2016, London design firm Studio Parallel has created a fresh visual identity for the event. The campaign, called ‘Covered’, plays to the strength and variety within CDW, through five thematic images from furniture and lighting, design talent, to materials and architecture, all unified with the festival’s signature colour, magenta. ‘We feel that it’s the right time for a change in design direction,’ says Paul Fox, creative director of Studio Parallel. ‘We worked to achieve the right balance to add a new visual narrative and still make it instantly recognisable as Clerkenwell Design Week to the audience.’ Festival events will take place across Clerkenwell and registration is free.
www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com
Left: Brewhouse Yard will be temporarily transformed for the festival Right: Studio Parallel has created a fresh visual identity for the event
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harlequin-design.com | twitter.com/HarlequinLondon | facebook.com/harlequindesignlondon | +44(0)20 7253 6238 | London EC1V 0DS
news
Garten floral installation takes over BIKINI BERLIN
Dame Zaha Hadid 1950-2016 Renowned architect Dame Zaha Hadid sadly passed away in March from a heart attack after contracting bronchitis. In 2004 she became the first woman to be awarded the Pritzker Architecture prize, and more recently the first female to receive the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Gold Medal in recognition of her work, which included the London Olympics Aquatic Centre. Working with office partner Patrik Schumacher, her interest was in the interface between architecture, landscape and geology, which her practice integrates with the use of innovative technologies, often resulting in unexpected and dynamic architectural forms.
Renowned for her large-format artworks made using natural materials like flowers, stones, branches and fruits, British artist Rebecca Louise Law has installed a floral installation at BIKINI BERLIN. Her installations playfully explore the relationship between humans and nature. Garten is Law’s first installation in Germany and comprises a hanging spring garden covering an area of around 144 sq m, using more than 30,000 individual flowers strung on copper wire, provided by inspiration website, www.tollwasblumenmachen.de. The flowers will gradually dry out and develop a special dramaturgy as their appearance and atmosphere change over the course of the exhibition period. Heralding the start of spring, the installation will culminate at the end of Gallery Weekend on 1 May. Once the installation at BIKINI BERLIN comes down, she will use the flowers to create sculptures for an art exhibition at the shopping centre. ‘Some people say it’s a waste of materials, but I think the exact opposite. I want to use the material a lot longer after and show people what can be done,’ she enthuses. ‘I like the chaos amongst the control, and I can trust the product now.’ Many people imagine the flowers to
die and look brown, but hanging flowers is the main form of drying them out. Law wants to show people that flowers can be used in art and be installed permanently. She has been working on an installation in Melbourne, which will be permanent. She also has a permanent installation on a wall in a Shoreditch restaurant. As well as the Australian installation, which launches in May/June, Law is also working on a temporary, interactive installation in Paris on the Champs-Élysées, where people can take a rose home, picked from a field of blooms. She has also installed a floral installation in two of Liberty’s windows to celebrate the limited-edition Haagen Dazs Little Gardens range.
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In brief... CallisonRTKL has expanded its global team. Ignaz Gorischek and Leigh Dennis have joined the firm’s Retail Practice Group in the Dallas and London offices respectively, while Doug Shaw has relocated to the firm’s Dubai office and Shirley Cheng has relocated to Hong Kong to expand the firm’s growing retail presence in those regions. Independent interiors and gift retailer, Baytree Interiors will open its 13th store at Flemingate retail and leisure development in Beverley, which opened in November 2015. Retailers already trading at the centre include Debenhams, H&M, Wilko, Costa and Patisserie Valerie. Waitrose will be the first supermarket brand to operate a cashless store when it opens in Sky’s new flagship office at its campus in Osterley this summer. At 130 sq m, it will become the second smallest store in the retailer’s estate. Bespoke tailor Kathryn Sargent has announced plans to open a 80 sq m seasonal store on London’s Savile Row this month. The store concept, created by Tanner Design, is due to open at 37 Savile Row and will remain open throughout the summer months. Plans for a retail hub called Cargo at Wapping Wharf in Bristol, which will be made of shipping containers, have been given the go ahead. The news comes as Umberslade, the developer behind Wapping Wharf, the city’s new harbourside community, reveals new plans for a second, similar retail hub on site named Cargo 2, due to popular demand.
Harvey Nichols opens renovated menswear department Harvey Nichols has unveiled a new 2,600 sq m menswear department at its flagship store in Knightsbridge, London. Occupying the two lower ground floors, the department showcases the brand’s new design concept that was unveiled in the Birmingham store in 2015. Moving away from the typical shop-in-shop format, the space features a collection of specialised boutiques, where rooms are treated as a gallery of eclectic fashion and art installations, creating a ‘sophisticated, individual and modern’ retail environment. The menswear destination can now be accessed from the ground floor and at street level with a new dedicated entrance on the corner of Knightsbridge and Seville Street. Improved connectivity and an organic flow between departments has been carefully considered to ensure that the customer journey is fluid. New to the department is a vast Style Concierge suite with multiple interlinked large dressing rooms that allow the space to be either compartmentalised or used as a grand space, where customers can relax and enjoy the
Whistles opens first dedicated menswear store British fashion brand Whistles opened its first dedicated menswear store in March, located in the heart of Shoreditch, London. Designed in-house, the outlet offers the complete range of menswear, including footwear, accessories, collaborations and branded product. Commenting on the opening, Jane Shepherdson, CEO says: ‘Building on the success of the menswear business we launched in October 2014, we are excited
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to announce our first standalone menswear store here in the UK. At last we have found the perfect spot for our dedicated menswear store. It gives us the opportunity to show our customers exactly what Whistles men’s is all about.’ The contemporary menswear brand celebrated its first birthday in October 2015 with a pop-up location in Shoreditch. The new men’s standalone store is the next step in the menswear expansion.
private area. Vast mirror surfaces, mobile phone charging points and interesting pieces of contemporary furniture and art, as well as a private bar have been introduced to enhance the customer experience. Also new to the space is Project 109, which will house the latest in gifts, technology, sunglasses, fragrance and grooming when it opens in May. It will also incorporate an installation area, which will showcase a series of pop-ups and immersive experiences. The curated edit of brands will be complemented by a new range of services, including a traditional barbers and a contemporary cafe that will transform into an intimate bar in the evening. Commenting on the launch, Stacey Cartwright, group chief executive officer of Harvey Nichols, says: ‘We are incredibly excited to reopen our menswear space in our flagship store, where customers can expect an unrivalled experience in luxury retail. It’s a hugely exciting time for the menswear market and we couldn’t have picked a better time to create the ultimate shopping destination for menswear in London.’
news
Dover Street Market relocates to London’s Haymarket Dover Street Market has relocated its London store from its original position on Dover Street in Mayfair to 18-22 Haymarket. Opened on 19 March 2016, the 2,915 sq m store is spread across five floors and is located in a grade two heritage listed building that was erected in 1912 by Thomas Burberry. The interior and exterior design embraces and enhances the original building with the ceilings, windows and central staircase remaining untouched. All of the common areas, huts, till points and changing rooms, as well as the Good Design Shop, The Perfume Tower and Pocket Shop have been designed by Rei Kawakubo, the mastermind behind
the design-led department store and the Comme des Garçons fashion label. The central staircase transpierces all floors with a theme at each level that intervenes and links to the staircase. Dover Street Market is the first store designed by Comme des Garçons to use no false ceilings or down lighting. The lighting on the first floor, clustered around cross beams, is designed by Kawakubo and is entitled Frozen Waterfall. The lighting installation in the basement is designed by Thierry Dreyfus and is called The Show Must Go On. The ground floor features a lighting scheme by Daniel Young and Christian Girouz called Alexithymia and the second
floor installation is called The Sky Above, by Pedro Cabrita Reis. Sound artist Calx Vive has used different audio configurations on each of the five floors with an array of speakers from various sound sources to create novel sound allocation and sense of spatialisation. All brands with dedicated spaces have been given the freedom to design their own area. ‘I want to create a kind of market where various creators from various fields gather together and encounter each other in an ongoing atmosphere of beautiful chaos; the mixing up and coming together of different kindred souls who all share a strong personal vision,’ says Kawakubo.
Registration now open for NAS Design Partnership Awards 2016 The National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) has announced the deadline for this year’s Design Partnership Awards as 1 July 2016. Winners will be announced on 15 September at the BAFTA Theatre, 195 Piccadilly, London. Now in their 12th year, the awards recognise achievement throughout the industry, inviting designers and fit-out
contractors to put forward their innovative, boundary pushing projects. All shortlisted projects are visited by the judging panel who are unaware of the companies that have entered them or are involved in the design and build. Entry guidelines and details of how to enter can be found on www.shopfitters.org
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news
Selfridges London opens 3,440 sq m Body Studio Photography: Matt Writtle
Selfridges London has opened a new holistic fashion and accessories destination created for women to promote and celebrate mind and body wellness. The Body Studio, designed in partnership with Shanghai-based architects Neri + Hu, is the largest department ever opened by the store and is the first manifestation of the £300 million investment pledge made by Selfridges to transform the Eastern side of the building on Duke Street. At the core of the Body Studio concept is the merger of all clothing categories designed to be worn directly on the skin. Still anchored by the underwear and lingerie categories, the 3,440 sq m space
presents more than 150 brands and more than 30,000 different styles edited together to transform the way women shop for bodywear items. As part of the customer service proposition, Selfridges has launched the Fit Studio — a personal shopping service dedicated to lingerie. A ‘knicker bar’ enables customers to pick and mix their underwear while high-spec fitting rooms are designed and lit to improve the effectiveness of the experience. Further responding to the holistic nature of the space, the Body Studio will feature a new cafe concept from the Hemsley sisters and a salon by celebrity
John Lewis unveils smart home technology experience at Oxford Street store John Lewis has unveiled what it claims is the UK’s largest smart home technology experience at its flagship Oxford Street store. The 92 sq m space will boast futuristic gadgets for every part of the home. The space is divided into four interactive zones — Kitchen, Entertainent, Sleep and Home Monitoring — that will demonstrate how customers can save time, effort and enhance their busy lifestyles by controlling their home through the touch of an app. The move comes in response to an 81 per cent increase in sales of smart home products in the past year at John Lewis. The smart home experience will be rolled out to other shops across the UK, starting with the new John Lewis Leeds store that is scheduled to open in Autumn.
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hairdresser, Daniel Galvin. To mark the opening of the Body Studio, Selfridges will launch EveryBODY, a multi-faceted campaign that will celebrate the beauty and strength of the body and promote the discussion of key topics in the ever-growing mind and body wellness conversation. ‘A healthy mind in a healthy body’ approach underpins the agenda at the core of the EveryBODY campaign programme, starting with the transformation of Selfridges’ dedicated 325 sq m special events space, the Ultralounge, into a work-out studio. The campaign will run from 11 April to early June 2016.
Stand number E3. VM and Display show 2016 www.panachedisplay.co.uk info@panachedisplay.co.uk
visual merchandising
Window shopping Inspiring window displays from around the globe
Fendi Fendi’s windows were transformed into a ‘flowerland’ for the SS16 collection. ‘Going through the modern and the strong contrast in the feminine silhouette shown in the catwalk, flowers represent the most significant and soft way to highlight the product,’ says a spokesperson at Fendi. ‘It is all about lightness and impact, given by the flowers’ shape and the vibrant colour palette of red and pink, which come from the mood of the season.’ The giant flowers are constructed from leather with hand-stitched petals and are set against a cracked backdrop.
Gant Gant’s SS16 windows on London’s Regent Street focus on international air travel, narrating the journey from airport departure lounge to baggage reclaim upon arrival. The scheme was produced in collaboration with Millington Associates.
Liberty London The SS16 windows at Liberty London are inspired by the new limited edition Iphis Neon accessories collection. New product carriers in the form of magnetic springs and suspended shelves with pleated fabric skirts are used to elevate the accessories in a fun and interesting way. Neon in the form of lighting and graphics threads across the entire run. Photography: Melvyn Vincent
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visual merchandising
Gucci
Joseph Fashion
The Gucci windows take their inspiration from Alessandro Michele’s 2016 Spring Summer runway shows. ‘We combined both men’s and women’s runway visual content through a repetition of wall mounted monitors, with accessories placed in-between or as a full wall of monitors with bust forms placed in front,’ explains Emma Davidge, creative director at Chameleon Visual. ‘The chevron print was chosen because of its appearance in both men and women’s collections, and also it’s popularity with Michele. The graphic and bold quality of the print also made a wonderful visual contrast against the softness of the moving imagery.’
This recent display at Joseph Fashion on Fulham Road incorporated some 122,640 cable ties. The concept was inspired by the Christopher Kane SS16 catwalk show, which featured the ‘plastic restraint’ tags worn as chokers and bracelets. The theme was followed through the window with mirrored walls adding space and dimension to the display. Coloured vinyls and blue PVC door curtains closed off the windows from the store. The scheme was produced in collaboration with Harlequin Design. Photography: Melvyn Vincent
Photography: Melvyn Vincent
Brown Thomas Earlier this year, students took over the windows at a number of Brown Thomas stores in Ireland as part of a CREATE project, which promotes new irish design talent. Everyday objects such as plastic bottles and chopsticks were transformed into works of art for the project, entitled The Gallery of Found Art.
Laura Ashley For the latest Laura Ashley window scheme, creative studio Hello Flamingo reused props from a previous installation to create a wild meadow. Fabric and rope from the original ‘sails’ and crates were removed and replaced with artificial flowers.
Fortnum & Mason Fortnum & Mason’s spring windows, entitled ‘Discover the Detail’, featured products that had interesting nuance stories about them. Large magnifying glasses were used as a base for the product displays, which were intentionally kept simple and authoritative. Large graphics of the product packaging featured in the background of each window to add direction. Photography: Melvyn Vincent
See more window installations online:
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e v o l u t i o n inspiration revolution innovation
In Deutschland vertrieben durch JAKOBS DMV GmbH & Co. KG Max-Planck-Ring 25, 46049 Oberhausen - Germany Telefon T lefon : 00 49 208 82 46 30 - www.window-mannequins.de Te - Distributed in the UK by SMITH VC - 34 A ONGAR ROAD. FULHAM. SW6 1SJ LONDON. Phone: 00 44 777 55 00 964 - michael@smithvc.com
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Retail Focus A4_Avril_2016.qxp_Layout 1 13/04/2016 14:35 Page1
POP
p o t POPS e h t f o
Company: Kesslers
Client: Procter & Gamble - IMS
Display title: Max Factor Hatch 4 GTS
Sector: Beauty
Location: Department stores globally
The brief: To design and manufacture a permanent freestanding display that would provide Max Factor true brand consistency across its global outlets. The design objective was to engage consumers and enhance brand experience with a display that would offer consistent product testing opportunities. The display was to support Max Factor’s department store outlets so had to stand out in the competitive beauty environment while accommodating various store layouts and supporting international market variations.
The solution: Kesslers created a stylish, illuminated display to engage consumers and bring the glamorous Max Factor brand image to life in store. Engineered, colour-matched, modular components allowed for variable language strips and product line preferences, while providing consumers a consistent product testing experience across all retail formats. The premium, versatile solution successfully enhanced Max Factor’s brand image globally, while providing greater value through cost-effective mass production.The global display has received international recognition, receiving a POPAI Paris Gold Award and nominated for the 2016 POPAI Global Award.
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Q&A column
Karl McKeever Is retail in the Middle East well connected? Representatives from some of the world’s top brands will be in Dubai this month for the tenth World Retail Congress, and it’s perhaps timely that it has been chosen as the location for this prestigious gathering. There is no doubt that the Middle East is leading the way when it comes to combining shopping and leisure opportunities. Dubai, for example, has rebuilt its national economy around this concept, promoting it as a mainstay of its future sitting in the world. Home to some of the world’s most impressive mega malls, Dubai may appear to be sitting pretty, but it is increasingly out of touch with what customers look for in a shopping destination. Size is not all that matters when people, and tourists in particular, choose to shop. It’s experience that matters. But this does not simply mean food courts, cinemas, or even aquariums and indoor-skiing. Of course, activities like these have a certain charm and attract their own audience, but they are not for everyone. Walking around some of Dubai’s biggest and newest shopping malls, you notice there is something on a very practical, everyday level that is strangely missing from the experience within these major shopping destinations — connectivity. Unlike UK stores, and those in other established markets where it has become commonplace, retailers in the Middle East do not fully engage with online opportunities. This is apparent in many areas and as soon as you become aware of it, it becomes like the ‘elephant in the room’. First of all there is little, if any, use of clickand-collect services and almost no reference to, or integration of, social media channels. Look further and it’s clear that even some of the world’s bestconnected brands, for instance Burberry, are not fully engaging the retail technology they have pioneered in their international flagship stores. Shops in the Middle East may have digital POS, but shopper engagement is not integrated, whether by e-marketing technology or RFID. The Middle East’s two Crate and Barrel shops are operated as franchises from Dubai. On the surface, these stores look like any other from the brand but delve a little closer and you’ll find there is no use or integration of online technology. In the USA, the brand Karl McKeever is creative director of visual merchandising and brand delivery consultancy Visual Thinking.
Email Karl at karl@retailfocus.co www.visualthinking.co.uk
offers a full line transactional website and shoppers are actively encouraged to give feedback via SMS to store team members, commenting on their retail experience on the day. The service is so successful that shoppers can now expect to speak with store management if they are unhappy with any aspect of their visit before leaving the store — a brilliantly slick process! While it could be argued that some of these ‘consumerenabling abilities’ might be seen as superficial, the fact is that there is now another way to build and develop customer relationships using digital tools. Whether they are used to address a product query or log a service failure — which avoids the need and cost associated with external complaints — these digital feedback channels bring positive benefits to brands by engaging directly with real people, in real time. It is not the case that shoppers in the Middle East do not have the tools to be empowered in this way, but control is typically not in their hands. Online use is closely regulated in this region, and access to international websites is often blocked. The stores might be among the best in the world, but if a tourist wants to shop online or use free Wi-Fi in one of the malls, the route can be complex unless they have a local telephone number and authorised billing address. To make matters even more challenging, hotel Wi-Fi can be prohibitively expensive. These restrictions matter a great deal now, and will do so even more in the future, especially as tourists are used to going online to compare prices, research products and make all manner of enquiries about the goods and services they want to buy. The UK has been one of the quickest and most enthusiastic markets to fully embrace and adopt digital retail technology, but it is the integration of sales both online and in-store that bring retailers the biggest rewards. Giving shoppers the chance to leave an online rating or feedback, make requests for products and services, or simply to place an order may not immediately benefit a bricks-and-mortar store, but it has countless advantages for brands looking to integrate offline shopping experiences with digital technology. Of course, it is not just shoppers that enlightened retailers should consider. These days, leading brands deliver staff training online. Employees are provided with innovative and informative digital learning tools, apps and games to develop both knowledge and capability. While the Middle East may have some of the most impressivelooking stores, service delivery is traditional and essentially one-dimensional. In the future, this will matter more as shoppers become evermore mobile in their location, channel and devices. So, while delegates in Dubai will be discussing engaging with shoppers over different channels, the role of mobile and how technology affects the customer experience, it remains to be seen whether retailers in Dubai malls will adopt these practices, or continue to lag behind.
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project focus
DiorMiami, Florida Design: Peter Marino Opening date: March 2016 Store size: Three floors, with outdoor terrace Photography: Aldo Sperber
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project focus
French luxury fashion house Dior is continuing its US expansion with a new standalone women’s boutique in the Design District of Miami, Florida. The three-storey retail space takes its inspiration from the brand’s worldwide flagship on Avenue Montaigne in Paris, designed by American architect, Peter Marino. The building’s distinctive white facade was designed in partnership with Barbarito Bancel Architectes and has been constructed with decorative concrete panels to complement Miami’s evolving art and design scene. It is the first Dior boutique in the US — and the third in the world — to feature a star installation as a symbol of good luck (the other sites are in Omotesando, Tokyo and Seoul, Korea). The luxury interior is spread across
three levels and brings together the house’s ready-to-wear line, accessories, bags, shoes, fine jewellery and timepieces. The first floor is home to a mix of merchandise across all categories, including accessories, signature handbags and a dedicated salon for fine jewellery and watches. The second floor features the ready-to wear salon and seating area, while the third floor houses an exclusive VIP area, as well as a garden terrace. Dior commissioned several contemporary artists to design works of art for the boutique that reflect the codes of the house, including a Terence Main ‘Five’ cast aluminium bench at the entrance of the store, a Véronique Rivemale desk lamp in the fine jewellery and watches salon,
and a Fredrikson Stallard ‘Crush’ console near the entryway to the lift. In addition, an impressive video art wall by Oyoram is positioned along the staircase leading up to the second floor. Other design highlights include a Fredrikson Stallard ‘Hurricane’ mirror, hanging Mylar sculptures by Larry Bell, Franck Evennou ‘Coque’ stools and Charlotte Perriand ‘Riflesso’ console in the VIP room. The new Miami Design District boutique is designed to offer a modern shopping environment, reflecting Dior’s heritage of timeless elegance, luxury and innovation. It joins Dior Homme, which opened in the area in 2012, with a fifth US flagship store slated to open this month in San Francisco.
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project focus
, OrEe Boulangeries Fulham Road, London Design: Shed Design Opening date: March 2016 Store size: 150 sq m
Photography: James Medcraft
Orée Boulangeries is a new premium French artisan patisserie and boulangerie on London’s Fulham Road, offering French cafe-style dining and takeaway options. Founded by Laurent D’Orey and designed in collaboration with interiors consultancy Shed, the concept for the store is derived from the strong tradition and heritage of the French boulangerie. Inspiration for the design is drawn from this ethos, as well as the simplicity of the ingredients, artistic craftsmanship of the baker and beauty of the end product. The 150 sq m cafe is spread over the ground floor of what was previously two separate stores, with a new full-height opening connecting the space. The clear glazing of the shop window at 275-277 Fulham Road is adorned with distinctive 24-carat gold leaf lettering,
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each character carefully hand painted by specialist French artist Lucien Helle. Behind this sits an enticing window display of patisseries, laid delicately on a clean white marble slab counter. Once inside, customers are presented with a five metre-long marble and glass display counter laden with two tiers of freshly baked products. Behind the counter, fresh bread is stacked and layered in a black metal and mesh framework, which is mounted to the original brick wall painted out white. At the rear of the store, the baker is framed behind a glass partition to remind customers of the freshness of the product. A decorative ceiling motif works its way across the expanded space, while large-scale, angled antique mirrors in silver and gold assist further to interlink the two spaces. ‘Like the bakers’ ingredients, the palette of the store is kept simple and natural,’ explains a spokesperson for Shed Design. ‘Soft hues of blue and oatmeal tones make up the ceiling design; a traditional style pattern outlined with decorative moulding details. A whitewashed timber
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floor is set against rustic timber joinery and striking Carrara marble tabletops.’ Furniture and light fittings, finished in black, cut through the otherwise subdued tones of the palette while fine brass
detailing reference the artistry involved in the making of the product. The opening in March marks the first step in a rollout across London for the newly founded Orée brand.
project focus
Jimmy Choo Selfridges, London Design: David Collins Studio Opening date: March 2016 Store size: 44 sq m Photography: Jonathan Taylor
A honed Nero Marquina marble exterior frames the new-look Jimmy Choo boutique in Selfridges London, which opened in March. Located on the second floor of the department store, the 44 sq m retail space features a bespoke design by David Collins Studio, echoing the brand’s global design concept with a slick contemporary take on 70’s design signatures. Inside the boutique, gold and copper tones provide a glistening backdrop for the full Jimmy Choo women’s shoe, handbag and accessory collection. The walls are finished in a delicate woven bronze chevron mesh with a feature wall crafted in mother-of-pearl mosaic, and a gilded metal and rock crystal chandelier suspended from the gold reflective ceiling lends an inviting
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glow to the space. ‘We wanted to create a modern interior that was inspired by 70’s glamour, but complement it with the signature elements from our concept seen in other stores, so we chose the iconic rock crystal and gold chandelier, the woven metal mesh used for the walls, and the animal pattern carpet,’ explains Lewis Taylor, design director at David Collins Studio. ‘These were then mixed with new materials such as the gold mirrored ceiling, mother-of-pearl tile and smoked acrylic shelving.’ The pale soft grey silk and virgin wool carpet brings subtle personality to the space, while the whole store is reflected in the gold mirror ceiling. ‘[The gold mirrored ceiling] was a
product we had not seen before and we were exploring ways in which we could make the relatively small space feel much bigger,’ says Taylor. ‘We used smoked mirror on the walls and decided to use gold on the ceiling to complement the chandelier and increase the appearance of the ceiling heights.’ The custom mid-century seating areas are finished in luxuriously tactile velvet and feature polished-brass topped tables and a series of smoke-hued Lucite modular displays to complete the design. The Jimmy Choo Selfridges boutique is the latest store to be realised by the collaboration between David Collins Studio and Sandra Choi, creative director of Jimmy Choo that began in 2014.
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retail developments
UNDER ONE ROOF Text: Lyndsey Dennis
With an abundance of new shopping centre developments and refurbs in the pipeline, what makes these the go-to retail and leisure destinations of the future? Retail Focus finds out. Text: Lyndsey Dennis Photo supplied by Aquila
Last year was prominent for shopping centre openings in the UK, including The Broadway in Bradford and Birmingham’s Grand Central, and 2016 looks set to be a significant year too. In its Shopping Centre Development Report, Cushman & Wakefield says this year will see an estimated 157,935 sq m through six new schemes and four extensions. Yorkshire & Humberside is leading the way in delivering new shopping space with Victoria Gate in Leeds. Chelmsford Bond Street is another notable development. Over the next two years, London is expected to have an additional 111,483 sq m of extra space through three new schemes and two extensions. Westfield London’s extension of 74,322 sq m is the largest amount of new space being constructed in the city, taking its total floor space to more than 222,967 sq m after its completion in 2016. Looking beyond to 2017, major developments in the pipeline include
Westfield and Hammerson’s Croydon development, and the extension of Brent Cross by Hammerson and Standard Life. In London, Westminster Council has approved plans to redevelop Whiteleys shopping centre in Bayswater. Plans by Foster + Partners will see a £1 billion mixed-use scheme comprising apartments and townhouses arranged around an inner courtyard with retail units, a boutique hotel, gym and leisure facilities including a basement cinema, all built behind the existing Grade II-listed existing 1911 facade. Victoria Gate Leeds is due to open in late 2016 and will house one of the largest John Lewis stores outside of London, as well as a casino, 30 stores, restaurants, cafes and leisure space. Project developer Hammerson is working with construction contractor, Sir Robert McAlpine and Leeds City Council on the scheme. ‘In our multichannel world, we believe it’s always going to be important for customers to have a physical experience when they’re shopping,’ says James Hepburn, development manager at Hammerson. ‘It’s something that shoppers will always want, and with shopping centres like Victoria Gate the aim is to create a full experience, not just with the retail stores but with the lifestyle and leisure aspect.’ The design of Victoria Gate takes inspiration from the architectural character of the Bloomfield Building in Leeds and the striking features of corner facades on neighbouring buildings. The scheme
Above: Bond Street in Chelmsford will boast 25 retail units, five restaurants and a five-screen boutique cinema. Bottom left: Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells, Kent will receive a £70 million extension.
includes a twin arcade with luxury retail and aspirational brands at ground level connecting the existing retail with the Victoria Quarter and the upper level restaurants, as well as space for additional leisure use. Each arcade will feature an ornamental roof with feature lighting. White Rose shopping centre in Leeds will also receive a 6,038 sq m extension, including an 11-screen Cineworld IMAX multiplex and six additional restaurants. The leisure extension follows the 1,858 sq m £7 million dining destination named The Balcony that was installed in 2014. ‘This injection of restaurant brands and an IMAX cinema will provide our customers with some quality leisure options to further improve their shopping experience,’ explains Mike Thomas, portfolio manager at Land Securities. ‘Finding this balance between retail and leisure is increasingly important in the current shopping centre climate; it is an expectation that has to be met with equal measures of quality and innovation. This is reflected in a number of new architectural features with
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the extension particularly focused on the outside public area.’ John Lewis will also open a 1,207 sq m anchor store at Westgate Oxford, which is due to open in October 2017, where Laing O’Rourke is the principal contractor and Chapman Taylor is delivery architect. ‘Delivered by the Westgate Oxford Alliance, a joint venture between Land Securities and Crown Estate, the 74,300 sq m shopping destination will include over 100 stores, 25 restaurants and bars, a boutique cinema, rooftop terrace dining and public spaces. The new development will also complement
the natural beauty and heritage status of the city,’ says Bert Martin, development director for the Westgate Oxford Alliance. ‘We monitor shopper behaviour in each of our retail destinations to ensure we are up to date with the latest trends and preferences. This means we can stay mindful of what shoppers expect from today’s shopping centres and relay these insights back to inform how our new centres are designed,’ explains Martin. In autumn 2016, a new retail and leisure development will arrive in Chelmsford, Essex called Bond Street. Also anchored by John Lewis, the scheme will comprise 25 retail units, five restaurants and a five-screen Everyman boutique cinema. ‘Bond Street is an open scheme designed to function as a traditional shopping street, extending the exisiting prime high street,’ explains Neil Ridley, development consultant at Aquila Holdings, which is investing £150 million in the scheme. ‘Its design allows expression
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Above: White Rose shopping centre in Leeds is set for a 6,038 sq m extension. Below: Victoria Gate Leeds will house one of the largest John Lewis stores outside of London, as well as a casino, 30 stores, restaurants, cafes and leisure space. Bottom right: Westgate Oxford is set to transform the city with a 74,300 sq m shopping and leisure destination. Bottom: A £60 million refurbishment has begun at Meadowhall in Sheffield.
as a diverse range of building materials to integrate,’ Royal Victoria Place in Tunbridge Wells, Kent will receive a £70 million extension including more than 16,072 sq m of retail, food and beverage, leisure space and a cinema. Designed by Haskoll, the architecture of the extension respects the proud heritage of Tunbridge Wells while introducing modern, contemporary units that will attract prestigious, global brands. In Sheffield, work has begun on a £60 million refurbishment of Meadowhall, co-owned by British Land and Norges Bank Investment Management, which is due to complete late 2017 and is designed by BDP. ‘The refurbishment will create distinct districts within the centre, each with an offer and character of its own. The works will also enable a number of retailers to install double height shop fronts,’ explains Paul Case, retail development manager for British Land. ‘Placemaking is at the heart of what we do — both the physical environment and the services we offer. Creating places people prefer is our key focus across the British Land portfolio and we apply the same principle to Meadowhall. We are carrying out a refurbishment of the centre to bring Meadowhall up to date with the
of individual retail brands by allowing store design to be incorporated rather than providing homogenous flush shop frontages. The scheme has sought to maximise use of the river frontage as well as providing an open space to benefit from this.’ Ashley Turner, chief executive at WCEC Architects, which is working on the scheme, says: ‘By collaborating closely with the conceptual designers, our detailed design work has addressed a number of sitespecific challenges, including complex elevations and spatial constraints, as well demands of modern customers and further enhance the visitor experience.’ As Cushman & Wakefield says: ‘It is becoming increasingly clear that those shopping centres that offer convenient, well-located establishments provide a “destination” appeal — complete with leisure components and all a shopper could need under one roof — are the winners of the future.’
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opinion
Rise to the challenge The dynamic of ‘challenge’ has become central to the customer experience and success of today’s retail space, argues Michael Sheridan, chairman and founder of retail design agency Sheridan&Co. Sterile, transactional retailing is dying. Replacing it is a new strand of ‘relationship retailing’, hinged very much on the dynamics of ‘flow’ theory — the concept, as identified by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, which argues that initiating and maintaining a fine balance between ‘ability’ and ‘challenge’ is the key to creating fun and genuinely engaging experiences. The concept of challenge in physical retail has become important because when retailers and brands present a reasonably aspirational challenge to their audiences with a core objective of getting them to a new or better place, they achieve more meaningful engagement that can even endure a lifetime. Technology has catalysed this shift. Where once such advancements were demonised as impeding us from developing meaningful contact with each other, it has been reconfigured so that we get a much better understanding of our relationships with ourselves and, of course, each other. It is providing us with the tools to emotionally optimise our life, even to the point where sophisticated man-made algorithms will soon be able to make better interpersonal decisions than the complex, fallible, prone-to-malfunctioning beings we know as humans. Personalisation and individuality mobilised by technology are shaping relationship retailing. From a design sense, this has unleashed all manner of visual and experiential concepts that bring the values of uniqueness and a sense of specialness to life. In the retail space, brands are harnessing individuality and specialness to develop immersive interactive environments that enhance the brand experience. Shoppers at fashion store Topshop, for example, were virtually privy to an exclusive catwalk show, giving them a privileged sense of what it would feel like to sit in the front row alongside the likes of Anna Wintour. Sports brands, similarly, are driving engagement through challenge. Sweaty Betty organises workout sessions in its stores, and Nike organises running events and special rewards only for participants tied in with the brand’s fitness schemes. Even in a digital world, where internet retail sales are set to grow to 30 per cent by 2025, physical retail spaces matter. The future of retail lies in an omnichannel offering, seamlessly blending in the digital with the physical. Galvanised by technology, the next generation of retail space proposes a customer journey that is more emotive and serendipitous than ever before. Visual merchandising is now being mobilised so that today’s perpetually connected consumer may ‘live’ an experience, if even for just a short moment. Standard stores have converged into ‘life stores’ in a literal sense; havens in which to live and work, revive and rest, contemplate and learn, and consumers are enticed into challenge within a setting that is relevant to real life. As modern consumers dictate the new rules of retail engagement, the world of retail, hospitality and immersive theatre have combined to create a hyper-connected, ultra personalised,
hybrid environment intent on creating a memorable brand experience like never before. Premium eco-cleaning brand, The Laundress is an interesting case in point, subverting a mundane domestic category long afflicted by cheesy advertising and annoyingly catchy jingles with an ‘edu-tainment’ focused store that elevates the act of cleaning to a luxury experience. The two elements might seem irreconcilable, yet in store, bottles of cleaning detergents — elegantly composed as if in a perfumery and presented in a way that seems to resonate the stripped back elegance of The White Company — truly works. Within the space, the products are brought to life further through product demos, washing workshops and an ‘Ask The Laundress’ advice station, all geared towards educating consumers about the cleaning process and complementing the brand’s digital library of laundry tips embedded in its e-commerce offering. The physical and digital retail space today is giving way to a more human and authentic mode of communication, where meaningful engagement is achieved through brand experiences and activities that cannot be found anywhere else. A service defined by the ethos of ‘anything’, ‘anytime’ and ‘anywhere’ will become de rigueur, in-store ‘edu-tainment’ will mobilise brand empathy and trust in the ever-sceptical consumer, and bricksand-mortar retail will become a hybrid environment that merges home, hospitality and theatre in one. Digital is not the death knell for physical retail, as some industry futurologists would have us believe. Rather, it has created a more profound purpose for space — an immersive environment that challenges us to become the best versions of ourselves according to personalised, realistic standards. In this sense, challenge galvanised by technology, has become fundamental to the customer experience and subsequently will dictate the success of tomorrow’s physical retail space.
www.sheridanandco.com 41
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FINE TUNING As well as zoning and wayfinding, lighting can have a profound effect on the customers’ in-store experience and their emotional response, from the window displays to the fitting rooms. Text: Lyndsey Dennis
Colour temperature is very important in creating atmosphere in-store and driving sales. Get it wrong and it can put off potential customers; do it well and the products look more attractive and sales can increase. At Light + Building in Frankfurt last month, Atrium launched its colour tunable TILE, the latest lighting component to the Cooledge portfolio. Colour temperature control allows architects and designers to make light feel more natural and create drama in retail and hospitality environments. ‘As we see more “interior skylights” being designed into retail and hospitality environments, it’s clear there’s a growing need for luminous surfaces to mimic the quality of light we get from the sun. The ability to control colour temperature as well as light output has become essential,’ says Philippe Schick, vice president of product management at Cooledge. Comprising four ranges, Cooledge can be used in ceiling, wall, display and perimeter lighting on virtually any surface, giving architects and designers the control to integrate the light exactly where it’s needed. ‘In the UK, many retailers use natural white 4,000K for a bright look, or a warmer 3,000K for a more classy look. The colour temperature sets the atmosphere for the store,’ says Rob Jerams, managing director of BÄRO Lighting (UK). He says the biggest issue with LEDs is they can be very poor at bringing red colours out. Red is an important colour as it is in many food items, skin tones and, of course, clothing. Failure to bring out red tones can make shops look ghostly and products faded or washed out. BÄRO has mastered this effect in LED lighting through careful design of the LED manufactured for itself to bring slightly over saturated red tones to retail and make colours stand out. ‘We buy with our eyes. Lighting in retail is used to calm people and create a luxury look with warm lighting colours, and bright white lighting colours to wake people up. Lighting intensity and colour can then be used to emphasise sales areas, products, etc,’ continues Jeram. ‘Research shows that varying the colour temperature across the store and in line with the products being illuminated has a positive effect on customer satisfaction,’ says Giorgio Pierini, design liaison manager at iGuzzini UK. Pierini says the colour temperature must be defined by the product it is illuminating. ‘This is easily achievable now that tuneable white LED products are widely available. This allows retailers to tune the colour temperature to an optimum level for the merchandise without changing the luminaire or compromising the location of the display.’ iGuzzini’s Laser Blade range comes in various sizes and lumen outputs with CRI >90 Ra. This discreet luminaire also provides the perception of being invisible, ensuring the focus remains on the merchandise. A vast range of colours allow retailers to customise their store designs right up to the frame of the luminaires. ‘Luxury brands tend to side with warmer tones, ample contrast with accent lighting and luminaires that provide superior visual comfort,’ explains Pierini. ‘On the other hand, mass market retailers prefer cooler temperatures and comparatively flat lighting. The luxury brands want their spaces to be inviting and to exude a sense
Above: iGuzzini’s discreet Laser Blade luminaire provides the perception of being invisible, ensuring the focus remains on the merchandise. Below: Colour temperature played an important part in the lighting scheme at William & Son, Mayfair by Nulty+ Photography: James French
Bottom right: Atrium launched its colour tunable TILE at Light + Building last month.
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lighting
Right: Ligeo SL structure-based light system. Bottom left: BÄRO Lighting used saturated colours at Gloucester Services to bring out the saturated colours of clothing, food and other items. Bottom: Shoplight used a warm white (3,000K) light source at T2 in Westfield London, which makes the warm colours of the packaging appear really vibrant and encourages dwell time in store. of warmth, inviting the customer to spend as much time on the shop floor as possible. On the other hand, a fast fashion retailer’s primary objective is to increase the footfall per day.’ Emilio Hernandez, associate at lighting design firm Nulty+, says colour temperature is closely linked with the quality of light and our sense of vibrancy and calm within a space. ‘It can be used to good effect to differentiate between areas such as entrance lobbies or retail points. Warmer lighting can be more conducive to increasing dwell time so pause points or rest areas within retail spaces may benefit from this, with more neutral temperatures being used over merchandise stands where the product is likely to change often. ‘Too much light or poorly controlled light sources make spaces uncomfortable and will discourage people from staying in a particular location for too long,’ says Hernandez. ‘Although, this can be desirable in some retail environments as it encourages people to move through certain areas, or to grab their attention at entrance points. It is, however, important to balance this with more subtle lighting in adjacent areas to encourage shoppers to dwell at certain points.’ Mark Shortland, managing director of Shoplight, agrees: ‘The colour temperature of lighting plays a large part in our perception of a retail store and the retailer’s products. Too warm and a value-driven retailer may appear opulent and expensive; too cold and a luxury retailer may be perceived as cheap and uninviting.’ Shortland says in most cases high street retailers would choose a warm white such as 3,000K as it provides the best compromise between these factors due to the changing colours of the merchandise depending on the season (particularly with fashion retailers). ‘With new LED innovations such as tuneable white light, this compromise need no longer occur as tuneable white fittings [such as Shoplight’s Elys and Avior] allow retailers to change the colour temperature of individual light sources from 2,700K up to 5,700K, resulting in the best colour temperature throughout the year irrespective of the seasonal changes in merchandise colour.’ The fitting room in particular is an important area where lighting can have an impact. ‘Skin tones must also be considered when we look at colour temperature; the cooler the light source the more our skin tone will appear less healthy, which will have a negative impact on sales,’ he says. ‘If retail stores have to increasingly deliver an experience in order to survive, then lighting will be one of the major tools at a retailer’s disposal to engage with, communicate to and ultimately retain their customers,’ concludes Shortland.
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Light + Building highlights, by Nulty+ Xicato Beauty Series The Xicato Beauty Series module was developed in direct response to research undertaken by Nulty+ and University College London, which was supported by Xicato. It was developed after extensive research by lighting designers, Claire Hamill and Anna Sandgren to find a light source that best represents the different colours of skin tones particularly within the cosmetics industry, while improving the quality of light for consumers and creating a flawless brand experience in store.
Ligeo SL Ligeo, a small start-up from Germany, presented its clever structure-based light system. The simple system is ideal for retail installations as it gives architects and interior designers a versatile solution to create graphic light art structures for decorative branding and functional lighting solutions. The system uses a simple plug and play connection, which makes it easy to plan and simple to install. It’s a playful product perfect for imaginative retail installations.
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show review
RDE 2016:
Bigger, bolder, better More than 15,000 visitors gathered at London’s Olympia in March for the second annual Retail Design Expo. Text: Gemma Balmford
In the future, retail is going to be in a constant state of beta, said Tim Greenhalgh to a packed audience at Retail Design Expo (RDE) in March. The chief creative officer at design consultancy FITCH was chairing a panel discussion on predictions for retail design in 2020, in which the participants (Richard Ash, founder of Green Room Retail and Andy Turnbull, global creative principle at New Look) agreed that bricks and mortar stores will not lose their importance, but they will need to adapt. It was a sentiment shared by many of the speakers at the two-day event. Other key discussion themes included facilitating a sense of community, creating authenticity and engaging in effective storytelling. Now in its second year, RDE has become the go-to event for professionals working in retail design, visual merchandising, marketing and shopfitting to discover new ideas, products and trends. In addition to showcasing solutions from designers, architects, shopfitters and specialist contractors, the exhibition — which has doubled in size since 2015 — also encompasses student awards, roundtable discussions and an extensive programme of conferences and seminars.
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And the winners are... The winners of the second Retail Design Student Awards, sponsored by ITAB UK, were announced on day one of the show in the presence of mentors Tim Greenhalgh and David Dalziel of Dalziel & Pow, who both applauded the standard of the shortlisted entries. Tin Wai Venus Pang of Glasgow School of Art won the competition for designing a Los Angeles branch of Topshop with her Unveil the Surprise scheme, while Sammie Shaw of the University of Huddersfield won the contest to design a Speedo pop-up with her fun and on-brief Water Carnival design. Commenting on the awards, Arcadia Group design director Guy Smith, said: ‘It is a much more challenging environment to start a design career than it was when we entered the industry. These graduates will start contributing creatively to projects from their first days at work.’ Winners of the newly launched VM Student Awards were also announced at RDE, with undergraduates from three colleges tackling live briefs set by Liberty, Oasis and Browns. Dana Shestopalova of Chelsea College of Art & Design won the
show review competition to design an Oasis pop-up store that could travel around the world promoting a mini-me collection. Farida Alaulaqui of Regent’s University won the contest to design a Browns pop-up store, while Gabriela Gerardi, also of Regent’s University won the competition to design a Vera Wang pop-up store. The contest to design a pop-up concept for a junior fashion brand on the first floor of Liberty was awarded to Kelly Wong of London College of Fashion. ‘We were really impressed with the level of work delivered by the students this year and the different ways the briefs were interpreted,’ said James Bartington, head of business development at Harlequin, which sponsored the awards. For 2016, RDE also introduced the Innovation Award, which went to ICON for its meshh hyper-local wifi technology. ‘Meshh enhances the overall retail customer experience by turning static advertising into interactive content, accessible via tablets and phones, with incredible data-free download speeds,’ says Mark Savage, ICON’s chief commercial officer, who collected the award. ‘Clients we spoke to at the Retail Design Expo believe our meshh innovation could change the retail landscape.’
Stylus. ‘A brilliantly inventive demonstration of feeding interactive media into the physical space.’ Visual merchandising company DZD also produced a memorable stand with its Hall of Mirrors installation. The display, which won the SDEA Best Stand award, caught the eye with its hundreds of mirror garlands in various sizes. ‘RDE is a coming together of all the elements that make up the retail sector,’ says Sasha Cuff of the rpa:group. ‘There was an air of enthusiasm and interest from the visitors, and the quality of the exhibitor stands was high, which was to be expected as they were nothing less than an essential yet temporary “shop window” for their businesses.’ As a visitor, Sarah Howard, visual merchandiser at Disney Store felt the standard had greatly improved on last year’s event. ‘There was so much to see and many more exhibitors to look at and talk to,’ she says. ‘I will most certainly be returning next year and I look forward to seeing where the expo will take us next.’ Retail Design Expo returns from 8-9 May 2017 at Olympia London.
www.retaildesignexpo.com
Facing page (clockwise from top left): RDE offered an extensive programme of conferences and seminars; Checkland Kindleysides’ stand was inspired by the studio’s concept for Jigsaw’s new Westfield London store; The Global Display stand unified its vision for retail interiors, combining design, shop fixtures, mannequins and VM; Universal Display was a finalist in the Innovation Trail & Awards; Winners of the newly launched VM Student Awards were announced at the show. This page (clockwise from top): Green Room impressed visitors with its ‘restorative’, multisensory experience; Dalziel & Pow returned to RDE with a new interactive installation exploring creative collaboration; DZD won SDEA Best Stand award with its Hall of Mirrors; ICON won the Innovation Award for its meshh hyper-local wifi technology.
Stand design What was noteworthy this year at RDE was the high quality of the stands. The Green Room booth, located close to the Designer Pavilion, was a particular highlight with its ‘restorative’, multisensory experience. Inspired by nature, the space incorporated organic patterns, tactility, an audio soundscape of birdsong and ambient light that adjusted throughout the day. ‘We believe that designing compelling experiences for brands builds a connection with their customers that goes beyond the rational; connecting with customers emotionally, powerfully,’ says a spokesperson for the design firm. ‘By demonstrating this power to our visitors, we help them imagine what we could do for their customer experiences. We wanted visitors to our stand to be engaged and present in the experience, with the mental capacity to still reason and form judgement. The opposite of feeling overwhelmed.’ Building on the success of last year’s ‘Engaging Spaces’ showcase, Dalziel & Pow returned to RDE with a new interactive installation exploring creative collaboration. The concept centred on interfaces activated and controlled by the audience. Visitors to the design consultancy’s stand were invited to place a selection of everyday objects — a box, a plant, a smartphone, a coffee pot — from a shelf onto any of four sensors to trigger bespoke film content and accompanying soundtrack layers. ‘Dalziel & Pow was superb,’ says Katie Baron, head of retail at
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RDE ROUND UP LG Hausys LG Hausys exhibited at Retail Design Expo for the first time this year, showcasing HI-MACS solid surface material. The stand was designed by Archistudio Podrini and fabricated by Qubicle Solid Surface, and showcased the exceptional possibilities available to designers by using HI-MACS. The stand showed three flowing examples of thermoformed desks or merchandise stand-alone units, a sinuous display to highlight individual pieces which was located next to a colourful collection of HI-MACS sample shades, a dramatic open “wall” showing a highly technical HI-MACS CNC routed pattern, and a backlit area with a mission statement etched into the back — displaying the translucent properties of HI-MACS. In fact, the entire stand was made of HI-MACS with the exception of the floor. T. +44 (0)1892 704 074 E. info@himacs.eu www.himacs.eu Twitter: HIMACSEurope
Wieland Electric Connection experts Wieland Electric demonstrated the benefits of the new gesis MINI connector system. With the trend towards miniaturisation, gesis MINI is an innovative compact pluggable installation system with a low profile and compact dimensions. At just 23mm wide, the 3 pole gesis MINI connector is just 70 per cent of the size of the standard 3 pole gesis CON connector, making it ideal for discrete lighting installations. Wieland’s gesis NRG flat cable system is ideal for quick and simple installation of power distribution and lighting control in retail applications. T. +44 (0)1483 531 213 E. sales.uk@ wieland-electric.com www.wieland.co.uk Twitter: WielandElectric
BÄRO Retail Lighting BÄRO Retail Lighting is introducing two new track lighting product ranges, Ontero CS and Ontero RA. These cutting edge designs incorporate modern minimalistic design, and leading LED output of more than 3,000 lumens and LED chips of 15W and 28W. The fittings are available in black or white with a choice of 3,000K, 3,500K or 4,000K LED colours. The company’s efficient, effective light distribution allows the design of perfect retail spaces, enhancing product colours and brightness. BÄRO’s wide range of LEDs reach the right balance between shopper emotion and perfect product presentation. T. +44 (0)845 519 2154 E. info@baro.co.uk www.baero.com
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Display Lighting Display Lighting showcased its latest advances in retail display lighting for the first time at Retail Design Expo. With more than 16 successful years’ experience in the design and manufacture of specialist lighting, the name Display Lighting has grown to be synonymous with the effective lighting of retail displays, museum showcases, jewellery cabinets and retail counters. The company’s vast selection of cost-effective, discreet yet powerful LED lighting systems have been designed to be simple to incorporate into all types of shopfitting systems, offering excellent CRI whilst also reducing energy costs. T. +44 (0)161 207 3355 E. sales@display-lighting.com www.display-lighting.com Twitter: DisplayLighting
products
International Decorative Surfaces Surface Styling from IDS exhibited at Retail Design Expo for the first time this year. This unique specification platform offers a world of design inspiration from over 40 leading surface material brands, supported by a 24-48 hour sampling service and expert technical and product advice. New products on display included the latest additions to Avonite solid surface, the Swiss Krono One World Collection of decorative panels and Fenix NTM nanotechnology surfacing from Arpa, all available in the UK exclusively through IDS. The Surface Styling portfolio embraces the world’s most innovative materials with more than 12,000 lines to choose from. T. +44 (0)845 603 7811 E. info@surfacestyling.co.uk www.surfacestyling.co.uk Twitter: SurfaceStyling
Progress Lighting The Masterspot 2 Track from Progress Lighting offers lighting without compromise, ideal for professional display applications. The LED fixture is designed to offer high quality, high CRI (>95) light, packing a powerful 4,000 lumen at 3,000 kelvin. Features include dynamic tunable white from 1,000 through to 25,000 kelvin; built-in wireless control; full blackbody dimming; static and dynamic fade control; and on-board focusing ring from 12o-24o beam angle. T. +44 (0)1423 704 124 E. led@progresslighting.co.uk www.progresslighting.co.uk Twitter: progressled
Geaves Surfaces You should never underestimate the power of texture in any interior scheme, regardless of its purpose, and the latest design trends are no exception. With this in mind, Geaves Surfaces presented Pure Soft Touch at this year’s show. Pure Soft Touch is a brand new product that delivers a superior super-matt finish. Available in 10 contemporary solid colours, there is option to compliment every possible scheme. Warm and soft to the touch, this innovative matt surface solution gives a stunning contemporary visual effect in any interior, whether commercial or domestic. T. +44 (0)1245 329 922 E. info@geaves.com www.geaves.com
RENOLIT RENOLIT showcased its new RENOLIT ARMOUREN at Retail Design Expo, which is an innovative and robust PVC film developed to provide superior impact protection to furniture components and interior fittings. The new product is launched as a 12 item stock range that includes eight realistic woodgrain prints and four contemporary solid colours. It is targeted to meet the requirement for a decorative surface film suited to furniture and interior applications in areas of high traffic. For example, typical areas of use include shopfitting, hotel and hospitality, healthcare or public buildings. T. +44 (0)1670 718 222 E. renolit.cramlington@renolit.com www.renolit-armouren.com / www.renolit.com/design
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FLOORING + SURFACES Polyflor High design and high performance flooring from Polyflor has been laid at Barbakan Delicatessen in Chorlton, Manchester as part of its refurbishment project. Hardwearing Expona Commercial PUR luxury vinyl tiles were installed by Salford based Newards flooring contractors to the shop floor area. The store owners chose the Blue Varnished Wood design from the collection, which has the look of pseudo-industrial timber that has been stripped and varnished many times over to give a worn effect. T. +44 (0)161 767 1111 E: info@polyflor.com www.polyflor.com Twitter: Polyflorltd
Armourcoat Decorative specialist Armourcoat held a reception in London this month for the winners of the recent Ukrainian Art Space Awards. The interior design awards, which took place in Kiev last November, received more than 300 high quality entries from Ukrainian interior designers and architects. An international panel of judges, led by SBID (Society of British and International Design) president Vanessa Brady OBE, short-listed 32 projects and finally selected the winners in eight categories. The awards included a special category for an interior project including Armourcoat polished plaster. The category was won by Ukrainian designer Mykola Gulyk of Design Studio Baraban+ for the incredible ‘BO’ project. T. +44 (0)1732 460 668 E: sales@armourcoat.co.uk www.armourcoat.com Twitter: Armourcoat
Forbo Flooring Perfectly capturing the beauty of the natural world, Forbo’s new Allura Flex 0.55 loose lay Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) collection consists of contemporary reclaimed wood designs and natural stone aesthetics. The new floor covering range features 30 authentic, realistic designs that will appeal to end users in the retail, office, and leisure and hospitality sectors. The loose lay format makes Allura Flex 0.55 quick and easy to fit, and a wide range of square and plank formats are available, enabling the creation of diverse and striking patterns including wood-look floors with herringbone, chevron and wicker designs. T. +44 (0)844 822 3928 E. info.flooring.uk@forbo.com www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/alluraflex Twitter: forboflooringUK
Shaw Contract Group The new Vertical Layers collection from Shaw Contract Group is inspired by the beauty of surfaces exposed to the elements of time. There are five new carpet tile styles; Expose, Relief, Uncover, Tinge and Undertone, which bring in design effects such as paint peeling off wooden surfaces, oxidisation, and a weathered and worn look. They provide designers and specifiers with a unique proposition — a set of starting points they can utilise, amend, adapt and scale as they see fit for their projects. Designs can be mixed and overlaid, offering flexibility and allowing for continuity within the space. T. +44 (0)207 961 4120 E. infouk@shawcontractgroup.com www.shawcontractgroup.com Twitter: ShawContract
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new for 2016
Retail Focus Mar 16_Layout 1 21/03/2016 10:53 Page 1
2016
morplan A member
of the RAJA
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m orplan.co m ck Cli 429 0537 6 0141 55 66 Glasgow Call 0330 44 020 7636 1887 Bristol 0117 964 3883 ct instore:
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2015-02-10 Mix.indd 1
10/02/2015 15:48:41
products
FLOORING + SURFACES Polyflor Wood effect luxury vinyl tiles from UK manufacturer Polyflor have been chosen for the refurbishment of The World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop at Cadbury World in Birmingham. Expona Design luxury vinyl tiles in the American Oak wood effect design were installed by Alpha UK Ltd flooring contractors of Walsall in the gift shop. This classic and subtle wood design perfectly complements Cadbury’s signature purple shade and the store’s big and bright display units which feature some of the chocolate manufacturer’s best known brands. T. +44 (0)161 767 1111 E: info@polyflor.com www.polyflor.com Twitter: Polyflorltd
Amtico Amtico has supplied flooring for Nobu Restaurant on Berkeley Street in Mayfair. Paulo Pegoraro, facilities manager of Nobu Berkeley Street, came across Amtico Limed Grey Wood from the premium Signature collection and proposed to use it. Style and quality were expected as a standed requisite for the Japanese restaurant. Being a busy space, durability and maintenance were also key factors, as well as safety of guests and staff. The unique nature of Amtico’s Signature range allowed Pegoraro to create a design that could be easily cut and combined with other products and existing areas of flooring. T. +44 (0)121 514 6969 E: info@amtico.com www.amtico.com/commercial Twitter: AmticoFlooring
Gradus Gradus has extended its primary barrier matting collection with the launch of Esplanade 9000, a heavy duty mat suitable for use in demanding environments. Esplanade 9000 has been specially developed for use in areas subject to heavy foot and wheeled traffic, such as airports, railway stations and supermarkets. Available in 12mm and 18mm thicknesses and in open and closed construction, the new matting system is constructed from rubber wipers and aluminium scraper linking strips which are held together with galvanised steel wires. T. +44 (0)1625 428 922 E. imail@gradusworld.com www.gradusworld.com Twitter: Gradus_World
Armourcoat Armourcoat’s decorative wall panel system ArmourFX has been used to great effect throughout True Religion stores in the USA and Canada. Originally specified by Checkland Kindleysides in London, the multi-faceted project detailed a store front facade in dark blue Venetian plaster on fire-rated MDF and fibre cement panels, both as a thin surface veneer. ArmourFX includes finishes and substrates suitable for all applications; from retail to residential, hotel to healthcare. The company’s specialist designers and artisan plasterers can create integrated custom wall panel systems or design statement single artwork pieces. A wide range of standard or custom finish options are available. T. +44 (0)1732 460 668 E: sales@armourcoat.co.uk www.armourcoat.com Twitter: Armourcoat
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SELECTION ROCKFON ROCKFON acoustic ceiling tiles have been fitted throughout Underwoods Motor Group’s new Peugeot car showroom in Sudbury, to help create a stylish interior design to show the cars to best effect whilst also creating a comfortable, welcoming environment for customers. Underwoods wanted an interior design that would achieve superior functionality and outstanding customer experience. The showroom is fitted with full-height glazing so the ability for the ceiling to contribute towards controlling solar glare was an important requirement. Mike Strain, managing director of motor trade architectural consultants Scaramanga Design, chose ROCKFON Color-all in the ‘Concrete’ surface colour as this dark tone helped control light reflecting off the polished cars, enabling customers to view the vehicles in their best light whilst creating the right mood. As well as fulfilling the aesthetic requirements, ROCKFON Color-all delivered the required Class A sound absorption needed to control noise levels in this large open-plan space. For added peace of mind, the tiles provide the highest fire safety (A1) and up to 100 per cent relative humidity, guaranteeing longevity. ROCKFON Color-all is a range of ceiling tiles and wall panels that have a stone wool core with a smooth, matt fleece offering long-lasting colour. The range is available in a choice of 34 colours, making it easier to create your individual interior design. The ceilings in the showroom are fitted with an exposed Chicago Metallic T24 Click 2890 grid in a matching Concrete colour to create an almost continuous appearance. Color-all ceiling tiles are available in exposed, semi-concealed or concealed edges in a large variety of dimensions giving architects and interior designers total design freedom. The offices are fitted with ROCKFON Artic to give a light, spacious feel to these rooms. CCF Basildon supplied all the ceiling tiles and suspension grids for the showroom. T. +44 (0)208 222 7457 E: info@rockfon.co.uk www.rockfon.co.uk Twitter: RockfonUK
Venture Lighting Europe Venture Lighting Europe has launched its very first range of VLED Filament Lamps for the domestic and commercial markets. As the trend for classic filament lamps in bars, restaurants, hotels and homes following an industrial or vintage theme returns, Venture has created a highly efficient, low-energy alternative to the classic lamp using the latest high performance LED technology. Designed to be a direct replacement for halogen or incandescent lamps, the A+ rated lamps can help save up to 90 per cent in energy. T. +44 (0)1923 692 600 E: info@venturelighting.co.uk www.venturelightingeurope.com Twitter: VentureLighting
Tyco Retail Solutions Tyco Retail Solutions has launched its Source Tagging-asa-Service (STaaS), a data-driven merchandise protection program to maximise the value of retail source tagging initiatives. Retailers have limited time and staff to manage EAS programs. Now with STaaS, retailers can rely on Tyco to oversee their entire EAS tagging program to help increase sales, solve shrink issues, and optimise store labour. With 20+ years of source tagging leadership, Tyco designs and executes turnkey source tagging programs that deliver strong bottom line results. T. +44 (0)1932 743 333 www.tycoretailsolutions.com
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RBTE ROUND UP Extensis Europe Portfolio 2016 is an industry leading digital asset management system that helps retailers more effectively manage their valuable assets by providing a centralised repository to organise, search, convert and instantly distribute approved creative to market and sell your products — including photography, product catalogues, seasonal collections and any other branded collateral. It’s simple to set up, easy to use and requires little to no ongoing maintenance. Within moments you can organise your digital files and share them throughout your organisation and beyond, allowing everyone to find what they need when they need it. T. +44 (0)1604 654 270 E. info@extensis.co.uk www.extensis.com/retail Twitter: extensis
DENSO Auto-ID DENSO Auto-ID Business Unit introduced three innovations at RBTE. The new QK30 scanner, combined with a QR Code by partner company Yoyo Wallet, makes an all-in-one cashless payment and loyalty system possible at the POS. Additionally, DENSO presented two innovative versions of the revolutionary QR Code: the FrameQR Code and the forgery-proof Secure QR Code SQRC. Another highlight was DENSO’s presentation entitled ‘The Future of QR Codes in Retail’. Visitors could learn more about innovative digital solutions for the retail business. DENSO’s solutions show how important it is that technology and retail develop strategies together and are mutually supportive. T. +49 211 88252 450 E. info@denso-autoid-eu.com www.denso-autoid-eu.com
Futura Retail Solutions eGain Communications eGain customer engagement solutions make digital transformation easy for leading brands. Based on a unified omni-channel platform for knowledge-powered customer engagement, the company’s top rated cloud applications for web, mobile, social and contact centres help deliver connected customer journeys across touchpoints, while enabling the business to optimise those journeys and contact centre performance. T. +44 (0)1753 464 780 E. ukinfo@egain.com www.egain.com Twitter: eGain
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Santoro has selected the Futura retail platform and EPOS solution to spearhead its move onto the UK retail high street, with the opening of its first store in Bath. This move with its own retail presence celebrates Santoro’s 30th anniversary. Futura’s retail management platform will provide Santoro store managers with an easy-to-use, cost effective and powerful EPOS solution with live stock data and fast transaction throughput to improve performance in store, with a range of modules supporting CRM, gift cards and points-based loyalty programs. T. +44 (0)1189 841 925 E. sales@futurauk.com www.futura4retail.co.uk Twitter: Futura_retail
TM
The World’s 1st Combined Bluetooth Printer and Cash Drawer Star is known worldwide as the most dominant printer manufacturer for mPOS with connectivity at all levels, so it is only natural for Star to create the world’s 1st Bluetooth all-in-one mPOS printer and cash drawer. mPOP delivers outstanding connectivity and design, plus intuitive functionality and simple integration with your chosen mobile, software and card payment system. Welcome to a new era for mPOS. Welcome to mPOP.
Stylish, functional cash drawer Reliable 100mm/second print speed Classic Bluetooth Connectivity Compact, mobile POS design Effective cable management with one power source for mPOP and two mobile devices
NEW
Tablet and phone not included
Use with YOUR choice of mobile device
Device stand
Plug and play Star scanner
Star Micronics EMEA, Star House, Peregrine Business Park, Gomm Road, High Wycombe, Bucks. HP13 7DL, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1494 471111 • Fax: +44 (0) 1494 473333 • Email: Sales@Star-EMEA.com • www.Star-EMEA.com
technology
focus on: Technology Seeing is believing Samsung demonstrated its Gear VR headsets, which work seamlessly with Galaxy smartphones. Simply slip in your phone and you’re free to immerse yourself into a virtual reality experience. Samsung has tweaked the headset to make it more comfortable; the new version is now 19 per cent lighter than the previous model and has a larger touchpad for easy and accurate control.
This month we bring you highlights from the recent Retail Business Technology Expo (RBTE). Technology should not be used simply because it is available. It should be integrated into the store design to benefit the retailer, the brand and enhance the customer experience. From virtual reality headsets to iPad cloud-based EPOS solutions, RBTE provided a playground for technology innovations.
www.samsung.com
The next step Intelligent POS used RBTE to launch its next evolution in the company’s history, unveiling its new website and brand ID. One of the technologies demonstrated by the team was its iPad Cloud-based EPOS solution. Exhibiting alongside Star Micronics played a key role in Intelligent POS demonstrating its ethos for partnership and collaboration.
www.intelligentpos.com
Licence to print DED mainly focused on two areas at the exhibition — MPoS and AutoID. For MPoS, the company demonstrated its range of mobile printers, barcode scanners, card readers, tablets and mounting/security solutions. Under the AutoID banner, DED showed its line of receipt/label/barcode printers, data collection terminals and barcode scanners. The company also demonstrated various PoS solutions including the mPOP from Star Micronics and the Evolis price tag printing solution.
www.ded.co.uk
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technology
Fully charged ChargeBox’s mission is to keep the mobile world powered by bringing free charging to everyone who is on the go. Now installed in the top 10 shopping centres in the UK, ChargeBox solutions are free to use and help drive footfall and increase dwell time while improving the shopper’s experience. Clients include Westfield, Hammerson, intu and John Lewis.
www.chargebox.com
Complete solutions Fujitsu demonstrated a whole host of innovations at RBTE, including a new analytics offering. The Fujitsu Retail Engagement Analytics solution will allow retailers to reduce the disparity between their online and in-store offerings, improve customer experience and optimise store performance. On the hardware side, Fujitsu demonstrated its Universal and Impulse checkouts, the latter pictured here. At 14.84in wide and 20.3in high, it’s the smallest convenience self checkout solution designed to be installed anywhere.
www.fujitsu.com
Information is key The Sensormatic Synergy Series was just one of many technologies demonstrated by Tyco Retail Solutions at the show. The first of its kind and functioning as a valuable information hub, the AM/RFID detection systems incorporate multiple technologies into a single pedestal, which works to collect, analyse and deliver data to provide retailers with a real-time predictive, information-based approach to loss prevention.
www.tyco.com
Reduce waste Checkpoint Systems showcased three solutions at RBTE, and its RFID-based fresh meat solution was a finalist in the event’s Innovation Trail and Awards. The solution has been developed to help European retailers reduce the €14.8 billion they lose each year due to meat spoilage. During a recent pilot scheme, a US retailer found it was able to reduce fresh meat replenishment time, decrease the time staff spent replenishing expired meat, reduce meat waste and increase sales.
www.checkpointsystems.com
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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 UK’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
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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
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
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. T: 0 01422 310767 E: sales@wbelland.com W: www.wbelland.com
Bespoke Display
Hello Flamingo is a creative company for the retail and event sector, specialising in window displays, in store solution, POP ups, project management, design, manufacture and installation for bespoke projects at our fully equipped manufacturing workshop.
T: 01273 585768 E: info@helloflamingo.co.uk W: www.helloflamingo.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/helloflamingo1
Bespoke Display
Brochure Holders
Design Consultancies
Design Consultancies
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.
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: +44 (0)1473 229250 E: sales@brochureholders.co.uk W: www.brochureholders.com
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
Climate Control
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.
Air Control & Development Ltd are Daikin, Mitsubishi and Toshiba accredited contractors, specialising in providing quality air conditioning, ventilation and overdoor heater installations, service & maintenance within the retail sector.
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 01922 455523 E: info@aircontrol.co.uk W: www.aircontrol.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/AirControl123
T: +44 (0)1638 565656 E: info@arken-pop.com W: www.arken-pop.com
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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.
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: +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
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.
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.
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
Display
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.
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
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
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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
Slatwall
Interactive Displays
Permanent POS
POP/POS
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.
> 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………
> 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………
MicroSlat is a strong versatile 25mm fine pitched aluminium slatwall system. With a bespoke range of components it can be used to build unique and interesting displays or add value to existing designs.
T: 01482 345067 E: sales@jcrpos.co.uk W: www.jcrpos.co.uk S. @JCR_POS
T: 01482 345067 E: sales@jcrpos.co.uk W: www.jcrpos.co.uk S. @JCR_POS
T. 01325 351 276 E. sales@microslat.com W. www.microslat.com S. www.twitter.com/MicroSlat
T: +44 (0) 1634 292 025 E: info@crystal-display.com W: www.crystal-display.com S. www.twitter.com/CrystalDisplays
Lighting
POP/POS
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.
Custom made, 20mm deep LED Edge lit ‘Diamond’ light boxes, and 8mm deep ‘Garnet’ light panels for retail display, signage and advertising.
T: 0116 262 5933 E: sales@ledsolutions.co.uk W: www.ledsolutions.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/ LEDSolutionsUK
Literature Display Solutions
T: 0333 123 0345 E: Sales@ways2display.com W www.artillus.com Web: www.ways2display.com
POP/POS
POP UP
Hello Flamingo is a creative company for the retail and event sector, specialising in window displays, in store solution, POP ups, project management, design, manufacture and installation for bespoke projects at our fully equipped manufacturing workshop.
T: 01273 585768 E: info@helloflamingo.co.uk W: www.helloflamingo.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/helloflamingo1
Retail Consultancy
VM
GENESIS MANNEQUINS design and produce high-class and trend-lead shop window mannequins, busts and displays for the international fashion industry. Additionally we offer style, trend and product consultation as well as a comprehensive after-sales service.
T: +49 (0) 5752 1803 0 E: info@genesis-display.com W: www.genesis-display.com S: www.twitter.com/GenesisDisplay
VM
Panache revised logo 1
DISPLAY
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. T: +44 (0)1473 229250 E: sales@brochureholders.co.uk W: www.brochureholders.com
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
Since the ‘glam’ days of the 1970s, Panache Display has been a lead player in the global fashion business producing ever-changing looks to set its own trends in mannequin design and visual display - while establishing an enviable reputation for quality, as well as, creativity.
T, +44 (0) 1788 543 331 E. mail@visualthinking.co.uk W. www.visualthinking.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/shoptactics
T: +44 (0) 20 8752 2520 E: info@panachedispay.co.uk W: www.panachedisplay.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/PANACHEDISPLAY
Maintenance
POP/POS
Slatwall
Air Control & Development Ltd are Daikin, Mitsubishi and Toshiba accredited contractors, specialising in providing quality air conditioning, ventilation and overdoor heater installations, service & maintenance within the retail sector.
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.
Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry.
T 01922 455523 E: info@aircontrol.co.uk W: www.aircontrol.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/AirControl123
T: 0161 477 8501 E: info@ipos-design.co.uk W: www.ipos-design.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/iposdesign
DISPLAY
We are a global retail agency. Visual Thinking develops strategy, skills, hearts and minds to deliver retail excellence and transform brand performance.
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
VM - Training & Tools
We are a global retail agency. Visual Thinking develops strategy, skills, hearts and minds to deliver retail excellence and transform brand performance.
T, +44 (0) 1788 543 331 E. mail@visualthinking.co.uk W. www.visualthinking.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/shoptactics
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Q&A
House of Fraser’s director of store development, David Blakeney talks refurbishments, trends and lighting technology.
RF. How long have you been director of store development at House of Fraser? DB. I’ve worked at House of Fraser for eight and a half years. RF. How has the role changed in that time? DB. I was appointed by the business just before the financial crisis in 2008, so we had to ensure that we engineered and managed costs in a whole new way. More recently we have worked on refurbishing multiple stores at one time, including Metrocentre, London City and our most historic store, Jolly’s of Bath. RF. How has the role of the department store evolved in that time? DB. Most importantly at House of Fraser, it’s about creating a store that showcases our plethora of great brands in the best possible way to ensure we have an exciting store to shop, including specialised customer experiences through improved fitting rooms, restaurants, customer service areas, personal shopper rooms and washroom facilities. The evolution of online shopping has seen store formats change, including the introduction of Buy & Collect areas, Order-in-Store terminals, and exciting digital elements in our windows. RF. Why are department stores still relevant today? DB. More and more the department store is about creating an exciting environment for customers to shop in. Leisure facilities, including improved cafés and restaurants, the ability to shop a multitude of brands and a cornucopia of services make department stores a destination for our customers. All those elements, along with an e-commerce site with a fantastic delivery proposition, makes a visit to our store convenient for many customers.
RF. What are your thoughts on integrating digital into the in-store experience? DB. In-store digital elements can be very effective and exciting for customers. We recently trialled shoppable windows during our Black Friday promotions, which saw good engagement and a significant increase in our app downloads. We’re wary that they need to be done in the right way for customers rather than follow trends. RF. Are you still working with Philips Lighting to develop in-store lighting solutions? DB. Lighting plays a vital role in generating the ideal in-store environment and creating an experience that brings customers back for more. We have worked very closely with Philips for many years, and as a company we have been very involved in both developing lighting technology and working on both efficiency and performance specifications. RF. What’s next for House of Fraser? DB. This year we will continue investing in our stores across the country, creating more exciting and engaging places for our customers to shop.
RF. What retail design trends are you enjoying right now? DB. I’m enjoying creating more open areas in stores, improving branded shopfits and exciting visual areas. I’m also enjoying the trend for improved sightlines, more digital aspects and improved restaurants and cafes where there is a trend for big investment. RF. Are there any that you wish would disappear? DB. As a store development director specialising in bricks and mortar, I would like to see less people using home delivery and even more people using Buy & Collect so they see inside our stores!
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The Jolly’s of Bath department store recently underwent a £4.5 million refit.
.co.uk