IN STORE
First foray into the countryside: Apropos The Concept Store in Gmund on Lake Tegernsee reflects the fact that an increasing number of people are seeking luxurious country escapes.
“The last year has elevated shopping by appointment to the norm. A selection of products tailored to my needs, undivided attention, as well as styling and advice – all this is possible in pre-arranged appointments. Sounds like the perfect ‘me time’ to us,” argue Klaus Ritzenhöfer, Daniel Riedo, and Henning Korb of Apropos The Concept Store.
APROPOS THE CONCEPT STORET • TEGERNSEE & COLOGNE
DESTINATION STORE
Photos: Apropos The Concept Store, Annika Feuss
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oing a step further seems to have become second nature for Klaus Ritzenhöfer, Daniel Riedo, and Henning Korb, the trio behind Apropos The Concept Store. In December 2020, they opened a 420-square-metre branch in Gmund am Tegernsee. “Lake Tegernsee is a magical place where we spend a lot of our time. We enjoy the relaxed nature of the people in the valley. The decision to open a store on Lake Tegernsee reflects the changing circumstances of life. An increasing number of people are working from home, meaning they have the option of living outside the cities. The city centres are becoming car-free and more difficult to reach. A weekend trip to Mallorca is currently only possible under certain conditions or is even deemed inappropriate. Tourism is becoming more regional. These aspects have made resort destinations like Tegernsee interesting for the luxury brands we work with, as well as for us,” explain the owners. There is also news to report from Cologne as of mid-July. The former Strenesse shop next to the famous pink entrance on “Mittelstrasse” is about to be transformed into a 300-square-metre shoe area that offers customers direct access to the inner courtyard. Just under a third of the retail space is reserved for a new café. “Lacey’s Patisserie” serves modern French cuisine, as well as Ladurée delicacies alongside breakfast and brunch options – on fine days on the terrace in the aforementioned courtyard. The space freed up in the original shop is to be replaced by an even larger interior and home section. Ritzenhöfer: “In a year like this, we want to set a positive example.” One thing is clear: “The current situation has certainly highlighted the sociological aspect of shopping and shows how important and satisfying the experience revolving around the purchase is. Recognition, compliments, companionship, interaction, a sense of well-being… a click on the ‘add to cart’ button and receiving a parcel cannot compensate for any of those aspects. In that sense, in-store shopping is the ultimate manifestation of luxury.”
Apropos The Concept Space Mittelstrasse 12, Cologne/Germany Opening of expansion: July 2021 Sales area: 300 sqm Shoe brands: Bottega Veneta, Christian Louboutin, Dior, Gianvito Rossi, Manolo Blahnik, Tod’s Apropos The Concept Store Münchner Strasse 126, Gmund/Germany Opening: December 2020 Sales area: 400 sqm Brands: among others Balenciaga, Celine, Christian Louboutin, Moncler
style in progress
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