Merry Christmas!! l l a m Fro f us at o
For a free artificial snow sample pack please email info@mtfx.com www.mtfx.com/vm
Features Regulars The sky’s the limit
26-27
Exploring The North Face’s new progressive playground on London’s Regent Street, which aims to promote the inner explorer within us.
41 Technology
10 Liberty in Fashion
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Mademoiselle Privé
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8
Leader
19-20 Window shopping Inspiring window displays from around the globe.
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26-33 Project Focus The North Face : Primark : Habitat
Diary
14-16 News
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cafes 35 Bars, and restaurants
Top of the POPS Karl McKeever Karl discusses the uphill struggle of rising costs.
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Opinion
Personalisation in retail is much more than a passing trend argues Mariann Wenckheim, director at retail design consultancy, 20.20.
59 Focus on: Digital displays
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Q&A
Brad Hurter is CEO and co-founder of CDS Group, a retail interior design, manufacture, shopfitting and maintenance company that is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
48-56 Products Products and services for the retail industry.
www.retail-focus.co.uk
leader
November ‘15
Our cover story this issue is The North Face’s new store on Regent Street, London (pages 26-27). The site takes a progressive playground angle, encouraging shoppers to embrace the inner explorer within them. A locker room at the back of the store provides a place for customers to store their shopping whilst they explore the city. Digital screens and sky windows tailor the theme of the store to each season, bringing the outdoors in. The brand’s new store concept is another example of a retailer immersing its customers into a memorable, more personal experience. Other projects in this issue include Primark’s mammoth Madrid store (29-30) and phase one of Habitat on Tottenham Court Road (32-33). Still speaking of memorable in-store experiences, our technology article on pages 41-43 looks at retailers that are embracing the latest technology advancements to offer so much more to their customers. These include Tommy Hilfiger, which is utilising augmented reality to allow people to view its latest catwalk show as though they are sitting in the front row. On pages 35-37 we bring you a tasty menu of bar, cafe and restaurant openings. As well as their interiors, eateries are also becoming more creative when choosing a location to set up in. The setting is also having a big impact on the design of a space, often reflecting local history, architecture and surroundings. Some interesting schemes that provide food for thought. We are pleased to welcome back Gemma Balmford from maternity leave. Both myself and Gemma will be working on the editorial content moving forward, so please get in contact with both of us regarding news and store openings.
Lyndsey Dennis Editor
Managing Editor Gemma Balmford e. gemma@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)845 680 7405
Display Sales
Lyndsey Dennis e. lyndsey@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)845 680 7405
Lee Cullumbine e. lee@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)845 680 7405
Production & Web
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diary
Retail Design Collective New York City 2-4 December 2015 Retail Design Collective brings together the world’s top suppliers during one week in New York City to showcase the latest visual products and trends in various showroom settings. New designs for 2016 will be unveiled and there will be pop-up showrooms from visual companies only in New York City for a few days. There are three conference sessions held during Retail Design Collective, and the annual PAVE Gala takes place on the first night of the show. New York City in December is a feast for the eyes and mind as well, with Christmas windows a plenty. A_RE
www.retaildesigncollective.com
Retail’s BIG Show Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City 17-20 January 2016 Retail’s BIG Show is the National Retail Federation’s flagship industry event in New York City. The four-day event includes an expo and comprehensive seminar programme, New for 2016 is a special area called The Launch Pad featuring 24 promising retail technology start-ups and small, young companies. experienceNRF
bigshow16.nrf.com
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Retail Trust Celebration Old Billingsgate, London 28 January 2016
Surface Design Show BDC, London 9-11 February 2016
Previously called the Retail Trust London Ball, the Retail Trust Celebration is the ideal opportunity for the industry to come together and give generously to help retailTRUST support all 4.5 million people working in retail and related industries. Services include counselling and debt & legal advice. The 2016 event will showcase a very British London’s Calling theme.
The Surface Design Show gives architects and interior designers the opportunity to touch, see and discover the latest surface products for the built environment. Evening events will include a live debate, hosted by RIBA Journal, and a PechaKucha. Winners of the Surface Design Awards will also be announced during the show.
retailTRUST
www.retailtrust.org.uk
surfacethinking
www.surfacedesignshow.com
SOA R I N G AH E A D O F TH E CO M P E TITI O N The Visual Merchandising and Display Industry is heading South to the Business Design Centre, London from the 20th to 21st April 2016 for the Visual Merchandising and Display Show. Don’t be left behind and book your space today. Call 01945 420 068 or email enquiries@rvmww.com www.vmanddisplay.com
Liberty in Fashion
LIBERTY IN FASHION The Fashion and Textile Museum has welcomed Liberty in Fashion, exploring the iconic Liberty brand.
Photographer: Daniel Lewis
Liberty has been a part of the British landscape since its founding by Arthur Lasenby Liberty in 1875. In celebration of its 140th anniversary and impact on the fashion industry, a new exhibition has been collated at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum, exploring the brand through the decades. More than 150 garments, textiles and objects demonstrate Liberty’s strong relationships with designers since 1875, from Arthur Silver of Silver Studio to collaborations with Jean Muir, Cacharel, Yves Saint Laurent and Vivienne Westwood. The exhibition charts Liberty’s history through 10 rooms, all concentrating on different eras, from Orientalism and
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Aesthetic dress in the 19th Century, through the Swinging Sixties and onto Liberty today. Dennis Nothdruft, curator of Liberty in Fashion, says: ‘From the earliest imports and Eastern influence and artistic dress to present day collaborations, Liberty has occupied a unique place in British fashion. Every garment in the exhibition has been carefully chosen to enable the museum to represent the incredible range of textile designs created by the firm as well as to present an argument about why Liberty is always in fashion.’ Celia Joicey, head of the Fashion and Textile Museum, says: ‘Liberty in Fashion is a celebration of one of Britain’s most imaginative stores, not only an
internationally celebrated retailer but also a design studio and tastemaker. The exhibition explores how a brand that is closely steeped in British tradition can also represent the avante-garde in fashion and inspire contemporary design talent.’ The exhibiton runs until 28th February 2016 at the Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, London. Visit www.ftmlondon.org to find out more and book your tickets.
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17/11/2015 09:56
Mademoiselle Privé Photography: Olivier Saillant
Mademoiselle , Prive
CHANEL introduced its Mademoiselle Privé exhibition in October at the Saatchi Gallery, revealing a journey through the origins of the brand’s creations. The Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea was home to the Mademoiselle Privé exhibition from 13 October – 1 November, an extraordinary journey offering complete immersion into the creative origins of CHANEL. Spread over three floors, the exhibition highlighted the versatility and savoir-faire of CHANEL’s Haute Couture, the re-editions of the Bijoux de Diamants High Jewellery collection created by Mademoiselle Chanel in 1932 and the portrait gallery of actresses, models and friends of the house, ranging from Julianne Moore to Lily-Rose Depp, photographed by Karl Lagerfeld in the apartment of Gabrielle Chanel. One room, via an installation of 12 Haute Couture dresses, illustrated the timeless and inimitable approach of Karl Lagerfeld and the house of CHANEL’s ateliers flou. This room demonstrated the great attention to detail on some of the items, including a chiffon and organza floor-length gold embroidered evening gown from the spring/summer 1996 Haute Couture collection that took Lesage 1,200 hours to achieve. Another room showcased the 16 different outfits created in 2015 especially by Karl Lagerfeld and worn by the likes of Kristen Stewart, Julianne Moore, Vanessa Paradis, Lily-Rose Depp, Geraldine Chaplin, Lily Collins, Isabelle Huppert and Stella Tennant. This room was designed to prove that the house of CHANEL suits every type of style and personality.
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news
The Mailbox unveils Urban Room luxury quarter The Mailbox has unveiled its Urban Room after two years of redevelopment. The transformation of the Mailbox by owners Brockton Capital and Milligan began in 2013 and has seen a complete reinvention of the retail environment. The new vision has been shaped by extensive customer feedback and focus groups, guiding the creation of a haven for luxury shopping in the area, and offering a
unique collection of international and national brands alongside high-end independents and designer pop-up retail. The redevelopment has seen Harvey Nichols relocate to the centre of the Mailbox and open a new 4,180 sq m concept store, in addition to attracting a premium leisure offer including luxury cinema operator, Everyman Cinemas and independent bars and restaurants, Gas
Street Social and Aluna. The unveiling of the skylit Urban Room marks the biggest milestone to date. Designed by architect Stanton Williams, this space features luxurious seating and finishes, providing a beautiful space for shoppers to enjoy during the day and an impressive destination for events, exhibitions and social activities in the city after retail hours.
Sainsbury’s trials new design at six stores Sainsbury’s has revealed details of trials it is carrying out at six supermarkets across the UK to respond to new and emerging shopping trends. The changes being tested include a radically different layout and an increased range of checkout options, designed to make the stores quicker and easier to shop and to offer customers more choice when they most want it. The retailer is also trialling how it can cater to specific shopping missions in its supermarkets, including a new Food to Go section at the front of the store next to the checkouts.
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Sainsbury’s has also moved its fresh bakery products to this section, making it more convenient for people wanting to buy fresh products quickly. The retailer is also dedicating more space in these six trial stores to its Tu clothing range, along with kitchen and homeware items. The amount of space given to non-food in these trial stores has increased by around 30 per cent. New types of checkout have also been installed. In the two stores that are piloting Sainsbury’s new shopping app, SmartShop, people can also checkout via the new SmartShop handset.
news
London Transport Museum unveils pop-up Made In Place Design has developed a pop-up for the London Transport Museum in South Kensington. Located in the South Kensington tube station arcade, this bright and bold pop-up store juxtaposes historic artwork from the museum’s in-house poster collection, dating back as far as 1908, with modern design and playful colour schemes to create a fresh and eye-catching space. Made In Place Design created a bespoke shop display system that can be removed and reconfigured in a number of ways. It made sense to create a system that can be recycled or upcycled easily, saving the company considerable costs in the future. Other features of the store include a bespoke mid-floor fixture that integrates with the perimeter system, wall-mounted tablets to enable customers to read up on products as well as browse the extensive poster collection on the London Transport Museum website. The pop-up aims to provide a fun and engaging shopping experience in line with the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden.
Boux Avenue opens global flagship on Oxford Street Boux Avenue has opened its most central London store at 494-496 Oxford Street, which is also now its global flagship. Theo Paphitis, owner of the lingerie brand, says: ‘Taking our place in the fashion capital on Oxford Street has amplified our position in the market, as well as further cement our status as the ultimate lingerie destination. It’s a real milestone, especially for such a young brand but really highlights how far the brand has come in such a short period of time.’ The 278 sq m Boux Avenue flagship offers an expert in-store bra fitting service in its boudoir style fitting suites, equipped with private concierge service and changeable smart light settings.
Club Monaco arrives in Seven Dials To celebrate the opening of its Monmouth Street store in Seven Dials, Club Monaco held an outdoor farmer’s market. As the first fashion brand to create a concept store inside the Noma restaurant, and the first brand to launch a coffee shop and bookstore within its global flagship in New York, Club Monaco continued its unique lifestyle narrative with the launch of the market. ‘We are continuing to expand throughout London,’ says John Mehas, chief executive officer at Club Monaco. ‘Our Monmouth store marks Club Monaco’s fifth location in the city.’ The shop reflects the art, architecture and culture of the Seven Dials neighbourhood. It boasts elements intrinsic to the neighbourhood in which it resides, fusing two individual shops and restoring the store front to its original design and detail. The interior showcases an eclectic mix of London-inspired furniture and decor, such as vintage mirrors, one-of-a-kind slipper sofas and marble top accent tables with hammered legs.
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news
In brief... Dyson is planning to open a store on Oxford Street before Christmas. The technology retailer has secured a prime position opposite Selfridges for its new store, which is rumoured to be Apple-like in its concept. Camper has opened its latest UK store in London’s Carnaby. Renowned for shoes that combine style and comfort, Camper has opened in Carnaby with a store that’s just as design conscious as its shoes, thanks to designer Fenando Amat. Known for his simplicity and efficiency, the store has a clean cut layout that reflects the no-nonsense ethos of the Camper shoes. Tesco has signed a deal with Arcadia to stock some of its brands in its supermarkets. Five of Tesco’s biggest stores will house the lines, which will include Dorothy Perkins, Burtons and Evans, and will be joined by other third party outlets such as Sock Shop and Claire’s Accessories. Global architecture and design firm Perkins+Will has acquired branding, retail strategy, and design consultancy Portland Design Associates. Portland will become the latest creative services business to join the Perkins+Will group of companies, which includes London-based Pringle Brandon Perkins+Will. While Portland will maintain its own brand and operate as an independent entity, the two enterprises will work closely together to deliver future-proofing insights to clients seeking compelling brand engagement strategies for their customers.
Georg Jensen arrives on Mayfair’s Mount Street Georg Jensen has opened its new London flagship on Mount Street in Mayfair. The launch follows closely on the heels of new boutiques in London’s Royal Exchange, Westfield’s luxury hub The Village, and concessions within Selfridges’ Wonder Room and Harrods’ silverware department. Conceived by Danish interior architect David Thulstrup, the Mount Street boutique offers a gallery-like environment for the complete Georg Jensen collection. The use of natural materials, such as marble and warm slatted wood and the clean lines of Scandinavian minimalism, mixed with metallic Art Deco touches, provide the perfect backdrop.
Fred Perry revamps its Cologne site Fred Perry has refurbished its store in Cologne, Germany with a design concept by BuckleyGrayYeoman. The design firm utilised the brand’s iconic British heritage with the vibrant identity of Ehrenstraβe, one of the main shopping areas of the city. The outdated 111 sq m store was refubished to create a contemporary shopping experience that maximises the impact of the retail space. This project continues the design language that BuckleyGrayYeoman has rolled out at stores in London, Munich and Bangkok. The plan arrangement has been reorganised to create two distinctive spaces, with clothing displayed in the front room and accessories and fitting rooms situated to the rear of the store. A simple and understated material palette of galvanized metal, plywood and concrete was sourced for the refurbishment.
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21.10.15 08:48
visual merchandising
Window shopping Inspiring window displays from around the globe
Jaeger Jaeger launched its Made to Measure tailoring service at its Regent Street flagship on 30th September. As part of the promotion, in-store displays and windows were created that feature a variety of tailoring accessories, including a giant tape measure that winds through the windows alongside a cascade of pins.
Warehouse It was pom-poms aplenty at Warehouse last month. To promote its new knitwear line, Warehouse ran the Get Your Pom Pom On! promotion and gave away a pompom keyring with every knitwear purchase in October. Hanging pom-poms and window graphics helped get the message across.
FENDI For its Saks New York Special Windows Project, FENDI created a scheme featuring striking mannequins set against various backdrops, including colourful post-it note configurations, giant alphabet fur balls and a grid of handbags.
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visual merchandising
Harrods Elemental Design was part of the Harrods Man Cover to Cover campaign. The design firm provided the concept and produced the Zegna window on Brompton Road. The scheme featured an LED screen with a moving thermal image of the Harrods magazine fading in and out repeatedly among the thermal image. It showcased both the October issue of the Harrods magazine and the iconic Element fabric technology at the heart of the Zegna capsule collection.
Hackett London
See more window installations on the blog:
www.retail-focus.co.uk/blog
Roland Mouret Celebrating 10 years of the Roland Mouret Galaxy dress, this theatrical design by StudioXAG was on show in windows and stores worldwide, including Bergdorf Goodman shown here. Layers of doors revealed peeking hands clutching the new Galazy 10 capsule collection. Mannequins nestled in giant, glossy number 10s and product was displayed on plinths created from deconstructed interiors.
For Hackett London’s Modern Country campaign, Harlequin Design took inspiration from modern architecture. The two main features displayed in the windows were the organic design and the monochrome harsh edges which were evident in each store. These were represented by angular structures and sloping roofs with a distinct natural wood and greenery finish to them.
Pull & Bear Pacman arrived at Pull & Bear on Oxford Street in London last month in the form of a moving digital display. Rotating mannequins stood in front of the digital backdrop, drawing in passers by.
Counter Culture: Issue 2. Out now.
Flying the flag for retail best practice worldwide, we launch our second edition of Counter Culture. An inspiring source of retail news, trends and ideas. Download now. www.visualthinking.co.uk 20
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POP
p o t POPS e h t f o
Company: Fastrak Retail
Client: Poundland
Display title: Permanent Cosmetic Point of Sale
Sector: Healthy and Beauty
Location: UK, nationwide
The brief: Create a bespoke, self-selection cosmetics display for Poundlands’ new cosmetic line. The challenge was to deliver a design that achieved a premium look that would differentiate the new range within the health and beauty section of this fixed price retailer. Power would not be available for the unit, therefore lighting would not be available.
The solution: Fastrak Retail worked closely with Poundland on the colours, materials and substrates. Contrasting black and white powder coated metal and gloss white acrylic combined with Edge Glow Hotspot areas created an impactful and attractive unit, instantly recognisable as a cosmetics display. This was particularly important as ‘Make Up Gallery’ was a new category. The colour and material combination also allowed a significant amount of ambient light to be captured creating a perception of illumination. Combined with high impact graphics and branding, the display has a premium feel and look.
www.fastrakretail.co.uk
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MODELLING & PROTOTYPE
The Retail Shopfitting & Display Summit will provide you with a platform to enhance your company and share the long-term vision of the retail shopfitting business by setting tomorrow’s standards today, and to prepare for future developments, innovations and technology. Network with fellow experts within this industry, listen to case studies, meet and discuss ideas with retail shopfitting service providers, hear personal experiences and find solutions to issues facing this ever changing industry. For further information or to book your place contact Carly Bailey on: 01992 374100 rds@forumevents.co.uk www.forumevents.co.uk
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8th & 9th February 2016 Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted
Q&A column
Karl McKeever If it’s not the downward spiral of price competition that makes the retail headlines, it’s often the uphill struggle of rising costs. Only six months from now, retailers across the UK will have implemented plans to roll out pay rises, in order to comply with the national living wage. Preparations for the rise in costs have been in the planning for some time, with many of the big grocers increasing pay well before next April’s deadline. Make no mistake; this will come at a huge financial burden, and could well balance out benefits of the expected seasonal sales increase during Black Friday and Christmas. It could also leave a legacy in store that may go far beyond the monthly wage that those who work in retail stores take home. But will it be a positive one? Retailers will always have to cope with fluctuating costs and price changes that are out of their control. In an effort to minimise the impact to their bottom line, retailers across the board continually look at strategies to combat increasing costs. You may think there are just two choices: increase productivity or raise product prices. The decision to do either could be seen as very tempting. Increasing productivity could lead some to consider reducing overall staffing numbers in store and investing more in online and click and collect services — essentially asking the customer to do more of the work for themselves. While customers may appear increasingly keen to use self-serve, there is a thin line that must not be overstepped. Few of us want to be left entirely to our own devices — even if it is NFC-enabled, with 4G and contactless functionality. And, whilst raising product prices could negate the living wage and pass the financial burden straight onto the customer — it will, after all, put more money into their pockets — the danger of this is also very apparent, with the potential to have a detrimental effect on brand competitiveness, especially if direct competitors seek alternative solutions. But there is a third way. In the process of reacting to these external alterations, retailers could in fact seize on a potential threat to create a catalyst for positive change within the business. The first step, and where I believe retailers should initially be
looking, is to explore how best they can sweat the assets currently available to them. In short, it’s about identifying and closing potential gaps in marketing productivity. Don’t waste any chances. Be more focused, more effective and more efficient in store. By concentrating efforts on making product promotions more effective and improving the visual merchandising, retailers may not only be able to compensate for either a lack of (or ability for) retail teams to work harder, due to a lack of either time and resources, but also deliver lasting change that fundamentally improves the selling efficiency of stores. By making the customer journey more efficient and engaging, getting better at selling more stock, and improving product presentation, retailers should be able to improve sales figures without the need to invest in new equipment, increase headcount or place any additional burden on existing staff. The increased costs associated with the national living wage will mean retailers have to look even harder at their current staff, and see how best they can be utilised to deliver results. There is also a need to determine and quantify the impact of visual merchandising and to employ the best methods to help maximise every sales opportunity. Less fluff, more facts. Prove what works and apply it. And once a visual merchandising strategy has been agreed, give retail teams access to better information and training to make it happen in store. With this in mind, the importance of measuring and reporting the effectiveness of promotions can’t be stressed enough. To achieve the best ongoing results over a long period of time, it’s vital to establish an initial determination of success. Only then can retailers be best placed to make more informed investment decisions in store — doing more of what works well, and less of what doesn’t. Concentrated efforts should be made on the best sales driving activities, improving standout and routinely deploying the most effective visual merchandising methods and working practices. Outside of retail, any mention of Easter already would be met by groans of disapproval. But as we all know, the high street rewards those who make a start on preparations early, so why should making preparations now for improving visual merchandising productivity ahead of next April be any different? As the smart retailers know, implemented correctly, brilliant visual merchandising can be an all-encompassing solution that improves every aspect of the shopping experience, and in turn, business performance. And, quite frankly, there’s never been a better time to consider how visual merchandising could be used to make the store environment work harder and maximise opportunities for sales success. As the saying goes: fail to plan and plan to fail.
Karl McKeever is creative director of visual merchandising and brand delivery consultancy Visual Thinking.
Email Karl at karl@retailfocus.co www.visualthinking.co.uk
The retailer’s silver bullet
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project focus
THERegent NORTH FACE Street, London Design: Green Room Opening date: October 2015 Store size: 400 sq m
Outdoor brand The North Face has unveiled its new location at 209 Regent Street, London. The store design is a fresh look for the brand, which aims to bring the spirit of the great outdoors to its customers by utilising digital screens and sky windows that tailor the theme of the store to each season. This new concept brings to life a customer experience designed for the brand’s consumer through the creation of a Progressive Playground. Rather than somewhere to simply shop, this ‘playground’ is designed to promote enjoyment, training, discovery and activity. ‘The new Progressive Playground concept adds new dimensions into the store
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experience such as discovery, interaction – with staff and peers as a community – tactility and the inspiration of nature,’ says Sam Langley-Swain, strategy and insights manager at Green Room. ‘Above all, the new stores aim to give the consumers a glimpse into the outdoors, to inspire them and to give emotional and physical context to product. The main insight we took from concept testing was that the discovery of new products and the possibilities they can unlock through activity was far more exciting than pure retail therapy, so the store needed to deliver more emotional experiences than purely shopping the range.’ Green Room’s design conveys the
passion and desire for the outdoors at its heart. ‘Our brief was to bring to life at retail their unique brand position in the market, at the forefront of Modernised Outdoor,’ explains Langley-Swain. ‘The key brand values of innovation, authenticity, progression and boldness were to be key take outs for consumers in the retail experience, with the promise to inspire consumers to live a full life of exploration and to Never Stop Exploring.’ Furniture provides a nod to exploration, teamed with architectural and material features that create an emotional link. These include the sky windows that react to changing weathe rpatterns and the use of living components in the space. Digital
project focus
windows also draw customers into the store, creating a living link to broader The North Face activities including campaign and expeditions. Nature, outdoors and a modern athletic aesthetic have been blended. Wherever possible, Green Room incorporated tactile and natural materials to add sensory elements to the space. The layout has been adjusted to meet the different aspirations through ‘live’, ‘train’ and ‘explore’, rather than a pure expression of range. A wall system allows for hero products to be celebrated and gives intuitive customer guidance during complex product selection. Multiple screens showcase footage of adventures, activities and outdoor pursuits. The store is designed with Londoners in mind. There’s a schedule of regular appearances and inspirational events from top The North Face athletes. The stairwell is a feature in itself, with tree sculptures wrapped in rope reaching up to the sky window above. These sky windows help to bring to life the weather according to the time of year. Locker rooms allow shoppers to store their shopping and roam London free from baggage. It’s all about promoting the inner explorer within us. Regent Street is the first store to roll out the global concept, with further stores opening in the US in early 2016.
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PRIMARK Calle Gran Vía, Madrid Design: Dalziel and Pow Opening date: October 2015 Store size: 12,356 sq m
Offering a retreat from the bustling Gran Vía shopping street in Madrid, Primark’s latest store in the capital is based on the concept of an urban sanctuary. Designed by Dalziel and Pow, the immersive, theatrical space combines pioneering digital design with bespoke art installations across 12,356 sq m of retail space within one of the city’s most iconic buildings. ‘Our concept was a direct response to the intense, eclectic atmosphere of Gran Via — known as the street that never sleeps, an urban sanctuary that breaths new life into one of Madrid’s most iconic buildings,’ explains Andrew Piepenstock, associate design director, interiors at Dalziel and Pow. ‘Creating not only a fashion destination, but a totally immersive experience for the
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project focus customer — a place to shop the hottest trends, and retreat and relax away from the bustling Gran Vía. Our concept offers moments of surprise throughout the customer journey; there’s something new to discover with each visit.’ The design company produced a solution of 11 large interconnected transparent screens arranged around the octagonal atrium, along with a wealth of bespoke content and audio. From a fantasy forest to a fashion show, Primark customers are immediately presented with an unexpected stream of transitional content, which interacts dynamically with the surrounding architecture — such as children peeking around the columns — for a surreal, holographic effect. Transparent LED screens allow both product and architecture to be viewed through the digital displays for a multi-layered, 3D effect. Dalziel and Pow has drawn on the creative, expressive spirit of the Spanish capital for the concept, which offers moments of surprise throughout the customer journey, including a 360-degree cinematic experience in the atrium. The historic building was sensitively restored using traditional techniques and materials, including horsehair plaster and references to Moorish pattern and tiling. ‘The urban sanctuary concept inspired the choice of a pale feminine palette across the atrium and four floors,’ says Piepenstock. ‘Materials and palettes were tailored to departments. For example, the men’s department is more dark and industrial, where as lingerie is light with pops of playful colour.’ The atrium and windows allow plenty of natural light to pour into the space. Seating and recharging areas give customers the opportunity to take time out. A Trend Room features on the ground floor, showcasing new trends to inspire the customer and help them create their own look. To bring a local feel to the interior, Dalziel and Pow collaborated with O’Shea Moro to commission a series of diverse Madrid-based artists to create illustrations, sculpture, large-scale typographic treatments and installations to the architecture of the building. From street art to an installation of colour paper origami, the work is inspired by the breadth and creativity of Madrid to bring elements of surprise throughout the store. In September, Dalziel and Pow collaborated with Primark on its US debut with a flagship in Boston. The debut is part of eight planned Primark openings across north east America.
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project focus
HABITAT Tottenham Court Road, London Design: In-house Opening date: October 2015 Store size: 2,322 sq m
Habitat has unveiled the first phase of its new flagship store design in London’s Tottenham Court Road as part of a multi-million pound refurbishment project. The 2,322 sq m store has been the retailer’s main flagship since 1983 when it relocated from its original Tottenham Court Road address that opened in 1966. The redesigned 1,579 sq m basement includes a fitted kitchen studio, cookshop, gallery space, expanded furniture and upholstery floor as well as a new lighting department. The refurbished ground floor is planned to open in April 2016. The new store layout was developed in-house by Polly Dickens, creative director; Graham Copeland, creative manager; and designer, Matthew Long. The twostorey renovation features a new layout and design scheme that strips the building back to its original architectural framework and will include a new main entrance, redesigned central staircase, bespoke
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fixturing and a monochrome scheme with black wood floors. ‘Our brief was to create a world class flagship store that would showcase the best in Habitat design. We have just completed the first phase by revamping the basement, with the final stage to be completed in 2016,’ explains Graham Copeland, creative manager at Habitat. The basement was converted into a retail space in the 80s from its original guise as a car park. In the subsequent years the store has had shopfits and additional walls layered onto it, so the opportunity was to strip this away and create a new sense of space. Part of this was uncovering the concrete coffered ceiling. ‘In the phase we have just completed we launched some great new technology. For example, customers visiting our fitted kitchen studio can now see and alter their design on a large interactive screen during their consultations. When we launch Phase
Two next year there will be more ways for our customers to use new technology to explore our range,’ enthuses Copeland. A number of interactive screens have been introduced around the store, which allow customers to access the website and view the full Habitat collection, including all colour options that may not be shown on the shop floor. A large digital video wall at the back of the store will show various content from Habitat’s brand campaign, #HabitatVoyeur, and the latest promotional messages. Habitat’s product collection provided inspiration when it came to selecting materials and colours for the space. In the furniture department the floors are semi-matt black stained timber planking which is ideal for presenting the furniture range as it emphasises the colour palette of Habitat products. The lighting department is painted entirely in a deep grey giving a single pure background, which maximises
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the effect of the lighting displays. The Cookshop incorporates materials in the design that reflect where these products will naturally sit in customers’ homes. ‘The whole idea was to let our products be the focus. For example, in our Lighting department we have created a single grey space where the lighting is shown to dramatic effect. In Cookware the use of natural materials quietly provides a familiar setting, putting the product in the context of a home. Our bright blue cash desks give a humorous nod to our brand heritage but most importantly offer a clear place for our customers to interact with our team,’ says Copeland. ‘Tottenham Court Road is our largest store project to date and marks a key milestone for Habitat on today’s British high street,’ says Clare Askem, managing director of Habitat. ‘As we invest and evolve the Habitat brand in a digital space, we also recognise the importance of building on our in-store experience by creating immersive, engaging stores that reflect our mission to bring unique design with personality to everyone. Habitat is still a brand that customers want to experience and engage with in a physical way and customer reaction to the roll-out of 82 Mini Habitat stores over the last three years has been testament of this. The redesign of Tottenham Court Road is based on our learnings from these stores and we’re proud we can now offer a world class flagship in our home capital to showcase the best of Habitat design.’
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bars, cafes & restaurants
FINE DININg The interiors of bars, cafes and restaurants continue to evolve, creating immersive experiences for diners. As well as their interiors, eateries are also becoming more creative when choosing a location to set up. The setting is also having a big impact on the design of a space, often reflecting local history, architecture and surroundings. ‘People are becoming much more creative when choosing where to set up and open cafes and restaurants. From disused car parks and railway arches to abandoned warehouses and even old toilet blocks, there are all kinds of spaces that can be turned into new businesses,’ says Jonathan Harvey, director at Holland Harvey Architects.
Main: At LongXiacoBao’s noodle bar in Changsha, Lukstudio has reinterpreted a noodle rack, which immerses customers into the tradition of noodle making. Right: Selfridges’ rooftop has been transformed into the Forest Restaurant & Cabin Bar for autumn/winter.
He says the trend for reclaiming old and forgotten spaces has also influenced the choice of materials and furniture designers choose. ‘We’re seeing a lot more repurposed and rustic items such as old factory light fittings, wooden doors turned into tables and local materials used to make bespoke furniture, features or fittings.’ Turning unexpected spaces into eateries has contributed towards the growing number of pop-ups. Holland Harvey Architects introduced a touch of Regent’s Park luscious landscape into Frieze Art Fair in London last month with three bespoke pop-eateries for GAIL’s
Artisan Bakery. For all three spaces, the firm had to reflect the handmade, high quality nature of GAIL’s produce while creating an inviting environment for the art fair attendees to sit, relax and refuel. Guy Martin’s I Love Paris restaurant at Paris-Charles de Gaulle was created for Martin to share his love for the French capital with the world. This love affair began in his legendary restaurant in the city’s Palais Royal called le Grand Véfour. I Love Paris aims to differentiate itself from the many impersonal airport restaurants. Martin has strived to create a unique gastronomical experience here. In designing I Love Paris, architect and designer India Mahdavi revisited many of the visual elements of the Palais Royal in the colours and materials she chose. Ever loyal to her warm, elegant style, Mahdavi married the tones of green velvet and the leather of the chairs with a beige stone floor, to recall the shades and materials of the Palais Royal. She designed arcades that unravel around a sumptuous, oval bar, with black and white stripes on its sides, and two round, golden chandeliers hanging overhead to frame a space which, as if in spite of itself, pours out through a majestic bay window and onto the runway. Over in China, noodle soup is a
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bars, cafes & restaurants common street food. When LongXiaoBao set up a noodle bar in Changsha, Lukstudio decided to reintepret the tradition of noodle making by creating a noodle rack above diners. The 50 sq m store is designed to be a journey of discovery, starting with the bamboo-cast concrete shopfront. Customers are greeted by a counter design lined with the bamboo mold used to create the shopfront. As diners move into the space, layers begin to reveal themselves. A series of metal wires are draped across the dining room to create the lighting feature with hanging bulbs, creating the effect of dining under a noodle rack. The design of The Noodle Rack differentiates it from other hole-in-thewall fast food outlets on every street in the country. It demonstrates how Chinese eateries have the potential to be reborn into hip gathering spots. In Essex, BuckleyGrayYeoman has completed a scheme for Nando’s in Loughton, housed in a refurbished Art Deco car dealership. The design responds to the Art Deco architecture of the restaurant, and the circular layout is taken from the curved shopfront that gives the restaurant real presence on the corner of Loughton’s High Street and Station Road. ‘The influence of the original 1920s car showroom is most evident in the geometry of the plan. The curved counter and circular layout were primarily generated from the original building layout. Beyond that, original features such as the glazed canopy and shopfront have been retained, adapted or echoed in the new design,’ explains Matt Yeoman, director of BuckleyGrayYeoman. ‘Nando’s is a very enlightened client and they always push us to be inspired, rather than constrained, by the raw materials of their brand. Each interior we have completed for Nando’s has taken on its own very unique character. It’s almost like a performance from a musical store: the song is always recognisable, but each rendition is unique.’ As with all of BuckleyGrayYeoman’s Nando’s restaurants, Loughton makes use of a lively mix of found and reclaimed materials and surfaces: table tops are covered in metal from reclaimed car body panels; upcycled timber planks are used to clad areas of the ceiling and banquette seating; the timber beams embedded in the rammed earth wall are a playful twist on the Essex mock-Tudor farmhouse style, and wire mesh suspended from the ceiling partially conceals the services and lighting from view. Bespoke lighting made from car headlamp bulbs hangs from the ceiling alongside vintage hand-blown glass lampshades. Brasserie Blanc in Leeds is the latest
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redesign in collaboration with Blacksheep, following openings in Cheltenham, Beaconsfield, St Albans and Oxford. The redesign was based around the concept of Chez Nous, celebrating the typically French tradition of inviting guests into the home to share a meal, where friends and family gather together surrounded by cherished heirlooms and everyday pieces, worn and aged as they are handed down through the years. A simple palette of natural and worn finishes — aged oak, linen, stone and pewter — was chosen. Furniture items are collected, placing prized possessions alongside everyday pieces. Tableware is a simple, utilitarian collection that sets the tone for the dining experience from the moment the guests arrive. Quintessentially French experiences are incorporated into the space. The simple pairing of cheese with wine is celebrated at a dedicated tiled station, bringing part of the home kitchen into the space. In London, Starbucks’ has launched a new digital concept store at Upper St. Martin’s Lane where hosts with handheld payment devices greet customers and invite them to sit down, eliminating queues at tills. This format aims to promote interaction between Starbucks partners and customers. ‘The store is a platform of connection,’ says Ad de Hond, vice president of design. ‘Everything in the store is visible — the way we make our coffees, the way we prepare and present our food, and the way we interact with our customers. The special thing is that we moved our partners from behind the bar into the store. Customers can order wherever and whenever they want through handheld devices. We hope to reduce the idea of standing in line.’ As night time draws in, the lights are dimmed to create a warm and intimate ambiance. The store is the UK’s second Starbucks Evenings location, serving wine and craft beer after 4pm. In the evenings, the cafe is a place to meet after work or have a small bite to eat before going to the theatre. Floor to ceiling windows visually link the interior to the street outside. ‘The coffee bar you see is rounded at the front near the glass and is low. It’s a theatre for Starbucks Reserve coffee,’ says de Hond. ‘The coffee bar can be seen from the outside, like a billboard inviting customers to come in.’ Each year, Selfridges in London revamps its rooftop for summer and winter. The rooftop space is currently home to the Forest Restaurant & Cabin Bar, inspired by an autumnal woodland. The Cabin Bar, located on the terrace, features outdoor lodges with blankets to keep guests warm, alongside a bespoke photobooth lodge.
Visitors can take an express lift from the ground floor in the Fragrance Hall or access the rooftop via a landscaped staircase on the fourth floor. Whether it’s a place to dwell in the evening before theatre or a rooftop hideaway on Oxford Street, the bar, cafe and restaurant scene is delivering a varied menu of experiences for visitors. Inspiration sourced from the history of an area and its location can provide a great source of storytelling and an immerse, memorable experience for diners.
bars, cafes & restaurants Right: Dandelyan bar in London, designed by Design Research Studio. Far Right: Studio Piet Boon designed the interiors for The Jane in Belgium.
Left: At Starbucks’ new digital concept store in London, hosts with handheld payment devices greet customers and invite them to sit down, eliminating queues at tills.
Restaurant and Bar Design Awards The 2015 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards in October recognised the best in restaurant and bar design. The Jane, a restaurant in Antwerp, Belgium designed by Studio Piet Boon, and Dandelyan, a bar at the Mondrian London, designed by Tom Dixon’s Design Research Studio, were the overall winners of the awards.
Best overall winners Best Overall Restaurant / The Jane, Belgium / Studio Piet Boon Best Overall Bar / Dandelyan, London / Design Research Studio
Best international winners Best International Restaurant / The Jane, Belgium / Studio Piet Boon Best International Bar / Archie Rose Distilling Co, Australia / Acme & Co.
Best UK winners Left: Holland Harvey Architects created three bespoke pop-up eateries for GAIL’s Artisan Bakery at Frieze Art Fair in London. Photography: Ståle Eriksen
Left: Designed by India Mahdavi, Guy Martin’s I Love Paris restaurant at Paris-Charles de Gaulle was created for the chef to share his love for the French capital with the world.
Left: The latest restaurant opening in Leeds continues Blacksheep’s refurbishment and rebranding programme of Brasserie Blanc across the UK.
Best UK Restaurant / The Gallery at Sketch, London / India Mahdavi Best UK Bar / Dandelyan, London / Design Research Studio
UK winners Fast/Casual / Nando’s, Loughton / STAC Architecture & BuckleyGrayYeoman Identity / Beast, London / Stephen Garrett Studio London Bar / WC, London / Jayke Mangion & Andy Bell London Restaurant / The Gallery at Sketch, London / India Mahdavi Multiple Bar or Club / Dirty Martini, Monument, London / Grapes Design Multiple Restaurant / Wahaca, Cardiff / Softroom Pop-Up / Boulangerie François Grey Goose Martini Bar, London / Ragged Edge & Brady Williams Studio Pub / The Airport, Manchester / Frederic Robinson Restaurant or Bar in a Heritage Building / George’s Fish & Chip Kitchen, Nottingham / Philip Watts Design Restaurant or Bar in a Hotel / Dandelyan, London / Design Research Studio Restaurant or Bar in a Retail Space / The Street Kitchen, Nottingham / Dalziel and Pow Restaurant or Bar in a Transport Space / The Bar at Fortnum & Mason, Heathrow / Universal Design Studio Restaurant or Bar in Another Space / Coffee Ground, Endsleigh / Kiwi & Pom Standalone Bar or Club / Le Peep Boutique, London / Nick Leith-Smith Standalone Restaurant / Jinjuu, London / Tibbatts Abel
International winners America Bar / Her Majesty’s Pleasure, Canada / + tongtong America Restaurant / Hueso, Mexico / Cadena + Asociados Asia Bar / Toranomon HOP, Japan / A.N.D. Asia Restaurant / RAW, Taiwan / WEIJENBERG Australia & Pacific Bar / Archie Rose Distilling Co, Australia / Acme & Co. Australia & Pacific Restaurant / ACME, Australia / Luchetti Krelle Cafe / Remicone, Korea, Republic of / Betwin Space Design Colour / Parq, USA / Davis Ink Decorative Lighting / Dream Dairy Farm Restaurant, Japan / Moriyuki Ochiai Architects Europe Bar / Le Bar du Plaza Athénée, France / Jouin Manku Europe Restaurant / The Jane, Belgium / Studio Piet Boon Lighting Scheme / Dalloyau, Hong Kong / Inverse Lighting Design Middle East & Africa Bar / Tasting Room, Israel / Studio OPA Middle East & Africa Restaurant / Geales, Dubai / LW Nightclub / Bond Lounge, Australia / Hachem Outside / Biutiful, Romania / Twins Studio Surface Interiors / Disfrutar, Spain / El Equipo Creativo
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technology
ENRICHED EXPERIENCE: IN-STORE TECHNOLOGY Technology is helping retailers create many memorable in-store experiences for customers, opening up new areas of a brand that were never thought possible.
Right: Digital facial guage at Cubitts opticians in Soho.
Almost two thirds of shoppers say the biggest impact wearable technology will have on the in-store customer experience will be speeding up checkouts, according to a survey for Vista Retail Support. The poll, exploring consumer attitudes to wearable devices such as smart watches, wristbands and fobs, also found 52 per cent of shoppers believe it would be a real advantage not to have to carry a wallet or remember PINs and passwords. ‘Wearable technology is one of the biggest weapons bricks-and-mortar retailers will have in their armoury,’ says James Pepper, technical director at Vista Retail Support. ‘Rather than just being a pipe dream, these results show exactly how consumers want to improve the in-store experience. We know that the battle for shoppers is a tough one, and providing a speedier checkout experience is one major way retailers can differentiate themselves from the competition.’ However, 70 per cent of those surveyed believe that the new £30 limit on payments using wearable technology is still too low. Only 30 per cent are happy with the current limit that recently came into force. Nearly a third (32 per cent) want the limit lifted to £50, while 16 per cent are in favour of a £100 limit and the same percentage want no limit at all. Only six per cent wanted a £40 limit. Research by journey specialist Tensator Group has revealed that shoppers aren’t as
au fait with the concept of self-service as retailers would have us believe. ‘The study showed that one in three of us has walked out of a store because of a bad experience with a self-service till, whilst 60 per cent of the people we spoke to prefer to be served by a member of staff,’ says Kevin Hickson, general manager at Tensator Group. With that in mind, the priority for a lot of stores at the moment is speeding up and controlling queues at staffed till points. Consequently, Electronic Call Forward (ECF) systems have become a primary focus for Tensator Group. ‘Speed of processing and improved operational efficiency are the obvious plus points, but we’re also seeing more retailers becoming accustomed to the idea of making the queue work for them too. This is why we’re starting to see a greater use of digital signage within the queuing structure. Not only can it be used to push impulse sales, but many are also now using it as an additional revenue stream by selling it as third party advertising space. The interesting thing is that ECF systems are no longer just benefiting high street stores. We are starting to see interest from larger format retailers too, particularly supermarkets.’ Tommy Hilfiger is embracing in-store technology and offering its customers something more in the form of virtual reality. Hosted in select Tommy Hilfiger stores and wholesale partners globally, customers
can watch the Fall 2015 Hilfiger collection runway show from a front-row seat in 360-degree 3D virtual reality, and then immediately shop the collection. Using a Samsung GearVR device, shoppers have an immersive virtual experience that gives them a perfect view of the runway and provides an exclusive sneak peak backstage. ‘We are driven by a vision to exceed consumer expectations, inspire them and offer retail experiences they never thought possible,’ says Daniel Grieder, CEO of Tommy Hilfiger. ‘Through cuttingedge virtual reality technology, we can invite shoppers to experience the Hilfiger Collection fashion show from a front row seat. We’re using virtual reality to open the doors to a unique part of our world, directly connecting the consumers in our retail space with one of our largest brand events each season.’ The introduction of virtual reality in stores reflects Tommy Hilfiger’s mission to elevate the shopping experience through digital innovation; these technological integrations in the retail space are evolving traditional brick-and-mortar set-ups and increasing opportunities for social engagement. The concept has been created in collaboration with WeMakeVR, a developer of 360 degree 3D virtual reality experiences. The show was captured with the WeMakeVR-Falcon, a proprietary camera.
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technology ‘Our special virtual reality cameras, combined with Tommy Hilfiger’s creative vision of the Fall ’15 Hilfiger Collection fashion show, resulted in an experience that goes beyond that of VIP guests,’ explains Avinash Changa, founder and CEO of WeMakeVR. ‘Users get an incredible peek behind the scenes; they stand next to models right before they walk out onto the runway, and they feel the excitement of being backstage after the show.’ The fitting room is another area where technology is improving the customer experience. According to new research by customer engagement and loss prevention specialist, Indyme, consumers who use fitting rooms are three times more likely to purchase than those who don’t use them. As such a crucial location in the path to purchase, it’s surprising that retailers are not taking advantage of the rich data stream that fitting rooms can provide. By installing a fitting room management system, retailers can now detect presence in the fitting room, allow customers to request assistance, log theft events, calculate store traffic conversion to fitting room utilisation as well as the time spent in the fitting room and much, much more. ‘We’ve already seen a significant increase in the use of retail technology to provide the sector with greater awareness for consumer demands and reactions in store. Given that the fitting room is where a large proportion of consumers make their purchasing decisions, retailers must ensure that consumers have a positive fitting room experience. Real time, accurate data provides retailers with a rich data stream that can be used to foster positive in-store customer engagement strategies and give the fitting room the attention it so rightly deserves,’ says Joe Budano, CEO of Indyme. Indyme has worked closely with apparel retailers to create its new SmartFit fitting room management system. This enables retailers to link fitting room activity with traffic data to help retailers understand and improve utilisation, resulting in increased conversion and sales. Armed with this data, retailers can make intelligent policy decisions including whether to lock or unlock fitting rooms and even alert security or in-store personnel on unusual dwell activity. In addition, it enables customers to request different sizes or colours from within the fitting room, which drives positive satisfaction scores and increased unit purchases and average ticket values. Many opticians are embracing technology advancements in store, allowing them to engage more with their customer base. Customers can virtually ‘try on’ frames in front of a screen to see if they suit them.
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At the London flagship of optician, Kite GB, designed by Fourmation, a touch-enabled point-of-sale unit uses a 42in diagonal Zytronic touch sensor integrated into a toughened mirror, allowing customers to take photos of themselves wearing different frames then post them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms. Friends and family can look at the photos and give their opinions. The project was implemented through Zytronic integration partner, Display Technology. ‘The vast majority of dispensing opticians haven’t considered how technology can help them engage with their customers. We really wanted to enhance the user experience and provide an environment that is conducive to social sharing,’ says Asad Hamir, CEO of Kite GB. ‘The two-phase mirror function is extremely advantageous for the Kite unit. It gives it the appearance of an elegant silver mirror when the monitor is not lit, consistent with the stylish décor of the store,’ explains Ian Crosby, Zytronic’s sales and marketing director. ‘It then becomes instantly transparent when the monitor is activated so that an intuitive touch-screen interface materialises.’ Custom software has been specially developed for Cubitts opticians in Marshall Street, Soho by German facial recognition
Above: Single Line Auto-ECF solution from Tensator. Below: The IRIS suite from One iota will give retailers full control of the digital signage across all of their stores.
technology experts. The Cubitts Facial Guage takes your photo, and using a fixed point of reference can measure the key features of your face, such as the temple distance, width of your bridge, and length and splay of your nose. One iota has introduced IRIS, In-store Retail Interactive Screens, a cloud-based solution that will revolutionise the way that retailers are able to launch, manage and customise in-store campaigns for shoppers across their store-wide estate instantly. ‘The IRIS suite will give retailers full control of the digital signage across all of their stores, enabling them to deliver instant campaigns in-store within specific regions, individual stores or across the whole store estate — all easily controlled from head office using simple web-based tools. The main challenge to date has been trying to control and manage such campaigns quickly and effectively across desired stores, as up until now many of these processes have been manual,’ explains Damian Hanson, CEO of One iota. ‘Bridging the gap between online and in-store is currently a key priority for retailers, and as such we are working hard to ensure we have the technology in place, joining up the physical store and the online offering through basket transfer and dual basket functionality — the holy grail of customer satisfaction,’ concludes Hanson.
Above: Indyme has worked closely with apparel retailers to create its new SmartFit fitting room management system. Top left: Tommy Hilfiger has introduced virtual reality in-store, allowing customers to view its Fall 15 Hilfiger Collection catwalk. Right: A touch-enabled screen at Kite opticians allows customers to try on frames and share photos via social media.
Damian Hanson, CEO of One iota, offers his tips on what to consider when integrating technology within the store environment to create a truly omni-channel in-store shopping experience:
Recognise what they need to get right There are three fundamentals that the retailer needs to ensure are in place when considering their in-store experience: 1. Ensure the store is formatted and fitted out in the right way. 2. Ensure the offering is fully connected from a multi-channel perspective across desktop, mobile, table, native apps and in-store devices. 3. And crucially, ensure that the combination of the above two is brilliantly executed — this is the cornerstone of a successful proposition.
Recognise there are no second chances If a potential customer goes into a store and can’t get the item they want, they may never go back. If, however, through the use of technology, they can order an out of stock item for next day delivery, they walk away satisfied and the benefits are obvious to see, for both the retailer and the customer. The old adage that a customer will tell two people about a great experience and 10 people about a bad one rings true.
Recognise that the store is a retailer’s most powerful marketing channel Billboard, TV and magazine campaigns indisputably have their place, however they don’t give the retailer any control over exactly how the customer will receive their messages and it can be hard to grab the shopper’s undivided attention. In store, however, the retailer is able to fully control the environment and can use the store atmosphere to its full potential to tell a brand story, so it’s key that this opportunity is maximised.
Recognise where and how technology will work in your store It sounds obvious, but retailers need to look at areas of the store that have a naturally higher footfall and level of customer engagement — for example, changing rooms, escalators, the shoe section and the main doors — and utilise them. It’s key that retailers truly understand the store layout to be able to evaluate where technology is likely to have the most impact in store.
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opinion
PERSONAL TOUCH Personalisation in retail is much more than a passing trend, argues Mariann Wenckheim, director at retail design consultancy, 20.20. We all shop for different reasons and in different ways. When we enter a store we embark on a personal customer journey. Whatever the reason behind that journey, one thing is certain — we need it to be tailored to meet our needs. Customers aren’t just looking for a book, a dress, a shirt. They’re looking for the book, the dress, the shirt. Shoppers won’t feel like they’ve had a stand-out experience unless they’ve been made to feel special. Increasingly, retailers are realising that it’s their job to make every customer feel like an individual. Making someone believe they’re the only person that matters is no easy task, especially when the ultimate goal in retail is to get an increased number of customers through the door. However, product personalisation is helping to create a new level of immersion in the shopping experience. As with any movement, there are those who execute it to perfection, whilst others fall a little short of the mark. Nike ID was one of the first to market and the sports brand has made it work. I’ve seen younger relatives spending hours engaged in different colour and material options. It came as no surprise this time last year when reports emerged of a 70 per cent increase in online sales, with Nike ID being identified as a primary driver. Some headlines proclaimed that ‘co-creation isn’t just a trend’ and to an extent that’s true as personalisation is becoming engrained in retail. Personalisation’s longevity will be down to the fact that it benefits both customer and retailer. It’s a process that creates brand fanatics, with retailers buying into their customers by giving them the power to add something to the product. They’re listening to their biggest fans and critics and offering a degree of control. Customers are invited to put energy, love and passion into personalisation and, in turn, this creates a deeper brand understanding and commitment. It’s that sense of co-creation — a partnership between brand and customer. The personalisation process also offers valuable market insight. It’s almost a constant research project that shows the current wants and needs of a customer and clearly demonstrates their likes and dislikes. This can be used to influence future product development. Of course, there are some pitfalls to a bespoke approach. I was recently in the shoe department of a high-end fashion retailer. Out of all the shoes on display, two were available for personalisation. A customer wanted to take advantage of this and became irritated when she was told that she would have to wait 60 days for her bespoke pair. This story highlights one of the main problems for personalisation: it doesn’t translate that well to the high street.
Nike ID thrives in its online environment, but one of the major differences between the online and high street shopping experience is that physical stores are meant to provide instant gratification for customers. I’m a firm believer that bricks and mortar stores can offer a different kind of personalisation, creating a unique selling point to stand out against online rivals. It can be achieved by ensuring store teams are efficient listeners, and are empowered and knowledgeable enough to provide a tailored experience. It can be an experience that makes the customer feel in control in a different way. There’s huge value in conversation with advisors and store colleagues who are generally motivated to offer something special for their customers and help them find the dress or the book. As each customer journey is unique, there will be shoppers who actually don’t care about personalisation at all and focus on other factors such as price. However, there will always be customers who want control over the little things. Retailers require a higher degree of understanding as to what their customers want. Personal relationships are very important but remember that it isn’t just about offering increased choice; it’s just as much about putting the customer in control.
www.20.20.co.uk 45
products
FLOORING + SURFACES Parapan Parapan, the quality high-gloss acrylic, is an increasingly popular choice for contemporary installations in retail and commercial markets due to its endless design possibilities. Available in 17 colours, Parapan’s comprehensive palette range offers a brilliance and depth of colour that is UV stable and will never fade. Here, Cappuccino Parapan, with its mirror-like surface, has been used to create a dramatic panel to a serving counter for a hospitality business, contrasting perfectly with solid oak surfaces. T. +44 (0)1482 440 680 E. info@parapan.co.uk www.parapan.co.uk Twitter: LandauParapan
Forbo Flooring HemingwayDesign and Forbo have collaborated on a new line of distinctive, graphic designs, inspirational for all sectors. HemingwayDesign X Forbo plays with pattern and shape, by placing an emphasis on the floor as a surface for graphic art and geometric design. There are eight attractive and carefully considered design options, encompassing Tessera carpet tiles, bespoke vinyl, Marmoleum and Forbo’s flocked Flotex. T. +44 (0)1773 744 121 E: info.flooring.uk@forbo.com www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/hemingwaydesign Twitter: ForboFlooringUK
Polyflor Luxury vinyl tiles from Polyflor’s hardwearing and design-led Expona range have been chosen by high street optician, Vision Express to create a fresh and contemporary look for its new store in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire. Two designs from the Expona Commercial PUR collection were chosen for the store at Brookfield Retail Park and were installed by flooring contractor, Floortec. A mix of wood and stone effect designs were used on the shop floor, with a large square of the Warm Grey Concrete design placed in the middle of the room, surrounded with the Grey Limed Oak wood effect shade. This grey oak design was also fitted throughout the eye testing suites at the back of the store. The Expona Commercial luxury vinyl tile collection features 55 eye-catching wood, stone and effects design options for use in heavy commercial environments such as the retail sector. T. +44 (0)161 767 1111 E. info@polyflor.com www.polyflor.com Twitter: Polyflorltd
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Moduleo Accountancy firm, BDO has revamped the 122 sq m restaurant at its Dublin office with luxury vinyl flooring from Moduleo. The concept was designed by Studio Trench Design, which opted for the Concrete 40945 from Moduleo’s Transform collection, as a result of the product’s advanced durability and unprecedented design. The Click system in particular was perfect to apply over the restaurant’s existing wooden floor, as it allowed the project to be completed much more efficiently. The flooring is slip resistant, easy to clean, and scuff and stain resistant. T. +44 (0)1332 851 500 E. salesuk@moduleo.com www.moduleo.co.uk Twitter: ModuleoUK
products
Johnson Tiles The new organic themed ranges by Johnson Tiles use the very latest in manufacturing and design technology to replicate every tiny detail found in these earthy materials — from irregularities in shade and tone to texture and size. Pictured is Bergen, a fresh new take on the woodgrain trend. This ceramic glazed wall tile is available in six natural palette colours, including Light Cane, Driftwood, Auburn Teak, White Ash, Silver Birch and Grey Ebony. It is designed to be mixed and matched together. T. +44 (0)1782 575 575 E: info@johnson-tiles.com www.johnson-tiles.com Twitter: JohnsonTiles
Ceramiche Refin The royal palaces of the XVII and XVIII centuries are the main inspiration for the Chevron collection from Ceramiche Refin, featuring ceramic tile chevron parquet of 150cm x 37.5cm, also known as Point de Hongrie, that can be fitted easily to create a classic interior flooring. The laying technique enhances the shading of this ceramic material, expressing the pleasant warm naturalness of wood textures, that also reflect changing light. These features make Chevron ideal for home interiors or public areas like museums, hotels, restaurants and design studios where traditional wood flooring may have once been used. T. +39 0522 990499 E: info@refin.it www.refin-ceramic-tiles.com Twitter: CeramicheRefin
Karndean Designflooring Karndean Designflooring has released its updated interactive Commercial Floorstyle tool for architects and interior designers looking for inspiration online. Mobile and tablet friendly, www. karndean.com/commercialfloorstyle is a one-stop, online design lounge for architects, interior designers and contractors to use when sourcing flooring at the point of specification. T. +44 (0)1386 820 104 E. commercial@karndean.co.uk www.karndean.com/commercialfloorstyle Twitter: KarndeanFloors
Armourcoat Armourcoat Rusteel has won the NAS (National Association of Shopfitters) Design Partnership Product of the Year Award 2015. The Rusteel finish offers an authentic rusted iron or patina effect, creating an aged, weather-beaten, metal surface. This time-worn finish, similar to weathering (or Corten) steel, is created from a water-based paint with metal particles that naturally tarnish when activated. A sealer coat is used once the desired effect is achieved and provides a further protective layer. T. +44 (0)1732 460 668 E: sales@armourcoat.co.uk www.armourcoat.com Twitter: Armourcoat
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products
LIGHTING Sylvania Sylvania now offers the widest range of dimmable and non-dimmable LED lamps available on the European market. With 53 lamps in the range, the ToLEDo Retro portfolio offers LED lamps for all possible needs, By introducing dimming capabilities to its hugely popular ToLEDo Retro range of LED lamps, Sylvania, by international lighting manufacturer Havells Sylvania, now offers the most comprehensive range currently available. ToLEDo Retro lamps offer up to 90 per cent energy savings over conventional alternatives, and are an exact retrofit of incandescent and halogen lights, replicating the look and feel of traditional light sources. T. +44 (0)800 440 2478 E. info.uk@havells-sylvania.com www.havells-sylvania.com Twitter: HavellsSylvania
Display Lighting Display Lighting is celebrating 15 years of manufacturing and supplying specialist lighting systems for retail display applications. The company’s key objective has always been to assist retailers to display merchandise in the best light with the ultimate goal to increase sales. Since the company was founded, the in-house product design team has created an enviable selection of specialist lighting products to suit any display application utilising the latest technology, including LED lighting. T. +44 (0)161 207 3355 E. sales@display-lighting.com www.display-lighting.com Twitter: DisplayLighting
LED Eco Lights An installation of Bright Goods LED filament lamps has helped the Kitchen Table achieve energy savings of more than 70 per cent at its newly opened dining ‘theatre’. It was important for Michelin-starred James Knappett and his wife Sandia Chang, who manages the restaurant, to incorporate lighting that would enhance the overall ambience of the unique experience and they opted for the Victoria LED filament lamp from the Bright Goods range. T. +44 (0)845 218 3786 E. sales@ledecolights.com www.ledecolights.com Twitter: Goodlight_LED
Reggiani Lighting Reggiani Lighting has supplied two of its prime luminaires for the new Harvey Nichols concept store at The Mailbox in Birmingham. More than 800 large Reggiani YORI luminaires incorporating 30W LEDs were selected in black for a wide range of areas across the store, including womenswear, menswear, perfumery, lingerie and swimwear and shoe departments. They are fitted onto pre-existing tracks and placed within black channels to blend seamlessly with the dark ceiling design. PJC specified the large YORI luminaire in white for the lingerie and swimwear department with the fittings, once again, secured on pre-existing tracks but within white ceiling slots against a white ceiling. The extended and luxurious changing room space utilises Reggiani’s Trybeca round recessed luminaires using 8W LEDs. T. +44 (0)20 8236 3000 E: sales@reggiani.co.uk www.reggiani.net Twitter: reggianilight
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products
PROJECTS DORMA DORMA has supplied a comprehensive door package for the recently renovated Bishop Centre in Buckinghamshire, including its ST FLEX Green energy saving automatic sliding doors. Designed by 3D Reid Architects and from developer Land Securities, the Bishop Centre features a high-end structural glazing system, which forms a key part of the external building envelope. The door package was installed by Vitrine Systems, and complemented the centre’s extensive Pilkington Planar glazed frontage to create a large expanse of contemporary facade. T. +44 (0)1462 477 600 E. info@dorma-uk.co.uk www.dorma.com Twitter: DORMAUK
Prater Prater has recently delivered the external cladding and roofing works at independent film hub and visual arts centre Home in First Street, Manchester. Prater was appointed by main contractor Wates in a contract worth £2.5 million to deliver the roofing and cladding package for Home. Prater’s in-house team contributed towards the design of the glazing and curtain walling in the prefabrication stages to help ensure the system allowed for building movement and live loads. T. +44 (0)1737 772 331 E: enquiries@prater.co.uk www.prater.co.uk Twitter: praterltd
arken P-O-P arken P-O-P has transformed the customer experience journey for The Perfume Shop, as part of a major ongoing store refurbishment programme. The Perfume Shop briefed arken to design and produce premium merchandising displays, on par with modern department stores in terms of quality solutions, in readiness for the launch of its new concept store recently opened in Bluewater Shopping Centre. arken’s display solutions have adopted The Perfume Shop’s new ‘open sell’ philosophy, designed to provide an improved shopping experience for the customer and elevated proposition for the brand. The three modular island units feature light boxes with built-in housing for AVs, acrylic insets with interchangeable headers and graphics, wooden base drawers, and adjustable glass shelving that incorporates both back and side illumination to showcase hero products. T. +44 (0)1638 565 656 E. info@arken-pop.com www.arken-pop.com Twitter: arkenPOP
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Futura Retail Solutions Max 99p has selected the Futura EPOS and head office retail management system to provide a fast, flexible and robust retail solution capable of supporting staff in store and at head office as the brand grows. Key factors for choosing Futura included strong sector experience, an easy to use yet functionally rich EPOS solution, which is quick to deploy, combined with in-depth access to the management information and reporting that is so essential for a young, dynamic and fast moving business. T. +44 (0)1189 841 925 E. sales@futurauk.com www.futura4retail.co.uk Twitter: Futura_retail
Visit us at MAPIC
The Prague Outlet will be the first premium outlet in the Czech Republic. Entirely different concept from any other outlet centre in Central and Eastern Europe, with exclusive luxury and designer brand mix, and picturesque Prague architecture.
www.thepragueoutlet.com
151015 inzerce.indd 1
15. 10. 2015 15:34:09
products
VM + DISPLAY Visplay The new Kimea P/L shopfitting system by Visplay is elegantly equipped with an invisible power supply. It enables easy use of lighting and modern media and is ideal for a multi-functional retail architecture. Kimea P/L can be used on furniture-like structures without rear panels, for greater transparency and a feeling of openness and space. Kimea P/L offers more freedom for your merchandising display. T. +49 (0) 7621 77 00 20 00 E. info@visplay.com www.visplay.com
Doro Tape UK For its new autumn collection window displays, LK Bennett specified one of the LG self-adhesive decorative films supplied by Doro Tape UK and commissioned Tenn to oversee the project. This particular film had been spotted on the Doro Tape UK stand at Retail Design Expo last March. The display consisted of dark wood plinths and picture frame partitions with the LG Gold Textured film chosen to centre the frame. The structure was supported using copper water piping giving a classic look with a modern twist to the whole display. LK Bennett was so impressed that it has asked Tenn to design its Christmas shop displays, once more incorporating the LG film from Doro Tape UK. T. +44 (0)1858 431 642 E: sales@dorotape.co.uk www.dorotape.co.uk Twitter: doro_tape
Andy Thornton When furnishing its Oxford Street store in London, Debenhams turned to retail display specialist Andy Thornton to showcase its new Mantaray women’s collection. Andy Thornton supplied a French farmhouse table in antique white with a reclaimed pine top and matching benches, both from the Urban Vintage collection. These provide plenty of space to display the neatly folded tops, shoes and accessories. Andy Thornton also supplied an apothecary display unit, painted a warm apple green, which creates a useful space with shelves to display props and accessories. T. +44 (0)1422 376 000 E. email@andythornton.com www.andythornton.com Twitter: andythorntonltd
Universal Display Artisan is a collection of hand-crafted busts and mannequin forms available from Universal Display. The range comes in various combinations of media including metal, wood, fibreglass and papier-mâché. The mannequins and forms are covered in Calico that has been hand-stitched and carefully aged to give an authentic vintage feel. T. +44 (0)20 8206 5010 E. info@universaldisplay.co.uk www.universaldisplay.co.uk Twitter: UDisplay
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products
selection Nortek Global HVAC HVAC specialist Nortek Global HVAC has introduced a new range of air curtains for applications where the aesthetic appearance of the system is particularly important to the end user and/or space above the door is limited. The Airbloc ACV Series minimises heat loss through open doors and is designed for use in exclusive shops, headquarters office buildings, hotel lobbies, golf clubs, conference centres and large glass-fronted structures. The three models in the range have a heating capacity of 16.2kW - 34.6kW and deliver a powerful airflow (up to 5,100m3/hour), yet are quiet to operate. T. +44 (0)1384 489 700 E. ambiradsales@nortek.com www.ambirad.co.uk Twitter: AmbiRad
Kee Safety The Kee Klamp range of tubular fittings from Kee Safety provides the ideal combination of retail form and function, helping to store and display products effectively whilst creating an attractive, contemporary, urban styling for stores. Kee Klamp can be used to quickly and easily build a wide variety of tubular structures for front and back of store applications in a choice of different and easily adjustable configurations. These include clothing racks and rails, window displays, product shelving, store furniture, in-store kiosks and frames for mirrors, artwork and graphic panels, etc. T. +44 (0)1384 632 188 E. sales@keesafety.com www.keesafety.co.uk Twitter: KeeSafetyLtd
Zytronic Telefonica-owned South American communications network Movistar is rolling out Zytronic Projected Capacitive (PCAP) touch sensors to deliver an exciting interactive multimedia experience at stores and kiosks in South America. PX Group, a regional interactive retail specialist, designed the store layouts and kiosks, and is building the hardware. PX Group created a completely new concept for flagship Movistar stores featuring a touch video wall with three 50in or 46in touch screens allowing customers to browse while they are waiting, as well as a kiosk with a full product catalogue using a 40in screen. The design for the store and all the hardware were created by PX Group, and all the screens are implemented using Zytronic’s latest, rollable ZYFILM Multi-touch Projected Capacitive Technology (MPCT). T. +44 (0)191 414 5511 E. info@zytronic.co.uk www.zytronic.co.uk Twitter: Zytronic
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Tensator Technology Centre Tensator Technology Centre has worked with HP’s Specialty Printing Systems (SPS) group to develop the technology behind an innovative new beauty experience. Fingernails2Go is a self-service digital nail art kiosk that prints intricate designs and patterns onto fingernails or a full set of artificial nails in just seconds. Customers can choose from up to 10,000 designs ranging from floral patterns to abstract art and iconic images. They can even use the kiosk’s in-built digital camera to capture their own image. T. +351 211 991 510 E. info-techcentre@tensator.com www.tensator-techcentre.com
Save Time & Money through Emulation A challenging budget doesn’t have to limit your choice of materials or finishes - get the look you want and save with Novograf emulations. We can emulate slate, wood, tiles (as shown) bricks, marble - in fact, any hard or soft material you can think of. That’s because at Novograf we know anything imagined is possible. Novograf emulated materials look like the ‘real thing’ and they save money because they are designed for rapid installation. Our durable, semi-flexible, self-adhesive Lamigraf and Digigraf products can be easily customised to look like almost anything you can imagine.
Let’s talk
about how easily we can create an emulation for you. Contact us today on 01355 900100 or hello@novograf.co.uk.
Novograf v3 20/7/15
www.novograf.co.uk
digital display
focus on: digital display Drive engagement Following the proliferation of touch in consumer tech, ONELAN has introduced a range of commercial grade all-in-one digital displays that bring together the LCD, touchscreen and media player in one device. Ranging from 7in-21.5in, these devices are ideal for mechanising and interactive product guides at the shelf edge or on the shop floor. The smaller, more intimate displays are designed for one-to-one interaction, which is often more inviting to consumers. ONELAN’s Integrated Player Display range can be used in various applications but are ideally suited to high value products such as premium cosmetics, fashion, alcohol, consumer tech, banking and even car dealerships.
According to Signstix, 63 per cent of people report that digital signage catches their attention and 84 per cent of UK retailers believe digital signage creates significant brand awareness. With the importance of digital displays in mind, we take a look at a variety of solutions, from Hard Rock Cafe’s memorabilia displays to Shell’s in-store digital signage to promote third party advertising.
www.onelan.com
Flexible friend Samsung’s display technologies enhance the customer and employee experience through clearer picture quality and visible and impactful message presentation, generating new opportunities for revenue and productivity. The company offers a flexible line-up, including indoor and outdoor LED signage, ergonomic business monitors, and versatile television-andsignage-hybrid displays.
www.samsung.com
Sign of the times Shell is harnessing an in-store digital signage network by BrightSign to boost non-fuel sales, working alongside digital media partner Linova in Turkey. The network, which promotes Shell’s own offers and carries paid third party advertising, is currently installed in 400 Shell petrol stations in Turkey and is being rolled out in more than 1,000 locations nationwide.
www.brightsign.biz
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digital display
All in one Pyramid Computer has launched polytouch 55 4K, the world’s first all-in-one, multi-touch system with UHD display. The latest member of the polytouch product line offers a totally new dimension of user experience thanks to its ultra-high definition display (UHD). This solution delivers maximum image brilliance (3840px x 2160px) and is equipped with high-end touch technology that ensures maximum touch accuracy.
www.pyramid-computer.com
Packing a punch NEC Display Solutions Europe has added two large format videowall displays — the NEC MultiSync X555UNS and the NEC MultiSync X555UNV — to its powerful 24/7 video wall solutions portfolio. Both 55in displays are ideal for scenarios such as retail advertising and Digital Out-of-Home, where enhanced visual experiences greatly impact customer engagement and business results.
www.nec-display-solutions.com
Rock on As part of a tribute to The Beatles, Hard Rock Café in Orlando wanted a solution that would create the wow factor in a bustling environment. Crystal Display Systems supplied a 21.5in full HD transparent showcase with some sneakers and an Abbey Road sign inside. High contrast effective black and white content plays over the memorabilia, alongside The Beatles’ iconic Help track playing in time to the content.
www.crystal-display.com
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Hunter Flagship by Checkland Kindleysides
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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
Bespoke Display
Bespoke Display
Brochure Holders
Design Consultancies
Design Consultancies
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.
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.
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: 0 01422 310767 E: sales@wbelland.com W: www.wbelland.com
T: 0161 477 8501 E: info@ipos-design.co.uk W: www.ipos-design.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/iposdesign
T: +44 (0)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
With over 30 years of experience providing magnetic media for retail applications, we are your perfect partner with the largest range of wide format printable magnetic sheet and wide format DigiFilm® Ferrous Media.
T: 0114 244 1171 E: sales@anchormagnets.com W: www.anchormagnets.com
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
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………
Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry.
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: 01273 582241 E: info@d-i-a.net W: www.d-i-a.net S. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin
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
T: 0333 123 0345 E: Sales@ways2display.com W www.artillus.com Web: www.ways2display.com
Literature Display Solutions
POP/POS
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 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)1473 229250 E: sales@brochureholders.co.uk W: www.brochureholders.com
Maintenance
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.
T 01922 455523 E: info@aircontrol.co.uk W: www.aircontrol.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/AirControl123
T: +44 (0)161 681 1371 E: info@axiom-displays.co.uk W: www.axiom-displays.co.uk
POP/POS
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. T: 0161 477 8501 E: info@ipos-design.co.uk W: www.ipos-design.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/iposdesign
POP/POS
From small, lightweight point-of-sale display turntables for short term use, to larger turntables designed for durability and reliability over many years, Movetech UK has a turntable to meet your needs.
T: 01204 537680 E: display@movetechuk.com W:www.movetechuk.com S. www.twitter.com/movetechuk
POP Install
100% provides services in the UK & Europe covering: • • • • • •
Display Installation POS Updates & Maintenance Store Audits Transport & Warehousing Project Management Online Reporting
T: +44 (0)161 929 9599 E: dan.williams@100percentgroup.com W: www.100percentgroup.com S. www.twitter.com/ 100percentgroup
Retail Consultancy
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
Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights *Aluminium slatwall *Perimeter Sections *Corner sections *Design and bespoke service.
Slatwall
MicroSlat is a strong versatile 25mm fine pitched aluminium slatwall system. With a bespoke range of components it can be used to build unique and interesting displays or add value to existing designs.
T. 01325 351 276 E. sales@microslat.com W. www.microslat.com S. www.twitter.com/MicroSlat
VM
MTFX Winter Effects artificial display snow range includes all you need to give your displays the crispness of a winter setting or the chill of a frosty Christmas.
T: 01452 729903 E: info@mtfx.com W: www.mtfx.com
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
Brad Hurter is CEO and co-founder of CDS Group, a retail interior design, manufacture, shopfitting and maintenance company that is celebrating its 10th anniversary. He established CDS in 2005 after a career in the construction industry and boasts a client list that includes Nike, Asics, Arcadia, Lego and Samsung. RF. What drew you to a career in retail design? BH. My career began in the construction industry, which then led me into the retail design sector. I enjoy the challenges that you face bringing a good retail design together. To be cost effective, inspiring and practical is no easy feat when considering retail design, but when done well it’s always hugely rewarding. CDS Group is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. How has RF. the interior design of stores developed over the last decade? BH. Retail design is like fashion — things come in and go out all the time. In my opinion, the only thing that has changed dramatically over the last 10 years is the use of more complex materials, which in turn allows the boundaries of design and creativity to be pushed in all aspects of retail interiors. For example, take the customisation of plastic sheeting. From wood and brick to concrete and glitter, the effects now available for us when using plastic sheeting for shelving is impressive and it allows us to create store environments that are both impactful and unique. RF. What’s been your most ambitious project to date? BH. That’s a tough one, but I’d say the Levi’s flagship store that we completed in Regent Street, London. Levi’s approached us to realise a totally unique store concept, with factory-inspired architecture. CDS took ownership of all processes involved in delivering this beautiful store, from enabling works and fixture manufacture to sourcing reclaimed and authentic furniture, flooring and decoration for the all-important finishing touches. Merging the boundaries between the ‘industrial look’ and ‘new’ was a challenge. Now of course it’s being done everywhere, but at the time it was pioneering. RF. What interiors are you currently working on? BH. We‘re currently working with the luxury boutique hotel chain, Nikki Beach to provide a new concept design for all 12 of its hotel boutiques located all over the world. We’re not typically known for working with an international leisure brand such as Nikki Beach, so we’ve been able to gain a lot from the experience. Here in the UK, we’re continuing to roll out shop-in-shops for Dixons Carphone across Currys and PC World stores. It’s an exciting time to be involved in such a fast-moving roll-out, and by the end of 2015 we hope to have fitted out over 100 stores for the electronic giants. There are of course many other brands that we’re proud to call our clients
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— from The Range to Samsung — and we’re looking forward to working with many other new retailers in 2016. RF. Who or what inspires you? BH. All ambitious people in any walk of life inspire me. I also take inspiration from well-thought-out executions of a space, fixture or project which challenge what consumers, and indeed the industry, know and expect from retailers. In such a fast-paced industry there’s inspiration all around us. Take, for example, the Audi City store in London’s Piccadilly, which features innovative interactive technology to allow customers to personalise a car in photorealistic 3D using real-time render technology. As well as adding the wow factor, it’s also very practical as the concept can be rolled out with a smaller footprint, as it doesn’t need the huge space to show multiple car options. It’s game-changing concepts like these that inspire me. RF. What are your views on the bricks and clicks debate? Are retailers doing enough to get footfall through their doors? BH. I believe retail bricks will never go away. People enjoy shopping and browsing stores — it’s an experience that clicks will never be able to compete with. Though there’s certainly a place for clicks in today’s industry as it attracts last minute purchases and items that don’t need much consideration, it will never surpass the personal and memorable experience that a store can provide today’s consumers. RF. What’s next for CDS Group? BH. Over the last 10 years we’ve achieved a great deal; we’ve grown into a multi-million pound business, established a state-of-the art manufacturing factory facility and launched the award-winning visual merchandising agency, Lucky Fox, so we’re excited for what the next 10 years will bring! We’ll continue to evolve our business but at the heart of what we do will always be offering a high standard of service, something all our clients have come to expect from my team.
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