Retail Focus 118 by Retail Focus

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STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN Browns new Mayfair Flagship is a place to discover, dream and play

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CONTENTS

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COVER IMAGE

19 NESPRESSO CELEBRATING - NETWORKING - WINNING

a night like no other

14 BROWNS

22 Hermès

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News

Project Focus

30UCB 33-35

Hermès

14-17

Project Focus

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Browns

19-20

Project Focus Nespresso

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Digital Signage

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Project Focus

Feature Shop floor experience

Ribble Cycles

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Feature

United Colors of Benetton

14th OCTOBER 2021 PROUD, LONDON

Q&A Clara Delmuns, Desigual

How to support staff with cancer Did you know that an estimated one in three people with cancer in the UK are of working age? Research by Macmillan Cancer Support found that 87% of people who are working at diagnosis say it’s important to them to keep doing so.1 The effect of cancer and its treatment on someone’s ability to work can vary widely. Some people keep working, and others may need time off or may need to leave work completely. The impact of cancer After treatment, many people recover well and can go back to their normal working life. But having the illness and recovering from it can have a big physical and emotional impact. Employers need to consider how they can support people to return to work and support them over time. You may not think of cancer as a long-term condition, but some treatments leave people with long-term side effects. For example, they may experience fatigue for months and sometimes years. After breast surgery, they may have pain in their arm. They may need to use the toilet more often if they’ve had bladder or bowel cancer treatment.

Keep the conversation going Macmillan found that one in ten people with cancer employed when diagnosed felt the need to cover up cancer symptoms, like fatigue and sickness, at work.2 So it’s important for line managers to keep talking to employees to make sure they are getting the support they need and know that it’s ok to ask for it. Legal obligations Cancer is classed as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. That means employers are required to make reasonable adjustments to make it easier for someone with cancer to work. Support for employers Macmillan at Work offers workplace training, guidance and resources to help managers and HR professionals feel confident and equipped to support employees affected by cancer. Find out more about how our expertise can help you. Sign up at macmillan.org.uk/atwork Email us at workandcancer@macmillan.org.uk Or call us on 020 7840 4725

1, 2 YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,507 respondents who were in work when diagnosed with cancer. Fieldwork was undertaken between 29/06/2018 – 22/07/2018. The survey was carried out online. Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. Printed on sustainable materials. Please recycle. MAC15903_10.19

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11/11/2019 16:29

LEADER

welcome

#118

After what seemed like a very long three-and-a-half months, shops across the UK are finally welcoming back customers, as Covid-19 rules were eased to allow non-essential retail to reopen. Hopefully, this is the last time that retailers will be forced to close their doors, with the vaccine roll-out going well and all of the lines on the government’s charts going in the right direction. The improving situation also means we can start to look forward to returning to physical industry events when other restrictions are, hopefully, relaxed in the summer. The Creative Design & Display Connections event in September and the Creative Retail Awards in October are both set to go ahead, and we look forward to catching up with many of you later in the year! For the moment, there’s still plenty of exciting new developments in retail, both in the UK and further afield. In this issue, we have an early look at the brand new Browns Brook Street flagship boutique in the heart of London’s Mayfair, which Browns chair Holli Rogers describes as “magical”. There is also a behind-the-scenes look at Nespresso’s new flagship boutique in Vienna, which has been designed to inspire and excite shoppers with a whole host of interactive and informative in-store features. Elsewhere on the continent, we get an insight into how Parisian architecture agency RDAI transformed a listed building for luxury brand Hermès, while Massimo Renon, CEO of United Colors of Benetton, takes us inside a new store concept in Florence, Italy. We also have expert analysis from Hilary Bradley, Client Services Director at Undercurrent on how to treat the shop floor as an experience hub, while leading brands from the digital signage sector set out how this form of media looks set to play a major role in retail’s revival. Enjoy this issue and see you back on the high street!

EDITOR

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EVENTS

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CREATIVE RETAIL AWARDS

Proud Embankment, London, UK 14 October 2021

The Creative Retail Awards recognise and reward excellence in retail. Moving away from the traditional awards ceremony the Creative Retail Awards offer a night full of exuberance. The Awards span a number of disciplines, including store design, Visual Merchandising, inspired technology, Omni-channel innovations, bar and restaurant design, shopfitting and much more. The Awards will be judged by a panel of industry leaders and experts. creativeRawards Open for eNTRIES/TICKETS at www.creativeretailawards.com

ISE 2021 Barcelona, Munich Amsterdam, London

Virtual Interiors Virtual Event 14-16 SEPTEMBER 2021

CONNECTIONS BOUNCE, LONDON 23 SEPTEMBER 2021

ISE Digital and ISE Live elements will integrate to bring the industry together in a safe and richly rewarding way. Whether joining online or inperson at a regional event, attendees can expect inspiring content from innovation leaders, meaningful networking opportunities and the latest technologies

Virtual Interiors will enable us all to source, communicate and interact with the industry in a virtual world during a 3-day event accessible on any platform and device. You can view and engage with product launches, Showroom and factory video presentations, products and services, all never seen before on a global scale.

Creative Design & Connections provides an element of fun and networking as well as one-to-one meetings. The quirky setting of Bounce Old Street, London, will let suppliers and buyers soak up the atmosphere, play some ping-pong and enjoy networking drinks and food after the one-to-one meetings have taken place.

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CREATIVE RETAIL AWARDS LAST CHANCE TO ENTER - DEADLINE 30 APRIL WWW.creativeretailawards.com 08

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news

NEWS

Anya Hindmarch to launch destination for experiences, collaborations and exhibitions The Village, launching on Monday, 17th May 2021, is the realisation of a long-held dream by Anya Hindmarch, one of Britain’s most successful designers. The Village will be a collection of five neighbouring Anya Hindmarch stores located just off Cadogan’s Sloane Street, which is the original home of the Brand. It will be the destination for Brand experiences, collaborations and exhibitions, all of which will be amplified digitally. It will also be the home for all the Brands collections. Anya Hindmarch says: “I feel that the next ten years are going to be about ‘localisation’ not ‘globalisation’ and it feels so right to return to the Brand’s roots here on the Cadogan Estate and to realise my dream of The Village. If retail is to exist in a digital world, there needs to be a reason to visit.” RF

Amazon to open hair salon in UK to trial latest technology Amazon is cutting into the hair styling sector with the opening of its own salon in the UK. The bricks-and-mortar “experiential” venue is launching in London’s Spitalfields, on Brushfield Street, as a showcase for new products and the latest industry technology. This includes augmented reality hair consultations to virtually test out a new hair colour, as well as point-and-learn technology where customers can point at a product of interest, and more information about it will appear on a screen. People will also be able to order products directly from Amazon by scanning QR codes displayed along shelves. Set over two floors and taking up more than 1,500 square feet, Amazon Salon will initially be available to Amazon staff only but will take bookings from the general public “in the coming weeks”. Amazon said there are there are “no current plans” to expand the concept to other locations.

NEWS

Gap Kids pop-up ‘The Little Boutique’ launches in LONDON American clothing and accessories retailer Gap have announced the opening of ‘The Little Boutique’, a pop-up GapKids shop located in Westfield, White City. The pop-up will sell clothing and gifts for babies and toddlers (0-5 years), and include many exclusive products not available in other Gap stores. The space will also include a whileyou-wait customisation station. Here you can add an embroidered name or fun monogram to the items you purchase, making for a truly meaningful gift. The little boutique opened on the 12th of April and will run until 31st of May. RF

McArthurGlen opens £160M shopping destination near birmingham Located just 30-minutes from Birmingham, Designer Outlet West Midlands provides customers with one of the country’s finest open-air retail and leisure experiences, offering up to 80 iconic brands in its first phase with year-round savings of up to 60 per cent. Underlining the centre’s excellent fashion offer is a collection of sought-after international brand partners, including Coach, Kate Spade, Hugo Boss, Levi’s, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Calvin Klein, Ted Baker, Reiss, Kurt Geiger, Gant, Radley and Joules. Completing the line-up of leading names in sportswear and athleisure are Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Asics and Skechers, while Wagamama, Starbucks and Five Guys are the first much-loved food and beverage brands to open, with their restaurants overlooking the Mill Green Nature Reserve. RF

NEWS

Creative Design & Display Connections launched The organisers behind the Creative Retail Awards have launched the inaugural Creative Design & Display Connections (CDDC) meet the buyer event. To be held in September 2021 at Bounce Old Street in London, the event consists of 14 pre-matched one-to-one meetings between buyers and suppliers over the course of the day. With Supplier

entry from just £1,750 + VAT, the event could provide the highest ever ROI for companies at this difficult trading period. Approved delegates receive free entry plus two complimentary tickets to the world renowned Creative Retail Awards taking place in October. Visit www.cddconnections.com

Homebase goes big on going small Homebase has ramped up the rollout of its small-format stores with the opening of a new high street shop in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey. In a show of its belief in the future of the British high street, Homebase has added a Kitchens by Homebase to an existing Bathstore showroom and taken on neighbouring units which include a DECORATE by Homebase and the retailer’s first small-format Homebase store, offering a range of home and garden essentials.

Creative Retail Awards postpone ceremony until 14th OCTOBER 2021. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and for the safety and enjoyment of all participants, the organisers have decided to postpone the upcoming Creative Retail Awards ceremony until 14th October 2021. The Creative Retail Awards are truly unique in their blend of celebration, networking and entertainment. Following government guidelines there is significant doubt that large scale indoor events will be able to operate in June, even with social distancing observed. Since their inception, the Creative

Retail Awards have always been an experience led occasion with their characteristic twist on conventional Award ceremonies, and the organisers strongly feel if they are unable to provide the highest quality event it will do a disservice to all entrants, their projects and those attending. With a truly worldwide audience, the Awards attract attendees from all over EMEA and North America who wish to celebrate the industry’s achievements which would not be possible in the current environment. RF

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PROJECT

Browns Mayfair, London

Browns will open its doors to Browns Brook Street, the new flagship boutique reimagined to celebrate the future of luxury physical retail. Browns Brook Street, located at 39 Brook Street in the heart of London’s Mayfair, is an enchanting destination designed to immerse you in a curated world of fashion, fine jewellery, food and culture. The move from their roots on South Molton Street, which first opened its doors in 1970, cements Browns as a purveyor of experiential retail, celebrating innovation and translating the brands pioneering spirit into new and exciting retail concepts that place emphasis on technology and the power of personal service. The flagship in Mayfair is an intuitive environment that blends service with technology to create a seamless and connected customer journey. It signifies Brown’s ongoing commitment to the human aspect of physical retail. Browns believe the flagship store brings the essence of the brand to life and creates personal connections with the community. Holli Rogers, Chair of Browns said: “I am thrilled to see us open our flagship, Browns Brook Street, as we kick off 2021. There is an overall feeling of optimism for this new year and I can’t think of a better way to honour our role in luxury fashion over the past five decades, as well as set the tone for our next 50 years by clearly placing our foot firmly in the future of luxury retail. “Our new magical home will inspire customers as well as usher in a fundamental shift in the way people shop as layered into this connected, tech-enabled experience is a thoughtful and human side – which is so crucial in the current landscape where personal and personalisation is pivotal. “At such an inflection point, it is incredible to see the reality of this store come to life in a revolutionary space, which blends the past and the future seamlessly. The space is truly sensorial; sight, sound, smell, taste and touch – offering a unique experience through each visit. The customer is truly at the core of what we do,

and we hope that our new home will be one that you never want to leave.” José Neves, Founder, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive of luxury fashion retail platform FARFETCH, also spoke highly of the new flagship boutique: “This is such an exciting milestone for Browns and for the FARFETCH vision for Luxury New Retail (LNR), which we believe is the future of retail. Our Farfetch Platform Solutions (FPS) and Store of the Future Teams have worked with Browns to bring FARFETCH’s state-of-the-art omni-channel retail technologies to the store to serve the changing needs of the luxury customer – both online and in this incredible physical space. “Browns has always been an innovative retailer and since we acquired the company in 2015 FARFETCH has worked together with the team to keep this spirit alive and pioneer new ways of engaging customers – both online and offline. The Brook Street store is a testament to the vision the team had of creating a physical space which could engage customers in new and enchanting ways.” Housed in a Grade II* listed building, the space offers a rich canvas to uniquely showcase the merging of the historical and the contemporary, a representation of what Browns has been renowned for since the beginning – bringing together established and next-generation talent. Set over four floors, the new space features a pioneering restaurant and an unexpected yet inviting courtyard, and celebrates the history of 39 Brook Street, which has been preserved yet modernised to perfectly imbue the Browns brand. Built in 1720, the heritage site located on the corner of Avery Row and Brook Street has had an illustrious history. Drawing on these historical aspects of the building and retaining some >>>>

PROJECT

of the site’s original grandeur, some areas have been left completely untouched, blending old decadence with a contemporary mood. Architecture and design studio, Dimorestudio led the design of Browns Brook Street to create an environment that retains the historical fabric whilst conveying the new vision established by Browns. Britt Moran and Emiliano Salci, the founders of Dimorestudio said, “We have delved into creating a space where the essential and clean line structures are juxtaposed to the existing fixtures. We were influenced by the artists Donald Judd, Carl Andre and Fausto Melotti. Thus, the metallic hanging structures in steel and iron reflecting on the black floor tiles. “Custom designed and handmade wallpaper depicting faded floral Victorian patterns contrast with the essential, clean cut lines of the furnishing and lights, such as the neon lamps by Eileen Gray, the Elettra chairs by Arflex and the Gino Sarfatti lamps with exposed bulbs. We wished to convey a contemporary, unfinished, and slightly minimalistic feel.” These intentional design choices, which restore original features, are paired with unexpected modernity; the space has been treated as a maison, utilising the central staircase and interconnected rooms to create rich and layered spaces lit with Dimorestudio-designed fixtures. Original floorboards are contrasted with monolithic modern structures, whilst exquisite hand-painted wallpapers preserve the colour and pattern of the original site. Moran and Salci continued: “Colour wise, we span from the gold of the painted bannister, with touches of paint on the wood steps, to the silver of the steel, and the black of the iron painted structures.” Reinforcing the joy in discovery and service, Browns Brook Street’s unique proposition offers a plethora of

personalised shopping experiences assisted by continuously evolving technological innovations, connected by FARFETCH, adding a rich new layer for the customer. These components seamlessly merge the digital and physical worlds creating a connected journey with the view to deliver exceptional customer experience and ensure a lasting connection with the Browns brand. Browns Customer Experience Director Lee Whittle said: “We don’t want to replicate what other brands do. What we do is instinctively Browns. With five decades of customer service both offline and online we are in a unique position to connect with our clients in a bespoke and tailored way through curated and one-of-a-kind shopping experiences all with service at the forefront.” Housing ‘The Club’ at the top floor provides a haven for our most valued customers and includes ‘The Parlour’, a bar and three personal shopping suites; Jimi, Joan and Nancy, paying homage to incredible residents of the past. After the success of the launch of the ‘Residencies’ programme online in October 2020, Browns Brook Street will also play home to the physical realisation of these experiences – exclusively at Browns. There is also a concierge which will facilitate services for clients. Browns Brook Street has been designed to perfectly complement the Shoreditch location and much like Browns East, has been tailored to work within the neighbourhood it resides in, which is a characteristic of the Browns Nomad initiative. Browns Brook Street is a destination that will support and fuel the future of experiential retail; familiar yet new and forward thinking, it’s a boutique that fuses product with culture and champions a conscious approach to fashion – expect something for lovers of food, art, design and architecture – as well as the Browns expertly curated edit. It’s beyond fashion. RF

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Nespresso Vienna, Austria

Nespresso launches a new flagship boutique, designed to inspire and excite shoppers with the stories and artistry behind some of the finest coffees in the world. The striking flagship boutique in Vienna, Austria includes a number of exciting innovations. One of these is a ‘Coffee Lab’, where customers can explore the stories and expertise behind Nespresso coffees, while a new Nespresso boutique allow visitors to learn about the different ways to prepare and enjoy coffee through a variety of brewing methods, including those beyond the Nespresso system. From summer 2021, the Vienna flagship will also introduce augmented reality (AR) experiences, with an immersive room enabling visitors to digitally interact faceto-face with top chefs or engage with coffee farmers taking part in the brand’s AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program. Piloting initially in Austria, with intentions to introduce the concept globally over the next five years, the new flagship boutique will bridge the gap between offline and online retail, delivering artistic, innovative and in-person brand experiences, alongside the highest standards in sustainable design. The new concept will complement other existing retail formats, catering to varying customer needs and shopping preferences. Jean-Christophe Jaunin, Global B2C Head at Nespresso, said: “Our boutiques play a key role in engaging consumers in the Nespresso brand universe. Even in the current context we strongly believe in the relevance and power of retail as a brand building channel, working in tandem with other channels such as e-commerce. “Consumers seek immersive shopping moments, personal interaction with experts and more human connections than ever. Our new flagship boutique concept will bring an elevated coffee experience to them, combining sensorial excitement, excellent customer service and inspiring exchanges with our coffee specialists to deliver unexpected and personalized experiences.”

PROJECT

An experience designed around five arts Placing a greater emphasis on the experience, Nespresso has defined five customer-focused arts that will be reflected in the new flagship: 1. Art of Design – An ambition to spark feelings and evoke emotions through beautiful aesthetics, materials and design. Within the Vienna flagship, Nespresso is also introducing café-inspired seating areas for sharing a coffee moment. 2. Art of Coffee Savoir-Faire – From tasting rituals and coffee masterclasses, to in-depth knowledge about the roasting and grinding of coffee beans, Nespresso will enable customer discovery of coffee aromas and origin taste characters. 3. Art of Sharing and Caring – Using storytelling to bring customers closer to Nespresso through a shared passion for coffee. Through local events and partnerships, the new flagship concept will provide a truly localized experience bringing those who love coffee and the Nespresso community together. 4. Art of Circularity – Showing visitors how Nespresso recycles its used aluminium capsules, upcycles and takes actions to preserve the planet’s resources through interactive dashboards and a dedicated Recycling Corner in the boutique, where customers will be able to return their used capsules. For the first time in a Nespresso boutique, refurbished coffee machines will also be sold. 5. Art of Hospitality – Focusing on a renewed commitment to excellent customer service and an experience in line with its hospitality heritage, Nespresso is ensuring that its spaces and people provide an inviting, warm atmosphere to enjoy coffee. The flagship boutique will also provide exclusive services such as gift engraving and product personalization. Elevating its retail approach to meet shopper’ evolving needs and expectations, Nespresso will feature inspiring elements from the five arts of the coffee universe across its established boutique network.

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Unique experiences that deepen local connections To make the flagship boutique uniquely local to its home city, giving visitors a curated experience not found anywhere else, Nespresso has introduced Viennese design and décor throughout. These include cushions based on designs of historic artist Josef Hoffmann, original lighting by iconic manufacturer WOKA, and skylights inspired by the architecture of the famous Palais Ferstel. This local approach also extends to the tastes and aromas that customers can enjoy. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy typical Viennese coffee recipes such as “Wiener Einspänner”, “Fiaker” or “Franziskaner”.

The highest standards in sustainable boutique design For the new flagship concept, Nespresso has collaborated with retail sustainability expert Quantum4 to ensure sustainable furniture design, such as seating areas or product exploration tables, sourced to reduce the carbon footprint and minimise overall environmental impact. In addition, the flagship boutique is BREEAM certified, the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for infrastructure and buildings. Nespresso’s unique direct-to-consumer model and omnichannel approach provides the brand with a distinctive opportunity to offer a seamless and personalised experience to customers. “Our direct-to-consumer model is unique in the coffee marketplace,” Jaunin said. “It allows us to deeply understand our customers’ preferences and needs, which enables us to serve them better. “Together with our digital channels and our call centres, we are able to cater to diverse customers’ shopping preferences and convenience needs. Leveraging the power of offline and online touchpoints enables us to meet our consumers where they are and where they want to shop, allowing us to build a seamless omni-channel approach.”

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PROJECT

Hermès PARIS, FRANCE The unique space is bathed in light and invites visitors to discover the diversity of Hermès objects in a revised Art Deco setting. To transform this listed building, the Parisian architecture agency RDAI interpreted the memory of water, playing on the complementarity of opposites, lines, colours and materials. Water and light thus inspire the shape of custom-woven rugs, the shimmering effect of a wall fabric, and the iridescent reflections of the surface of a wall. Ceramic tiles typical of the 1930s, made by ceramicists with exceptional know-how, embellish different areas of the store. Mosaics, terrazzo and floor tiles create a fresh and lightfilled colour palette of blues and greens, warmed with the cream and caramel notes of enamelled lava stone countertops and crackle lacquered wood shelves. Organic elements soften the rigour of the architecture. The three ash huts that rise towards the glass roof have been retained, as has the monumental staircase, both integral elements of this store’s identity, which first opened in 2010. With a retail space of more than 1,300sq m, it houses all 16 Hermès métiers. Upon entry, one is immersed in the women’s and men’s silk collections. In this vast entrance lit by Grecques lighting in decorative meanders designed for Hermès in 1925, silk scarves are displayed on the wooden slats that cover the walls and undulate towards the atrium. A little further on, a vast space dedicated to the new métier Hermès Beauty, perfumes and fashion jewellery collections leads to the café and the Chaîne d’encre bookshop, now brought together in a single area overlooking the former pool. Here, tables in ribbed glass and gold leaf combine with carbon fibre shelving to create a modern and welcoming atmosphere. >>>>

PROJECT

Heading downstairs and turning left, visitors will find the ready-to-wear and shoe collections for women and men, while bags and luggage and equestrian goods are set out on the right. The central hut presents objects for the home—the art de vivre, tableware and furniture collections—while the jewellery and watch collections are housed in the hut towards the back of the store. Upstairs, a warm, bright and airy salon offers a bird’seye view of the pool area. In the large windows overlooking Rue de Sèvres, the colourful collages by London-based artist Joe Cruz echo the atmosphere of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Inside the store, a colourful 120-metre-long fresco entitled L’Odyssée d’Hermès, designed by French artist Matthieu Cossé, unfurls around the walls. More than seventy works from the Émile Hermès collection, the house’s archives, and the Hermès collection of contemporary photographs also adorn the walls of the store. The Hermès store on Rue de Sèvres pays tribute to the house’s creativity and know-how and invites loyal customers and new visitors to enjoy a unique experience. It brings together the abundant collections and exceptional craftsmanship of the Parisian house in a one offsetting with a rive gauche spirit. RF

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S P E C T R U M

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rIBBLE CYCLES

RIBBLE VALLEY, UK A brand new bicycle retail proposition blending digital with the physical to create a unique, totally immersive and all-sensory consumer experience. Ribble, a digital first business and renowned bicycle manufacturer has opened a brand new destinational flagship showroom in the heart of the Ribble Valley, Lancashire. The 2,000sq ft state of the art showroom has been designed to showcase Ribble’s complete award-winning and critically acclaimed bicycle range and provides a brand new bicycle retail proposition blending digital with the physical to create a unique, totally immersive and allsensory consumer experience. The spacious flagship has been designed to individually showcase every bike in the Ribble range with a generous amount of space to allow the customer to interact with the bikes and appreciate the design in detail. Sense of space also expands to consumers being given control over their own environment with information immediately at their fingertips: dedicated product information is contained on digital display screens beside every bike on display, allowing the customer to truly experience the bike in action alongside key information including spec, geometry, pricing, FAQ’s and reviews. A knowledgeable, passionate and friendly team are also on-hand to answer any questions and assistance to select the perfect bike.

“We wanted to create a brand showcase which would define the future of cycle retailing and represent our worldclass credentials. Putting the Ribble brand experience in the heart of the Ribble Valley set amongst the most incredible riding routes directly from our doorstep was of paramount importance. From the moment you step into the showroom you will enter a truly immersive experience and it will completely challenge the notion of a traditional bike shop. I passionately believe that we have created a major step forward for retail standards and possibly the best bike shop in the world at launch.” States David Stacey, Commercial Director, Ribble Ribble’s proposition has reimagined retail, by personalising the physical in-store experience and combining with a digitally enabled environment to be paperless, efficient, engaging and constantly ‘live’ with the ability to refine in real time messaging and merchandising.

Other key showroom elements include:Europe’s largest indoor 4k video wall dramatically adding further brand enhancement, engagement and customer interaction. Ribble’s BikeBuilder tool which allows the customer to customise their builds with each and every componentry option on display in-store. >>>>

PROJECT

Further personalisation can be achieved with their Custom Colour option – the store includes a Custom Colour display featuring all the colours and finishes available. Every bike is then hand-built in the UK by one mechanic from start to finish and delivered to your door or available for click and collect. A signature scent has been created to use in store to further enhance the sensory experience. Andy Smallwood, Ribble’s CEO adds: “This exciting state of the art digitally focused showroom and brand retail proposition is the culmination of incredible work by the entire team at Ribble and whilst we have been trading since 1897 this absolutely represents our vision for the future of the Ribble business as we continue to innovate and disrupt the Cycling and Leisure markets on our way to becoming a truly world-class brand. This new flagship showroom showcases our significant investment and dedication to and vision for the brand’s future with the digital technology integrated into this physical proposition enhancing and complementing our industry leading online customer journey demonstrating the ambition and scale of our strategy”. The new flagship store also houses the Ribble Live virtual showroom team allowing customers from all around the world to speak with one of the experts via a live one-way video chat and to experience the store from the comfort of their own home. Starting this Summer the store will also become a location for Ribble events and activities including regular ride-outs, evening talks, technical ‘how to’ classes, screenings and Zwift events. Elements from the new flagship store will be built into more stores as the brand continues to increase the physical portfolio footprint. RF

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United Colors of Benetton Florence, ITALY

Benetton raises the curtains on a new store concept in Florence. Featuring intensive use of sustainable materials and state-of-the-art, energysaving technologies, this new location is a real trailblazer for a revolutionary approach to low environmental impact retail. The result of an intensive research and innovation effort, the new store is part of a major sustainability project that Benetton is carrying out to consolidate best practices, improve its environmental and social performance throughout the supply chain, and become a model for sustainable fashion – not only in Italy, but throughout the entire world. “The concept behind this store is unique in the world. It was developed to launch a new phase for our firm,” said Massimo Renon, Chief Executive of the Benetton Group. “It’s a project our company firmly believes in, a milestone on our path to becoming a global reference point in terms of sustainability, and in which Florence represents the symbol of a sustainable Rinascimento. “Benetton has always made courageous and cutting-edge choices in terms of social impact. We will continue in this tradition, with ever more determination and conviction.” The 160sq m, single floor boutique

makes abundant use of upcycled natural materials. The floor is made with gravel from the river Piave and waste wood from beech trees brought down by Vaia, a storm that hit the Italian Veneto region in 2018. The walls are treated with a mineral paint with antibacterial and anti-mold properties that can also reduce pollutants in the environment. The store interiors are made with new materials created from textile industry scrap. The perimeter platforms and bases of the display stands are made with a compound created from used buttons, which are difficult to dispose of, mixed in hydro-resin; recycled wool, in its raw wick state, is reused in the design of the perimeter lining and as decoration for the curtains of the dressing rooms; while the shelves, display bases and mannequins are made of ‘rossino’, a material created from upcycled, mixed textile fibres. The shop window displays make use of sustainable solutions that reduce the use of resources. Transparent panels fixed to the ceiling can be moved at will, creating a sort of theatrical backdrop that forms a connection between the store and the street. The windows are equipped with low environmental impact transparent LED

screens, which will feature content about product visuals, commercial information and communication. The Florence boutique is also a benchmark in terms of power consumption: the new shop uses 20% less energy than a standard store. A system based on tiny sensors, artificial intelligence and data analysis maximises the energy efficiency of the points of sale and guarantees comfort for the customer, for example by automatically adjusting store temperature based on the amount of people in the shop. Visitors to the store can choose from among the wide range of United Colors of Benetton sustainable garments in organic, recycled or Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) cotton, regenerated nylon, natural fibres such as linen, and other sustainable materials. Customers can then choose to take their purchases home in either washable, easily recyclable organic cotton bags or in paper bags made with materials sourced from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified forests. RF

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Aiding retail’s recovery with digital signage

FEATURE

Text: Rob Fletcher

Digital signage already has a major role in retail environments, but this form of technology may have an even bigger part to play in the sector’s recovery from Covid-19. Rob Fletcher finds out more about how retail could be set for digital healing. While much has already been said and written about the struggles for retail over the past 12 months, with the sector opening up again this spring, attention is now turning to how the industry will recover as we edge closer back towards some sort of normal. Getting consumers back into shops will be one of the key challenges for retailers, with shopping habits having changed dramatically during the pandemic. In what is becoming an even more digital world, perhaps it is time for retailers to fight fire with fire and adopt a digital approach of their own. Digital signage is an incredibly powerful tool, not only for marketing purposes and drawing the attention of consumers, but also in terms of making shoppers feel safe during the exit from lockdown and longer term as we move tentatively out of the pandemic.

Optimistic future First, let us take a look at where might the general market be heading in terms of digital signage within the retail sector. Sean Wargo, senior director of market intelligence at AVIXA, the trade association representing the professional audio-visual and information communications industries worldwide, predicted an increase in demand for these solutions in retail.

“Our research suggests that retailer spending on pro audio-visual products and services is forecasted to be down by 14% globally in 2020 after a peak of $22.7bn (£16.4bn) in 2019,” Wargo said. “However, as shoppers return to more pre-Covid activity, growth in spending on technology also returns in 2021, expanding nearly 6% on an annualised basis reaching $26.3bn by 2025. Despite the declines in retail spending in 2020, Wargo said the market remains the single largest purchaser of displays. AVIXA estimates show $5.9bn worth of displays will be purchased globally through the pro audio-visual channel by retailers in 2020, with this then set to reach $7.3bn in 2021 as a result of market recovery. This, Wargo said, is despite the continual increase of online purchasing, with brick-in-mortar retail shops still thriving. However, in order to stand out in the physical retail market, shops must ensure they can attract customers, and Wargo said using digital signage is sure-fire way of differentiating from competitors. “What this means to retail is a need and desire for brands and stores to differentiate themselves from each other,” he said. “They do so through narratives, or the story that their brand tells to and reflects their customers. “Some of this story is told online, but more and more this story also needs to be told in person. Physical stores facilitate a tactile experience of trying on, feeling, or seeing a product, but also >>>>

FEATURE just to be in the presence of the brand. “Digital signage and displays are one of the flagship opportunities for AV professionals in retail.”

Versatile communication tools In terms of providers of digital signage technology within the retail sector, Sharp NEC Display Solutions is able to assist. Jon Raines, corporate account manager at Sharp NEC, said that keeping customers updated with the latest information, promotions and brand story is critical for both building and maintaining loyal customer relationships, and digital signage will help retailers achieve this. “As a medium for communication, multi-usage digital signage screens are highly versatile tools to support your communications strategy. Instantly updatable and centrally controlled, digital signage offers a future-proof investment and the potential for profitable returns,” Raines said. “Consumers who might have seen their spending on coffee and meals reduce, find themselves with the money available to spend elsewhere. Hardware stores for instance have seen strong sales in their online channels and recorded an increased flow of customers through their stores. “Some shoppers might find themselves in unfamiliar territory as they seek to make improvements to their homes. Targeted advertising, information and DIY top tips displayed via signage screens will offer welcome reassurance. Screens located alongside key product lines are highly effective in this scenario, enabling shoppers to access expert advice, via touch or gesture control.” Aside from these marketing benefits, Raines said digital can also be used to help support consumers who are a little tentative about returning to shops amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. By combining digital signage networks with sensor-based technologies, Raines said retailers achieve an effective entrance flow management solution, which also offers additional, potentially revenue generating benefits. Camera-based solutions at store entrances count people entering and exiting the premises, with a screen displaying the number of people for whom there is still space and displays guidance to wait when the shop is at maximum capacity. Once in store, sensor-based solutions monitor the movement and dwell time of shoppers within defined areas. Signage can redirect shoppers accordingly, encouraging them to visit other sections of the store first, as well as feature advertising and branding, Looking at solutions available from Sharp/NEC, Raines said its eighth generation E Series large-format displays offer a low cost option for smaller retailers and restaurateurs starting out on their digitalisation journey. “Often tempted by domestic TVs, which will prove not to be fit-for-purpose, the E Series provides retailers with a reliable professional solution which fits their budget,” he said. “Sizes range from 32” up to 65” and feature an integrated media player for native UHD playback.” Also available is the new Message line-up of UHB largeformat displays, including the Essential, Mainstream and Advanced Series. Raines said the Essential series is ideal for 18/7 signage application in retail, while the Mainstream

Aside from marketing, Sharp NEC said digital signage can also be used as part of the safe return to retail for consumers .

Series offers enhanced performance for more demanding 24/7 applications. For added wow-factor, Raines recommends fine pitch indoor dvLED video walls, which he said deliver high bright, bezeless images, scalable to fit the space available. “Sharp NEC’s screen ranges offer a variety of sizes and budget options enabling retailers to optimise the mix of screens to achieve the best ROI,” Raines said.

Drawing attention Another specialist provider in this area is PPDS, the company behind the Philips brand. Jeroen Brants, product manager for LED displays at PPDS, said while it is already known that video is a more readily consumed method of communicating messages when it comes to social and other channels, this also transfers to retail. “Digital signage by its very nature enables the retailer to serve dynamic content to draw attention and inform,” Brants said. “What’s more, it can be differentiated during the day, month, season or even for the weather, for instance, marketing umbrellas during unexpected rain showers. “As solutions have become more easily accessible, in terms of cost and usability, the past few years have seen tremendous growth for digital signage in retail as both major brands and independents recognise the opportunities and additional attention that can be generated for their store or products.” In terms of the role digital signage will have to play in the return of retail, Brants highlighted how some shops have put PPDS technology to use, in particular PPDS PeopleCount. This allows retailers to control how many people are able to enter a shop using a digital traffic light system, with a digital display showing when it is safe to enter. While Brants admits that there may be less demand for touch screens, mainly due to concerns over cross contamination, there could actually be an increase in demand for digital signage in general, to ensure all key messaging is in view. “In some settings, for instance in natural gathering points where more distance is required, a bigger display can also be

part of the solution to keep attention to one point. LED displays can be a great advantage here to have seamless displays going well beyond the largest digital signage displays on the market,” Brants said. “As we move out of the pandemic this model of buying online and returning to store could provide an opportunity to entice customers back in store, allowing physical retailers to promote other products and sales when they do. “We may also see a resurgence of people visiting high streets and shopping centres, as the hiatus caused by the pandemic highlights the gap left when the physical store experience is unavailable. “Digital signage can and will play a big role in that and the future of signage will be driven with more dynamic content and interactivity. And, when it comes to LED displays, bigger sizes and new form factors can help to build new and creative solutions to help interacting with the customer.” Brants’ closing comments offer an apt conclusion, in that digital signage is set to play a major part in aiding retail’s recovery from Covid-19. When used correctly, this form of media can serve as an incredibly useful marketing tool, while also doubling up as a safety measure to help prevent further spread of Covid-19.

Sean Wargo, senior director of market intelligence at AVIXA, has predicted an increase in demand for digital signage solutions in retail.

SEE MORE ARTICLES TAGGED DIGITAL SIGNAGE Jon Raines, corporate account manager at Sharp NEC, said screens located alongside key product lines are highly effective in retail environments.

According to PPDS, digital signage has become more easily accessible for retailers, in terms of both cost and usability.

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FEATURE

The shop floor as an experience hub Hilary Bradley, Client Services Director, Undercurrent The pandemic has driven a record number of people online. Any consumers that had been resisting online shopping have likely tried it out of necessity by now. The general feeling is that the convenience – an easy way to browse a wider range of products and fast delivery – can’t be rivalled instore, meaning physical retail has to offer something different to keep shoppers coming back. Consumers’ expectations for physical retail have been steadily rising. Westfield, in its How We Shop: The Next Decade report unveiled that 59% of shoppers expect the majority of retail space to be dedicated to offering up experiences by 2025. The estimated figure rises to 75% by 2027. A towering 81% of customers globally said they’re willing to pay more for experiences, proving the retail tipping point will drive revenue growth for experiential retailers in the future.

The edge of retail stores Physical retail offers multi-sensory experiences for customers that cannot be replicated online. This can be attained by using a mix of mediums such as textures, lighting, sounds and smells that embody the brand, and awaken shoppers’ senses. Paramount to the physical stores of the future is building an atmosphere that encourages exploration and heightens the shopping experience beyond browsing products, such as offering customers the opportunity to play, learn and share their experiences with their wider circle.

Therefore, product displays need to evolve from purely functional to those that are visually interesting and convey a brand’s aesthetic. The Instagram generation, after all, expect to be wowed by branded environments.

Transforming shop floors to experience spaces Offering experiences at scale is no mean feat. Brands and retailers need to prioritise the experiential channel and include it as part of their quarterly planning. By carving out a space within the retail footprint specifically for experiences, they can make it an integral part of the store planogram and refresh it alongside new seasonal collections. This will enable them to create a shared connection with their customers by opening up a two-way conversation where they feel encouraged to explore the store. Integral to this is using innovative technology to extend experiences and create magic within the store. Immersive tech, such as augmented reality (AR), merges traditional and digital advertising tactics to fully engross the consumer. When used correctly, the retail space itself can be transformed and changed in unimaginable and exciting ways. AR triggers can be embedded in the store to ensure it is an exclusive interaction for customers. A prime example is the Nike and LeBron James activation in Foot Locker’s ‘House of Hoops’ in Hollywood, California, in partnership with Snapchat. Interactive panels and mirrors can

further bring AR into retail environments by providing customers with real-time evaluations of how a particular product will look on them. These mirrors can further be used to communicate with staff to request different sizes, colours or ask for alternative style suggestions. In Zara’s flagship Westfield Stratford store in London, interactive mirrors equipped with RFID can detect the item a customer is holding and make outfit suggestions, enabling customers to see what a complete outfit will look like in the mirror.

Using your physical presence Tech alone is not enough. Brands need to use their physical footprint as a hub for highly targeted events that will appeal to their customers and keep drawing them back. At Undercurrent, we partnered with Pandora to create a series of events that would help engage a younger audience, using their flagship store on Oxford Street. The Pandora Lounge was a series of free acoustic gigs featuring female artists like Ella Eyre, Pixie Lott and Gabrielle Aplin. Up to 500 Pandora customers could queue for free tickets, while the gigs were also broadcast online and in the shop windows to extend the reach. Following the success of these events we extended the programme to include influencer styling classes, inspirational talks from female icons like chef Loraine Pascale, and celebrity-led Christmas campaign launches. TK Maxx have taken a similar approach by using quarterly events to

FEATURE

draw customers in-store. They recently partnered with Grazia for the ‘Give up clothes for Good’ campaign, which they launched with an in-store event delivered by Undercurrent and hosted by Laura Whitmore. Customers were invited instore to an event about sustainability and everyone was encouraged to donate an item of clothing. It’s important to consider the local communities they will serve when scaling this across a retail footprint. Consumers are done with cookie cutter retail experiences and expect stores to reflect

their surroundings. Localisation is key to remaining relevant and inspiring customers to support the high street. Retail stores should look at investing in signage that champions the local area and shows pride at being a part of it. Using campaign imagery with local backdrops or even just including the areas’ name will strike the right chord with consumers. Consider carving out an area in-store to stock and showcase local brands, a collaboration with a smaller supplier will show investment in the community and build brand love with shoppers. In-store

events that highlight local inspirational people or charities is also a great way of building a supportive audience. Following the 2020 and 2021 nationwide lockdowns, it’s safe to say that shoppers have had a positive experience of shopping online. Luring them back in-store will not be easy and it will involve offering them something they cannot get through their screens. Transforming the shop floor into more than a show room is not just important, but the only solution if the high street is to survive.

www.undercurrent.uk.net

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opinion

keeping in touch: The long awaited return of face-toface meetinGs

Antony Behiels, Director, SDEA

We are now a year into the COVID-19 pandemic and have grown accustomed to working from home and attending virtual meetings. Yet in this fully connected digital landscape the question on many peoples lips is ‘when will we get back to face-to-face meetings?’ The tangible aspect of our industry has always meant that face-to-face meetings and exhibitions are incredibly important: in-person viewing and touching products, options and prototypes that will be used in physical environments should never be overlooked. But it’s not just about viewing products, a well-planned, structured and organised meeting can save your company time and money. This sits perfectly alongside another highly crucial factor: building strong relationships. A study by Great Business Schools found that 85% of business leaders believed in-person meetings and conferences build stronger, more meaningful business relationships. Even the renowned technology genius Steve Jobs believed that face-to-face meetings were essential, stating: “There’s a temptation in our networked age to think that ideas can be developed by email and iChat. That’s crazy. Creativity comes from spontaneous meetings, from random discussions.” With this in mind, the SDEA alongside Retail Focus have revamped and relaunched their highly successful meet the buyer event for 2021, creating Creative Design & Display Connections (CDDC). A one day event packed full of one-to-one meetings, insightful seminars and early evening networking to build the strongest business relationships possible. Taking place on 23rd September at Bounce, Old Street, London, the day will provide an indispensable opportunity for attendees to meet face-to-face with high level design and display professionals from retail, hospitality and leisure.

www.cddconnections.com

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products

FLOORING IDS The LiViT LVT flooring range from IDS combines a high performance specification, design and competitive price point. The range offers seven oak plank designs of 178mm x 1244mm and three rigid tile designs of 303mm x 607mm. Both are easy to install thanks to patented I4F click technology, are slip resistant, easy to clean and are compatible with water piped underfloor heating. LiViT offers a 5-year warranty for light commercial use and is available for 24-48 hour delivery from all IDS branches nationwide. T. +44 (0)8457 298 298 E: info@idsurfaces.co.uk www.idsurfaces.co.uk

IDS The characterful look of reclaimed flooring can be easily created with the popular Brada designs, part of the Malmo™ Senses Multi-Width luxury vinyl tile collection. Malmo™ Senses features the latest registered and embossed technology where the printed design is in line with the surface texture, enabling the material to perfectly mirror the look and feel of real wood. The Brada multi-width designs are part of the 12-strong Malmo™ Senses LVT range available for 24-48 hour delivery from all IDS branches nationwide. T. +44 (0)8457 298 298 E: info@idsurfaces.co.uk www.idsurfaces.co.uk

BOLON With our new and improved sound insulation layer, our design flooring is becoming an even better acoustic choice for premises such as retail, hotels, offices and public spaces. The innovative improvement of the flooring’s sound insulating performance can be found in the design. An insulation felt layer has been added to reduce noise and sound impact up to 21-22 dB, making Bolon market leading in woven design flooring with this feature.

T. +44 844 561 0918 E:sales@flooring-concepts.co.uk www.bolon.com

PRODUCTS

SELECTION Troldtekt Danish manufactured Troldtekt panels are commonly specified throughout the UK and Europe to improve the interior acoustic environment. Troldtekt® line forms nine acoustic solutions that make up the “design solutions” range which combines the best ideals of form and function. Founded on the Cradle to Cradle design concept, 100% Troldtekt’s natural wood wool panels are manufactured in a new state-of-the-art production facility. With a variety of different surfaces and colours, they can be supplied in the FSC® 100% category (FSC®C115450) contributing to a building’s BREEAM, DGNB and LEED rating. In addition to their high sound absorption and tactile surface, the panels offer high durability and low cost life cycle performance, as well as inherent sustainability. They are also a natural, breathable material which can absorb and release moisture, which is why they have been awarded an Allergy Friendly Product Award by Allergy UK.

T. +44 (0)1978 664255 W. www.troldtekt.co.uk

Armourcoat Decorative specialists Armourcoat have provided the finishing touches to The Soak, a new bar and restaurant next to London’s Victoria Station with an all-day menu that is built around signature soaked flavours through fermenting, pickling, brining and steeping techniques. Armourcoat’s Koncrete polished plaster finish is used to great effect on the bar front with recessed logo. Koncrete is an urban range of polished plaster colours and finishes designed for contemporary projects. The range offers a wealth of design options to achieve a distinctive modern look including distressed effects or recessed ‘shutter’ markings. Outside the building, Armourcoat PPX has been used to repeat the restaurant logo design. PPX is a low maintenance, durable external limestone render system that can create stunning honed and textured stone like finishes for both new build and renovation projects.

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Products

Flooring + Surfaces FAAC Entrance Solutions Following the completion of the EUR 100 million acquisition by the Italian multinational FAAC Group earlier this year, 7 European divisions of Assa Abloy Entrance Systems and Agta Record (also part of the ASSA ABLOY Group) are now being rebranded as FAAC Entrance Solutions. As part of the EU Commission approved purchase, FAAC Entrance Solutions UK Limited will be the sole supplier of all ASSA ABLOY branded automatic pedestrian door products in the United Kingdom, including swing, slide and revolving door systems and operators. The UK division (Auto Pedestrian Doors Limited Registration No. 1256207), based in Sunbury-On-Thames – has now been rebranded as FAAC Entrance Solutions UK Limited. The transaction doesn’t represent any operational changes to management, staffing, services, or product offering. The legal entities registration number remains unchanged. The new identity roll out will start on 30th of November and will be completed in 2021. www.assaabloyentrance.co.uk/en/products/automaticdoors/

PowrPOD PowrPods are unique charging stations, delivering increased footfall for businesses such as salons, restaurants, or retail outlets. Not only do they solve a perennial problem for consumers, low battery anxiety, but the PowrApp app also directs consumers to their nearest local charging station, and can promote vendor special offers. This is a key way to drive more consumers into businesses. Sponsored pods are currently in place at various locations in the UK, including universities, where the pods have proved a huge success with sponsored brands and students. Lauren Jade Adams, Founder of PowrPod, said that: “Everyone is suffering now due to the dire economic consequences of the pandemic. Our charging solutions provide an essential service for people on the go and helps increase footfall into businesses in a safe and controlled manner and generating a much-needed new revenue stream for the vendor.” Each PowrPod is a custom-made, high-tech table that is supplied with a range of comfortable seating, super-fast

Qi wireless charging pads and charging cables, a touchfree hand sanitiser dispenser and an 18.5” LED digital advertising screen. The Bar Call app is a digital ordering system that is based on consumer input and feedback. E: info@powrpod.co.uk www.powrpod.co.uk Twitter: PowrUpClub

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Q&A

Clara Delmuns Spanish fashion label Desigual have launched their first 100 per cent sustainably-produced collection called ‘Love the World’. Retail Focus hosts a Q&A with Clara Delmuns, Desigual Product Director, to discuss the collection and how the brand is fully committed to a sustainable future. RF. How important is sustainability to Desigual as a brand? CD. F or Desigual, sustainability has been one of the main priorities of our business strategy since its origins. In fact, our first garment created in 1984 by Thomas Meyer, Desigual’s founder, was the Iconic Jacket, a denim jacket made from pieces of vintage jeans that can be considered one of the fashion industry’s first upcycled garments. From then on, sustainability has been integrated in the brand’s operations and philosophy under the name “Love the World”. It encompasses all the actions performed by Desigual in line with its social and environmental commitments. In 2020, aiming to accelerate these commitments, Desigual launched its 2020-2023 Sustainability and CSR strategic Plan. It focuses on six working areas: product, suppliers, environment, human resources, customers, and community; and is aligned with the UN SDGs. This plan brought new objectives for the next three years in terms of our carbon footprint, the use of sustainable fibres, plastics and the supply chain. With regard to our carbon footprint, we aim to make a 25% reduction by 2025 and become a carbon-neutral company by 2050. As for sustainable fibres, Desigual is working to incorporate up to 30% sustainable fibres in its collections by the end of 2021, increasing the percentage to 50% by 2023. Moreover, the brand is committed to removing single-use plastics from product packaging by 2021 and to using 100% more-sustainable cotton by 2025. Also, with the objective of achieving a responsible supply chain, in 2021 we will continue to increase our transparency by making our list of Tier 2 audited factories public (in 2020 we published our list of Tier 1 factories). Is this the first 100% sustainable collection from Desigual? Why RF. now? Why launch in 2021? CD. N o, Desigual has launched other sustainable collections before. In 2019, Desigual partnered with Ecoalf, another Spanish fashion brand, to launch an entire collection made from recycled materials. Also, as part of the spring-summer 2020 collection, we launched a capsule collection designed in collaboration with Spanish artist Miranda Makaroff which was made from 100% organic fabrics. The main part of this collection was also comprised of 11% sustainable fibres. This percentage rose to 20% in the fall-winter 2020 collection. The Love The World collection is aligned with Desigual’s strategy of increasing the sustainable materials used in its

collections, while also incorporating sustainable criteria in the entire life cycle of the brand’s products. A declaration of principles which establishes the company’s future objectives as part of its commitment to a sustainable fashion production model that respects both people and the planet. And, at the same time, a collection that’s 100% committed to sustainability. Is sourcing 100% sustainable fabrics/trims a challenge? RF. esigual’s commitment to manufacturing a 100% sustainable CD. D product range includes the selection process for raw materials, which is why the company has a Raw Material Department. It aims to supervise and ensure that both the selected suppliers and the materials being used meet the brand’s requirements. Desigual also collaborates with international organisations, like the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) and the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). We are also part of The Fashion Pact. Through these alliances, the brand is strengthening sustainable and ethical production and increasing the use of sustainable fibres and materials, such as more-sustainable cotton. RF. What new sustainability innovations should we expect from this collection? esigual’s new collection is composed of 100% sustainable CD. D garments that are made from organic, eco-friendly and recycled fibres. It is a permanent collection that will be renewed during the year. This means that Desigual will be adding new sustainably produced garments under “Love the World” name. Another new feature is that all the Upcycling capsule collection’s garments (part of the Love The World collection) are denim patchwork, inspired by the Iconic Jacket, the first Desigual garment which was made in the same way and from the same materials. Desigual has also recently manufactured other sustainable collections, such as the Camoflower capsule made entirely from Tencel and the beachwear collection made almost completely from recycled fibres. In addition, the brand has launched its “Better Cotton Initiative denim” made from more sustainable cotton.

a night like no other

CELEBRATING - NETWORKING - WINNING

The Creative Retail Awards recognise and reward excellence in retail. Moving away from the traditional awards ceremony the Creative Retail Awards oﬀer a night full of exuberance. The Awards span a number of disciplines, including store design, Visual Merchandising, inspired technology, Omni-channel innovations, bar and restaurant design, shopﬁtting and much more.

VIEW THE CATEGORIES AND SUBMIT your entries at

www.creativeretailawards.com 14 OCTOBER 2021 - proud embankment - london

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