Retail Focus #128 by Retail Focus

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#128 The Retail Design and Experience Magazine

ARC’TERYX Flagship Store by Still Young

www.retail-focus.co.uk

THE CREATIVE RETAIL AWARDS OPEN FOR ENTRIES AND UNVEIL A SENSATIONAL RETURN FOR 2024, INTRODUCING NEW WEBSITE, CATEGORIES AND PARTNERSHIPS The Creative Retail Awards are making a thrilling comeback in 2024, and they’re bringing an unprecedented wave of excitement with them! With a fresh new website, updated categories and exciting partnerships, this year’s Awards promises to be bigger and better than ever before. The Creative Retail Awards, renowned for showcasing the industry’s top talents, are once again set to celebrate innovation, creativity and excellence in the dynamic retail sector. As the retail landscape undergoes continual transformation, the Creative Retail Awards stand out as the primary platform for acknowledging the most outstanding contributions to the industry. Now is the time to promote your company and be recognised for your hard work to a global audience. Winning an award puts you centre stage with the world’s most visionary and influential retailers and designers, including AT&T, Coach, Frasers Group and Harrods amongst others. One of the most significant updates for 2024 is the launch of the brand-new website at www.creativeretailawards.com. With a new user-friendly entry form and guidance criteria, visitors can explore the latest information and updates, as well as viewing previous Winners, Highly Commended and Shortlisted entries. The Creative Retail Awards have introduced an exciting array of new categories for 2024, including Design Agency of the Year. Working in collaboration with their new esteemed Advisory Board, they have carefully curated the categories to reflect the dynamic nature of modern retail. Taking valuable feedback into account, the Creative Retail Awards are proud to present the most comprehensive Awards to date.

New categories for 2024 include:

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Creative Collaboration

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Design Agency of the Year

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Festive Display

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Hospitality Design

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In-Store Scheme

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Window Scheme

To learn more about the Creative Retail Awards 2024 and explore the choice of categories, visit www. creativeretailawards.com. Enter your projects and products now and join in celebrating the very best and brightest in retail, leisure and hospitality design and display. About the Creative Retail Awards: The Creative Retail Awards is an annual awards ceremony that honours the most innovative and creative retail spaces, products and campaigns in the industry. The awards ceremony brings together industry leaders to celebrate the best in retail, leisure, and hospitality design and display. Visit www.creativeretailawards.com for more information.

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CONTENTS

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COVER IMAGE

21 VALENTINO

24 ARC’TERYX 10 - 16

22 GABRIELA HEARST

NEWS

30 - 33

26 DIESEL STORE

EXPERT VIEW

Elevating the Season

PROJECT FOCUS

40 - 44 FEATURE

Valentino

PROJECT FOCUS

Outside the Box

46 - 47

Gabriela Hearst

24 - 25

PROJECT FOCUS

AI in Retail

46 - 47

ARC’TERYX

PROJECT FOCUS

Diesel Store

FEATURE

Sustainable Lighting

50 - 51

DESTINATION

American Dream

HELLO... It is only right we kickstart this issue by wishing you all a very happy New Year! As we move into 2024, there will be plenty for retailers to look forward to in terms of pursuing new opportunities and continuing to capitalise on trends that will carry over from last year. Some of these trends are showcased across the pages of this issue of Retail Focus, offering an insight into how retailers can take advantage of demand for certain services and solutions to grow their business. Perhaps one of the most exciting prospects for retail is artificial intelligence and how this will shape the market over the years to come. This issue, we have a feature looking at how AI is already impacting retail and the ways in which retailers are already using this technology to bolster their offering. Other features this issue analyse the evolving role of visual merchandising in retail settings, as well as presenting examples of how retailers are thinking outside the box when it comes to creative displays. We also take a look at the importance of sustainable lighting for luxury brands. Also in this issue, we offer an insight into some of the latest developments at retail sites around the world. There is a special look at the new Valentino flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York, while we also focus on Diesel’s new-look store at the Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten in Belgium. Meanwhile, readers can learn about the stunning new ARC’TERYX flagship store in Beijing’s iconic Sanlitun

business district, as well as a revamp of Gabriela Hearst’s Beverly Hills store. There is also a look back at how Selfridges celebrated Christmas with a seasonal overhaul of its iconic London store, while another special article covers the importance of luxury pop-up stores during the festive season. Circling back to the issue of continuing trends, we focus on the environment with the launch of Circulight, a four-step circular scheme to encourage more sustainable practices in retail lighting, and also look at how The Sign Group’s commitment to sustainability can support retailers with their own goals. Add in an insight into the American Dream and a celebration of its most successful year on record, and this issue should fill readers with confidence and inspirational ideas, allowing them to go into 2024 with a positive outlook on how they can grow their business. Here’s to a happy and prosperous 2024 for all!

CONTENT DIRECTOR Lee Cullumbine 07949 78181

Get more from Retail Focus online! For subscription enquiries please email: Info@phygital.me

www.retail-focus.co.uk

Retail Focus is published by Phygital Media and Events Ltd No part of Retail Focus may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without permission. Please address all enquiries to the editor at the above address. The opinions expressed in Retail Focus are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information contained in these pages. We will assume permission to publish any unsolicited material unless otherwise stated. Phygital Media and Events Ltd 2023

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CHRISTMASWORLD MESSE, FRANKFURT | 26 - 30 JANUARY 2024 As the world’s leading trade fair for festive and seasonal decoration, Christmasworld in Frankfurt am Main exercises a magnetic power of attraction on top buyers from the wholesale, import/export and retail trades who make their way to Frankfurt am Main to place their main orders for the year. Christmasworld focuses on the strongestselling and most emotional time of the year and exploits the success factor of experience at the point of sale like no other consumergoods trade fair.

www.christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com

INTEGRATED SYSTEMS EUROPE

SURFACE DESIGN SHOW

BARCELONA, SPAIN | 30 JANUARY - 2 FEBRUARY 2024

BDC LONDON | 6 - 8 FEBRUARY 2024

Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), the world’s premier global exhibition for professional audio visual (pro AV) and systems integration, is delighted to announce that the 2024 edition of the show will mark its 20th birthday. Since its inception in Geneva in 2004, ISE has grown into an industry-defining event, bringing together professionals, innovators, and thought leaders from around the world.

www.iseeurope.org

Surface Design Show sees over 180 companies and organisations dedicated to furthering material innovation - a must-visit event for architects and designers. Get ready for an unforgettable experience filled with opportunities for learning, entertainment and meaningful industry connections. Immerse yourself in material innovation and connect with peers and suppliers all under one roof.

www.surfacedesignshow.com

VM & DISPLAY AWARDS

VM & DISPLAY SHOW

LONDON | 12 MARCH 2024

BDC LONDON | 16 & 17 APRIL 2024

The only event dedicated to celebrating excellence and innovation in the retail visual merchandising and display sector, the VM & Display Awards have been successfully running for 27 years, and as a standalone event in its current format for 18 years. Held annually in an iconic, Central London location, the Awards bring together the UK’s most influential creatives, retailers and suppliers in celebration of their considerable achievements for projects installed.

The VM & Display Show is the place for all your visual merchandising and display needs. Visitors can meet with an array of industry experts who can help make displays a reality, from concept to installation. Taking place at the Business Design Centre in London, the VM & Display Show is the only UK exhibition dedicated to this creative industry, bringing together everything from mannequins, print and props to POP, lighting and fabrics - and every in-between - under one roof across two days.

www.vmanddisplayawards.com

www.vmanddisplayshow.com

SHOPTALK FIRA GRAN VIA, BARCELONA | 3 - 5 JUNE 2024 Say hello to your one stop shop for connecting with Europe’s most senior retail, brand, tech and investor decision makers pioneering tomorrow’s digital innovations in store and online. With 4,000+ power players and 1 in 3 being C-suite representing over 70 countries, you’ll be able to pack months of meaningful meetings into just three days to drive your business forward. For 2024, we’re going bigger with an expected 25,000+ meaningful meetings connecting you with decision makers that matter to your company.

www.shoptalkeurope.com

THE BOULEVARD UNWRAPS TWO NEW STORES IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS Christmas has come early for shoppers as Northern Ireland’s only premier designer outlet, The Boulevard officially opens the doors to two new tenants before the end of the year, signalling retailer confidence in the scheme. Joining an already strong offering of luxury clothing, House of Cavani opened at the Lotus Property owned shopping outlet on Friday 8 December 2023, where it will boast a range of contemporary menswear and formalwear, perfect for the modern gentleman. Taking a 2,000 sq ft unit on the west of the scheme, the menswear brand will create employment for 6 additional jobs for the local area. Asset Manager at Lotus Property, Paul McCann said: “We are delighted to welcome a host of new stores to the scheme in time for Christmas and also to secure ongoing commitment from existing tenants in 2023. It is a testament to how The Boulevard and its tenants are performing that we are consistently seeing strong interest turning into signings at our scheme. “The Boulevard continues to record strong sales and footfall figures year-round, which will only be further bolstered by the new brands available to our loyal customers.”

ONE FOR THE COLLECTION: DAVID M ROBINSON OPENS CITY DEBUT TAG HEUER BOUTIQUE AT LIVERPOOL ONE Grosvenor has announced that British luxury jewellery retailer, David M Robinson (DMR), has opened its new boutique at Liverpool ONE, in partnership with Swiss watch brand, TAG Heuer. The launch of the 3,600 sq ft store on South John Street marks the first partnership of its kind for TAG Heuer and DMR in the city and the largest TAG Heuer Boutique in the UK, adding to the destination’s extensive portfolio of wellrenowned, luxury watch and jewellery brands. Liverpool ONE TAG Heuer joins DMR’s recently upsized jewellery and Rolex flagship store, and its dedicated OMEGA boutique on South John Street. Representing the third space from DMR at the destination, the new store showcases the partnership’s extensive selection of premium products, including its iconic Aquaracer and Carrera collections, as well as freestanding interactive showcases throughout, spotlighting the latest generation of Connected watch, the TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4. Fitted out in TAG Heuer’s signature blue, the South John Street store has been designed to showcase its exclusive range of timepieces, featuring wood and steel accents in keeping with the brand’s contemporary aesthetic. The boutique features a private luxury lounge and bar, alongside a wall-mounted, 3D Porsche sculpture showcasing the long-lasting partnership between the iconic brands. Created by local artist, Jessica Slack (@jessicaslackstudio) the sculpture incorporates her trademark vibrant colourways and unique style, complementing the brand’s bold offer and nodding to its racing heritage.

RITUALS DEBUTS ITS LATEST CONCEPT AT VICTORIA SQUARE AS THE DESTINATION WELCOMES OVER 40,000 SQ FT OF NEW BRANDS IN 2023 Victoria Square, the leading retail and leisure destination in Northern Ireland, has signed over ten national and international brands in the past 12 months, totalling more than 40,000 sq ft. Rituals is the latest brand to launch its 3,530 sq ft upsized location, creating the brand’s largest UK store. Located on the Lower Ground Floor adjacent to Ted Baker, it is also the debut of a new concept design that will now be rolled out across the UK. Victoria Square has also welcomed award-winning beauty and make-up brand Sculpted By Aimee with its Northern Ireland debut, expanding the lifestyle offer on the Ground Level. The 1,500 sq ft store features popular products, accessories and well-known bestsellers all created by the founder and former make-up artist Aimee Connolly. Over the past 12 months, Victoria Square has welcomed significant fashion and lifestyle brands for their regional debuts and flagship locations in Northern Ireland. These include the recent additions of The White Company, alongside Sweaty Betty, Gilly Hicks, Goldsmiths, Gym+Coffee and Lovisa and enhancing the already extensive line-up at the leading retail and leisure destination.

TKMAXX OPENS NEW STORE AT BRAEHEAD CENTRE

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New 27,000 sq ft store opens doors

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Prime location on the ground floor

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Joins strong brand line-up – including Apple, H&M and M&S

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Opening follows arrival of several new brands and store upsizes at the centre

Braehead, one of the UK’s most popular retail and leisure destinations, owned by property company SGS and managed by Global Mutual, is pleased to announce that TKMaxx opens the doors to its new store, just in time for the festive season. The new 27,000 sq ft store will offer customers much-loved brands and designer labels at affordable prices – with the retailer’s clothing, accessories, homeware and beauty offers stocked. Braehead is a leading retail and leisure destination, situated off junction 26 of the M8, just outside of Glasgow, covering 1.1 million sq ft and drawing from a catchment of approximately 2.1 million. The centre is home to a diverse mix of retail brands – including many renowned household names, such as M&S, Apple, Primark and NEXT – as well as a host of exciting local and independent brands.

SPANX LAUNCHES FIRST APPAREL POP-UP LONDON, UK (November 22, 2023) - SPANX has launched its first apparel pop-up in London today. Located in the prestigious Selfridges Denim Studio, the exclusive space showcases SPANX’s revolutionary apparel & activewear for women. Recognized across the globe for revolutionising shapewear, the brand has leveraged over 20 years of design expertise to incorporate its signature innovative technology into apparel. Resulting in an extensive assortment of wardrobe staples that ensure women feel confident and comfortable- no matter the occasion. “Our inaugural apparel pop-up at Selfridges, London signifies a pivotal brand moment, building on the triumph of our recent retail experiences across the US in New York, Washington DC, and Miami,” remarked Chief Brand Officer Misha Nonoo. “At SPANX, our passion lies in creating clothing that seamlessly blends comfort and compliments for women navigating diverse roles daily. Our intuitive designs empower her to take on her world, her way.” Visit the SPANX pop-up at Selfridges London (3rd Floor, Denim Studio) From Monday 20th November- Friday 22ndDecember 2023. Styles available to shop in XS-3X (UK 4-36). Shop online at Selfridges.

PROCOOK OPENS 60TH STORE AT ATRIA WATFORD SHOPPING CENTRE ProCook opens the doors to its latest store on Thursday 23rd November, following continued plans to pursue UK retail expansion. The new store at atria Watford Shopping Centre in the Greater London area is the brand’s 60th store to open. The bright and airy 2,000 sq ft store features ProCook’s full range of high quality products, from tableware and cookware to cutting edge knife ranges and new line of electricals. The new Watford store is the 7th for ProCook in Greater London and is creating 10 new jobs for the area. ProCook’s new store can be found at Unit 7, Lower Mall, Atria Watford, WD17 2UB and is open 9am-6pm Mondays to Saturdays, and 11am-5pm on Sundays.

THE FRAGRANCE SHOP UNVEILS EXPERIENTIAL FLAGSHIP STORE ON OXFORD STREET, LONDON The Fragrance Shop, the UK’s largest independent fragrance retailer, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its brand new experiential flagship store on Oxford Street, London. This 2,300 sq ft store, the first of its kind, promises an unparalleled fragrance shopping experience like no other. Located on the vibrant Oxford Street, The Fragrance Shop’s flagship store sets a new standard in fragrance retail. With interactive stations and innovative features, customers are invited to embark on a sensory journey that transcends traditional shopping. One of the standout features of the store is its wider assortment of fragrances, offering an extensive selection that caters to every individual’s taste. The Fragrance Shop takes pride in providing exceptional consultation and bolder navigation throughout the store, ensuring that customers find their perfect scent effortlessly.

M&S OPENS NEW 97,000 SQ FT STORE AT LAKESIDE

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New, relocated unit increases visibility in mall

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Store opens with a reconfigured layout – with the creation of a new, enlarged portal entrance, as part of £20 million investment by the centre

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Includes new Foodhall – which is now easily accessed from car park

Marks & Spencer has today (Wednesday 15th November) officially opened its new store in Lakeside – one of the UK’s most popular retail and leisure destinations, owned by property company SGS and asset managed by Global Mutual. The new 97,000 sq ft store offers local shoppers a fresh market-style Foodhall, as well as spacious new Clothing, Home & Beauty departments, alongside a 140-seat M&S Café.

KOCKTAIL PARTNERS WITH JOHN LEWIS TO OPEN FIRST INSTORE CONCESSIONS Award-winning independent ready-to-drink cocktail brand, Kocktail, has opened its first concessions in three John Lewis stores. The openings mark the brands first-ever physical presence in a department store and the first activation of its kind for Kocktail. A free personalisation service is available at each of the concessions, during weekend opening hours. A unique gift idea for Christmas, shoppers will be able to create a personalised label for their Kocktail of choice. Kocktail developed a new cocktail for Christmas 2023 available exclusively at John Lewis – the Candy Cane Martini.

PERSPEX DISTRIBUTION LTD CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN THE THERMOPLASTIC INDUSTRY Perspex Distribution is proud to celebrate a significant milestone in its history - 20 years of industry-leading service and innovation. Perspex Distribution opened its first branch in Chelmsford, Essex, in October 2003, since then it has successfully expanded its product range and branch locations, successfully catering to a diverse range of UK industries, from signage and print, to construction and precision fabrication. This landmark celebrates two decades of unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Gaining new customers through a strong reputation for excellent customer service, Perspex Distribution quickly expanded to 3 branches by 2005 offering distribution across large parts of the UK. In subsequent years, 2 further branches have been added to the group, the latest being Perspex Distributions largest branch opening in Leeds in 2016.

OUTLET SHOPPING AT THE O2 APPLAUDS STRONG OCTOBER PERFORMANCE, AND UPSIZED STORE FOR CALVIN KLEIN Outlet Shopping at The O2, which is owned and operated by Waterfront Limited Partnership, a joint venture between AEG and Crosstree Real Estate Partners, is celebrating a strong period of trading throughout October, solidified by a stellar half-term week and the recent opening of Calvin Klein’s significantly upsized store, marking an 87% increase in its retail footprint at the destination. Having recently witnessed the arrival of Carvela, French Connection, and recently upsized stores for Tommy Hilfiger and Lids, Outlet Shopping at The O2 has reported a sales uplift of 19% when compared to October 2022, and an increase of 51% year-todate vs 2022. During half term week (21-29 October), sales across outlet shopping were up 19% compared to the same period in 2022, bolstered by the launch of Madonna’s world tour in the arena, along with a double performance day by noughties charttoppers, S Club. Total footfall across the whole scheme has also welcomed an impressive 22% uplift vs October 2022, with year-to-date sales similarly up a stellar 43%, further demonstrating the continuing appeal of The O2’s premium tenant mix in attracting local and international visitors alike.

LEADING ITALIAN BEAUTY SPECIALIST, PINALLI, DIGITISES IN-STORE EXPERIENCE WITH ESL SOLUTION FROM PRICER 08 November 2023 -- London – Beauty and personal care retailer, Pinalli, has digitally improved its customer experience and in-store operations using a solution from Pricer, the world’s most reliable provider of ESLs (Electronic Shelf Labels). Partnering with Pricer, the automation of Pinalli’s in-store communication represents a major step in its digitalisation journey as the stores are now interconnected and able to communicate through Pricer’s solution. The ESLs guarantee accurate and synchronised pricing across the chain, whilst also helping to improve the operational effectiveness of its store associates.

CHINTI & PARKER LAUNCHES ITS FIRST PERMANENT STORE ON THE KING’S ROAD The Sloane Stanley Estate has announced that the luxury womenswear brand, Chinti & Parker, has opened its first permanent store on the King’s Road following a raft of collaborative and successful pop-ups over the last two years, as well as a new pop-up for ethical and sustainable fashion label, Aspiga. Chinti & Parker has opened its debut store at 322 King’s Road, nearby to retailers such as Birdie Fortescue and Love My Human Townhouse. Boasting luxury cashmere and designs that celebrate joyful colour, timeless shapes, and innovative texture, Chinti & Parker adds a unique element to the heart of Chelsea, delivering collections to enliven and invigorate women’s wardrobes. Designed in-house by the brand, the interior delivers a minimalistic and sleek customer experience with a variety of collections on display. Chinti & Parker and Aspiga join Il Porticciolo, the new luxury childrenswear boutique, which has opened at 253 King’s Road and Townhouse, the bespoke and premium nail care brand and salon at 261 King’s Road.

SHOWSTOPPER: TRAFFORD PALAZZO CELEBRATES SUCCESS OF SHOWCASE’S FOUR-WEEK RESIDENCY Trafford Palazzo and Showcase are celebrating the brand’s fourweek residency, with Showcase having made its North West debut at the UK’s first next generation retail and experience centre. Showcase ran four consecutive weekends of highly sought-after sample sales in Trafford Palazzo’s dedicated 6,960 sq ft white box promotional space, TP Glow. Showcase hosted 10 leading luxury brands at Trafford Palazzo, including Sophia Webster, Reiss, Helmut Lang, Theory, Herschel, Olivia von Halle, and Matches. Visitors travelled from across the country – from as far as London – to buy exclusive ranges of products that were available for a matter of days. The Trafford Palazzo residency was one of the first of its kind by Showcase in the UK, following successful residencies in the likes of New York and Sydney, and achieved one of its highest conversion rates yet.

CORNISH BAKERY OPENS ITS 58TH LOCATION IN HARROGATE, YORKSHIRE One of the UK’s fastest growing, independently owned, coffee and bakery brands, Cornish Bakery, has opened the doors to its 58th location in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate in Yorkshire. The Harrogate launch comes on the back of eight successful openings in the last 12 months in Norwich, Bakewell, Bury St Edmunds, Canterbury, Truro, Whitby Harbour, Plymouth Barbican and Caledonian Park. A new bakery in Cheltenham and a relocation to enlarged new premises in Salisbury are lined-up to follow in the coming weeks. This will take the estate to 59 sites overall (including six Roadchef franchise locations) generating annualised net revenues and franchise income of circa £30 million. Looking further ahead, Cornish Bakery is in active discussions with landlords on 10 additional locations in cities and towns across the country with the aim of 100 bakeries within the next two to three years.

DYSON’S STYLISH NEW BLUE BLUSH LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION ADORNS THE WINDOWS OF HARRODS LONDON Dyson’s Blue Blush range has officially launched in Harrods in time for the gifting season. Arguably the world’s most luxe and glamourous department store, Dyson is proud to have recently unveiled its Harrods windows takeover with Dyson’s latest Blue Blush theme colourway running through it. The Harrods windows are currently shining bright, with hints of blue and pastel pink hues to create a head-turning “Blue Blush” luminosity radiating onto the London streets with Dyson’s most wanted products adding to the festive atmosphere. Call in to the iconic Knightsbridge store to talk to one of the expert Dyson team about what items your loved one has on their wish list this year.

WEIRD FISH APPOINTS DAVID BUTLER AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Weird Fish, the UK lifestyle clothing brand, today announces the appointment of David Butler as its new chief executive officer. David has significant multi-channel retail experience and was most recently chief executive of Crew Clothing where he worked for seven years, doubling turnover to more than £120m in that time. Prior to Crew Clothing, David was Managing Director Europe of Ecco where he developed the retailer’s strategy and expansion in Europe and grew the estate to more than 300 outlets across the continent. David takes over from John Stockton who has led Weird Fish since 2008 and has transformed it from a niche to a mainstream leisure clothing brand. Commenting on today’s news, Weird Fish Chairwoman Sally Bailey, said: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank John for the important impact he has made at Weird Fish. His leadership over the last fourteen years has been a significant factor in growing the business into the leading lifestyle brand that it is today. John has shown commitment and passion and will be missed by staff and suppliers alike. I want to take this opportunity on behalf of us all to wish him the very best for the future. We are delighted that John has agreed to stay with us to work on developing our international business. “I’d like to welcome David to the Weird Fish shoal. He has significant retail experience both in the UK and overseas and a proven track record in developing clothing businesses. I look forward to him leading the brand to further success.”

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH TO OPEN STORE ON LONDON’S ICONIC CARNABY STREET New store will open on December 15 London, UK, October xx, 2023-- Abercrombie & Fitch, a leading global specialty retailer of apparel, accessories and fragrance and division of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF), is proud to announce a new store location on Carnaby Street, opening on December 15, 2023. Located at 39 Carnaby Street, the store will offer the brand’s women’s and men’s collections. The new store will feature a light and bright space evoking a chic hotel lobby and omnichannel shopping capabilities, to seamlessly connect customers’ digital and in-person shopping experiences. To further connect with local customers, the store also includes a unique art installation, inclusive of photography from around London.

DOBBIES MAKES POSITIVE IMPACT AT FIRST RETAIL PARK LOCATION Following the opening of its second store in Northern Ireland, and its first within a retail park setting, landlord figures have revealed that garden retailer Dobbies has had an unprecedented impact on sales and footfall at The Junction in its first six weeks trading. The Junction Retail and Leisure Park in Antrim, owned by Lotus Property has seen footfall increase by 116% and sales volumes increase by 67%, as reported by its existing tenants which include Nike, Mountain Warehouse, Next, Sketchers, Trespass etc. Another significant footfall driver has been Dobbies’ exclusive partnership with local grocery and wholesale partner, Musgrave Group, who are supplying a specially curated range to the 3,539 sq. ft. foodhall, including Signature Tastes, Donnybrook Fair, Happy Pear and Frank & Honest Gourmet Coffee.

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Leeds-based sign manufacturer The Sign Group™ takes significant step in net-zero journey to support contractor customers and retailers Market leading Leeds-based sign manufacturer The Sign Group™ (TSG) is now working with CarbonQuota, a highlyregarded carbon footprint assessment specialist, as part of their commitment to reduce carbon emissions. The Sign Group engaged CarbonQuota in July this year to conduct a full carbon footprint assessment of their operation, as part of the next step in their journey towards net-zero. The business is keen to demonstrate transparency, to work to successfully reduce their emissions and by doing so begin the journey to support clients. Clients and endusers of the our products include sign companies, shop fitters and major retailers. The Sign Group - which also owns brands such as NeonPlus® and WeLoveLeds™ - was keen to get an accurate measurement of the carbon emissions created by the business between 2021 and 2022, so that they can identify where they can successfully reduce their environmental impact. Due to the reputation for accuracy and knowledge of carbon reduction methods, TSG decided that CarbonQuota would be the ideal auditing partner to assess them. CarbonQuota's assessment revealed that The Sign Group’s total carbon footprint for the reporting year 2021/22 stood at 36 tonnes CO2e. It was notable that TSG’s adoption of 100% renewable electricity in 2017 had already made a significant impact, returning zero contribution to this footprint for electricity. Grey Hoole, Managing Director at The Sign Group, said: ‘At The Sign Group our focus has always been to provide top-quality, innovative signage solutions with exemplary customer service. Over time we have attempted the

somewhat daunting task of reducing our environmental impact, such as switching to 100% renewable energy, recycling the majority of our plastic and aluminium waste and developing lower energy, more robust signage through our UKCA and British Standards Institute (BSI) certificated Neonplus® products. In early 2023, our board and management team felt that it really was time to bite the bullet so to speak, the most logical next step on our sustainability journey was to engage a specialist to accurately measure our operational footprint. It meant we would know exactly where we stood, could transparently report to our customers, and plan on-going emissions reduction work to make a difference. CarbonQuota's analysis and actionable insights have been invaluable. Their partnership has given us the visibility we need to make informed decisions, reduce our carbon emissions, and move us closer to our net-zero goals.’ The CarbonQuota report provides an overview of The Sign Group’s operational carbon footprint, focusing on emissions associated with energy consumption and processes controlled directly within the organisation’s facilities. The assessment provides a baseline from which The Sign Group can mitigate risks and make investments in lower-carbon alternatives. The report includes thirty initiatives for energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction, providing The Sign Group with clear guidance on where to focus their efforts to consistently reduce carbon emissions and what annual reduction targets need to be met in order for The Sign Group to achieve net-zero.

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VALENTINO FLAGSHIP STORE Occupying no less than 1,142 sqm. (12,292 sq.ft.) spread over three floors of a 1920s high-rise building by architect James Carpenter on swanky Madison Avenue, this palatial retail space sees an interior design by Valentino‘s in-house design team. The ground floor with its 7-metre high ceiling, basement section and mezzanine floor are all designed around a unique visual style based on the brand’s iconic red colour and carefully curated materials. The attention to detail starts right at the entrance where the doors feature handles modelled after works by ceramist Massimiliano Pipolo whose work can be found elsewhere on the premises as well. The ground floor sees exposed steel columns alternating with illuminated display shelves and concrete finishes around their perimeters. Custom-made elements, such as a striking central green onyx display unit, and different materials and textures, such as marble carpet and concrete flooring, separate the space into functional sections. Advancing further into the flagship store, shoppers come across additional references to Valentino‘s signature red hue, including red marble flooring and ditto seating in the shoe area which offer a beautiful contrast to the bright onyx and concrete shelving. The ready-to-wear area is separated from the main area by a concrete shelf. Inside this section, walls covered in red velvet and custom-made seating areas accentuate the immersive box-like effect. A grand staircase, crafted from an uneven combination of red travertine, white botechino marble and black marquina marble connects all three floors. Separating the staircase from the adjacent apparel section, the redstone of the staircase creates a dialogue between the materials and colour palettes, and is part of the interior’s eclectic design narrative. The expansive women’s ready-to-wear collection area on the mezzanine floor is a space with a checkered floor made of white botichino marble and black marquina marble, contrasting with a huge wardrobe lacquered in red and a comfy seating area in the same hue. Obviously, the new Valentino flagship store also boasts two exclusive V.I.P. areas for the house’s most discerning clientele, each with spacious rooms and dressing areas and even including separate fitting rooms. Custom-made seating and furniture contrast with contemporary chandeliers by American lighting specialist Roll & Hill, chairs by Charles Zana, and yes indeed, ceramic objects by Massimiliano Pipolo. The basement section, decorated in different colours and materials, is home to Valentino‘s men’s collection. Mirrored columns, custom

glass displays, and lilac floors are paired with green onyx display shelving. An iconic 1970s De Sede snake sofa gives the space a relaxed feel, as well as a 1970s Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini, while ottomans from the 1970s dot the space. And that’s not all. The mezzanine floor is a concrete box with one side facing the store’s ground floor, and it’s set up as a gallery space with a rotation of exhibitions of artwork from various galleries and institutions. The inaugural show presents large-scale paintings by Italian painter Mario Schifano (1934-1998), in partnership with Magazzino Italian Art. a private museum in Cold Spring in Upstate New York.

GABRIELA HEARST FLAGSHIP STORE BY FOSTER + PARTNERS Gabriela Hearst’s Beverly Hills store is located along the street front of the famous Beverly Wilshire hotel, at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. It is Foster + Partners’ second store for the New York-based label that has created a pioneering model for ecologically responsible clothing and accessories. Much like the London flagship, the design of its Beverly Hills store is underpinned by the brand’s sustainable ethos. With an emphasis on natural materials and quality undertaken with a utilitarian perspective, the store takes inspiration from Hearst’s family ranch in Uruguay, where she grew up. The soaring vaults also speak to the city’s vernacular architecture and the work of Paul R. Williams, the architect who designed many of L.A.’s most iconic buildings – including the Beverly Wilshire – and was part of the team that conceptualised the Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport. Visitors can access the store from two entrances, on Wilshire Boulevard or from within the hotel. The streetfacing reception hall has lower ceilings to create a more intimate entrance that opens up to an airy double-height space. Echoing the brand’s ethos of craftsmanship, the vaulted ceiling has been finished with traditional materials and techniques, including the hand-application of Roman Clay, which is an eco-friendly plaster. A VIP area features fluted glass doors and silk carpets to enhance the retail experience. The practice worked closely with local artisans and the New York-based makers, Benji Gavron and Antoine Dumas of

Gavron Dumas Studio, who designed bespoke furniture for the project. The furniture collection, called Nomad, is a culmination of a year’s-long work. It has been sustainably made from Western Sycamore that grew within the city of Los Angeles and was once destined to be turned into wood chips. Working with local sawyers, Gavron Dumas Studio had these trees milled into the special timber. The pieces were then built by the talented artisans at DUSK, a furniture studio based in Los Angeles. The fine and freckled grain of the timber acts as a foil to the minimal white walls. Every detail of the store has been thoughtfully considered – from the rose gold aluminium door handles, which are a modern take on Gabriela’s family ranch logo – to the bespoke rugs and wall hangings, which are based on drawings by the Brooklyn-based artist, Eli Tamarkin. The flagship sells the entire range of Gabriela Hearst men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections, fine merino wool and cashmere knitwear, footwear, accessories and handbags.

Photo Credit: SLVHCS ‘Project Legacy’, New Orleans, USA © Sean Airhart/NBBJ

ARC’TERYX FLAGSHIP STORE BY STILL YOUNG

ARC’TERYX boasts a global presence, with stores strategically located in premier urban business districts worldwide, ensuring a high-spec, immersive experience that aligns with consumer expectations. As the industry’s foremost leader, infused with the essence of Vancouver’s forested and mountainous landscapes and contemporary aesthetics, the brand is poised to make its mark in Beijing’s iconic Sanlitun business district. This move, which targets the high-end consumer market, will spark a resurgence in outdoor sports. The design narrative draws inspiration from adventures amid mountains and forests and pays homage to Vancouver’s cultural context. Through a continuous dialogue with nature, the store guides consumers through

diversified themed spaces, offering an unprecedented experience for both outdoor enthusiasts and the brand’s veteran fans.

1. Artistic recreation: tracing back to Vancouver’s cultural roots In the initial stage of schematic design, the design team delved deep into Vancouver, finding inspiration from local artists’ reimagining of “trees”. This re-creation became the primary muse for the design, which seamlessly weaves the urban outdoor cultural artwork into the store. Situated on an L-shaped site, the store features a facade crafted from gray rocks embedded with glass. Employing bold design techniques, this composition not only creates a striking visual effect but also demonstrates the brand’s distinctive and memorable identity. The design captures the essence of a natural mountain. A luminous installation in the shape of the brand’s skeleton logo is placed on the rugged surface, forming a unique brand atmosphere in the external environment to invite customers into a setting that encapsulates the spirit of Vancouver’s mountains and forests. At the entrance, a grilled lightweight acrylic canopy is set up with an extended lounge area reaching out

towards the street to engage with consumers. The space strives to foster a harmonious connection between humanity and nature and interpret the spirit of the outdoors through innovative artistic expression. Positioned in an elevated corner of the store, a colossal dead tree’s root extends vertically along a transparent glass facade, seamlessly blending into the store’s setting. The project emphasizes the sustainability of materials. On a suspended staircase platform, the design team introduced a 2-meter-high pinecone art installation crafted from rust boards recycled from factory waste. This installation harmonizes with the upward-reaching large tree root, cultivating a profound artistic ambiance.

2. Wood and rock elements: inspired by mountains and blended into nature In this two-story store, the first floor is designed as a dedicated space for the professional rock climbing and hiking series – an area suited for mountain and forestthemed scenarios. Meanwhile, the second floor is curated as an urban life product area for the 24 Collection, the VEILANCE Series, and in-store sharing sessions on mountain skills. Throughout the entire space, elements of rocks, trees and wood grain are incorporated into the mountainous backdrop to express the brand DNA of ARC’TERYX. A combination of ambient lighting and localized lighting for products contributes to the creation of distinct atmospheres in different areas through the interplay of warm and cold tones. The design team hunted for fallen dead trees in the forest and transformed them into decorative columns

by slicing and encasing them in glass. The tree rings on these columns serve as a visual testament to the trials and tribulations endured by the trees during their growth in nature – a perseverance that resonates with the spirit of ARC’TERYX, which aims to break through limits and keep reaching upwards. A customized irregularly shaped rock platform erects in the display area, complemented by a rust-colored metal wall featuring tree branch silhouettes, echoing the overarching theme of “trees” in the store. The concept of tree holes is also applied to the first floor, where each scene draws inspiration from nature, catering to the desires of outdoor enthusiasts. This space is primarily dedicated to the outdoor product line for young people, which is also available for the release of special merchandise in the future.

3. Urban fabric: a fusion of culture and technology Beijing boasts a skyline where ancient buildings majestically merge with the sky. Drawing inspiration from this cityscape, the project incorporates the element of eaves tiles into the facade of the VEILANCE Series area. This design aims to evoke the aesthetics of ancient Chinese architecture and showcase the brand’s cultural richness and inclusivity. The use of gray metal and cement contributes to a spatial ambiance infused with a solid feel, complementing the temperament of outdoor products within an urban environment.

frame structures are adopted. Meanwhile, an irregular mountain-shaped display platform creates an outdoor vibe through details on its base. A cavern-shaped installation takes center stage in the area for sharing sessions on the second floor. Low tables made of timber piles, fabric sofas, and decorative floor stoves collectively craft a cozy setting infused with a woodland feel. This environment allows consumers to enjoy coffee while listening to stories shared by rock climbing experts, thereby bringing consumers closer to the brand through brand promotion.

The overall space emphasizes the harmonious blend of an outdoor feeling and a sense of technology. Display installations are crafted with acrylic and metal materials and mirror the forms of production line equipment. This choice seeks to spotlight the brand’s dedication to research and development and its modification techniques, while paying homage to its outdoor spirits.

Diving back to mountains and the greater wilderness, being prepared for exploration, and experiencing the world through our bodies marks the initiation of our connection with the vast expanse. ARC’TERYX stands as a premier brand championed by numerous outdoor enthusiasts and extreme sports experts. The opening of its landmark flagship store in Beijing represents an innovative fusion of nature, outdoor sports and art, and a fresh interpretation of a sustainable outdoor lifestyle.

Within the 24 Collection product display area, wooden

DIESEL STORE Widely known among fashion insiders, it’s in Antwerp where DIESEL creative director Glenn Martens laid the foundation of his professional career, graduating from the internationally highly regarded fashion department of the Koninklijke Academie voor Schone Kunsten. The previous DIESEL store closed its doors a little while ago, but the Milan-based fashion brand has made a grand return downtown with a new retail space which features bold new design codes which tap right into irreverent youth culture from days gone by albeit with a contemporary twist. Occupying a lofty ground floor unit of an Art Nouveau structure built in 1904 by Belgian architects August Cols and Alfried Defever, the store rubs shoulders with the boutiques of Chanel, DSQUARED2, Panerai and a string of others from fashion’s upper echelon. Framed by walls and flooring of artisanal, handmade resin posters and an expansive grid Barrisol ceiling, a large-sized and distressed industrial metal billboard sign, similar to

those alongside highways stateside, takes centre stage. The billboard sign doubles as a display and ties in with furnishings clad decorated with metal peel-off vintage posters. At the back of the DIESEL store a cozy nook can be found, featuring bright red lacquered wall panels, which presents DIESEL‘s coveted denim collection. Mind you, a special capsule collection exclusive to the store is on offer, comprising a denim jacket, denim jeans, a longsleeve T-shirt, a tank, a tank dress with the metallic Oval D emblem on the chest, metallic denim cuissard boots, D-Venus-SB pumps and new versions of the 1-DR and D-Vina bags.

IT’S SHOWTIME AT SELFRIDGES! Showtime! a festive and fabulous extravaganza across all Selfridges stores and at Selfridges.com launches today, Thursday 2nd November 2023. This Christmas, Selfridges is inviting customers to a theatrical extravaganza loaded with festive drama and delight - Showtime! The best gifts, partywear, services, destinations and experiences for 2023 are inspired by the glamour of the stage, in anticipation of the most spectacular Christmas in Selfridges history. It’s curtains up for Selfridges world-famous Christmas windows, which have taken over 100 hours to install by a team of more than 50 people. The idea of true stagecraft and artistry is spotlighted here by the work of creative collaborators, including artist Max Allen, costumer designer of the Christmas cast. With Selfridges, Allen has created an “ensemble” of Christmas characters who have become A-List performers in Showtime! The 10 characters, who each feature in an Oxford Street window, include Santa Claus himself as ‘Stage Director’, a Christmas Tree Diva and a Stand-up Comedy Snowman. Every costume has been handmade in North London by Max and a team of product designers and embroiderers, working with fabrics from local haberdashers across the city. Characters wear hair by legendary hairstylist, Sam McKnight. Selfridges has commissioned specialist painter, Queenie Ingrams who has hand-painted dazzling, decorative set-pieces, and prop artist Matilda Greenwood to create

larger-than-life crackers, moons, snow mounts and stars. On Orchard Street, Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, one of the oldest toyshops in London, has shared archive imagery, reimagined using photo collage to create a series of dioramas that celebrate the fantasy of stagecraft. Visitors to Oxford Street become the audience to Selfridges OTT and high-octane Showtime! production, and the window at the corner of Oxford Street and Orchard Street invites them to applaud it, featuring moving curtains that open and close, a neon-flashing ‘Applause’ sign and gold roses that shower the stage. In store, showstopping gifts and partywear for every personality - new, pre-owned, rented and refillable - have been carefully curated across all categories. Santa and his troupe of bow ballerinas and gift boxes, are in-store and stage-ready from Friday 24th November to entertain customers. A line-up of DJs, singers and live performances ensure the atmosphere is electric, with bookable experiences and spectacle moments happening in London, Manchester and Birmingham. Selfridges has always been a stage for creativity and this year, self-expression and spectacle are at the heart of the Christmas experience.

ELEVATING THE FESTIVE SEASON: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LUXURY POP-UP STORES DURING CHRISTMAS Ghalia BOUSTANI. Senior retail consultant at Univers Retail | Published author | Visiting lecturer. The holiday season’s magical air of celebration and joy influences how people shop and engage with brands. Luxury pop-up stores become essential brand levers amid the bustling atmosphere, presenting a distinct and enchanting shopping experience for consumers. In this article, I explore the reasons why luxury pop-up stores play a pivotal role during the Christmas period. Furthermore, I assess their impact on the visibility of a brand, customer engagement, and overall success.

Why Luxury Pop-Up Stores Matter: As the festive season approaches, luxury pop-up stores strategically emerge in high-traffic areas, becoming beacons of allure for consumers actively in pursuit of unique and premium experiences amidst the holiday rush. These temporary boutiques not only display products; they also convey a sense of sophistication and exclusivity. Creating an enchanting holiday shopping tapestry is made possible by each pop-up store element, from establishing a seasonal brand presence to leveraging urgency and scarcity with exclusive offerings.

1. Increased Foot Traffic: Luxury pop-up stores strategically positioned in high-traffic areas capitalize on the festive fervor, drawing in consumers actively seeking unique and premium experiences during the holiday rush. 2. Seasonal Brand Presence: Establishing a physical presence during the festive season is paramount for luxury brands. Pop-up stores allow them to create a tangible and memorable experience, enhancing brand visibility and fostering positive associations during this crucial shopping period. 3. Urgency and Scarcity: The ephemeral nature of luxury pop-up stores introduces a sense of urgency and scarcity. The allure of exclusive, limited-time offerings entices customers to make spontaneous and coveted purchases, aligning seamlessly with the timesensitive nature of holiday shopping.

4. Unique Shopping Experience: Luxury brands use pop-up stores to curate a unique and immersive shopping experience. Adorned with holidaythemed decorations, interactive displays, and engaging activities, these spaces resonate with customers seeking an elevated and memorable shopping journey.

5. Product Launches and Exclusives: Christmas pop-ups provide an ideal platform for luxury brands to unveil new products or introduce exclusive items. Limited-edition releases and special bundles generate excitement, attracting discerning customers on the lookout for distinctive and opulent gifts.

6. Brand Storytelling: Emotions and storytelling take center stage during the Christmas period. Luxury pop-up stores become physical canvases where brands can intricately weave compelling narratives about their products, values, and the spirit of the season, forging deeper connections with customers.

7. Promotion of Gift Ideas: Luxury pop-up stores showcase curated gift ideas, simplifying the shopping process for customers seeking sophisticated presents. This strategic presentation not only elevates the shopping experience but also increases the likelihood of premium purchases. 8. Cross-Marketing Opportunities: Collaborations and partnerships with other luxury brands or influencers broaden the appeal and reach of Christmas pop-ups. These alliances create a synergistic effect, captivating a diverse audience of high-end consumers.

9. Interactive Marketing: The interactive nature of luxury pop-up stores allows brands to engage customers in creative and memorable ways. From bespoke demonstrations to hands-on experiences, these interactions enhance the shopping process, fostering a sense of exclusivity and luxury.

10. Social Media Buzz: Luxury pop-up stores become social media sensations during the Christmas period. Customers share their opulent experiences, showcasing purchases and creating user-generated content that serves as a powerful and organic extension of the brand’s reach.

The role of communication in luxury pop-up store’s success: Pop-up communications play a vital role in elevating sales during Christmas pop-up events, injecting a powerful blend of excitement, urgency, and engagement into the festive shopping experience. The pre-event phase becomes a buildup of anticipation as brands deftly employ social media, email marketing, and other communication channels to unveil exclusive products and tease limited time offers, strategically capturing the interest of the target audience. During the event, the communication strategy takes a dynamic turn with a focus on spotlighting limited-time discounts and special deals, leveraging the urgency of the season to prompt swift purchase decisions. The pop-up space is transformed into a holiday haven with the help of festive themes and decorations, both physical and digital, that enhance its visual appeal. Interactive experiences, such as product demonstrations and holiday workshops, captivate customers and imprint

a memorable shopping experience. By providing curated gift guides, the gift-selection process is simplified, while cross-promotions with influencers or other brands expand the event’s reach. Real-time communication channels, including live streaming and social media updates, not only capture in-the-moment happenings but also encourage customers to share their experiences, generating a buzz around the pop-up and attracting more visitors. The impact of the Christmas pop-up goes beyond its physical duration because of personalized shopping experiences, seamless online integration, and postevent follow-up communications that strengthen customer satisfaction and loyalty. These strategic pop-up communication tactics help brands navigate the festive season with finesse, creating an immersive and engaging customer journey that leads to increased foot traffic and increased sales.

ELEVATING THE FESTIVE SEASON Examples of Luxury Brands: Renowned luxury brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. have successfully leveraged Christmas pop-up stores to create enchanting brand experiences, offering exclusive holiday collections and immersive environments that captivate their discerning clientele.

1. Chanel :

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Elegance and Exclusivity: Chanel is known for its timeless elegance and sophistication. During Christmas, Chanel’s pop-up stores often reflect these qualities. The brand may showcase limited-edition holiday collections, exclusive items, and luxurious gift sets, creating a sense of exclusivity and desirability. Immersive Brand Experience: Chanel’s pop-up spaces are designed to offer an immersive brand experience. Lavish decorations, interactive displays, and personalized services contribute to a memorable shopping experience that aligns with the brand’s commitment to luxury.

2. Louis Vuitton :

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Collaborations and Limited Editions: Louis Vuitton may collaborate with renowned artists or designers for Christmas pop-ups, releasing limited-edition items that showcase a fusion of art and fashion. These collaborations create buzz and attract collectors and fashion enthusiasts.

3. Tiffany & Co. :

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Iconic Blue Box Experience: Tiffany & Co. is synonymous with its iconic blue box and timeless jewelry. During Christmas, Tiffany’s pop-up stores often emphasize this iconic branding. The pop-ups may feature holidaythemed jewelry collections, exclusive pieces, and signature blue box wrapping services.

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Personalized Gifting Services: Tiffany & Co. places a strong emphasis on personalization. Their Christmas pop-ups might offer services like engraving, allowing customers to add a personal touch to their purchases. This aligns with the spirit of gift-giving during the holiday season.

Innovative and Artistic Installations: Louis Vuitton is recognized for its innovation and artistic collaborations. For Christmas pop-up stores, Louis Vuitton might incorporate avant-garde and creative installations. These could include interactive art displays, unique product presentations, and limited-edition holidaythemed accessories.

Renowned luxury brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co. have successfully leveraged Christmas pop-up stores to create enchanting brand experiences

Conclusion and Recommendations: In conclusion, the strategic deployment of luxury pop-up stores during the Christmas period is more than a temporary trend; it is a powerful brand lever. Luxury brands are advised to follow these recommendations to maximize the impact of their Christmas pop-up endeavors as the holiday season approaches.

Produce exclusive collections and items that enhance the sense of rarity and allure.

Infuse the pop-up space with holiday-themed decorations and opulent touches to create an immersive and festive ambiance by embracing festive aesthetics.

Partner with influential figures in the luxury environment to expand the brand’s reach and appeal

to a wider, affluent audience through influencer collaborations.

Prioritize customer experience and provide impeccable service and unique experiences that align with the expectations of luxury clients.

Integrate the pop-up experience with online platforms in a seamless way, allowing customers to engage with the brand across multiple channels.

Luxury brands can turn their Christmas pop-up stores into not just retail spaces, but also immersive brand sanctuaries that leave a lasting impression on customers. During this festive season, they help foster loyalty and create a memorable association with the brand.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX WITH VISUAL MERCHANDISING

By Rob Fletcher With retailers constantly on the lookout for clever ways to capture the attention of busy shoppers, we take a look at how the innovative use of visual merchandising can help catch consumers’ eyes. Retailers have been using visual merchandising to appeal to and connect with shoppers for many years now. Be this simply placing items from a new range of clothes on a group of mannequins or coming up with a creative and colourful window display to draw in those passing by, visual merchandising plays a key role in many retail strategies. The primary challenge for retailers in the current market is how to evolve these tried and tested methods to appeal more to modern shoppers. The fast-paced nature of today’s market makes it harder to catch the attention of consumers, who may be otherwise distracted while out shopping. So, what can retailers do? Here, we speak with several visual merchandising specialists to gain an insight into this area and look at ways retailers can better connect with their core target audiences.

Dress to Impress First up is Proportion London, part of Kesslers, which designs and manufactures mannequins and busts. Nicola Skinner, business unit director at Proportion London, said visual merchandising should be important to retailers as, at the end of the day, their stores are showrooms on the high street. “They are part of the company branding and this helps with online sales as well as building trust with customers and helps them want to associate themselves to the brand,” Skinner said. “Visual merchandising is also a sales tool; good visual merchandising has proven to increase sales and a strong window can bring people into your store from the street; it really is an invisible salesperson.” Offering advice as to how retailers can go about a successful visual merchandising strategy, Skinner says they need to remember several key points.

The retailer needs to think how they can maximise sale opportunities through the use of visual merchandising

“The customer journey through a store; don’t lose sight of the message or have too many messages,” Skinner said. “The stock and the products always need to be the hero and you want the items to stand out and look eye catching and appealing. “The retailer needs to think how they can maximise sale opportunities through the use of visual merchandising, as well as what experience they are giving the customers.

“Think immersive; this does not have to be expensive but can be fun especially with the younger generations. Often, it’s the simple ideas that are most effective.” As an example of this, Skinner said the world-famous Selfridges at one time moved away from using the usual setup of mannequins in their windows. This, Skinner said, led to the windows becoming more of an art installation, with staff hanging clothes in different ways to see how this worked in the window. “They rewrote the rules on displaying fashion and they pushed the boundaries, with great success,” Skinner said. As for how Proportion London and Kesslers are developing their own offering, Skinner said there has been a significant focus on the environment. Retailers now have access to papier -mâché busts that can be amended to fit brand specific briefs.

Proportion London said good visual merchandising has proven to increase sales

VISUAL MERCHANDISING Consider the environment Also in this area is DZD, which, established in 1989, is a wholesale, B2B display and visual merchandising specialist. Director Fiona Cameron said now more than ever, retailers need to work hard to entice the shopper into their stores, and visual merchandising is an effective way of doing just this. “One of the most important points here is relevance, both to the stock they are trying to sell and to what is currently going on in the world outside,” Cameron said. “Make it eyecatching and make it fun! “Our stock has a heavy leaning towards everything Christmas, from greenery, to baubles and commercial grade lighting, but we also supply many and varied props for the remaining seasons of the year.” Cameron said DZD is committed to addressing major trends in the wider market, with one of these being the environment. This is very much reflected in the latest offerings from DZD and Cameron picks out its new foldable

cardboard tree as an example. The tree is made from sturdy FSC certified cardboard and folds completely flat for storage and transportation. Installation takes no more than five minutes, which Cameron said means shop assistants have more time to get on with the important business of retailing. “This product ticks so many boxes for us being sustainable, extremely attractive, a great price and large enough to make an impact,” Cameron said. “We’re not perfect, but we’re making big strides in replacing the materials used for our traditional Christmas greenery with sustainable alternatives, sourced much closer to home. The majority of all of our Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands are now made from around 60% recyclate materials. “We have also worked hard to source innovative products such as ribbon made from sea-reclaimed plastic, recyclate baubles and sustainable wood pulp tinsel!”

Conjure up an emotive response Elsewhere in the market, Propability is a family-run business that designs, manufactures and installs all manner of visual merchandising materials for a range of retailers. Tyrone Cano of Propability says much of this work is focused on adding the ‘wow’ factor to store or window displays, handling everything from conceptualisation, design, manufacture and installation.

successful productions combine a mixture of light, sounds, interaction, colour prop making or sculpting and decoration to bring the visual merchandising to life in as many sensory ways as possible.”

“Visual merchandising needs to be very important, especially these days with the retail sector moving more and more online,” Cano said. “With visual merchandising, you have the opportunity to create an experience for the consumer. To use the senses to appeal and conjure up an emotive response. “You can make a point of difference, tell your brand story, pull the merchandise off the shelf; it’s an experience beyond the point of sale. At Propability, we strive to create new and exciting experiences. We especially love the creation of immersive and interactive environments that provide a multi-sensory experience and bring a point of difference to leave your brand in the minds of customers.” With this in mind, what sort of advice do Cano and Propability have for retailers seeking the ‘wow’ factor with their own visual merchandising efforts? Cano said prop making for short-term or longer displays, both in store and through the windows, can produce a wow factor that really pulls the consumer into store. “The work we produce for Selfridges is a classic example of how the store communicates a value of some sort with a key message or promotion yet manages to combine clever merchandising within the creative retail design,” Cano said. “It’s not just a question of display – these days the most

DZD has launched a range of environmentally friendly visual merchandising materials

VISUAL MERCHANDISING

Above: Propabilty worked with Selfridges to create an area where shoppers could design their own, custom Monopoly game boards Right: Another example of work created by Propabilty and Selfridges

The Selfridges work Cano refers to includes a special display focused on classic board game Monopoly. Shoppers could create their own personalised Monopoly game board in store, with Selfridges installing a special, themed booth and floor graphics to help promote this to consumers. “We work with our partners, stores, suppliers and third parties where required or where we are bought in to support with something in particular,” Cano said. “In my view, its sometimes these collaborations that are the most innovative part of the project. “Everyone wants a feel-good factor, if you can bring a sense of fun to work, to design to your team and the projects, you add an element of enjoyability from start to finish. This is where Propabilty has such long-term industry relationships. We have nurtured these over so many years it stands us apart. You know our team are reliable, professional but also really good and pleasant people. I’m always grateful to the many talented craftsman we use to produce all our projects.” A common feature in retail environments for many years, visual merchandising is far from a new concept. However, in order to ensure it remains effective and continues to capture the attentions of consumers, retailers should consider looking at new ways to use these tools and materials to appeal to the masses.

With visual merchandising, you have the opportunity to create an experience for the consumer

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ANALYSING THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN RETAIL By Rob Fletcher With artificial intelligence drawing plenty of attention and headlines in the wider world, we look at how retailers are using this technology to improve the shopping experience for consumers and its potential for further use in the industry. If you follow what is being reported and printed in the mainstream media, it seems there is no escape from artificial intelligence, or AI if you prefer. Take the recent meeting between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and tech billionaire Elon Musk; AI was the focal point of the conversation, with Musk warning AI will lead to the eradication of some jobs. There is little doubt over this statement, with some jobs at higher risk than others, but if we focus in on the retail sector, what might this mean for the market? While we may be some way off robots manning the tills, there are certainly elements of AI beginning to creep into retail. With development of this technology moving at a fast pace, we can expect AI to play a bigger role as we move into 2024 and beyond. Looking at the current market, there are plenty of examples of how AI is improving retail both for businesses in the market and the consumer. And while talk of robots and threats to jobs may be somewhat discomforting, there is plenty of reasons to be positive about when it comes to how AI can help the industry evolve.

Widespread benefits if used properly Jo Causon, chief executive of The Institute of Customer Service, the UK-facing independent professional membership body for customer service, is upbeat about the relationship between AI and retail. She said why some are understandably concerned about what this might mean for jobs, AI can, if applied properly, benefit everyone. “There has naturally been a lot of discussion, worry and hyperbole as AI continues to find its way into our lives, whether in the workplace or personal situations,” Causon said. “I believe it’s clear however that, if applied appropriately and for the right activities, AI can add real value – and should not be something to be feared. “This is especially true where AI is helping retailers to understand customer preferences, channel behaviour, and personal requirements. However, how retailers

apply AI is critical to ask the right questions of, and truly understand, the data they have.” Causon went on to say the future for retailers is about finding the right blended approach of human and technology. She said staff must be trained sufficiently to utilise AI in the best way possible; effectively, efficiently, and responsibly. “Any transition by a business to AI-powered customer solutions need to be user-friendly, and the use of personal data and AI should be transparent,” Causon said. “Businesses also have a responsibility to guide their customers through any new processes and tools. “In short, I believe AI can be used as a tool to improve the service offering, so long as there’s still a person to talk to when the issue can’t be resolved by a machine.”

If applied appropriately and for the right activities, AI can add real value – and should not be something to be feared We may still be some way off robots doing our shopping for us

Looking out for the customer So, how can AI support retail? Causon said from an operational perspective, AI could help with improving business efficiencies across the retail sector, allowing human time and resources to be directed to the most pressing, sensitive, or complex customer issues.

two of the leading issues for retail customers was finding the right person to help and better website navigation,” Causon said. “Using AI-powered tools to streamline these journeys – ensuring the customer gets what they need with ease – could make a significant difference.

However, recent research into emerging technology shows AI-enabled chatbots are currently more likely than other channels to cause annoyance. Causon said this suggests we are not quite getting it right currently.

“Businesses should also be thinking about how they apply AI to data. Most organisations hold a significant amount of data, and there is often a lack of understanding about what to do with it. AI can be used to equip service professionals with the necessary information – in a timely manner - to provide more informed, data-powered solutions to complex human problems.

“Successful businesses are not just using emerging technologies to improve efficiency in the short term; they are using data and AI to monitor, analyse and strategically enhance the overall customer journey,” Causon said. On the flip side, Causon said there is a case for AI helping more customers self-serve and more businesses get things right first time. She referred to recent figures that show poor customer service is costing the UK economy over £9bn a month in lost productivity.

“Applying AI sensibly and strategically to your customer operations can help optimise online and bricks and mortar offerings. Whether you’re launching innovative shop floor experiential initiatives, investing in data-led customer personalisation, or creating safer environments for staff and customers with security measures like AI facial recognition, there are a myriad of ways AI can help improve the shop floor experience alongside the online.”

“In our most recent UK Customer Service Index (UKCSI),

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ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN RETAIL

AI could support retailers during major shopping events such as Black Friday

If real-time stock levels are linked to shop floor data about purchasing trends, these insights can help the whole business to become more efficient and more streamlined

Efficiency during busy shopping events This brings us on nicely to what may be of most interest to retailers: how is AI currently being used in the retail market. Retail Focus has received plenty of emails on the subject from early adopters of AI in the sector, setting out how AI has helped them improve as a business. Per Overgaard, chief technology officer for EMEA at Lenovo ISG, is of the opinion that AI will transform the entire retail experience. He added that seamless access to real-time analytics is what will define a retail leader from its competitors on days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, both of which recently took place. “Shopper behaviour analytics not only provide retailers with the ability to deliver personalised promotions to shoppers but can also use dynamic pricing or real time promotions to increase consumer spend on these days,” Overgaard said.

“AI-powered analytics goes beyond online retail. It can also offer insights to enhance store planning by placing goods in more optimal locations and improve checkout intelligence to decrease costly store theft.” Overgaard said AI applications transcend the shop floor. He explained that analytics from warehouses and stock rooms can allow retailers to be more efficient about ordering products, restocking shelves, and planning logistics effectively, which he said is critical as these operations become the backbone of successful sales periods. “If real-time stock levels are linked to shop floor data about purchasing trends, these insights can help the whole business to become more efficient and more streamlined,” Overgaard said. “For instance, retailers can use data to understand

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN RETAIL the number of customers who enter the store at different times throughout the year, and stock their floors accordingly to match this demand. This is a key

differentiator for successful retailers in the lead up to busy periods and equips them for successful sales in the buildup to Christmas.”

Personal experience for shoppers In terms of physical solutions, these are coming to market thick and fast. In November, we saw Panasonic Connect Europe launch a new AI-powered solution that it said is set to revolutionise retail by personalising advertising with generative AI-based chatbots for customers as they shop. Developed in partnership with retail data analyst ADEAL Systems, the solution allows stores to automatically monitor demographics of shoppers, combine this information with buying preferences and additional information such as weather or local events, and instantly personalise advertising on displays in the store. The solution combines an AI-powered personal shopping assistant ‘CUstomer Segmentation As-A-Service’ (CUSAAS) with retail technology camera and display solutions to bring a next level shopping experience. It operates using cameras to identify the demographics of those instore. Analysis is provided to the CUSAAS system and combined with additional external information to generate product suggestions. Generative AI-based chatbots design advertisements in real time, with these being delivered via a signage application from FRAMR and displayed on Panasonic 4K displays. Panasonic billed the new solution as a smart recommender, enabling physical retailers to bring the online experience

in-store or create an omnichannel strategy by using realtime data to recommend and personalise communications with customers. “It’s an ingenious solution that matches the demographic information – never personal data – with buying preferences and other local information to create a new shopping experience,’ said Jens-Michael Pohl, sales engineering manager for Panasonic Connect Europe. “It’s all possible today because of AI. “AI in the cameras to identify profiles, AI in the backend system to suggest products and the Generative AI capabilities to instantly deliver personalised advertising. Of course, we always recommend a human check for quality control on the communications before publishing, but it is fundamentally an AI automated system that could use generative AI applications, depending on the choice of the retailer.” Picking up on Pohl’s reference to human involvement, this pretty much sums up where we are at with AI at present. Yes, it can do many wonderful things and help take the pressure of actual staff, but still requires human touch to operate properly. Combining AI technology with traditional human roles could have huge potential in retail moving forward.

Left: Panasonic has launched a new AI-powered solution combining personalising advertising with generative AI-based chatbots Right: Businesses should consider how best to apply AI technology to their operations

THE LUXURY BRANDS BEING LIT BY SUSTAINABLE RETAIL LIGHTING The Bicester Collection, created and operated by Value Retail, is a family of 11 luxury shopping destinations in Europe, the UK and China, and soon in the US. Locations include distinguished retail spaces like Maasmechelen Village near Brussels, Kildare Village near Dublin, and Bicester Village near London. A staggering 41 million people shopped and dined at a The Bicester Collection in 2022!

A drive for sustainability An organisation that takes its corporate responsibility seriously, The Bicester Collection have dedicated themselves to embedding sustainability into their culture. With an emphasis on monitoring and reducing environmental impact across the Villages, they aim to reduce water, energy use, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. It was these common values that brought The Bicester Collection and Shoplight together. Being so sustainability driven, with specific targets to improve energy consumption and sustainability across all areas, Shoplight’s newest product, Nort, and its High Efficiency range proved to be highly attractive to The Bicester Collection’s boutique development teams. Retail Development Manager, Richard Baldry said, “As part of our drive on sustainability and reducing operational energy demand at Bicester Village, we’ve been impressed by the Nort lighting system from Shoplight. Its energy efficiency, the use of recycled materials in its main body, and commitment to the principles of the circular economy

align perfectly with our ESG initiatives, further enhancing our efforts towards environmental responsibility while maintaining our high standards for retail environment quality.” So far, Shoplight, in partnership with The Bicester Collection have supplied retail lighting for pop-up boutiques and leading brands like: 1. Hugo Boss, within Le Salon, Maasmechelen Village 2. Simone Perele, Kildare Village 3. Women’s International, Bicester Village 4. Astrid & Miyu, Bicester Village 5. Marc Jacobs, Bicester Village

Bringing sustainability to retail lighting A fully upgradeable, circular economy spotlight, Nort has been designed to reduce energy consumption in both manufacture and operation, a perfect match for The Bicester Collection’s ongoing focus on sustainability.

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Local manufacturing of Nort means up to 25% reduction in CO2 emissions

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On demand printing means little to no waste is produced

Nort is a track mounted adjustable spotlight, made from sustainable bioplastic and complete with increased efficiency COB LED module, reflector, and integral electronic driver.

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Its modular design means key components can be easily serviced, upgraded or replaced

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The high efficiency version of Nort offers up to 153 lumens per watt which can reduce energy consumption by up to 50%

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As a circular product, Nort materials can be reused, recycled or composted

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In fact, 86% of Nort is reusable and/or recyclable at end of life

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The Bicester Collection also used Shoplight’s Colt Mini HE, a recessed fixed downlight complete with COB LED module, reflector and remote electronic driver.

The use of innovative bioplastic blends means Nort offers up to 97.5% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to aluminium production

The Colt Mini HE is from Shoplight’s High Efficiency range which significantly reduces carbon miles and energy

consumption. Rather than being shipped from the Far East, the High Efficiency range is made in the EU, and therefore reduces associated carbon miles considerably. The High Efficiency range also features new high efficiency LED

modules which deliver efficiencies of up to 150 luminaire lumens per circuit watt. This means they can reduce the lighting energy consumption by up to 50% compared to a standard LED spotlight.

Striving for retail lighting efficiency Through product innovation and expert lighting design skills Shoplight work with brands like The Bicester Collection to significantly improve lighting efficiency.

undertaking as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production and helps to mitigate negative environmental impact.

As well as providing significant energy cost savings, better lighting efficiency contributes to improving overall sustainability. Reducing energy consumption decreases the overall demand for electricity and contributes directly to energy conservation. This is crucial for the kind of sustainability efforts that The Bicester Collection are

For example, in the Hugo Boss Le Salon Pop-Up at Maasmechelen Village, existing lighting was using 30w/ m2. Shoplight’s design reduced that to and impressive 10w/m2! Shoplight went on to match this, keeping energy consumption under 10w/m2 for Simone Perele in Kildare Village and Women’s International in Bicester Village.

Going beyond lighting with innovation and service Working on these lighting projects with The Bicester Collection has involved dealing with multiple team members, including boutique development teams from The Bicester Collection and the Brand partners they work with. By keeping a steady flow of communication with designers, contractors, and everyone else involved in bringing these stores to life, and keeping close tabs on project management, Shoplight have successfully lit several of The Collection’s pop-up stores with more in the pipeline. To complement its innovative bioplastic product range made from plant-based polymers, Shoplight has an in-house design studio available to help brands create lighting design that considers both sustainability and visual

impact. As specialists in sustainable UK and European retail lighting, a light-focusing service as standard and experience with other leading brands like LEGO, GAIL’s Bakery and END, working with Shoplight could well be the next best move for your retail development team. Overall, this partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when businesses consider the impact they have on all stakeholders including the environment. By changing its approach to lighting, The Bicester Collection are actively contributing to a more sustainable future by adopting and promoting circular, energy-efficient lighting across their estate and with the Brands they partner with.

For more information on sustainable lighting options like Nort, contact Matt Carrington on +44 (0)7921 823725, matt.carrington@shoplight.lighting or visit www.shoplight.lighting

CONTEMPORARY CULTURE AND COMMUNITY IN 2023 - AMERICAN DREAM CELEBRATES BEST YEAR EVER, INCLUDING USA’S LARGEST YEAR-ON-YEAR FOOTFALL INCREASE The year has seen the more than 170,000 sq. ft. of retail space leased to new tenants and a packed calendar of cultural events attracting more than 80,000 attendees alone. 30 November 2023, MAPIC Cannes, France — In a landmark year for one of America’s largest dining, entertainment and retail destinations, American Dream (developed and owned by Triple Five Group) has successfully opened more than 170,000 sq. ft. of new tenants and is now 89% leased. According to statistics from leading intelligence provider, Placer.ai, American Dream has also seen the largest year-on-year increase in footfall of all retail destinations in the USA.

New openings for 2023—and beyond Some of the most prominent international fashion brands to join the American Dream during 2023 include: the largest Balenciaga mall store in North America, Canada Goose, Ferrari, Hugo Boss, JD Sports, Lovisa, Watches of Switzerland with Rolex and Cartier Storefronts and Zadig&Voltaire. Additionally, the property is the home for North American flagship stores for brands, including Aland, Elegant Prosper, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hermes, Saint Laurent, Alexander Wang, and Carpaccio, a fine-dining Italian restaurant —are all seeing strong sales volumes. Having established itself as a leading leisure destination with attractions including the the DreamWorks Water Park and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, American Dream continues to grow at an unparalleled experiential leisure and F&B offering. New additions during 2023 include a raft of food and beverage offerings, including Marcus Live! by Marcus Samuelson, Michelin star restaurant Szechuan Opera, Jarana (by celebrity chef, Gaston Acurio), Isola Bella champagne and wine bar, and leading Asian grocer, H-Mart. The destination’s leisure offering is also stronger than ever with first-in-New Jersey locations of Activate, Nickelodeon Theme Park, Acuitis, as well as the only Paradox Museum location in New Jersey. Paul Ghermezian, Vice President of Triple Five Group comments, “American Dream is a place where anyone can spend an entire day with family and friends. There are few other destinations in the world where visitors can ride a roller coaster, go down a water slide, go skiing down a hill, shop at over 200 retailers—and eat fine dining—all in one location.” Sandi Danick, Senior Vice President of Leasing for American

Dream/Triple Five Group, added: “We pride ourselves on a diverse and expansive offering—and are delighted to be able to welcome so many leading international brands to the center as we continue to build one of the continent’s leading destinations.”

Building a community hub for everyone A key element of American Dream’s success during 2023 can be attributed to its keen focus on culture and community at the destination, featuring a wide-ranging themed events calendar, including a Mid-Autumn Fashion Show, Lunar New Year activations, the Fiesta in America event, Food Truck Fest, the Royal Canadian Circus, K-Pop week and Hamapsik Family Day, with some events attracting upwards of 30,000 visitors. The popularity of the development as a community attraction is demonstrated by its record returning visitor numbers, with 92% of visitors having returned at least four times since their first visit.

Insights from across the pond: Attending MAPIC 2023 As the fastest-growing retail destination brand in the US, American Dream and Triple Five Group are attending at MAPIC 2023, the leading international event gathering the retail property, leisure, food and tech communities, in Cannes this November. Paul Ghermezian, Vice President, will be on site to highlight the organization’s unique international offer to European brands—and discover the latest European concepts. Senior Vice President of Leasing, Sandi Danick, will speak at MAPIC’s exclusive Leisure Summit, discussing insights with industry leaders on how developers and asset managers are looking to reanimate destinations with leisure. Sandi will speak alongside senior executives from Agorize, Kiabi, Nhood, KCC, F1 Arcade, LDC Partners and 360 Karting.

Paul Ghermezian, Vice President of Triple Five Group

DOROTAPE Dorotape has expanded its range of sustainable media with the introduction of five new products made using up to 120 recycled 1.5L PET bottles and coated with a water-based adhesive. The range includes both printable films with matching laminate as well as a polished silver and gold finish are suitable for both internal and external use with an outdoor durability of up to 3 years on to smooth, flat surfaces. All films are from leading European manufacturer ASLAN and Dorotape are proud to have been awarded Gold Distributor status for this range in the UK. www.dorotape.co.uk

CONCEALED AUTOMATION OPENS DOORS TO ZARA CONCEPT STORE, LONDON - NOVEMBER 2023 TORMAX was recently contracted by Permasteelisa (UK) to install their iMotion 1302.KI operators to the eight sets of swing doors that deliver seamless access into the new Zara concept store situated within the world-renowned, Battersea Power Station development. With a focus on clean lines and contemporary aesthetics, the door drives are discreetly hidden within each door lintel. “TORMAX is a pioneer in the realm of invisible automation thanks to the meticulous design of our iMotion high torque motors,” said Simon Roberts, Managing Director of TORMAX UK. “Having eliminated the parts that are known for wear and tear, maintenance requirements are minimised, and an extended life span can be expected. This technology allows us to offer two concealed automation solutions. The iMotion 1401 operator is situation within the floor below the door whilst the 1302.KI is positioned within the lintel.” The 4,500sqm Battersea store is Zara’s largest commercial space in the UK and features new product displays, women’s, men’s and children’s fashion collections and a Zara Home offer. Customers can explore two floors of shopping set in a large, clean and neutral space that emphasizes architect Frank Gehry´s vision for the building. The multiple angles of the glass and metal fronted exterior blends in with the urban plan of the complex, with the TORMAX automatic swing door operators providing welcoming access from Electric Boulevard, the pedestrianised high street outside the Power Station. The iMotion 1302.KI door drive is an ideal solution for a building such as the Zara store, as the modular construction will allow for easy expansion of the system as needs change over time. The iMotion door drives can also incorporate panic escape mechanisms, badge access or integration into a building management system for an extra level of access control. With over 60 years of expertise in door automation, TORMAX UK Ltd offers a complete entrance solution including design, manufacture, installation, servicing and maintenance. Capabilities include swing, sliding, folding and revolving doors. www.tormax.co.uk

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COLT BIO — A NEW FULLY UPGRADEABLE, CIRCULAR ECONOMY DOWNLIGHT Colt Bio is Shoplight’s first 3D-printed and UK-assembled recessed fixed downlight. It is made from sustainable bioplastic with a highly efficient COB LED module, reflector and remote electronic driver.

Flexible sizing — the answer for retrofits 3D printing allows for the outer bezel to be produced to any diameter up to 300mm, so it is a perfect solution to retrofit

into existing ceiling holes where it would otherwise be difficult to find an exact match for an existing hole.

Sustainable materials Colt Bio housing is made from Greentech Pro or NonOilen with a reflector made of die-cast aluminium. GreenTEC Pro – renewable and recyclable (White, Black, Grey)

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Made from 100% renewable raw materials

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Biodegradable (ISO 14855)

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Free of silicone which uses hydrocarbons to produce

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Industrially compostable (ISO 13432)

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RoHS, REACH and FDA compliant - free from many toxic chemicals like Lead and Mercury

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The plants used to make NonOilen consume greenhouse gas emissions compared to standard plastic made from petrol-based polymers that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions

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Made from a blend of PLA and PHB, derived from renewable, organic and biodegradable sources like corn starch and sugar cane

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100% biodegradable with industrial composting with nutrients that can then be returned to the soil

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Composting takes 90 days with an electric composter

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It retains its mechanical properties after being reused up to 12 times - at the end of a lifecycle in-store, a NonOilen Colt Bio can be returned to the manufacturer for 100% recycling and reuse

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Very good mechanical and thermal stress resistance qualities

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Offers very good mechanical and thermal stress resistance qualities, high levels of impact resistance and very high optical quality

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Temperature resistant up to 160 degrees C

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NonOilen – renewable, recyclable and reusable (Silk)

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Temperature resistant up to 110 degrees C

100% bio-based - a product that starts from the soil and ends in the soil

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High optical quality

Modular design Modular design is a method of breaking down complex systems into smaller, more manageable parts. Using interconnected components allows greater flexibility in the overall design, enabling more efficient, cost-effective solutions to be developed. Importantly, a modular design approach also enables easy access to key components. The materials Colt Bio is made from, coupled with its modular design mean it can be upgraded easily and can be left in use for many years, and only recycled at the end of its working life. Key information

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Colours – White, Black, Grey and Silk

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Bespoke options - special colours and textures available on request

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Available in outputs up to 27w

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4131 max lumens

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Up to 153 Luminaire Lumens per Watt

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COB LED module as standard

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CRI90 in 2700, 3000, 3500 and 4000K

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Fashion in 3100, 3200 and 3500K

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Food in 2400 (bakery), 3100 (meat) and 2000K (pink meat)

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Driver - electronic 50Hz on/off, DALI and phase cut dimming available

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Reflectors available in 20,30, 45 o5 55 degrees

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IP20 rating

Colt Bio offers a sustainable downlight solution that has a substantially less negative impact on people and planet. https://shoplight.lighting/ marketing@shoplight.lighting Contact Sales Director, Matt Carrington +44 (0)1733 345265 or +44 (0) 7921 823725 matt.carrington@shoplight.lighting,

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CIRCULIGHT — THE NEW SCHEME ENABLING TRUE CIRCULARITY IN RETAIL LIGHTING This December Shoplight is launch Circulight, a new four-step circular scheme to encourage more sustainable practices in retail lighting. In an era where sustainability is paramount, Circulight demonstrates Shoplight’s commitment to environmental stewardship which is at the forefront of its innovations. The scheme can also form part of a retail brands story showcasing their commitment to sustainability across their property estate and operations.

Step 1: Scrappage Scheme The Scrappage Scheme is designed to encourage retailers to start their journey towards more sustainable lighting with Shoplight. Any retailer can deliver any non-LED product, made by any luminaire manufacturer, to Shoplight when they order a comparable bioplastic alternative from them. In doing so they will receive a credit to use on a Shoplight bioplastic

alternative. For example, if you’re removing 100 metal halide track spotlights, rather than send them to landfill, return them to Shoplight who will ensure they recycle as many of the components as possible through their Recolight membership. You will also receive a credit of up to £500 to use towards new Shoplight bioplastic alternatives.

Step 2: Service Plan Backed by a 5-year parts and labour warranty, Shoplight already guaranteed comprehensive coverage for any component breakdown. Now, it is launching a Service Plan to help retailers achieve sustained performance and costeffective sustainability. For a fixed annual cost per bioplastic product per year, Shoplight’s service plan offers an array of benefits that extends far beyond mere repairs. It includes annual maintenance, component repair or replacement, a deep

clean, LED COB upgrades and driver reprogramming where needed. Extending beyond consistent lighting, the plan will likely result in significant energy savings as well as increased product value – products covered under the agreement boast an increased buy-back value of up to 50%, providing retailers with a financial incentive for embracing sustainable lighting practices.

Step 3: Buy-Back Scheme The practicalities of the retail sector means that retailers regularly refurbish stores and exit premises as leases expire. When this happens Shoplight want its bioplastic products to be returned for reuse and recycling. To incentivise clients to return their bioplastic products

to Shoplight, a significant credit is provided to the original purchaser which can be used towards a new bioplastic product. Currently, this credit ranges from £6 to £12 depending on the fitting. This provides retailers a true circular economy solution ensuring their bioplastic components stay in use, again and again.

Step 4: Reuse and Recycling Shoplight have developed innovative ways to minimise waste from retail lighting. By using cutting edge materials, they can easily reuse and recycle most key components. For example, 86% of Nort, their first ever bioplastic product, can be reused or recycled! Components like lamp-holders, track

adaptors, heat sinks, internal screws, and wiring can be used multiple times. Shoplight have invested in technology and machinery that allows them to shred bioplastic parts and reform them into brand new products, significantly reducing landfill waste.

Designed with a vision for longevity and adaptability, Shoplight’s bioplastic retail lighting solutions, together with Circulight, are a testament to its dedication to a circular economy in retail lighting. It is an enlightened and hopeful alternative to the ‘take-make-dispose’ model that blights the lighting industry.

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