Retail Focus June 2018 by Retail Focus

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June 2018 : Â£6.75 #100

June 2018/issue 100

retail focus WWW.RETAIL-FOCUS.CO.UK

The Shop at Bluebird : Giambattista Valli : Zara : Creative Retail Awards : Chelsea in Bloom : Clerkenwell Design Week : Selfridges Corner Shop : In & Around London Bridge : Focus on Technology : Q&A with Penny Grivea at Rituals

Treasure trove

Covent Garden welcomes The Shop at Bluebird

THE SHOP AT BLUEBIRD : GIAMBATTISTA VALLI : ZARA : CREATIVE RETAIL AWARDS : CHELSEA IN BLOOM : CDW 2018 : IN & AROUND LONDON BRIDGE : FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGY : Q&A WITH PENNY GRIVEA AT RITUALS

mannequins | creative | shop fit | hangers | retail

@theHOLgroup #theHOLway

H.O.L. are a London based leading provider of Retail Design, Shop Fitting and Retailer Supplies. We provide a creative and effective retail display environment to engage your customers and enhance your brand.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW COLLECTION FARRINGDON LAUNCHED AT THE VM & DISPLAY SHOW We worked with one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading body language experts to create a range of mannequins that convey a contemporary attitude. The collection includes male, female, urban and plus size adults along with playful children. We invite you to book an appointment to view the full Farringdon collection at our London showroom

Find out more: Visit our NEW website at www.hol-group.com

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contents

CONTENTS Treasure trove

26-28

The Shop at Bluebirdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new chapter has opened in the beautiful Grade II listed Carriage Hall on Covent Gardenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Floral Street.

36 Creative Retail Awards

40 Chelsea in Bloom

43 Clerkenwell Design Week

26-34 Project Focus

Leader

The Shop at Bluebird : Giambattista Valli : Zara, Westfield Stratford

Diary

10-14 News 17-18 Window shopping

Paul Nathan, founder & creative director at Roar, explores how materials can evoke emotions in your customers.

Inspiring window displays from around the globe.

21 25

Centre stage Karl McKeever Expectant parents could soon have nowhere to go with the future decidedly uncertain at Mothercare, says Karl this month.

Opinion

In and Around... London Bridge, which is welcoming a host of fashion and luxury brands as part of its redevelopment.

The podcast for the retail industry Listen on www.theretailexchange.co.uk Download and listen later, wherever you are

Selfridges Corner Shop

on: 67 Focus Technology

56-64 Products Products and services for the retail industry.

Q&A Penny Grivea, managing director of Rituals, talks to us about her vision for the premium lifestyle brand and her expectations.

the loNg-term effects

F Ca er

When you think of cancer, you may not think of it as a long-term condition. However 65% of cancer survivors say they’ve had to deal with long-term side effects during and after treatment. These long-term effects – such as persistent hair loss, depression, fatigue, nausea and loss of conﬁdence – can impact their everyday lives, including at work. Each year, almost 120,000 people of working age are diagnosed with cancer in the UK, and with survival rates improving and people retiring later, this ﬁgure is set to rise. 85% of people in work when they were diagnosed with cancer say that continuing work is important to them. However, 47% of people had to give work up or change roles, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the right support and advice is available early on to prevent staff falling out of work. However despite the need for this support, line managers are often ill equipped to offer the right level of information to help manage employees affected by cancer. Organisations urgently need to develop a health and wellbeing at work strategy that recognises the needs of rising numbers of employees with long-term conditions. This is why Macmillan has developed Macmillan at Work, which offers workplace training, consultancy and resources to help HR and line managers support people affected by cancer.

a positive impact not only on wellbeing and helping to preserve livelihoods of those with long-term conditions, but also beneﬁts organisations in retaining knowledgeable staff, as well as fostering a positive work culture and loyal workforce. The building blocks of a good health and wellbeing at work strategy include policy, training and support programmes that raise awareness and address the needs of employees, and ensuring that relevant staff (such as line managers and HR) are equipped to support colleagues affected by cancer.

To ﬁnd out about the expert training, guidance and resources Macmillan provides, visit macmillan.org.uk/atwork You can also email the team at workandcancer@macmillan.org.uk or call 020 7840 4725.

Evidence shows health support in the workplace can help prevent people falling out of work due to ill health. Remaining in work can have Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). MAC15903_2017

MAC15903 Employee Benefits ad_297x210mm.indd 3

29/03/2017 10:07

leader

welcome June ‘18

—

Welcome to our June issue, which is also our 100th issue! We were proud to host the first Creative Retail Awards in association with SDEA earlier this month. Taking place at Bunga Bunga in Covent Garden, the new awards format rewarded and recognised champions in the retail design and display sector in a relaxed, informal and fun setting. A big congratulations to all the worthy winners - read about all the winning schemes on P36-38. The Shop at Bluebird has moved from Knightsbridge to Covent Garden, taking over a Grade II listed carriage hall. No one can deny the beauty of the stunning icosahedron feature in the atrium space. The store is designed to offer the customer an exciting sense of discovery – find out more on P26-28. A-list couturier Giambattista Valli has chosen Sloane Street as the location for his first UK flagship. The space has been designed as a London home, and takes inspiration from the city’s distinctive style and culture (P30-31). Over at Westfield Stratford, Zara is embracing the digital revolution with its latest store opening (P33-34). The technology-filled store is designed to transform the customer experience and integrate online and in-store shopping. Cue robotics, interactive mirrors with RFID, staff armed with iPads, self checkout and mobile payment. Over the last few weeks, the city of London has been taken over with a host of floral events to coincide with RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. View highlights from the biggest Chelsea in Bloom to date on P40-41. On P43-44, Karen Millen’s Charlotte Arnold shares her design highlights from Clerkenwell Design Week. Lastly, but by no means least, we are very pleased to welcome back our managing editor, Gemma Balmford, from maternity leave. Moving forward, you can contact both myself and Gemma re. editorial enquiries. Here’s to another 100 issues!

Lyndsey Dennis Editor

Managing Editor

Editor

Gemma Balmford e. gemma@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)845 680 7405

Lyndsey Dennis e. lyndsey@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)845 680 7405

Publisher

Production & Web

Lee Cullumbine e. lee@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)845 680 7405

Terry Clark e. terry@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)845 680 7405

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diary

DIARY

Orla Kiely: A Life in Pattern Fashion & Textile Museum, London 25 May - 23 September 2018 ‘Orla Kiely: A Life in Pattern’ is the first ever retrospective dedicated to the print, fashion and homeware designs of designer Orla Kiely. The exhibition will explore the vision that has, since the Nineties, become a global phenomenon. It will draw on an archive of 20-plus years of work, offering visitors an insight into Kiely’s creative process. Featuring more than 150 patterns and products, as well as collaborations with photographers, film directors and architects, the exhibition emphasises the role of ornament and colour in our everyday lives. It explores the power of decoration to transform the way we feel. FashionTextile

Image: © Orla Kiely

www.ftmlondon.org

Fashioned from Nature V&A Museum, London Runs until 27 January 2019

Paris Retail Week Paris expo Porte de Versailles 10-12 September 2018

London Design Festival Citywide 15-23 September 2018

‘Fashioned from Nature’ is the first UK exhibition to explore the complex relationship between fashion and nature from 1600 to the present day. It presents fashionable dress alongside natural history specimens, innovative new fabrics and dyeing processes, inviting visitors to think about the materials of fashion and the sources of their clothes.

Taking on the theme of ‘Smart Phygital’, the Paris Retail Week will be a centre point for the convergence of digital technology and thought-out physical design. Taking place at Paris expo Porte de Versailles, the show will welcome 40,000 decision makers, 800 industry providers, 350 headline speakers, store tours and awards.

The annual London Design Festival celebrates and promotes London as the design capital of the world and as the gateway to the international creative community. The Festival programme is made up of more than 400 events and exhibitions staged by hundreds of partner organisations across the design spectrum and from around the world.

V_and_A www.vam.ac.uk

PRWOfficial en.parisretailweek.com

L_D_F www.londondesignfestival.com

10. 11. 12 SEPT 2018 PARIS EXPO PORTE DE VERSAILLES PAVILION 1

800 PARTICIPATING COMPANIES 40,000 PROFESSIONALS

EV ENT

3 STORE TOURS 11 AWARDS

FOR RETAIL

PROFESSIONALS WWW.PARISRETAILWEEK. COM

REQUEST YOUR FREE BADGE ON: WWW.PARISRETAILWEEK.COM

Invitation Code: PUB

Or scan the QR code:

The synergy ot two sectors:

PARIS RETAIL WEEK: BE PART OF EUROPE’S LEADING 360° RETAIL EVENT! The fourth edition of Paris Retail Week will take place September 10 – 12, 2018 in Pavilion 1 at Paris expo Porte de Versailles. The success of the third edition of Paris Retail Week confirmed the need for professionals of the off- and on-line retail sectors to meet at a common event. The 2018 edition of Paris Retail Week will highlight , the global and agile retail ecosystem. Retailers are experts in organic revolution.

From brick and mortar to pure players, not to mention m- and s-commerce, retailers have shown their unfailing sense of adaptation. Retail today is SMART. It learns from and grasps the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence to continuously improve the customer experience. It has (at last!) married off- and on-line retail and now heralds the arrival of the Phygital era. Paris Retail Week will present the entire value chain of the sector: new models of distribution, layout and design, the consumer

#ParisRetailWeek www.parisretailweek.com

path to purchase, web to store and store to web, omni-channel CRM, shopper marketing, agile logistics, and more. The largest retail trade show in Europe will gather the E-Commerce sector, dedicated to solutions for e-retailers, ranging from digital marketing to logistics, and the EquipMag (store) sector, dedicated to physical commerce and distribution. For three days, Paris will be the capital of experiential and connected commerce, bringing together 800 participating companies and 40,000 retail professionals.

PARIS, CAPITAL OF EXPERIENTIAL AND CONNECTED COMMERCE

THE EUROPEAN GLOBAL

350 TOP SPEAKERS

news

NEWS Covent Garden in Bloom arrives in the capital Every year, more and more floral displays appear in London during the week of RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Running until 24 June, the capital is celebrating Covent Garden in Bloom as part of the Chelsea Fringe celebrations. A conceptual floral installation titled ‘Moments of Reflection’ is located on the East Piazza. The garden is adorned with large mirrors, inviting visitors to take a floral selfie and spare a moment or two for reflection. The garden has been designed by Gavin Jones and Covent Garden’s newly installed head gardener, who nurtures more than 3,000 plants that live on the estate. The living wall of the installation is a celebration of Britain’s favourite Spring blooms and features 20 different species of flowers, including foxgloves, wallflowers, geraniums, petunias, lobelias and more, in an assortment of bright Summer colours. Complementing the flower installation, a community herb garden featuring more than 10 different herbs has been planted in the Piazza, including thyme, rosemary, parsely, fennel, ivy and

strawberries. A selection of Covent Garden’s restaurants and bars including Frenchie, Petersham Nurseries, Vini Italiani and Lima Floral have create bespoke cocktails and dishes using these herbs. Local schools and community centres can attend insightful and interactive workshops, led by Covent Garden’s head gardener, to learn about creating their own herb garden. More than 40 retailers and restaurants in the area are joining in the festivities and blossoming with botanical windows, in-store displays and floral products.

Boden opens second store at Westfield London Following the opening of its debut store in London’s Duke of York Square in November, online retailer Boden has opened its second store at Westfield London’s new extension in White City. The store boasts an eclectic heritage-infused concept designed by Dalziel & Pow. The concept invites customers to shop ‘at home’ with Boden in a Georgian house setting, featuring an eccentric British vibe inspired by Johnnie Boden’s unique style and personality. Tailored to the modern mall surroundings and its fashion-forward shoppers, Dalziel & Pow has balanced heritage and contemporary elements for the new store. A double-height shopfront makes a

bold statement, while beyond the window’s crittal glazed framework, a deeply recessed VM area showcases the domestic heritage concept, with design cues such as half-panelled walls, Georgian-style mosaic floor tiling and framed artworks. Found furniture pieces, chandeliers and wooden flooring create the sense of an eclectic ‘home-from-home’. Wit and humour are fed into the space through

communications, joined by engaging lifestyle imagery and elements of surprise. At the heart of the store is an inviting space for dwell time and browsing online collections. The back wall and cash desk also make a stronger style statement, drawing shoppers further into the store. Boden will continue to roll out its physical store concept throughout 2018 and beyond.

news

Designs unveiled for retail, cafe and restaurant areas at new V&A Dundee location Lumsden has unveiled its designs for the retail, cafe and restaurant offering at the new V&A Dundee. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the £80 million landmark building will open on 15 September 2018. V&A Dundee will be Scotland’s first design museum and the only V&A museum in the world outside London. The brief was to create a ‘living room for the city’, a flexible, welcoming, inspirational space that would become a meeting place for the community and museum visitors alike. Lumsden’s scheme complements Kengo Kuma’s stunning architecture and references Dundee’s proud ship building heritage. A combination of European oak, blackened steel, textiles and bespoke concrete is to be used across all three areas. In the Main Hall, the café and the shop will play a key role in welcoming visitors into the museum and positioning them as a destination in their own right alongside the galleries and exhibitions. These spaces are designed with an open-plan aesthetic to add to the social dimension of the Hall. Lumsden has designed flexible schemes for both to allow them to be reconfigured for different uses. The 74 cover café will have different zones with areas of low seating, small dining tables and large communal tables. Seating arrangements

can be adapted for bigger groups. The shop next to the café will sell a selection of the best of Scottish design, museum-led merchandise, local produce and designer items. Lumsden’s bespoke merchandising furniture will give the flexibility for units to be pushed back when the Main Hall is used for events. The second floor restaurant looks out on to the River Tay and will have 114 covers inside and another 36 on a terrace. Lumsden’s stylish, contemporary scheme will have the adaptability to change to the expectation of diners from morning through lunch and onto a bar-based offer in the evening. It will be a place for socialising, eating and drinking in an exceptional setting. ‘To be part of the creation of Scotland’s first design museum is a personal honour as well as a fantastic creative challenge for the Lumsden design team. The spaces we have been given to work with, on this amazing piece of architecture, are awesome and it has been our job to ensure that everyone’s visit to the museum is enhanced by their experience in the shop, restaurant and café zones,’ says Callum Lumsden, founder of Lumsden.

In brief... Mynt has been appointed by outdoor brand, Gregory Mountain Products. The companies will be working together to establish a new physical brand experience and customer journey for Gregory at international trade shows and retail environments. The Croydon Partnership, the joint venture between Westfield and Hammerson, has announced that a new co-located John Lewis department store and Waitrose supermarket will anchor the new £1.4bn redevelopment of the Croydon retail town centre. The 15,329 sq m, four-level John Lewis store, which will incorporate a Waitrose on the ground floor, represents a significant investment by the John Lewis Partnership in Croydon town centre, Monki will open its sixth store in the UK this Summer, located in Birmingham city centre. The new 500 sq m space will continue to express the brand’s fondness of storytelling through its interior, from Sea of Scallops tables to rainbow-inspired fitting rooms to disco cloud light fixtures, each detail inspired by something in the monkiverse. Selfridges has been crowned Best Department Store in the World for a fourth time at the Global Department Store Summit, which took place in London last month and is organised by the Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS).

Kate Spade: 1962 - 2018 American fashion designer Kate Spade died on 5 June 2018 after taking her own life at her Manhattan flat. Tributes from the fashion world and beyond have been pouring in. The Council of Fashion Designers of America paid tribute to Spade, calling her ‘a great talent who had an immeasurable impact on American fashion’. A former editor of fashion magazine Mademoiselle, Spade soon rose to fame in the 90s with her range of handbags, leading her to launch hundreds of shops worldwide.

news

Khaadi opens Scottish debut store at Silverburn International clothing brand, Khaadi has opened its debut Scottish store at Silverburn in Glasgow. The 250 sq m store positioned next to Flannels and schuh, is the brands first store in Scotland and the third in Hammerson’s portfolio. The interior of the new store is a fusion of design elements from East and West and is finished with natural materials that best showcases the vibrant designs of Khaadi’s clothing and accessories range. ‘Khaadi is a great addition to Silverburn, which adds to the existing varied and extensive range for our shoppers. Silverburn’s reputation as the region’s leading retail and leisure destination has led to numerous retailers

launching their brand at the centre, including Flannels and Tim Horton’s most recently. We are confident that the quality of the retail mix will ensure this trend continues,’ says Iain Mitchell, UK commercial director at Hammerson. Rehan Syed, CEO of Khaadi, adds:

D&D to open new rooftop restaurant at 120 Fenchurch Street

D&D London has signed an agreement with Generali Real Estate to launch an 860 sq m restaurant on the 14th floor of new development, 120 Fenchurch Street. Set to open in Spring 2019, the restaurant will operate on the floor below a public sky garden and will boast stunning views of the capital including the River Thames, Tower Bridge, Tower of London and The Shard. The building, which is adjacent to Leadenhall Market, was designed by Eric Parry Architects and will in addition provide 39,019 sq m of new Grade A office accommodation over 13 storeys, and around 2,508 sq m of retail space at ground level. ‘After a series of regional UK openings, including our recently launched rooftop restaurant 20 Stories in Manchester, and the announcement of our international expansion with Bluebird opening in New York later this year, 120 Fenchurch Street represents a return to London for what will be our largest new venture here since Aster in Victoria. London continues to be a significant part of D&D’s growth strategy and the project also reflects our continuing commitment to the City. 120 Fenchurch is a remarkable building and I hope that we can create a restaurant to match,’ says Des Gunewardena, chairman and CEO of D&D London.

‘Silverburn is the perfect place for us to open our debut store in Scotland and we’ve already had a warm welcome from our new customer base. The strong reputation of the centre in Scotland gives us a firm foundation to build our presence in a new UK region.’

Lipsy unveils makeover at Arndale Manchester

Lipsy’s Manchester concession in Next at the Arndale Centre has been given a glamorous and sophisticated makeover by creative agency, Dalziel & Pow. The store design evokes a classic Art Deco hotel lobby with bold geometry and gilded finishes, white marble and pale pink velvets in an evolution of Lipsy’s ‘Luxe’ retail concept. Dalziel & Pow has introduced playful and quirky nods to the theme including bellboy rails, a gold reception ‘Concierge’ sign and a bell on the cash desk. Large-scale graphics and props such as books bring a domestic, lifestyle-led feel to the space. An internal window column feature has been designed to capture shopper’s attention, creating a dramatic eye-catching entrance to a luxury boutique hotel lobby with mannequins on multi-height plinths. This is joined by high-impact VM inside the store: an in-the-round central feature of gold powder coated discs and rails, on which key seasonal clothing and accessories pieces are showcased. Lipsy’s shoes and accessories are represented in store for the first time. A gold metallic feature wall and padded pale pink seating create a luxurious, plush backdrop for this department, and key products are displayed on bespoke illuminated stands of white marble porcelain. The addition of digital elements heightens engagement with Lispy’s tech-savvy female customers. This Lipsy concession is part of Dalziel & Pow’s major redesign of the entire Next flagship.

...that wonderful balance when Novograf physically brings brands to life in the retail, banking and hospitality built environments.

Brand RealizationTM by Novograf

Now every store can look like a Flagship Let’s talk, visit us at www.novograf.co.uk or email us at hello@novograf.co.uk.

www.novograf.co.uk • Tel 01355 900100 • hello@novograf.co.uk

international news

international

Image:

NEWS Moschino takes over Printemps atrium Moschino is the latest special guest at Printemps in Paris, taking over the atrium in the Printemps Women’s Store. The atrium is dedicated to pieces from Moschino’s limited edition collection exclusively designed for the department store by Jeremy Scott. The ‘Moschino Loves Printemps’ space, dedicated to this collection and also a selection of pre-Fall womenswear and Fall/Winter menswear items, has been designed to reproduce the concept of the Moschino boutique on Via Sant’Andrea in Milan. The installation uses the oversized shapes of a ‘top model’ mannequin and the emblematic Moschino teddy bear

Pink Fish announces expansion plans Fast casual seafood restaurant Pink Fish has opened its second location in Oslo and has announced it is to fast-track openings in both national and international markets. Designed by London-based brand and retail design consultancy, Portland Design, the Pink

leaning over a pinball machine alongside decorative panels with gigantic zippers. Other elements include a display in the shape of a giant shopping bag, a heart and the ‘Moschino Loves Printemps’ logo. In the centre, the brand’s iconic teddy bear acts as the perfect selfie prop for visitors.

Fitting rooms are camouflaged in a giant bag from the new collection. A pinball machine is available to animate and accompany this fun and offbeat universe. Everyone can play to win goodies such as teddy bears, Moschino Haribo and collector stickers.

Fish restaurants are a carefully considered concept offering international appeal for global scalability, whilst staying true to its Norwegian heritage. Salmon Company, fronted by Bocuse d’Or winning chef Gier Skeie and Ronny Gjøse, the partners behind Pink Fish, identified a gap in the market for a restaurant that appealed to people on the move or wanting a short break from everyday life to enjoy fresh salmon served with delicious international

flavours, at a reasonable price. It’s a fine dining approach adapted for a fast casual food model. Portland designed the whole experience, from naming the brand to creating the logo, developing a distinctly quirky Norwegian tone of voice — ‘from fjord to fork’ — through to digital strategy and designing the whole restaurant concept with every touch point in between.

Lord & Taylor to close New York flagship in 2019 Hudson’s Bay Co. has announced plans to close its Manhattan Lord & Taylor flagship. According to reports, additionally the department store retailer said it closed two Lord & Taylor stores in the first quarter and plans to close up to 10 Lord & Taylor stores through 2019 to balance its physical presence with its digital efforts. The Fifth Avenue flagship won’t close until early 2019 after the Holiday season.

harle quin-de sig n. com

visual merchandising

Inspiring window displays from around the globe

Hackett London The mannequins at Hackett London are cycling their way down the river to The Henley Royal Regatta 2018. Taking inspiration from the Hackett gentlemen’s Regatta experience, Harlequin produced this window scheme, leisurely floating down the river, powered by bike and enjoying a picnic with the swans. Design, build and installation by Harlequin.

Macy’s

Photography: Kent Miller Studios

Google Pixel x Selfridges Google has unveiled two windows at Selfridges in London as part of the retailer’s wider exploration on the theme of Radical Luxury. Seen Displays worked alongside Google to produce the windows, exploring the shifting perceptions of luxury, and the idea of a home that would adapt to your mood. Playful set props and abstract shapes in gloss, textured foam and faux fur finishes were balanced in the window, as tonal pinks capture the attention of passersby.

I.N.C International Concepts, created for Macy’s, has announed a summer fashion collaboration with fashion designer Trina Turk and her husband Jonathan Skow, designer of Mr Turk. The department store’s latest windows promote the Trina Turk x INC women’s collection and Mr Turk x INC men’s collection. The campaign, shot on location in Malibu, reflects the colourful, contemporary and relaxed aesthetic of the collections. Original prints and dynamic pops of colour are paired with classic silhouettes, combining effortless California dreaming with bold sophistication. The Macy’s visual merchandising team was inspired by the contemporary and at-ease aesthetics of the Trina Turk and INC brand, as well as Trina’s beautiful shop in Palm Springs with a touch of summer resort in the backdrop. The backdrops are architectural room dividers designed and built to create a feeling of resort and ocean with movement. Blue projection was added on top of the screens for animation and the feeling of water moving. The white river rocks create curved paths to again reinforce the subtle movement and guide the composition towards ease.

visual merchandising

Canada Goose Canada Goose is celebrating the Arctic Spring in the brand’s latest window display at Harrods. The ‘Unfrozen North’ window scheme showcases key SS18 outerwear styles within a backdrop of the Canadian yellow arctic poppy. An impressively hardy plant, the bloom of which symbolises the start of a new season and the transformation of the Arctic’s winter wilderness into a surprising flurry of colour. Key pieces displayed include the Trinity Jacket, an example of the renowned hardwearing technical Canada Goose outerwear, fit for all year round. The items of clothing are displayed on mannequins from Mannequino. The season’s colour palette reflects Canada’s Northern landscape, mixing sage greens with polar sea blue and permablue grey.

Fenwick of Bond Street Propability has produced a series of embroidery rings for the Fenwick of Bond Street exclusive capsule collection ‘Trophy Day’ promotion. The scheme showcases the classic toile de jouy fabric revisited by American artist Richard Saja’s irreverent embroideries. Creating 34 rings in total, each one was formed of two rings scaled up in various sizes; the largest was made to 1,100mm in diameter. The rings were cut in MDF and scenically painted to look like ply/birchwood with the toile de jouy printed cotton fabric stretched over the inner circle. Fixings were attached in bended gold acrylic with off-the-shelf bolts securing everything in place. Both the window display and in-store scheme are a beautiful scenic blend of colour and style reminiscent of a vintage era.

Michael Kors Michael Kors has launched its latest windows for the transitional season. Working closely with the US and UK teams, Harlequin’s 3D team modelled the leaves producing 12 individual moulds each with their own signature shape, curve and venation detail. Finished with a high gloss glitter paint in three bold colours, the leaves attached in layers onto the existing magnetic walls and as freestanding fixtures. Harlequin produced, delivered and installed the display to more than 50 stores in the UK and Europe including Regent Street and Westfield White City.

Goat Fashion Goat Fashion unveiled a floral delight during ‘Mayfair in Bloom’ at its Conduit Street store. The window scheme featured a live artist, illustrator Daniel Redfern Cook, decorating the window for Mayfair in Bloom, which has been growing to coincide with the annual Chelsea Flower Show in May. Designed in collaboration with Making Noise Quietly, the window reflected a garden with blooms that Goat Fashion’s creative director, Jane Lewis favours and inspired her for her latest collection in store.

See more window schemes at

www.retail-focus.co.uk/vm

CENTRE STAGE pop and display

Standout POP and displays from around the WORLD

DKNY FutureBrand UXUS has injected a new attitude into DKNY at Macy’s Herald Square store in New York. The company built a ‘Chaotic Broadway’ environment in store to encourage a moment of pause on the overcrowded shopfloor by stripping back the design to the essentials of DKNY. Inspired by the iconic DKNY SoHo mural, the concept is a shareable and Instagram-worthy landmark within Macy’s that attracts customers to explore the brand’s latest collections. The modular design allows the space to be scaled up or down with the consistency of a few key fixtures. The immersive brand experience is brought to life through integrated digital screens.

www.uxus.com

Harrods x Tiziana Terenzi Mad About Design produced this cake stand at Harrods for Italian perfume house, Tiziana Terenzi. The purpose of the Harrods Cake Stand is for brands to showcase their identity within the bustling Black Hall. The inspiration behind the Tiziana Terenzi stand was to portray the brand’s luxurious Italian heritage and dominate the hall with an impressive design. Mad About Design achieved this by creating layers of gold in all textures, from eco-leather to mirror laminate and finished with the brand’s delicate crest on top. The whole stand was enhanced by a set of LED lights on each shelf hidden behind opal covers to enrich the platform for the beautiful perfumes and candles to sit on.

www.themadpeople.com

pop and display

digital displays

CENTRE STAGE

Harrods x Tory Burch Inspired by Tory Burchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent trip to Antigua, Seen Displays partnered with the brand to create a luxury beach getaway within the Swimwear space at Harrods. Natural woven materials and plush greenery were framed with a white-washed wooden cabana and bespoke printed SS18 pattern curtains. Elements included a hand-crafted concertina screen and sprayed rattan plinths.

www.seendisplays.com

The White Company To herald its new summer 2018 collection, The White Company commissioned Lucky Fox to design and install this walk through merchandise display structure in store at its new branch in the Westfield London extension. The contemporary white washed wood structure fits beautifully within the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trademark aesthetic and is the ideal space for presenting a mix of fashion and lifestyle goods. The modular framework, with hanging capability and shelving, is designed with longevity in mind and will display various schemes in the future.

www.luckyfox.uk.com

arken-pop.com | +44 (0)1638 565656 | info@arken-pop.com

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Karl McKeever

Managing a problem child Buying for a baby can be pretty stressful. Expectant parents can often find themselves facing a minefield of information, misinformation and advice from well-meaning friends and relatives. What they need is a reassuring retailer who can gently guide them through the maze of choices. Unfortunately, there is a danger that many could soon have nowhere to go with the future decidedly uncertain at the once-reliable parent whisperer, Mothercare. The retailer is continuing to make headlines as its CVA leads to an increasing number of store closures and job losses. With further restructuring likely, Mothercare’s fate could be hanging in the balance. But this is no time for throwing the toys out of the pram. I’m particularly interested in seeing how this complex retail story finds its conclusion. On a recent trip to Washington DC, I visited retailer Crate&Barrel, who has chosen an innovative response to changes in the shopping behaviour of expectant parents. Back in February, it announced that they were closing all stores in its sister division, The Land of Nod, to instead open dedicated Crate&Kids departments within its own stores. There are some clear differences, though. Rather than being a direct response to a crisis — as is the case with Mothercare — this seems to be more of a carefully planned strategic move. Growing a separate chain is a huge investment in terms of property, office staff, store teams and other associated costs. Fair enough if it pays off, but let’s face it, The Land of Nod stores must have been under performing. Over time, they had tried admirably to create a second stand alone business, but by consolidating, and importantly taking away the key learning’s, they are instead building a bigger brand, with a national presence and reach – both instore and online. And a beautiful brand it is too. Feature walls are created with VM expertise, products are cleverly positioned, messaging is crisp and clear — with a few cheeky touches — and the whole experience feels lovingly executed, with care and attention to detail lavished on it. With the new kids’ section integrated within the homewares department, Crate&Barrel is now perfectly placed to target the entire family of shoppers — from pre-kids adult shoppers to parents, grandparents and empty nesters. A clever move indeed. A move which has also shown Crate&Barrel to have the courage Karl McKeever is founder and managing director of visual merchandising and brand delivery consultancy Visual Thinking.

Email Karl at karl@visualthinking.co.uk karlmckeever www.visualthinking.co.uk

of its convictions. With the recent demise of ToysRUs and BabysRUs, arguably Crate&Barrel’s decisions may have been different today in terms of further opportunities for The Land of Nod. But companies can’t predict the future of competitors. Instead, they must be certain in their own planning with robust, clear strategies to drive sales. With this in mind, it’s decision time for Mothercare. Inconsistent branding, lack of clarity across departments, poor VM execution and cluttered stores combine with a clinical, impersonal approach is sending shoppers in search of a more nurturing experience. Add to that the complexities of clearly defining and delivering an effective customer experience for the erstwhile Early Learning Centres and the numerous third party brands and inhouse private labels on offer, there’s no shortage of work to occupy the management team in developing effective solutions to take the business forward. Where should it go next? Does it need its own stores, or could its future be in logical strategic alliances? Next has a strong reputation for children’s clothes and is currently experimenting with brand tie-ups at its Arndale store in Manchester. And if it can sell Ford cars — one such experiment — then surely the Mothercare/Early Learning Centre ranges would be a walk in the park? Next is also trialling space within Tesco stores. Were it to abandon its own stores and move towards this ‘shop-in-shop’ policy, it would be wise to look at the Crate&Barrel model of perfect integration. It would certainly be foolish to opt for the quick-fix, scattergun solution of simply parachuting into any existing store — think Sainsbury’s with Argos. This may seem like a fast answer to a pressing problem, but the outcome is simply a disparate mix of brands and offers, leading to a fractured customer experience. Another approach is the rather unusual pairing of Kiddicare with homewares retailer Dunelm, which acquired the brand in 2016. The children’s products currently only have an online presence, but it’s nonetheless expanding Dunelm’s range and giving them the opportunity to bring the products instore. Should Mothercare abandon its own stores? No. For me, it is far from being a lost cause. But it does need to find itself again, and with a more strategic, cohesive and radical approach. It’s a brand that’s crying out for attention and — with focus, expertise and discipline — it could potentially find itself back in its trusted role as the mother of all children’s brands, not necessarilly just within its own destination stores, but as a specialist brand name and a curated offer in other places where wanting consumers can be found.

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THE SHOP AT BLUEBIRD Floral Street, London Design: Dalziel & Pow Opening date: May 2018 Store size: 1,393 sq m More than 10 years ago in an Art Deco space on London's King's Road, The Shop at Bluebird emerged, filled with the most unexpected fashion finds and works of art. Over time, this treasure trove grew and grew until it was time to move. The Shop at Bluebird's new chapter has opened in the beautiful Grade II listed Carriage Hall on Covent Garden's Floral Street, with its original pulleys, beams and glass atrium set against modern art installations and a delicious restaurant opening soon. Designed by Dalziel & Pow, the 'Playground of Wonders' embodies the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s whimsical, expressive, free-spirited identity. A carefully selected edit of artwork, design, premium fashion and beauty including Chloe, Alexander McQueen, Peter Pilotto, Victoria Beckham, Racil, Galvan, Temperley London and Ports 1961, alongside contemporary labels like Isa Arfen, Rixo London, Ganni and Forte Forte. unfolds across this 19th Century building, completed by a rooftop terrace and restaurant. 'The Shop at Bluebird has long been a hub of creativity, and in our new Carriage Hall home weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be bringing our unexpected fashion, art, and beauty finds to a truly unique store setting,' says Claire Miles, head of The Shop at Bluebird. The space has been designed to gradually reveal its theatrical interior, and is of course packed with instagrammable moments. After a deceptively understated shopfront, shoppers progress through a trend area featuring a bold VM arrival statement and trailing greenery along the ceiling, which gives a hint of what lies ahead. A glass-topped atrium, encircled with three galleried floors, awaits at the heart of the store. Flooded with natural light and paved with cobblestones, it evokes an open-air courtyard feel. Continuing the juxtaposition of indoors and outdoors, lush hanging baskets cascade onto the foliage on the ground. The centrepiece of the atrium is a bespoke Icosahedron installation of 20 mirrored faces that reflect and distort the surroundings. 'The atrium itself is already a beautiful space, which makes people stop, reflect

and look up and around at its surroundings. It was important to design something which would be unexpected but also add to the "wow" factor of the space,' says Laura Graham, lead designer at Dalziel & Pow. 'The idea of the mirrored lcosahedron was to reflect back the amazing 19th Century Grade II listed building to give unexpected views showcasing the space and our design from all angles as the customer progresses through the space, and not to forget creating a 360-degree instagrammable moment.' She says foliage was important to bring the outside in within the atrium, to create the feel it would've had many years ago when it was an external courtyard. 'Purposeful material choices within this area of cobblestones and reclaimed timbers bring character of a courtyard feel with the green additions of a 6.5m tree, lots of large-scale planting, cascading arrangements and hanging baskets suspended bringing life to the atrium.' Continuing the reflective theme, the main staircase also has a reflective underside, as if floating among the greenery, and this playfulness with the perception of space continues around the store. 'Similarly to the lcosahedron, we wanted to reflect back and showcase the amazing architecture and create the illusion of our design elements becoming invisible and lightweight, for example, the lcosahedron almost becomes invisible on a cloudy day whilst looking up towards the sky, and the large-scale mirrors concealing the staircase structure create the allusion of a much larger courtyard space. We also

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played with reflection to create infinite views and to create a contrast of old and new,' continues Graham. A wall of artworks is located on the first floor exclusively curated by William Ling of the Fashion Illustration Gallery. Stairwell treatments pay homage to different artists on each level. The lifts are treated with a kaleidoscope of coloured paint that seemingly drips down the walls and puddles out onto the timber flooring, connecting the two floors. Statement design and objets d’art similarly express the brand’s creative, eclectic spirit, combining found antique furniture with pieces rehomed from the

King’s Road location. Long tables for merchandising displays bring a grandeur of scale, alongside large handmade rugs and dramatic draped curtains. Wallpaper in clashing colours and textures continue the eclectic aesthetic, both the elegant geometrics of Art Deco pattern and florid Victorian motifs. The work of Timorous Beasties, a Glasgow studio known for its surreal and provocative patterns, appears frequently including behind the cash desks and in fitting rooms. Dalziel & Pow added an exciting sense of discovery to the store experience, punctuating landing spaces with lifestyle elements, books and homewares, and

giving each shop-in-shop or department a unique treatment. The Bags and Jewellery shop-in-shop, for example, uses yellow zinc as a signature material, while Beauty and Fragrance is natural, earthy and soft with apothecary detailing and a living tree bursting through the ‘test and play’ table. A strong VM statement of projections onto draped fabric draws customers into the first-floor Fashion Playground, with mannequins from HOL. This sleekly styled area again plays on reflections, using mirrors and cleverly landscaped screens to create infinite perspectives. Contemporary and casual fashion embodies the 'playground of wonders' theme with

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a striking lighting installation, mixing Rothschild & Bickers bespoke hand-blown glass with found vintage pieces. The design is respectful of the Grade II-listed architecture, offering an artful blend of heritage and modernity. The team have highlighted original features such as beautiful wooden beams and brickwork, as well as adding equestrian details and carriage wheel motifs in a nod to its former life as a coach house. 'The architectural material choices were chosen to feel as if they could have always existed within the space. Building on the theme of old and new, we then used bold contrasting new finishes against the old to create visually interesting details, such as the yellow electroplated metal which line and protrude through the existing arches,' says Graham. 'Playful material choices were used to build on the eccentric Bluebird character. Bold prints, colours and textures were uses to create statements, and varying material choices were cleverly put together to create an eclectic feel which will continue to build as The Shop at Bluebird settle and grow into their new home.' With a smart pulley system of suspended rails, the whole space is able to adapt for brand takeovers, fashion shows and other events. Fitting rooms are cleverly disguised behind discrete angled walls, while cash desks (hand-crafted from recycled waste materials) are made into striking features thanks to patterned or tiled backdrops. An exceptional level of detail is visible throughout, from the bluebird and bee-shaped handles on cabinets to the branded labels hanging on rails. A restaurant and roof terrace will open on the store’s top floor in Summer 2018. This will join the dedicated spaces for Blink Brow Bar, offering a walk-in eyebrow shaping services using the ancient art of threading, the Avery Perfume Gallery and a takeover shop-in-shop by Italian lifestyle brand Fornasetti. 'The Shop at Bluebird, Carriage Hall, Covent Garden is one of those rare opportunities in retail design — a great site and a brave client who can see the potential in creating a benchmark retail experience,' says Dalziel & Pow’s creative director, David Dalziel, who headed up the creative team. 'This can become the ‘must-see’ fashion lifestyle store in London.'

'Playful material choices were used to build on the eccentric Bluebird character.'

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GIAMBATTISTA VALLI Sloane Street, London Design: Inhouse Opening date: May 2018 Store size: 232 sq m A-list couturier Giambattista Valli has opened his first UK flagship in the heart of Knightsbridge in London. The twostorey boutique at 29 Sloane Street spans 232 sq m and showcases the fashion house’s designer collections including the Oscar-worthy evening gowns he is famous for, alongside accessories, jewellery and newly launched activewear. The space has been designed as a London home, and takes inspiration from the city’s distinctive style and culture, with vintage and contemporary furniture sourced from auctions and antique shops across a range of decades, including the 40s, 50s and 70s. The original concept for the store follows in the footsteps of Valli’s Paris and Milan locations so that the stores become a Valli House dedicated to each chosen geographic location. For Sloane Street, this translates as an ode to the style and culture of London without losing the identity and vision that is part of the Maison. The space will showcase the fashion house’s universe and Valli’s own world, its philosophy and the lifestyle that comes with it. Striking green malachite coffee tables and a distinctive Seventies leather modular sofa are showcased against wooden parquet and endless mirrors. The focal point is a giant screen that hovers over a dramatic staircase, welcoming shoppers into the Valli universe. Passers by can’t see inside the store, helping to create a sense of luxurious privacy for shoppers, but once through the doors visitors are greeted by an abundance of mirrors. The London opening marks an important milestone in the retail expansion, which has recently been a key goal for the designer. Besides his European stores in Milan, Paris and the seasonal St Tropez, the Maison has expanded its operations in Asia, partnering with the Lee and Han Group to open a second store on Lotte Avenue in Seoul, which followed the first in the Galleria Mall, as well as a new site in the Yintai Centre of Beijing. Next July, a Giambattista Valli boutique will open in Doha, Qatar.

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ZARA

Westfield Stratford Design: Inhouse Opening date: May 2018 Store size: 4,500 sq m Zara has unveiled its latest store concept at Westfield Stratford, revealing pioneering features designed to transform the customer experience and integrate online and in-store shopping. The new store is almost double the size of its predecessor at 4,500 sq m, and marks a significant milestone in parent company Inditex’s strategy of integrating its store and online platforms. ‘The reopening of Zara’s flagship in Stratford is an important moment for Inditex. We are in a unique position as we enjoy a global sales platform that fully integrates stores and online. In recent years we have invested in both the most advanced technology and optimised our stores for this aim. Our business model combines stores and digital seamlessly, and we are ready for the opportunities that this brings with current and new customers,’ says Pablo Isla, chairman and CEO of Inditex. This Zara store is the first in the world with a dedicated area for the purchase and collection of online orders, in addition to the usual sections for womenwear, menwear and kids lines. This fourth section of the store features two automated online order collection points, serviced by a concealed area able to handle 2,400

‘Our business model combines stores and digital seamlessly.’ orders simultaneously, enabling shoppers to collect purchases made through Zara’s ecommerce platforms. The system’s optical barcode reader scans QR or PIN codes that customers receive when they place orders online. Behind the pick-up point, a robotic arm collects trays and organises the packages optimally according to their size, delivering orders for customers to collect in seconds. The new store’s customer service

features are oriented towards creating a seamless, convenient and enjoyable shopping experience. Interactive mirrors equipped with RFID can detect the garment a shopper is holding, enabling customers to see what a complete outfit will look like in the mirror. Online orders are available in store on the same day if made before 2pm, or the next day if made in the afternoon. Zara staff with iPads will be able to advise customers and accept payments.

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Customers can pay using their mobile phones via the Zara app or the Inditex Group app, InWallet. Complementing the regular cashier desks, there is a self-checkout area with a system that automatically identifies garments being purchased. Customers can simply confirm their items on a screen at self-checkout before paying with their

cards or mobile phones. The store has been designed to stand out as a unique shopping destination for Zara customers. It has a two-storey façade without shop windows on the first floor, providing a transparent view of the store’s interior architectural features and collections. The store also boasts smart systems that reduce emissions and save

energy, in keeping with Inditex’s eco-efficient store programme. The Stratford store has been under refurbishment since January, and was temporarily replaced with Zara’s first pop-up store for purchase and collection of online orders only, some of the features of which are being replicated in the flagship.

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Flash to go awards here

CREATIVE RETAIL

AWARDS 2018 Highlights from the first Creative Retail Awards, organised by Retail Focus magazine and SDEA. The first Creative Retail Awards took place on 5 June at a packed Bunga Bunga in Covent Garden. With a champagne reception sponsored by Unibox, live band, DJ, magician and juggler, the retail design and display industry celebrated champions in our sector in a relaxed and fun setting. The judging panel discussed and deliberated over the shortlist

Text: Lyndsey Dennis

to draw up the list of winners. A big thank you to our judges: Helen Shelley, creative director, M Worldwide; Judith Kelly, head of retail design and delivery, Hammerson; Tony Morgan, programme manager of visual merchandising at The Fashion Retail Academy – London; James Breaks, associate director (design) rpa:group; and Morgan Holt, chief strategy officer, FITCH.

View our photo album from the awards and tag yourselves at: www.facebook.com/ retailfocusmagazine

Headline sponsor Kesslers in the Emperor’s Box

Hannah Drakeford, creative manager and Briony Garbett, customer director at Oasis Fashion

Lucy Painter, owner of recruitment agency Studio, with her guests in the VIP Disoronno boat

Harlequin Design with Nathan Hicks, head of visual merchandising at Joseph Fashion

Steven Dempsey, VM manager, store design at John Lewis with Blacks Visual

Here are the worthy 2018 winners:

Best Sustainable Display Product, sponsored by Tenn

Most innovative POP concept, sponsored by Blacks VISUAL

Superdrug Cosmetic Carcass - Arken POP

Vodafone ‘Data Roaming’ at Harrods - Stylo

Flash to go here awards

Best use of seasonal or temporary display, sponsored by Replica

The Bicester Village Shopping Collection ‘Bicester in Miniature’ TonyG Ltd and Name and Colour

Best use of lighting in store

Jack The Clipper, Bow Lane - FormRoom

Best use of print/signage, sponsored by NeonPlus

Oasis - ‘Once Upon a Time’ Christmas 2017 – Graphical Tree

Best use of surfaces/finishes in store

International Currency Exchange, London Luton Airport Brace Studio

Best VM Scheme, sponsored by the VM & Display Show

1st Joseph - Summer of Love - Harlequin 2nd Hackett - A Magical Christmas - Harlequin 3rd Joseph - Plywood installation - Harlequin

Best use of point of sale in store

Lorex Home Security Display – Arken POP

Flash to go awards here

Most innovative display product, sponsored by Kesslers

River Island / Unibox Kontakt - Unibox

Best use of in-store technology, sponsored by Harlequin

Topshop ‘Splash!’ - YourStudio

Best pop-up store

Birchbox Carnaby Street - Stylo and YourStudio

Best store-in-store or concession, sponsored by Armourcoat

Chanel London Studio in Harrods - Blacks Visual

Best independent store display (max 3 stores), sponsored by arken POP

Tiptree Shop and Tea Room, Bond Street, Chelmsford - HMKM

Best overall store collaboration (supplier, designer & retailer), sponsored by Studio

Inspirational Person Award 2018, sponsored by Barthelmess

Tula Anastasiades, head of creative and VM at Oasis

1st Liverpool Football Club Flagship Megastore Anfield – KKA Interiors, in collaboration with Shaw Contract (floor finishes), Egger (laminate finishes), Havelock Europa (shopfitting) and RS Robertson (feature lighting) 2nd Sonos Store, London – Bergmeyer, in collaboration with Work Order, Black Box, Cornerstone Agency, Dynamic Resources and Mel Yates Photography 3rd Missguided IRL – Dalziel & Pow

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chelsea in bloom

SUMMER OF LOVE:

CHELSEA IN BLOOM The shopfronts of Chelsea were once again transformed into a floral spectacle during May.

Text: Lyndsey Dennis

The inaugural floral art show, Chelsea in Bloom, returned to Chelsea in May for its 13th anniversary. Produced by Cadogan in association with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the event transformed the streets of Chelsea with breathtaking floral displays. The aim of the event is to extend the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show out into the local community. It has been building year on year and this is the most successful to date, with a record 65 businesses taking part by dressing their shopfronts (which are judged by the RHS) in competition for the Chelsea in Bloom crown. This year’s theme was ‘Summer of Love’, inspired by the Royal Wedding and the Sixties/Seventies cultural revolution — from the Palace to King’s Road. The competition showcases floral displays reflecting the participating retailers’ interpretation of the theme in their own unique style. A record 65 shops, restaurants and hotels participated this year, aside from huge central displays across Sloane Square, Pavilion Road, Sloane Street and Duke of York Square.

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chelsea in bloom

‘This year, in particular, we have noticed the power of social media fuelling the event and feedback from many businesses on how great it is to feel the benefits of being ‘famous’ with the continual crowds outside and inside their stores. It is a clear demonstration of the power that bricks and mortar retail has — creating the right experience has never been more essential. This is something that we are continually evolving; how can we support our retailers in creating an inspirational shopping experience? As long-term stewards of Chelsea, our focus is on creating vibrancy through a careful balance of top international flagships, best-intheir-field independent artisans and a great mix of places to eat and drink,’ says Hugh Seaborn, chief executive at Cadogan. This year’s Best Floral Display winner was Monica Vinader, taking home the prize for its striking homage to the era of peace and love; the vibrantly kaleidoscopic façade captivated the judges and public alike. ‘Monica Vinader is always happy to participate every year in Chelsea in Bloom. This year’s theme of Summer of

Love has given us the opportunity to celebrate joy and colour with a large-scale display in the Duke of York Square boutique. The public’s engagement has been amazing, with people stopping and taking pictures — it has brought a great atmosphere to the Square and our boutique,’ said Hayley Kennedy, boutique manager at Monica Vinader during the event. Harry’s Dolce Vita’s display was awarded Highly Commended and People’s Champion, with Kiel’s close runner up for the latter. The Innovation Award went to Lucas Hugh. ‘Winning the Innovation Prize for Chelsea in Bloom means so much as it reflects an essential part of our brand DNA. It’s also the first week of opening our first physical store, so to have achieved both that and winning an award feels like a great welcome to the neighbourhood! We’ve met so many lovely new customers over the last few days, who are really engaging with the brand and appreciating our involvement in such an important community event,’ said Anjhe Mules, co-CEO and creative director at Lucas Hugh, during the event.

6. 5. 1. NARS – Silver award 2. Harry’s Dolce Vita - Highly Commended and People’s Champion winner 3. Monica Vinader – Best Floral Display 4. Lucas Hugh – winner of the Innovation Award 5. Kiki McDonough – Gold award 6. The Gold-winning Hackett London scheme was designed in collaboration with Harlequin, featuring a vintage bus escorting Hackett men to the Royal Wedding. 7. Kiehl’s – Gold award

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review

salone del mobile

CDW 2018:

RICH AND DIVERSE Charlotte Arnold, global creative manager at Karen Millen, takes in the sights and installations of Clerkenwell Design Week.

Now in its ninth year, Clerkenwell Design Week is a key main stay in the design annual international calendar. In the heart of historic Clerkenwell design district, the three-day festival is an opportunity for established designers and agencies to open their studios and showcase their latest work and developments. This year’s feast of displays and installations did not disappoint. Throughout CDW, reporting for Retail Focus, we saw a diverse pool of trends, including the continued importance of maximalism, reinvention and natural themes. During the festival we observed a conveyed sense of sustainability for design and responsibility to create something with a more lasting experience. Kinetech Design demonstrated this in their pop-up installation in St Johns. Foldable kinetic structures developed using aluminum and LED light. A beautiful origami design that mixed hard metallic textures with soft ambient lighting to create this eye-catching design. The result was a very tactile sculpture with endless potential applications within interior retail and art outputs. The strongest trend and overarching mind set was for experiential design practice, being much discussed this year. As within all the creative industries and wider retail landscape, now the increased drawn from consumers for unique design and experience, is driving designers to tell their process and individual story. We noticed the interest in the back story for the development process of how products come to launch is paying a much more critical and interesting role in how designers market their products. This was certainly evident at Camira Fabric’s showroom that chose to tell their brand stories through live and interactive displays. Camira offered a great show — ‘From farm to fabric’ — showing the whole process. This included a live sheep farm pop-up

Above: There were plenty of bold pops of colour throughout the event. Below: Kinetech Design pop-up.

and an interactive loom. Capturing the increasing trend for consumers seeking out holistic elements, expressing the connection to nature and the need to express oneself individually and not simply following trends for the sake of it. Sharing in the processes required to create. The display by Nina Beresford was also a fun and interesting

review

Clockwise from top left: ‘A Piece of Sky’ by Sky Frame; LED motion wall by Vexica; Camira Fabric’s showroom included a live sheep farm pop-up and an interactive loom; Print Club London’s pop-up, Your Tote Counts, encouraged people to bring their old tote bags along to recycle and redesign with live screen printing; Haru ‘stuck-on design’ repositionable tapes.

sculpture celebrating Camira’s leading product, Blazer. The pop-up installation ‘A Piece of Sky’ by Sky Frame explored just that, allowing people to discover a unique, singular experience. A few seconds of peaceful contemplation in a 360-degree mirrored illuminated light tunnel with sounds of reflections of an astronaut looking down on earth. The interest in reinvention and sustainable and responsible design was also apparent over at the Garden of St James Print Club London’s pop-up, Your Tote Counts, which encouraged people in a fun way to bring their old tote bags along to recycle and redesign with screen printing live on site. Over at the lighting exhibition there was a fantastic mix of handmade, small-scale design and technology advancements with LED. Exciting new developments that stood out were Graypants’ Chroma pendant designs and LED motion walls from Vexica. As well as the celebrated iconic designers, CDW is also increasingly a springboard for new UK talent to showcase design practices. New lighting and textile designer Naomi Paul, who’s enchanting handmade crocheted lamps stood out, had a wonderful retro feel and colour palette. In the Design Fields, there were a series of talks and workshops run, discussing the latest trends and future outlook for design. The Discussion run by Eporta x WGSN explored the future trends for Interiors, discussing if trends actually influence designers and the need to produce interiors for commercial and private social spaces that have a story, and journey. Allowing people to experience something special, with the new luxury is not about designer

brands but onus is on the experience and providing people with insta moments. At the entrance to the Design Fields was a highlight from the expo; Behind Closed Doors by Hakwood and Shape London, exploring a miniature streetscape with tiny doors concealing the interior scenes. Also seen at the Design Fields was a surprising treat in surface design; Haru ‘stuck-on design’ offers a huge range of amazing repositionable tapes that can be applied to any surface to add individuality and a fresh design approach. Other standout surface design products were Lincrusta’s wallcoverings; beautifully crafted leaf embossed coverings. At St Johns, the final highlight from enchanting and beautiful Timorous Beasties’ third collaboration with Britons was very well received. Set in a wooden purpose build pavilion, a wonderful capsule collection of bold and uplifting carpet designs titled Craigend. Named in tribute to the road their studio resides and inspired by the old Gaelic word ‘creag’ meaning rock. A rich collection of textured and botanical patterns. Tapping into both the maximalist and natural trends. Exploring patterns created in nature, taken from an aerial view. CDW 2018 wrapped up leaving us with thoughts of what is to come and the evolving trend of the blurring lines between social public and private spaces and how we interact with the spaces around us. Reinforcing the importance of immersive and experiential design in the market and key trends for the next year ahead focussing on these themes.

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insight piece

show review

50 YEARS OF QUALITY FIXTURES Established in 1968, JPMA Global is a North American retail manufacturer producing custom wood and metal store fixtures all under one roof. The company is registered in the Netherlands, which makes it easy to work in Europe. Founder Joseph Paventi continues to guide his family operated business with leadership, inspiration and with the highest standards of production. The global company has more than 90,000 sq. m of manufacturing and warehousing space, as well as assembling and packing facilities. JPMA also has showrooms around the world (Montreal, New York, Paris, Shanghai and a new location in London) and offers complete worldwide installation services. JPMA is committed to high quality and, since the company can offer everything in one factory, it’s a onestop shop. All the woodwork, metalwork, acrylic and finishing work is done in-house. Nothing is outsourced, which allows JPMA complete quality control throughout the whole manufacturing process, in order to minimise manufacturing lead time and cost. Clients range from high street to high-end retailers, with brands such as Ralph Lauren, Ted Baker, Arcadia, Harley Davidson, Louis Vuitton and Coach. JPMA also works with department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Hudson’s Bay (the latter both in the US and the Netherlands). JPMA thrives on helping its clients stand out with quality and luxury finishes at affordable prices.

Above: JPMA present their new London Showroom Below: Drinks reception at London showroom launch

— To book an appointment at the London showroom call Benjamin Whitehill on: +44 (0)7774 445 784 or email benjamin@jpmaglobal.com The showroom is located at 55 Goswell Road, London EC1V 7EN

www.jpmaglobal.com Instagram: jpmaglobal

#VMDS2018

‘The Retail Visual Merchandising and Display industries most prestigious night is back for its 15th year’

VM & Display Awards 2018 22 NOVEMBER 2018 BLOOMSBURY BIG TOP

NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES This glittering event recognises and celebrates the work of this creative and talented industry over the past 12 months and is judged by an independent panel of experts. Visit our website to review the full list of categories and use our simple online form to enter your projects FREE of charge. The deadline for entries is the 17/08/2018.

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EVOKE EMOTION Paul Nathan, founder & creative director at Roar, explores how materials can evoke emotions in your customers.

With the rise of the internet, specifically giants such as Amazon, it is becoming harder to bring people into retail stores. With the struggles and even the going under of retailers such as Toys’R’Us and Mothercare only highlighting how difficult it is on the high street, stores now more than ever have to have an element of theatre or excitement to draw in the customers and to keep them entertained. There are many stores out there, of brands we know and love, which evoke emotion within us. It is just the wrong emotion. Either by making it too crowded with far too many mid-floor units and making us feel claustrophobic, or with over bright lighting and loud music, and making us feel we are in DC10. Evoking emotion in your customers is just the first step. Evoking the emotion you want them to feel is the second part. One way of creating an environment which evokes emotion is through the use of technology, and there are many stores, which are doing this, really well. This comes at a huge financial cost, so for smaller or independent retailers or those with many stores, this is unfeasible. In addition, because of the rapid rate of advancement, the technology you have now can look dated in under a year. For more than a decade we have been using textures and materials to evoke emotion in our clients’ customers. If not using the exact material we have worked hard to mimic it; whether this is in a POS or whole store design. When we say mimic a material we do not mean merely printing woodprint onto foam board. There

are so many means and ways of creating something that not only looks like the real thing but feels like it as well. When it comes to design, often textures and materials are overlooked and the last thing considered. The shapes and colours are carefully considered. Whether its concrete in various forms to evoke strength and stability or marble to evoke calmness, serenity and relaxation. Yet the exact same materials can make the customer feel something different still. Chipped and cracked concrete with graffiti makes us think of urban environments. Materials aren’t just chosen for their physical qualities but also their emotive ones. The Taj Mahal was built from ivory-white marble, not merely for its physical strength. Marble radiates grandeur, nobility, extravagance and pleasure. This was not a coincidence. It was commissioned to house the tomb of the Emperor’s Wife, and he wanted it to reflect what she meant to him. If it were made from anything else it would not have the same emotive effect. Materials are used to evoke different feelings and emotions in other industries; in fashion this is most obvious. Silk dresses makes us think of luxury and sexiness and denim creates images of rugged, hardiness and strength. The materials and textures should be part of the early consideration when it comes to designing a retail space or POS. Depending on what you are trying to sell, think about how you want your customer to feel when they own it, wear it, use it. Do you want them to feel passionate

or strong, relaxed or energised? The materials that are used around your products will help to create this feeling within them, when they purchase your products and also when they come back into your store. Retailers and brands are often worried about who their customer audience is, and not who exactly they are. Brands, which have a definitive awareness of who they are and push this image through all platforms and designs, benefit from doing so. Using the materials and textures in store design that reflect and embody the brand and evoke the emotion that you want the customer to feel is more important than trying to pander to a certain demographic. Designing a store is the same as doing any piece of design. Getting to the core of the brand or customer is the most important thing. This leads us to the question of ‘what emotion are we trying to evoke in the customer?’ Designing a store by making it aesthetically pleasing is easy, but creating great design which evokes emotion in the customer takes your store to the next level.

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A variety of pop-ups have been taking over the Corner Shop at Selfridges over the last few months in celebration of the department store’s latest campaign, The Anatomy of Luxury.

Selfridges unveiled the Corner Shop in November 2017 on the junction of Duke and Oxford Street as part of its £300 million accessories hall refurbishment. The retailer has been busy housing a variety of pop-ups in its ever-changing Corner Shop concept space, as part of The Anatomy of Luxury campaign. The Corner Shop explores the worlds of some of the most radical and esteemed designers at work today: what are the elements that combine to make brands what they are? With The Anatomy of Luxury, Selfridges is celebrating the trailblazers, the rebels and the innovations of the industry.

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selfridges corner shop

The Rolling Stones Curated by The Rolling Stones and Bravado — Universal Music Group’s leading merchandise and brand management company — The Rolling Stones pop-up immersed fans and shoppers into the world of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood. The shop, which took over four of Selfridges’ windows, included a display of hand-picked selections of the band’s iconic stage outfits from the 70s through to the more recent ‘50 And Counting’ tour, a first-look at their first ever vinyl box set, a chance to re-live the historic Havana Moon concert and an opportunity to shop exclusive and limited-edition pieces. The pop-up also featured a display of the band’s stage outfits from their archive, many of which have never been shown to the public before.

Photography: www.tdm.space

Maison Margiela Maison Margiela took up residency in the second week of May to serve as a showcase for the ‘Artisanal’ collection presented during Haute Couture week in Paris last Summer, alongside the current ready-to-wear collection. Inspired by the idea of a new glamour, the Artisanal collection evokes symbols of enchantment and empowerment, and the space reflected this concept, using statement mannequins adorned with a shocking red lip in a deconstructed environment mirroring the Parisian atelier at 163 Rue Saint-Maur.

A. F. Vandevorst A. F. Vandevorst opened a one-week pop-up during the first week of May, as part of the brand’s ongoing 20 year anniversary celebrations. The installation featured 13 hospital beds and key looks from the archive based on the iconic Spring/Summer 1999 show. To coincide with the installation, An Vandevorst and Filip Arickx hosted a public book signing for their newly released ‘ENDE NEU’ book, a fascinating insight into the universe of Belgium’s cult fashion designer duo.

selfridges corner shop

Elevator Music Off-White x Byredo’s ‘Elevator Music’ took over Selfridges’ Corner Shop for a week in April. Elevator Music is a collaborative project by Byredo’s Ben Gorham and Off-White’s Virgil Abloh. The capsule collection consists of fragrance, denim, t-shirts and bags all housed in an installation by an artist that Ben and Virgil both admire. The studies of Swedish scientist Gunnar Johansson, who in the 1970s defined frame work regarding human movement perception and the notion ‘elevator syndrome’, were the foundation for the 2004 installation by artist Carsten Höller. The presentation featured a new iteration of this 2004 work titled ‘The Elevator’. Bryonesque The first week of April saw Bryonesque pitch up a one-week popup. With a curated edit of rare archive pieces, the pop-up featured items from the industry’s most coveted designers such as Alexander McQueen and Rick Owens. The residency also featured a section entitled ‘RIP Subculture’, which is a manifesto for what Bryonesque represents. Within the space, exclusive vintage tshirts depicting the core values were displayed that pay homage to Judy Blame, NME magazine and closed music venues.

Issey Miyake April also saw Issey Miyake take up residence, inviting shoppers to explore the inspiration behind its latest Spring/Summer 2018 collection along with a retrospective of the iconic Steam Stretch Fabric. Drawing on memories of Icelandic landscapes as experienced by the Issey Miyake design team, this exclusive residency was in conjunction with The Anatomy Of Luxury campaign. The pop-up sat alongside archive pieces showing the evolution of the iconic Steam Stretch fabric as well as Issey Miyake homeware, eyewear and accessories. Off-White x Sunglass Hut In March, Selfridges Corner Shop welcomed a pop-up in celebration of the Off-White x Sunglass Hut collaboration. The limited edition collection offers three styles with visionary proportions in which rises the merge of street sensibilities and the new fashion content, with a clear inspiration from the 1980s. The collection is constructed of extra thick acetate and each of the three styles feature a super strong personality; a mix of reto curves, clean and angular lines, surface that curves inward and flat lenses — all reflected in the design of the pop-up space.

london bridge

LONDON BRIDGE

Text: Lyndsey Dennis

London Bridge is welcoming a host of fashion and luxury brands as part of its redevelopment. The 50 million people that use London Bridge station each year will benefit from a wave of new retail arrivals – with a string of quality fashion and luxury brands opening at the station. The station has already welcomed Cath Kidston, Hamleys, Mac, Rituals, Ted Baker and The Body Shop. They join a long list of exciting brands already open at London Bridge, with more to follow as Network Rail works to create a flagship destination where people can shop, meet, eat, socialise and travel. Network Rail has introduced free Wi-Fi at the station as the focus on great customer experience continues. It also marks a significant expansion of these retailers’ station presence, with Ted Baker, Mac, Hamleys, and Rituals all firsts in the Network Rail portfolio. ‘The transformation of London Bridge station is one of the most ambitious projects that Network Rail has undertaken. It gives us the opportunity to use our expertise to create a great environment and produce a retail offer that exceeds people’s expectations,‘ says Hamish Kiernan, commercial director of retail for Network Rail property. ‘We understand that stations, large and small, and their surrounding areas are increasingly becoming the hubs of modern local communities. They are being recognised as places where people can travel, live, work and play, and at the same time provide the catalyst for housing, regeneration and economic growth in our towns and cities. ‘As such we’re working exceptionally hard to bring in established, quality brands and create a diverse and eclectic mix of retailers, food and beverage outlets, and places for entertainment.’ The £1 billion redevelopment project of London Bridge station, part of the Thameslink Programme, comprises a vast range of

improvements including a huge new concourse, modern facilities, two new entrances on Tooley Street and 15 fully accessible platforms. It also includes 8.547 sq m of new retail and more than 70 retail units — the most ever in a Network Rail station. Ray Kelvin, CEO and founder of Ted Baker, said prior to the opening: ‘London has always been close to Ted’s heart; it’s his home town, he knows it like the back of his hand, and it’s where he gets his best inspiration. Given his love of travel — by train in particular — Ted’s been following the development of the new London Bridge station complex closely, even before the success of the new St. Pancras store that opened last summer.’ Sue Carvell, commercial director at Cath Kidston, adds: ‘We are delighted to announce the opening of our new London Bridge store. We have seen great success in our store at St Pancras station, and look forward to bringing our brand to this exciting new development too. London Bridge station is a prime location, ideal to offer a convenient shopping experience for our travelling customers. We feel our Modern Vintage offering will fit nicely with the exciting list of other brands confirmed for this new shopping hub.’ Upon opening, Mark Drummond, head of marketing at Hamleys of London, said: ‘We are thrilled to be opening a toy shop in the middle of the newly developed London Bridge station. The new Hamleys store will be full to the brim with hundreds of exciting toys that will bring smiles to the faces of all our customers.’ Network Rail will be releasing more detail about its growing retail portfolio at London Bridge in due course, with announcements still set to be made on major food and beverage brands, entertainment in the station and further high-profile retailers joining the line-up.

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products

RETAIL DESIGN EXPO LG Hausys LG Hausys returned to Retail Design Expo earlier this month with displays of HI-MACS Ultra-thermoforming and the new 2018 colour collection. With its effortless ability to create flowing and tighter curves, HI-MACS UltraThermoforming really pushes the boundaries in solid surface design, offering designers, specifiers and architects 30 per cent more thermoplastic capabilities, allowing for extreme shaping and endless possibilities with more accentuated curves without compromise. The tighter curves were very popular with designers who immediately saw the potential for future designs. T. +49 (0)69 58 30 29 469 E: info@himacs.eu www.himacs.eu Twitter: HIMACSEurope

bbrown UK display materials brand, bbrown has launched two new ranges. With metallic surfaces and finishes in high demand, the Apollo range of metallic silk PVC comes in five colours with an antique metal effect providing a strong metallic sheen. The Glitter Jazz range introduces 19 new trend colours too. With glitter randomly stuck to the backing fabric, regardless of the location of the glitter fabric or the lighting source, it will always catch the light perfectly wherever your audience’s viewpoint is. Both products are ideal for impact in retail displays and samples are available on request. T. +44 (0)3705 340 340 E. customerservices@bbrown.co.uk www.bbrown.co.uk Twitter: luvbbrown

Surface Styling Surface Styling puts paid to time-consuming trawling around multiple websites for the right interior surfaces. Now they are all together in one unique online design resource that is easy to navigate and offers access to over 12,000 products from more than 40 leading surface material brands. Specifiers can quickly and easily search for surfaces by product, colour, certification and sizes, and view technical specifications, supported by a 24-48 hour sampling service. The portfolio embraces the world’s most pioneering materials, which are brought to the UK after researching and investing in the latest surface innovations. On show at RDE was a carefully curated selection from the portfolio including the Avonite, Studio Collection, Hanex and Hanex Stratum solid surface brands, thermal-healing supermatt Fenix NTM and Fenix NTA materials, the Malmo luxury vinyl flooring range, the new CamuStyle panel range from Swiss Krono and digital print wall panelling. T. +44 (0)845 603 7811 E. info@surfacestyling.co.uk www.surfacestyling.co.uk Twitter: SurfaceStyling

Tarkett Returning for a third year, Tarkett’s stand featured three pop-up micro structures showcasing the company’s customisation services and new product launches for 2018. In the customisation pop-up, Tarkett focused on its LVT collection, iD Mixonomi, which offers architects and designers unparelled opportunities to push the boundaries with flooring designs. The second pop-up previewed Tarkett’s forthcoming LVT collections, iD Supernature and iD Tattoo, while the third pop-up showcased Cementi Click, which combines the look and feel of premium mineral ceramics with quick and easy installation. T. +44 (0)1622 854 040 E: marketing@tarkett.com www.tarkett.co.uk Twitter: TarkettUK

products

Signwaves Signwaves manufactures and prints thoroughly researched, designed and tested sign and display products for brands, agencies and trade resellers. The company operates from a three acre factory, office and warehouse site in Norfolk, supported by a joint venture manufacturing facility in China. The team is like a family and all share a common bond; a love of good design and great customer service. Signage and printed display material is a fundamental form of business marketing, and realising this in an attractive, functional and innovative way for its customers is Signwaves’ passion. T. +44 (0)1493 419 300 E: enquiries@signwaves.co.uk www.signwaves.co.uk Twitter: Signwaves_Ltd

Wieland Electric Wieland Electric returned to RDE to exhibit the company’s extensive range of pluggable electrical systems ideal for use in retail solutions. Products on display included the popular gesis flat cable distribution system for fast installation of power and lighting in retail applications, as well as gesis MICRO for discrete undershelf lighting along with gesis MINI. The company also demonstrating the very latest developments in small waterproof connectors. T. +44 (0)1483 531 213 E. sales.uk@wielandelectric.com www.wieland.co.uk Twitter: WielandElectrUK

DIA Systems Designs in Aluminium was established in 1997, and is a stockist and supplier of shopfitting systems and aluminium extrusions for retail industry and joinery manufacturers. DIA Systems offers a bespoke service on both mild steel accessories and bracketry along with aluminium extrusions. The company understands the needs for working within the shopfitting industry and prides itself on the service and quality of its products. Today, the company’s products can be found in most parts of the world and the company has distributors currently in the USA, Canada, Mexico and Kenya. The DIA Systems stand at RDE was built using raw aluminium with a modern splash of colour to compliment the large array of products on show. T. +44 (0)1273 582 241 E. sales@diasystems.co.uk www.diagroup.co.uk Twitter: DIA_Systems

Corian Limeblue Ltd recently specified Corian® for long-standing client Dermalogica’s new London flagship store. Limeblue Ltd divided the space into clear and distinct areas with a coherent design scheme that would guide the customer on a visual and interactive journey. This was achieved through the use of sleek white curves, contrasting textures and materials, touch-screen technology and unique lighting systems. Corian® became a key solution to achieving this vision, forming the interactive skin bars in the fresh Glacier White colour choice — a pristine background to offset a series of copper-edged oval mirrors. Corian® in Glacier White, together with cool neutral shade Deep Titanium grey, also marks out distinctive zones for the backlit product display shelves designed to entice customers into the inviting ambience of the store. Accent touches such as mirrored shelf fronts, copper blocks and pendants add to the sophisticated identity of the space, and the brand. Corian® is distributed in the UK by CD (UK) Ltd. T. +44 (0)800 962 116 E. info@corian.co.uk www.corian.uk Twitter: coriandesign

products

SURFACES & FINISHES James Latham James Latham, UK distributor of the exclusive, high-end decorative panel Xylocleaf, has just announced the addition of 13 brand new decors to its range. Already available in more than 80 different styles and finishes including wood grains and linens, this latest collection has seen the range of laminate decors bolstered to 52, offering an even greater choice to architects, interior designers, furniture makers and specifiers looking to add dimension, depth and texture to their projects. Xylocleaf is already extremely popular for premium retail, commercial and leisure specifications as it is strong, durable and highly scratch and chemical resistant, so as well as looking great, it is particularly well suited for high traffic areas. T. +44 (0)116 257 3415 E: marketing@lathams.co.uk www.lathamtimber.co.uk Twitter: lathamsltd

Havwoods The latest trend for creative surface design can now be realised with Havwoods’ engineered wood blocks. A new introduction to the Design Collection, a beautifully patterned floor can be created with ease from a choice of three distinctive geometric shapes: Mansion Weave, Diamond and Stretch Hexagons. Each shaped wood block is available in a choice of three contrasting tones; to add interest without commanding a space, opt for a single wood finish, or if you’re looking to make your floor a feature point, you can mix and match a combination of two or more of the finishes. T. +44 (0)1524 737 000 E. info@havwoods.co.uk www.havwoods.co.uk Twitter: havwoods

Lawcris

Armourcoat

CompacMel Plus is an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to compact laminate, boasting a range of benefits that free the designer from the constraints of other materials. It is used a lot in changing rooms and staff rooms for lockers and furniture. As well as moisture resistance and excellent machinability, CompacMel Plus features a black core throughout, allowing creativity in both shapes and applications, without the need for edging. In 18 vibrant uni-colours and woodgrains, it’s easy to see why this range is so popular. Find the whole range on Lawcris’s website — www.lawcris.co.uk.

Armourcoat Acoustic was headline sponsor at Clerkenwell Design Week in May. Designed to optimise the acoustic of interior spaces, the Armourcoat Acoustic plaster system offers a clean and smooth mineral surface that can be applied seamlessly over large expanses to both flat and curved surfaces. Comprising of a special mineral wool composite panel that is bonded onto the substrate and finished with a seamless layer, the system presents an elegant marble-based plaster finish while allowing sound energy to pass through the surface.

T. +44 (0)113 217 7177 E. sales@lawcris.co.uk www.lawcris.co.uk Twitter: Lawcris1982

T. +44 (0)1732 460 668 E: sales@armourcoat.co.uk www.armourcoat.com Twitter: armourcoat

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Mats and Floors

products

FLOORING Polyflor Polyflor has launched the colourful new homogeneous flooring collection, Palettone PUR. The premium Palettone range offers a full spectrum of colour, with 50 shades to choose from including classic neutrals, soothing pastels and daring brights. Featuring a non-directional, semi-matt emboss for the even distribution of light reflectance, the palette is split into seven colour groups — Cool Greys, Warm Greys, Greens, Blues, Pink Purples, Yellow Reds and Beige Browns. With each Palettone design being made up of a solid colour base and complementary toned highlights, the collection includes shades designed to inspire retail projects, such as Lunar Landscape, Festival Field, Faded Denim, Sugar Candy, Cayenne Heat and China Clay. T. +44 (0)161 767 1111 E: info@polyflor.com www.polyflor.com Twitter: Polyflorltd

Gerflor Gerflor has developed a wide range of products that can adapt to the pace of this fast-changing industry in terms of both cost-effective installations and meeting the latest decorative trends. High street retailers, supermarkets, DIY shops, convenience stores and forecourt traders may all have different briefs but advancements in technology provide a wider choice of floorings for retail commercial facilities. Solutions are available to suit both short term and long-term budgets, and for many areas across a retail environment including both front and back-of-house applications. T. +44 (0)1926 622 600 E. contractuk@gerflor.com www.gerflor.co.uk Twitter: GerflorUK

Karndean Designflooring

Interfloor

Karndean Designflooring is introducing 15 new contemporary designs to its popular Knight Tile collection, including eight woods, three stones and four exclusive smaller plank designs. As well as expanding its modern oak offering with popular light, neutral tones and statement slates, it is the first time the collection will feature Spotted Gum and Scandinavian Pine designs. Inspired by Northern Scandinavian Pine, all three designs — Natural Scandi Pine, Grey Scandi Pine and Washed Scandi Pine — feature the natural slow growing properties and tight grain found in this type of natural wood.

Interfloor has introduced new premium edgings offering a high-end addition to its existing Gripperrods range. The new Premier floor edgings are available in modern finishes that will complement the current trends in luxury home accessories. The Premier range includes a very on-trend brushed steel nickel or an elegant bright chrome which will co-ordinate well with other accessories, light switches and door handles to ensure a seamless finish. Both finishes are available in five specialist trims designed to provide the perfect solution for all types of materials. Premium quality self-adhesive Coverstrip is perfect for finishing materials of a similar thickness, while stick down Ramp Edge gives a smooth transition between flooring materials at different levels. In addition there are Single Edge, Dual Edge and Zig Zag profiles for joining carpet to a range of different materials including carpet and hard floorings.

T. +44 (0)1386 820 104 E: commercial@karndean.co.uk www.karndean.com Twitter: KarndeanComm

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products

PROJECTS Ripple Ripple has created a variety of new products for a UK-wide store improvement programme by Topps Tiles, to improve communication, display and merchandising in its showrooms. A new ‘Trade Essentials’ section conveys innovative features and applications of an extended range of trade tools and products. The ‘All-Store Improvement Plan’ (ASIP) will require over a mile of wall unit fixtures across the 380 Topps Tiles showrooms in the UK. These will be installed in various configurations to a programme expected to run to autumn 2019. T. +44 (0)161 624 8201 E: info@ripple.co.uk www.ripple.co.uk Twitter: RippleGroupUK

Futura Retail Solutions The Glyndebourne Shop, which provides opera lovers with a range of exclusive gifts and accessories, many of which are inspired by the World renowned Glyndebourne Festival, has implemented a new EPoS and head-office solution from Futura Retail Solutions. Flexibility and speed at the till were key requirements for the Glyndebourne retail team together with accurate management information, and full stock visibility to improve inventory control, ordering and replenishment. Futura ERS has been deployed across five Aures Yunos tills, four in store and one for their pop-up store. T. +44 (0)1189 841 925 E: sales@futurauk.com www.futura4retail.co.uk Twitter: Futura_retail Photographer Herry Lawford

Rockfon Rockfon Tropic ceilings have been installed in Europe’s largest car showroom — Sytner BMW in Sheffield. Designed by AT Architects, the three-storey, 18,500 sq m BMW and Mini dealership can display up to 872 cars. The 42-bay workshop, with drive-in reception, is quick and convenient. The ground floor is home to the complete BMW range, where 7,500 sq m of Rockfon Tropic ceilings were chosen to provide outstanding acoustic control and contribute to the light, open interior design. The new building is designed to create a comfortable and welcoming environment. Rockfon ceiling plays a pivotal role here. The large showroom is fitted with floor to ceiling glazing and tiled floors, which could make the open-plan area prone to reverberation. The Class A sound absorption of Rockfon Tropic controls the ambient sound level in this space, reducing echo and improving speech intelligibility. T. +44 (0)20 8222 7457 E. info@rockfon.co.uk www.rockfon.co.uk Twitter: RockfonUK

JUSTSO Moynat was inspired by Louis Blériot’s pioneering journey to become the first pilot to fly over the English channel. The retailer has released a new range of accessories, which included the Blériot XI plane used to complete the journey, as well as classic cars of the era. JUSTSO envisaged the window concept for the Mount Street store in London — a playful idea based on a plane Airfix kit, portraying iconic memories of childhood. JUSTSO divided the plane into the various components across the windows, with movement of the propeller in the centre window. T. +44 (0)20 7036 9850 E: info@justso.eu www.justso.eu Twitter: JUSTSOLtd

products

SELECTION Tormax The new TORMAX Secure+Therm automatic sliding door system effectively combines certified protection from burglary to resistance class RC 2, with the aesthetic benefits of a lightweight, thermally separated profile that still delivers exceptional energy efficiency. Incorporated within the slim door profile, the Secure+Therm system is fitted with a convenient electromechanical multipoint locking. Rigorously tested to the highest standards, the added security protection contributes towards low insurance premiums by significantly reducing risk of theft or damage to property. Despite being just 40mm thick, cold, heat, damp and noise are all kept outside thanks to the thermally separated construction of the profile and the insulating safety glass. T. +44 (0)1932 238 040 E: sales@tormax.co.uk www.tormax.co.uk Twitter: tormax_uk_ltd

imageHOLDERS imageHOLDERS’ self-service and assisted service retail solutions have been successfully deployed for several large retailers and supermarkets. Specialists within secure tablet kiosk solutions and device integration, imageHOLDERS has been working with clients to develop front-of-house and back-of-house solutions for the retail industry. Developing POS kiosks, back-of-house access control and digital catalogue extensions, imageHOLDERS has established itself as a leader within the self-service industry. T. +44 (0)1202 892 863 E. sales@imageholders.com www.imageholders.com Twitter: imageHOLDERS

NEC Display Solutions NEC Display Solutions exhibited its advanced display technology for retail at Retail Digital Signage Expo (RDSE) earlier this month. As retailers strive to reduce overheads associated with bricks and mortar assets and increase operational efficiency, the in-store experience becomes ever more crucial in maintaining brand loyalty. NEC Display Solutions has patnered with Inurface Media to offer digitized fashion retail solutions. Both understand the challenges faced by retailers and offer innovative solutions to engage with shoppers whilst focusing on their ROI. ‘Through digitisation, retailers can connect the physical store more closely with their on-line presence through dynamic and intelligent in-store content delivery. We can help retailers adapt to a new era of shopping activity, enticing customers back in store to ensure a sustained high street presence,’ says Josh Bunce, Inurface Media CEO. T. +44 (0)870 120 1160 E. infomail@nec-displays.com www.nec-display-solutions.co.uk Twitter: NEC_Display_EU

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technology

focus on TECHNOLOGY

Touch of a button TAG Heuer has introduced iTAG, brand new connected displays imagined by the brand and developed in collaboration with Xavier Dietlin, an inventor of unique showcases. The new display concept offers the shopper full immersion in the universe of the brand through a unique digital and physical retail experience. With just a few clicks on an iPad integrated in the display, the shopper can select their favourite models by browsing either through the universes of the brand or either through the collection of the products. The watches are on a pivoting support and appear instantly lighting up on the display, becoming easily accessible and shown off. Shoppers can also have their selection on a mobile device, allowing them to extend the retail experience outside of the boutique.

www.tagheuer.com

There’s no denying the phenomenal impact technology has had on retail in recent years, both behind the scenes and front of store. From solutions to aid staff in day-to-day running of a store, to digital displays that engage with the customer to provide an exciting in-store experience, we bring you a variety of solutions that are changing the role of staff and the in-store experience.

Heightened engagement To engage with, and surprise customers, laser projection offers an exciting opportunity to enhance the shopping experience with bright POS projection that’s easy to maintain yet space saving. At IKEA’s rug and textiles department, NEC laser technology projects onto the showroom floor with content driven by Beaver Group’s signage. ninja software platform. No need to remove products from the display making it hazardous and untidy, customers can easily visualise rug dimensions, comparing shapes and sizes against standard furniture set-ups to help them make a good selection and thereby reduce returns. With no lamp nor filter replacement required, laser projection provides maintenance-free, reliable operation for up to 20,000 hours whilst the projected image remains crisp and clearly visible even in the brightly lit showroom. Working with Beaver Group, IKEA uses NEC projection and touch display technology across its estate to improve in-store messaging and enhance customer engagement.

www.nec-displays.co.uk

technology Helping hand Inovretail has launched the see-watch, a wearable device that is a key part of the company’s seeplus range. It is designed and built to improve all aspects of day-to-day operations and empower store staff to drive bricks-and-mortar performance. The user interface allows retailers to monitor the inventory notification of online orders to be delivered in store. The fitting room is a prime example of how this product is bridging the gap for retailers and allows them to provide customers with a more personalised fitting room service to improve basket conversion rates. Businesses can align their sales force and business strategy by providing cross-selling opportunities, in-store flash sales, in-store messages, customer assistance, store audits and dynamic intra-day goals, to empower staff to perform and convert customers at the checkout, and drive shopper loyalty.

www.inovretail.com

Take control Futura Retail Solutions has launched a new mobile sales assistant that promises improved levels of customer service and greater speed and flexibility for a range of in-store processes. Futura4SalesAssistant provides a fully integrated tablet-based solution to empower sales staff, improve customer interaction, relieve checkouts at busy periods and maximise sales opportunities when specific products, colours or sizes aren’t immediately available in store. Sales staff will be able to advise on product availability and pricing with real-time data for all stores and product locations with features for curated shopping, including complimentary or alternative products and styles, to provide individual recommendations. The ability to extend the shop window beyond the existing store, sometimes called ‘endless aisles,’ means staff can showcase a complete range of products only available online or in other stores and then complete an order with click and collect or click and reserve to ensure availability.

www.futura4retail.co.uk

Picture perfect Designed to support on-the-go small and mid-sized business merchants (SMBs), Verifone has introduced a built-in camera/ scanner for the Verifone Engage V240m. The camera expands the already powerful V240m portable solution to be capable of payment acceptance, image capture, and QR/barcode scanning at checkout. From retail shops to restaurants, police departments to airports, the V240m camera empowers a wide range of SMBs to accept a growing variety of payment types and images. In addition to traditional credit card payments, the built-in camera scans printed or digital barcodes from coupons, loyalty cards, vouchers, mobile wallets and QR codes like Alipay and Groupon. Additionally, the camera conveniently captures images such as identity cards, bank checks and even license plates. All these activities help to improve both merchant and customer experiences, boost loyalty, and offer opportunities to increase revenue.

www.verifone.com

Community spirit Zytronic’s durable, high performance Multitouch Projected Capacitive Technology (MPCT) touch sensors have been key to the transformation of Santander WorkCafé branches by South American customer experience specialist company, PX Group. The Santander WorkCafé — a one of a kind type of bank branch in Chile — turns a common branch into a community space: half bank, half café. It has now been implemented in 20 Santander branches, and is going forward to introduce 20 brand new offices by the end of 2018. Zytronic touch sensors are integrated into the sign-in kiosk and video wall that is a central feature of each Santander WorkCafé.

www.zytronic.co.uk

THE DNA FACTORY

THE FUTURE OF MAKING MANNEQUINS

For your next mannequin collection, take a step into the future. QUALITY: With its revolutionary 3D image capture technology this service unique to WINDOW FRANCE offers you untold creativity and precision. SPEED: Create your collection in just a few days from photoshoot to full size prototype.

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directory

DIREcTORIES

www.retail-focus.co.uk/directory Visit the Retail Focus online directory at www.retail-focus.co.uk to discover a comprehensive list of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading retail suppliers. Each listing contains indepth company information together with inspirational images, video footage and informative press material. You can also link through to company websites and connect with suppliers through Twitter and Facebook. The Retail Supplier Directory is divided into a number of categories, such as design agencies, point-of-purchase, lighting, props and surfaces, to make the site easy to navigate. To feature in the online directory, contact Terry Clark on 0845 6807405 or email terry@retailfocus.co

directory

Aluminium Fittings

Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry. Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights *Aluminium slatwall *Perimeter Sections *Corner sections *Design and bespoke service. T: 01273 582241 E: sales@diasystems.co.uk W: www.diagroup.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin

Aluminium Fittings

Bespoke Display

Design Consultancies

Axis design, develop, manufacture and install bespoke retail display solutions. We’ve worked with the biggest names on the high street, but approach every project in the same way, with the maximum thought for your brand, products and sales environment.

Kendu is a European company with over 18 years of experience in pioneering in-store visual solutions for retailers. We design, manage and manufacture in-house to guarantee the best results. Visit our new office and showroom in Hackney Wick, London.

We are a global retail agency. Visual Thinking develops strategy, skills, hearts and minds to deliver retail excellence and transform brand performance.

T, 020 3260 3888 E. info@axiseurope.com W.www.axiseurope.com/retail S. www.twitter.com/AxisEuropePlc

Bespoke Display

T: +44 (0)20 373 55 258 E: info@kendu.com W: www.kendu.com S: www.twitter.com/kenduinstore

Bespoke Display

T, +44 (0) 1788 543 331 E. mail@visualthinking.co.uk W. www.visualthinking.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/shoptactics

Design Consultancies

MicroSlat is a strong versatile 25mm fine pitched aluminium slatwall system. With a bespoke range of components it can be used to build unique and interesting displays or add value to existing designs.

Original suppliers of display fabrics, textiles, PVC and polycarbonates for retail displays and exhibition stands since 1934 Backgrounds have been our background since backgrounds began and B Brown have more than 400 in stock.

Walker Bros (Elland) Ltd is an Engineering Manufacturing company specialising in sheet metalwork and plastic fabrication. We supply precision metal and plastic products, components and light fabrications to a broad range of industries and markets throughout the UK and Europe.

IGNITION is an independent creative company Our multi-disciplined team work together to deliver exceptional retail and commercial environments, global exhibitions and brands.

T. 01325 351 276 E. sales@microslat.com W. www.microslat.com S. www.twitter.com/MicroSlat

T, 08705 340 340 E. customerservices@bbrown.co.uk W. www.bbrown.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/luvbbrown

T: 0 01422 310767 E: sales@wbelland.com W: www.wbelland.com

T, +44 (0) 1179 725168 E. victoria@ignitiondg.com W. www.ignitiondg.com

Audio Visual Integration

Anna Valley looks to help guide clients with their audio visual decision making by offering high end impartial advice and help manoeuvre them through the current “minefield” of different technology and services available to them. This process then enables them to have a clear vision of what they are actually striving to achieve within the budget available to them and then provides a full range of services in the delivery of that vision.

Bespoke Display

Hello Flamingo is a creative company for the retail and event sector, specialising in window displays, in store solution, POP ups, project management, design, manufacture and installation for bespoke projects at our fully equipped manufacturing workshop.

Brochure Holders

Design Consultancies

Brochure Holders International Limited is part of the global Taymar group recognised as a leading manufacturer of premium quality injection moulded leaflet holders and display solutions. Committed to on-going product development the Taymar group offers one of the world’s largest collections of ‘clear view’ wall, floor and counter standing brochure displays.

We are TWO Visual, the retail agency specialising in visual merchandising. Led by brand directors Jeanette Cheetham and Brendan Gordon we provide everything retailers need to make their brands visually dynamic, whilst improving team and commercial performance.

T: +44 (0)1473 229250 E: sales@brochureholders.co.uk W: www.brochureholders.com

T, +44 (0) 1858 414275 E. hello@twovisual.co.uk W. www. twovisual.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/TWO_Visual

T: +44 (0)208 941 1000 E: nick.shaw@annavalley.co.uk W: www.annavalley.co.uk/avintegration

T: 01273 585768 E: info@helloflamingo.co.uk W: www.helloflamingo.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/helloflamingo1

Balloons & Bunting

Bespoke Display

Climate Control

Display

No.1 Advertising Balloon Service: • Printed Latex and Foil Balloons • Helium Gas delivery and collection • Flags, Bunting and Banners • Promotional Sashes and T-shirts • Multi-store distribution nationwide

JPMA is a worldwide leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality store fixtures and visual elements made of wood, metal and acrylic. We make everything all under the one roof and offer designs and finishes not available anywhere else in the industry.

Air Control & Development Ltd are Daikin, Mitsubishi and Toshiba accredited contractors, specialising in providing quality air conditioning, ventilation and overdoor heater installations, service & maintenance within the retail sector.

arken are a UK design and manufacturing facility creating bespoke poster display solutions. As well as our bespoke offer, we provide off the shelf products such as poster frames, light boxes, poster hanging systems, pavement signs, forecourt signs, all available in a range of colours and sizes.

T +44 777 444 5784 E: benjamin@jpmaglobal.com W: www.jpmaglobal.com

T 01922 455523 E: info@aircontrol.co.uk W: www.aircontrol.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/AirControl123

T: +44 (0)1638 565656 E: info@arken-pop.com W: www.arken-pop.com

T, 01494 774376 E. sales@b-loony.com W. www.b-loony.com

directory

Display

Focused on our customer’s unique needs, with expert knowledge of the procurement market, and a firm grip on the entire visual merchandising supply chain, we are specialists in designing and delivering complex point of sale projects.

T +49 (0) 911 97 13 389 E: info-uk@barthelmess.com W: www.barthelmess.com

Display

Display - DIGITAL

FURNITURE

Crystal Display Systems is already a leading UK designer, distributor and value added reseller of flat panel display solutions. We have a vast array of media players, interactive displays, videowalls and shelf edge displays. Our knowledge and expertise has also led to us being one of the European leaders in transparent LCD.

Spur Creative Workshop deliver unique visual merchandising solutions for retail brands. Boasting a wealth of experience in high quality prop making we create display concepts for window staging, POS and brand awareness campaigns.

T +44 777 444 5784 E: benjamin@jpmaglobal.com W: www.jpmaglobal.com

T: +44 (0) 1634 292 025 E: info@crystal-display.com W: www.crystal-display.com S. www.twitter.com/CrystalDisplays

T 01892 890608 E: phil@spurcreative.co.uk W www.spurcreative.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative

Display

Display - DIGITAL

FURNITURE

Durable have been one of Europe’s largest business supplies manufacturers for almost 100 years. We’re pioneers in developing and producing innovative solutions designed for retail from literature displays and POS to signage and display solutions.

We provide total end to end solutions encompassing all aspects of designing, implementing, managing and supporting multi-faceted marketing technology concepts and Digital Screen Media networks.

We create bespoke tailored solutions for retail, interiors, exhibitions, museums and 3D and we know one size does not fit all. Our teams are always ready for the challenges, big or small.

T 01892 890608 E: phil@spurcreative.co.uk W www.spurcreative.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative

T, +44 (0)845 481 8020 E. info@screenmediatechnology.com W.screenmediatechnology.com S. www.twitter.com/ScreenMediaTech

T: 01923 800666 E: info@stylographics.co.uk W: www.stylographics.com S. www.twitter.com/hellostylo

T. 01202 897 071 E. customeroperations@durable-uk.com W. www.durable-uk.com S. www.twitter.com/durableuk

Display

We are ICON. We create and deliver engaging brand and live experiences, particularly in the retail sector.

T: +44 (0) 20 7593 5200 E: enquiries@icon-world.com W: www.icon-world.com S: www.twitter.com/ICON_HQ

Display

EPOS

GRAPHICS

Providing Scotland’s signage, exhibition displays, digitally printed wallpapers, LED flex faces, light boxes and window graphics. Located in the centre of Scotland we are ideally situated to cover your requirements throughout Scotland. We can offer huge savings with an excellent, professional and prompt service

Offering an extensive range of EPOS hardware from world class suppliers such as Star Micronics, Honeywell and Posiflex, DED offer the complete EPOS hardware solution alongside a unique rewritable loyalty system.

Graphica Display print, produce and install retail graphics including till point graphics, window graphics, LED lightboxes, cut & printed vinyl and much more. Nationwide & Euorpean delivery and installation.

T: 0131 337 1237 E: info@specializedsigns.co.uk W: www.specializedsigns.co.uk FB: Specialized-Signs

T: 01797 320636 E: sales@ded.co.uk W: www.ded.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/dedltd

Display

Impulse POP specialises in Point of Purchase display systems for the Retail sector. We offer many years of experience in all aspects of retail design, with in house manufacture - including quick turnaround prototypes, or overseas manufacture, delivery, installation and retail merchandising.

Woodwood Group –Tx Frame UK are a specialist in tension fabric display systems and LED light boxes. We are able to deliver the highest quality service with a friendly but professional approach to ensure you receive the spectacular results you deserve.

Armourcoat is the world’s foremost supplier of polished plasters, sculptural effects and innovative surface finishes.

T, 01767 682756 E. sales@impulsepop.co.uk W.www.impulsepop.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/impulsepop

T, 01376 295 016 E. sales@txframe.co.uk W. www.txframe.co.uk

T. +44 (0)1732 460 668 E. sales@armourcoat.co.uk W. www.armourcoat.com S. www.twitter.com/Armourcoat

Finishes

T: 0845 3730073 E: info@graphicadisplay.co.uk W:www.graphicadisplay.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/graphicatweet

GRAPHICS

We create bespoke tailored solutions for retail, interiors, exhibitions, museums and 3D and we know one size does not fit all. Our teams are always ready for the challenges, big or small.

T: 01923 800666 E: info@stylographics.co.uk W: www.stylographics.com S. www.twitter.com/hellostylo

directory

interactive displays

MANNEQUINS

pop/pos

Rootstein Display Mannequins is a creative mannequin manufacturer and renovation specialist - delivering both ready-made and bespoke concepts for fashion retailers, globally.

We are IPOS. A creative design agency whose extensive and impressive client list speaks volumes for the professional services we offer. We design, produce and install all aspects of our client’s POS. From instore graphics, window vinyls and 3D bespoke window displays to full multi location campaign roll outs.

T: +44 (0) 1634 292 025 E: info@crystal-display.com W: www.crystal-display.com S. www.twitter.com/CrystalDisplays

T: +44 20 7381 1447 E: sales@adelrootstein.co.uk W: www.rootstein.com/ S. @rootstein_

T: 0161 477 8501 E: info@ipos-design.co.uk W: www.ipos-design.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/iposdesign

T. 01202 897 071 E. customeroperations@durable-uk.com W. www.durable-uk.com S. www.twitter.com/durableuk

LED LIGHTING

pop/pos

Addlux supplies high-tech LED lighting and display technologies for the retail sector, including the largest, thinnest and most cost-effective light sheet on the market today. Fast turnaround of deliveries and prototypes at competitive prices.

Harrison Products provide one the largest ranges of POS and Display componentry in the UK. We are able to supply off the shelf and customised products to suit your project. We pride ourselves on our industry leading service and super quick delivery options.

T: 0333 800 1828 E: info@addlux.com W: www.addlux.com S. www.twitter.com/addlux

T: +44 (0)1451 830083 E: sales@harrisonproducts.net W harrisonproducts.net

Literature Display

Maintenance

T 01922 455523 E: info@aircontrol.co.uk W: www.aircontrol.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/AirControl123

pop/pos

T. 01202 897 071 E. customeroperations@durable-uk.com W. www.durable-uk.com S. www.twitter.com/durableuk

pop/pos

We are ICON. We create and deliver engaging brand and live experiences, particularly in the retail sector.

T: +44 (0) 20 7593 5200 E: enquiries@icon-world.com W: www.icon-world.com S: www.twitter.com/ICON_HQ

signage

pop up

GENESIS MANNEQUINS design and produce high-class and trend-lead shop window mannequins, busts and displays for the international fashion industry. Additionally we offer style, trend and product consultation as well as a comprehensive after-sales service.

T: 01273 585768 E: info@helloflamingo.co.uk W: www.helloflamingo.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/helloflamingo1

T: +49 (0) 5752 1803 0 E: info@genesis-display.com W: www.genesis-display.com S: www.twitter.com/GenesisDisplay

Retail Consultancy

We are a global retail agency. Visual Thinking develops strategy, skills, hearts and minds to deliver retail excellence and transform brand performance.

Rootstein Display Mannequins is a creative mannequin manufacturer and renovation specialist - delivering both ready-made and bespoke concepts for fashion retailers, globally.

T, +44 (0) 1788 543 331 E. mail@visualthinking.co.uk W. www.visualthinking.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/shoptactics

T: +44 20 7381 1447 E: sales@adelrootstein.co.uk W: www.rootstein.com/ S. @rootstein_

slatwall

VM TOOLS AND TRAINING

We are a global retail agency. Visual Thinking develops strategy, skills, hearts and minds to deliver retail excellence and transform brand performance.

T, +44 (0) 1788 543 331 E. mail@visualthinking.co.uk W. www.visualthinking.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/shoptactics

Q&A

PENNY GRIVEA Penny Grivea, managing director of Rituals, talks to us about her vision for the premium lifestyle brand, exceed customer expectations and creating the ‘wow’ factor. RF. How did your career path lead you to Rituals? PG. I started my career in retail and beauty. I spent the first 10 years of my career in this great industry and then I wanted to spread my wings and get into the accessories and fine jewellery market for a while. Then there was an opportunity to join Rituals, a great opportunity to turn the brand around in the UK and make it a success story. The values, culture and vision resonated with my own vision for the brand. It was a brand I felt I could make a difference and put my mark on. I am so blessed because I get to work with some amazing people and great retail partners who are open to new initiatives and in taking risks. I have also had the pleasure of building a great team and prepping them to play in the champions league, where good is never good enough and we are always striving for excellence. We are also lucky to have fantastic products and a great back-up and support from our central head office. RF. What does the in-store Rituals experience offer customers? PG. E xperiential is the most important part of our brand. We go beyond functionality; we connect with customers and sell dreams. Our CEO, Raymond Cloosterman always tells us we are not here to sell a brand. We are here to make people feel special and you can only do this through meaningful experiences that allow people to slow down. This is what our philosophy stands for — helping everyone slow down and turn their everyday routines into meaningful rituals. It’s important to create the ‘wow’ factor and exceed customer expectations every time. An experience instore always starts with a warm welcome and smile, followed by a cup of tea. We bring every customer to the water island to experience our cult product, our shower-foam. We sell one every three seconds globally. If you try the shower-foam, your shower will never feel the same again. We also offer one minute meditations in store, hand and arm massages, VR experiences and much more to come. RF. What trends do you see emerging in the beauty retail sector? PG. M intel predicts beauty spending to top £11 billion by 2021 in the UK. The beauty and personal care market grew by 1.4 per cent in 2017. It will continue to rise in colour cosmetics, skincare and haircare. The omnichannel approach will continue to grow and become even more seamless. There will be a rise in personalisation both offline and online, big increase in sustainability, wellbeing, natural cosmetics, a rise in artificial intelligence, more pop-ups and ‘try before you buy’ opportunities. Last year we won the award for the fastest growing retail brand in Europe. With the decline retail is seeing, Rituals is definitely bucking the trend and seeing a +23 per cent L4L in our own standalone stores, a +40 per cent L4L increase in wholesale and +65 per cent increase in e-commerce.

RF. Can you run through the interior of your new London Bridge store and what it provides customers? PG. T he history of the station, dating from 1836, is a great backdrop to our Rituals design and the retail environment we have created. Our design, including our beautiful Sakura tree, fully utilises the structure of the vaulted ceiling and has the distinctive and luxurious look and feel that you would expect from our brand. Inside the shop, our customers will be able to experience the full range of Rituals Home and Bath products and this location has been chosen as one of the first in the UK to receive new introductions and innovations too. RF. Do you have plans to launch more stores worldwide? PG. O ur ambition is to open 1,000 stores by 2020 globally. Our current biggest markets being in Europe. We have a presence in the Middle East and are expanding in the US. We will be expanding our portfolio and opening another 50 stores in the next three years in the UK and Ireland. As retailers are closing stores, we are opening stores and finding that our stores are little heavens for our customers where they love to come in and experience the brand, see our new product launches (around 300 a year), limited edition products, but above all interact with our ambassadors which allow them to experience the brand at length. We are speeding up to help our customers slow down. What makes us successful is that we have a unique proposition, a good business model/vision and a great team. All this combined with a founder’s mentality makes us successful. RF. How important is the physical store experience to Rituals? PG. T he stores are the heart of our company. It is where we welcome our customers and have the opportunity to let them try our products. A visit to our stores is a full experience, as we welcome our customers with a lovely cup of Rituals tea, offer hand massages and even special 1-minute meditation treatments. Our customers have a chance to try the products, and experience the fragrances of our luxurious products. Nothing beats a long-lasting and meaningful experience where you can connect with customers. Raymond always tells us ‘we’re not just selling cosmetics, we’re here to make people feel special’ and that’s always our number one aim.

www.retail-focus.co.uk

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