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Part of the Armourcoat Sculptural range for 2014 The latest online brochure with the full range of 22 designs can be viewed at www.sculptural.armourcoat.com
Cover image: Pringle of Scotland flagship, Chengdu, China, designed by atelier oi
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Features Regulars Think global, design local
Global expansion plans are back on the agenda with investment in new and existing stores a key priority for retailers, finds Retail Focus.
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In-store self service
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Product display
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Leader
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25-32 Project Focus
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Kite: La Grande Épicerie de Paris: Osprey
Diary
11-14 N ews
17-18 Window shopping Inspiring window displays from around the globe.
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on: 58 Focus Flooring
Top of the POPS
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Karl McKeever
Shopper analytics tools are excellent to help inform retailers’ tactics but they cannot account for getting the basics right. That’s where VM comes in, argues Karl this month.
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Opinion
There used to be a dearth of decent menswear outlets beyond the exclusive worlds of Sloane or Bond Street, but that has changed, claims Pentagram architect William Russell. Today in London, there are plenty of premium boutiques that cater for men who like to shop.
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Q&A
Carlo Freddi of Italian sport fashion label, Freddy talks growth plans, inspiration and opening on London’s King’s Road.
51-54 P roducts Products and services for the retail industry.
www.retail-focus.co.uk
leader
May ‘14
Large scale expansion plans are apparently firmly back on the agenda. A report by CBRE, published earlier this year, predicts an increase in global expansion plans in 2014, with over a third of retailers surveyed looking to open more than 40 stores. Top of the list of target markets is Germany, followed by France, the UK and Austria. This month we look into the findings from the study and highlight some of the retailers who are seeking to grow their global network (pages 41-42). One brand that continues to embark on an expansion programme across Europe is Italian sport fashion label Freddy. As well as opening new stores including the recently launched King’s Road shop in London - the brand is also gaining momentum through multichannel exposure. In this issue, we talk to the company’s founder, Carlo Freddi (page 66). In addition, we look at new approaches to in-store self service (pages 4748) and find out which designers and retailers are pushing the boundaries of product display (pages 35-38). That’s on top of our regular Project Focus, where we check out the new store concepts for Kite, La Grande Épicerie de Paris and Osprey (pages 25-32) Don’t forget you can keep up to date with the latest inspiring window displays from around London and Paris on our blog (www.retail-focus.co.uk/blog) and if that’s not enough, there is always the Window Shopping section in the magazine (pages 17-18). Until next month!
Gemma Balmford Editor
Editor
Display Sales
Gemma Balmford e. gemma@retailfocus.co t. +33 (0)7 61 03 21 33
Lee Cullumbine e. lee@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)845 680 7405 f. +44 (0)871 528 8000
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diary
New Designers 2014 Business Design Centre, London 25-28 June 2014 (Part one) 02-05 July 2014 (Part two) New Designers has launched more than 100,000 students into the professional world since it began 29 years ago. Taking place over two weeks, the event is divided into two parts, covering a host of creative disciplines. Part one will cover textiles, fashion, accessories, contemporary applied arts, jewellery and precious metalwork, while part two will focus on furniture, product design, visual communications, motion arts and theatre design. Running across both parts, One Year On will showcase a group of emerging designers in their first year of business.
NewDesigners www.newdesigners.com
Designs of the Year 2014 Design Museum, London 26 March - 25 August 2014
Marketing Week Live Olympia Grand, London 25-26 June 2014
Bread & Butter Berlin Airport Berlin-Tempelhof 8-10 July 2014
Now in its seventh year, Designs of the Year gathers together a year of cutting-edge innovation and original talent; showcasing the very best in global architecture, digital, fashion, furniture, graphic, product and transport design. This year the ubiquity of the smartphone is particularly apparent.
Marketing Week Live has been redesigned to help visitors tackle their biggest challenges, from equipping their business with a futureproof marketing team to selecting and getting maximum ROI from suppliers. The show is divided into four main zones, namely: Understand, Engage, Experience, Convert.
Bread & Butter is the international tradeshow for selected brands. Under the maxim ‘fun & profit’, the event unites inspiration and business. This summer from 8-10 July, Bread & Butter invites visitors to celebrate vibrant fun and business under the motto ‘Carnaval do Brasil’.
DesignMuseum www.designmuseum.org
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MWL2014 www.marketingweeklive.co.uk/retailfocus
breadandbutter www.breadandbutter.com
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news
Selfridges Birmingham to undergo £20 million redevelopment Selfridges has revealed plans to transform its Birmingham store through an ambitious programme of redevelopment. The store, which opened in September 2003, has started to invest £20 million in redevelopment work, which will involve a complete overhaul of every floor. The department store has commissioned London studio Ab Rogers Design to reimagine the shop floors to maximise the flow of the shopping experience and give added vibrancy to the surroundings. Commenting on the project, Ab Rogers says: ‘Selfridges Birmingham is a world-class piece of architecture and our masterplan proposal is designed
to celebrate the original building design, implementing a strong, dynamic connection between inside and out. ‘New entrances will set the store in a dramatic frame, communicating to visitors that they are entering an exceptional retail space that feels fresh and alive,’ explains
Rogers. ‘The design solution carries a strong narrative and will stimulate the eye, offering unobstructed views and clear sightlines to retail displays and circulation routes.’ The refurbishment works are expected to be completed by the end of 2017.
Beefeater to open gin distillery visitor centre Beefeater Gin, part of the Pernod Ricard premium spirits business, will open a dedicated visitor centre on 22 May at its home in Kennington, South London. Created in collaboration with design studio Four-by-Two, brand communication agency Contagious and Lee Boyd Architects, the new experience will invite visitors to learn about the history of gin through a series of interactive exhibitions. The visitor centre forms part of the greater distillery buildings and is divided into four distinct zones, namely an entrance and reception area, housing retail and services; a self-guided interactive exhibition area; a newly built external circulation tower; and a tasting experience. ‘The idea was to create a genuinely enjoyable experience for the visitor, yet provide sufficient depth of insights to allow gin enthusiasts to drill down and discover the layers of information, all whilst supporting the values of the Beefeater brand, before being picked up by the guide and taken to the Still Room for the ultimate tasting experience,’ says Bob Thwaites, founding partner at Four-by-Two. For the self-guided interactive area, Contagious has created films, animations, touch screens, soundscapes and iPad interpretations.
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news
In brief... John Lewis has announced that it will open a ‘Click & Commute’ shop at London’s St Pancras station this autumn. The new format will offer a specially selected boutique range of electronics, gifts, beauty, home and fashion accessories. It will also provide customers with the opportunity to collect online purchases. If successful, the format could be rolled out to other transport hubs and high street locations. French luxury leathergoods brand, Longchamp has opened a 700 sq m flagship store in Barcelona, Spain. Commercial real estate services firm, Cushman & Wakefield advised the brand on the new store. Karl Lagerfeld has announced a retail development partnership with Chalhoub Inc, a leader in the distribution and marketing of luxury brands in the Middle East and a member of the Chalhoub Group. Through the five-year agreement, Chalhoub Inc. will represent Karl Lagerfeld in the Middle East and implement multifaceted strategies to expand and leverage the brand’s presence in the region. Cedar House Investments has submitted a planning application for a £10 million landmark retail scheme in Daleside Road, Nottingham. Called East Point, the site has already attracted Aldi, which will be the anchor tenant, taking a 1,533 sq m unit. There will be a further 2,787 sq m of retail space and 495 sq m of ancillary use and restaurants. John Lewis has once again been named the nation’s best retailer at the Verdict Customer Satisfaction Awards. Dunelm took second position followed by IKEA. Portview Fit-Out has completed refurbishment works for West Elm’s new Tottenham Court Road store in London. Designed by Zebra Design, the store is the US-based homes and interiors retailer’s first foray into the European market. Works included moving the main staircase and exposing the internal brickwork to achieve the natural effect that is central to the West Elm identity.
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Lumsden Design helps celebrate 150 years of John Lewis Department store chain John Lewis has collaborated with Lumsden Design to create an immersive exhibition that celebrates the retailer’s 150th anniversary. Located on the third floor of the John Lewis flagship store on London’s Oxford Street, the 260 sq m exhibition space is divided into eight distinct zones, focusing on key chronological points on the John Lewis timeline. Film, graphics, sound and scents are used alongside artefacts to change the pace of each zone, bringing the story to life. Visitors enter the exhibition through the doors of the original 1864 draper’s shop to an engaging recreation of the original haberdashery interior, which is based on a surviving illustration. Central to the narrative is the vision of John Spedan Lewis, the man with the revolutionary idea that all workers should be co-owners and share in the
success of his company. ‘Curating and presenting 150 years of history of a British icon was no mean feat,’ says Peter Cross, communications director at John Lewis. ‘From the recreation of the odour of a 19th Century draper’s shop to the terror of the Second World War, Lumsden has been relentless in creating, with us, a truly memorable and atmospheric experience.’ The exhibition includes a ‘Craft of Shopkeeping’ area, which explains how John Lewis’ passion for customer service has guided the business ever since and a WWII installation, which tells the story of the bombing that threatened the future of the business. Visitors exit the exhibition with a glimpse into how we will shop, live and look in the future, through a unique collaboration with the Royal College of Art. The exhibition was unveiled on 3 May and will remain open for seven weeks.
news
Old Street Station reveals new pop-up shops and fresh look Transport for London (TfL) has announced the opening of seven new pop-up shops at Old Street Tube station, including optical brand Bailey Nelson, electric bike company Fully Charged and juice company Press London. The pop-up shops will complement existing retailers at the station as TfL continues to broaden the retail offering available for customers using the transport network. In March 2014, TfL announced that it had appointed online retail space marketplace Appear Here to set up pop-up shops, bringing a variety of new and innovative retailers across its retail estate. Around 22 million people use Old Street station each year and given its proximity to Tech City, TfL chose it as its first dedicated pop-up shop location to reflect its creative and innovative location. Alongside the pop-up shops, TfL has also appointed design consultancy, Tait to improve the appearance of the shop units, signage and passageways at the station, making it easier for customers to navigate their way around the area. Robert Rosser, creative director at Tait, comments: ‘We’ve addressed the retail offer by creating new gallery-like bite size units, as well as creating a fresh vibrant look for the existing tenants. We’ve been able to accentuate the great retail already on offer and revitalise their look and create a platform for the retail to re-engage with the regular commuter. ‘We’ve also redesigned the wayfinding system that takes you from ticket hall to street level,’ says Rosser. ‘Each subway has been given an immersive colour wrap and numbering system to aid navigation, in an exuberant “digital ribbon” design that
responds to the tech-based locality.’ The pop-up shops form part of TfL’s Commercial Development strategy, currently forecast to raise £3.5 billion over the next 10 years, all of which will be reinvested back into the public transport network. Graeme Craig, director of commercial development at TfL, comments: ‘We are delighted with the vibrant and diverse line-up that is launching what we hope will be the first of many successful pop-up shops at Old Street station. Pop-up shops provide an opportunity for new and existing retailers to showcase their innovative products and services to the millions of people who use the station each year.’ TfL continues to work with existing retailers on its network while reviewing new commercial opportunities. In January 2014, it announced that it was working with Asda, Tesco, Waitrose and automated parcel locker company InPost to establish ‘click and collect’ facilities at London Underground station car parks to transform and diversify the services on offer to customers as they move around the transport network.
Ted Baker collaborates with FormRoom on Glasgow store Ted Baker has opened a new store in Glasgow that will trade alongside its original Princes’ Square store. Inspired by ‘Great Scots and their world firsts’, the 250 sq m space showcases a new design with a focus on digital innovation. Shapes, colours and patterns inspired by Glasgow’s architectural pioneers feature throughout the store, with a neon yellow pantone guiding customers through the space. The ceiling plays host to screen cut-outs at different heights, with designs taken from the city’s coat of arms, while white painted walls show an exposed brick interior with an ‘electronic museum’ on either side of the shop fit. Wall-mounted irregular grids with polished brass frames and a series of cabinets feature a variety of collections in neatly curated rows. In addition, digital screens displayed at various levels feature seasonal brand content and images of inventors from the past to the present day. The fitting rooms, which spread along the right hand side of the space, display black and white images of Scottish architecture that are designed to work like a kaleidoscope when in place, as a reference to Glaswegian inventor, Sir David
Brewster, who created the kaleidoscope. The cash desk depicts the same black and white images, which have been strategically placed to create an abstract pattern; this is then overlaid with a neon yellow map of Glasgow city centre.
A glass box on the wall contains the first ever Ted Baker accessory; a men’s satchel from 1988. Ted Baker collaborated with FormRoom on the new store design concept.
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sponsored column
news
Primark to open in US Fast fashion chain Primark has announced plans to open stores in the north east of the USA. The retailer has signed a lease for some 6,500 sq m of selling space in the historic Burnham Building in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. The Primark store is planned to open towards the end of 2015 and negotiations are under way to open further stores in the north east, through to the middle of 2016. The US stores will be supported by warehousing in the region.
Selfridges launches Fragrance Lab as part of Beauty Project Selfridges London has collaborated with Campaign, The Future Laboratory and Givaudan to create a Fragrance Lab as part of its Beauty Project. The immersive installation enables customers to purchase their signature scent in a one-of-a-kind retail journey. Taking over the Concept Store at Selfridges, the Fragrance Lab invites customers on an olfactive journey through a series of interactive zones, including the store’s windows. The experience culminates with a fragrance created by Givaudan perfumers, with the alchemy informed by the stimuli and answers to the questions the consumer experienced along the way. ‘Fragrance Lab offers a tantalising glimpse into the future of in-store retailing, where customers’ habits, preferences and tastes, as well as their physical interaction will be used to develop a personalised service or product,’ says a spokesperson for Campaign. The Fragrance Lab is open until 30 June as part of The Beauty Project.
Talk shop
John Hamilton of BFP answers your questions on retail design and marketing recruitment. Q: How important a part of leadership is ‘looking the part’? A. I’ve been advising on the appointment of leaders for 20 years and this situation is definitely less common than it used to be. Times have, largely, changed: office rules and cultures are more relaxed and a different generation of bosses are more open-minded than some of their predecessors. In addition, recruiters and business psychologists use a variety of tools and techniques to make certain that selection processes are fair and objective, to give candidates an equal playing field and to ensure that decisions are free of bias and are based on merit. However, final decisions by boards, panels and individuals, occasionally still reflect a more basic judgement. Rightly or wrongly, looking the part may play a larger role than many think. A Wall Street Journal article by Joann S Lubin began: ‘Savvy executives know the part, act the part and look the part. That’s because they exude “executive presence”, a broad term used to describe the aura of leadership.’ The piece makes a strong case for developing your presence and appearance, for getting coaching, voice training and even acting lessons. Certainly this might be appropriate for key media or public facing roles, but what does that mean for the rest of us who are not subject to constant scrutiny from the media? We can’t all be statesman-like in our manner or appearance, but we should work hard to make the best of the raw material we have and match to the style of the environment we work in - and it’s not all about the clothes we wear. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence are the keys. Look at yourself in the real, and metaphorical, mirror and understand who you are, your strengths and what you need to work on. Ask for feedback from friends, family and colleagues and act on their advice, if necessary, to increase your presence and impact. Seek coaching if there is a significant gap between your perception and that of others. My experience, working with leaders in hundreds of organisations, is that first impressions still count, and are often hard to change. If you’re an ambitious or aspiring leader, you should give yourself the best possible opportunity to succeed. So, will style always win over substance? When it comes to ‘looking the part’, remember one thing. If I go out today, buy an airline pilot’s uniform and put it on – it doesn’t mean I can fly an aircraft.
T. 01332 565 125 www.bfpexecutiverecruitment.co.uk Twitter: bfpRecruit
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visual merchandising
Window Le Bon MarchĂŠ In this recent installation at Le Bon MarchĂŠ in Paris, prints from 10 selected brands fly away on wheels in movement. Brands involved in the scheme include Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Marni, Miu Miu and Stella McCartney.
shopping Inspiring window displays from around the globe
Liberty London The April window displays at Liberty London were inspired by still life set ups in muted colour tones. The department store took four colours and worked each window into a serene still life, full of textures and tones in the materials used and products from the store.
Asprey London Asprey collaborated with Millington Associates to create this playful window display, featuring luxury game sets atop giant dice and backgammon pieces. The backdrop is made up of masterfully stitched, oversized monochrome backgammon board panels.
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visual merchandising
Selfridges This month, Selfridges is celebrating all definitions of beauty in its new campaign, The Beauty Project. To celebrate the launch, the retailer has transformed the London store windows into a thought-provoking exploration on the definition of beauty.
Joseph The April windows at Joseph 77 Fulham Road focused on metallic in bronze and copper - a key trend for the SS14 season. Taking inspiration from its favourite collections, and Dahn Vo’s ‘We the People’ fragmented copper Statue of Liberty installation, the retailer commissioned copper-like sculptures surrounding the mannequins, which stand on a floor of black volcanic sand. Harlequin Design produced the oversized and multilayered metallic flowers.
Cath Kidston To welcome in the great British summer, Cath Kidston has created a bright and cheerful window display, full of summer holiday fun. More than 7,500 beach balls have been used in Cath Kidston store windows across the UK, Ireland and Asia. The London flagship store also features a giant inflatable whale on top of a road tripper car, a giant sandcastle made from 500 beach buckets and a life-size beach hut made entirely of cool boxes with an ice-pack roof.
John Lewis (Samsung) Samsung has taken over a single window display in nine John Lewis stores, including Peter Jones in Chelsea, to launch its new WW900 washing machine. The displays are Samsungbranded with the appliance taking centre stage against a blue 3D backdrop of iconic household products, accompanied by the caption: ‘There has never been an iconic washing machine’. Cheil UK is responsible for the campaign concept, creative thought, window display design and creation of all in-store materials.
See more window installations from London and Paris on the blog:
www.retail-focus.co.uk/blog 18
Harrods (Prada) Italian fashion brand Prada has taken over London department store, Harrods with 40 window displays, a pop-up shop, multiple screen displays, an elegant Marchesi cafe and Pradasphere: an exhibition that traces the company’s multivalent obsessions, from fashion and accessories to art, architecture, cinema and sport. The windows serve as an index of classic store elements, from marble floors to green ‘sponge’ walls.
POP
p o t POPS e h t f o
Company: Kesslers International
Client: Volkswagen
Display title: Volkswagen e-mobility cube
Sector: Automotive
Locations: VW dealerships, nationally
The Brief: For the launch of the new e-up electric vehicle, Volkswagen wanted a premium looking display that used a very small footprint on the shop floor. The design also needed to be interactive and in line with Volkswagen’s brand image. As the company’s first fully electric vehicle, the unit needed to display a large amount of information and have interchangeable graphics that could be updated with new information when necessary.
The Result: The design team at Kesslers International used a combination of edge-lit acrylic and lit back panels to ensure Volkswagen’s premium brand identity is communicated effectively, while also being accessible to its customers. The interactive unit features spinning blocks that customers can rotate to find out more about the new car. The unit is easy to move and uses a very small surface area on the showroom floor.
www.kesslers.com
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Q&A column
Karl McKeever Retail’s not a complete numbers game Has anyone else noticed how many new products are popping up that record and measure customers’ in-store behaviour? Some tell retailers how many times something gets picked up, others monitor time in aisles and so on. Love them or hate them, these tools do offer an exciting opportunity to reduce the margin for error, and make sales and profits where other retail practices may not. Most retail categories will find a use for this growing area of information technology, from FMCG through to all manner of general merchandise goods. Large scale, multiple and volume retailers will likely benefit most, where the difference between getting a single day, weekend or weeklong selling period right or wrong can make all the difference. These tools are ‘predictive trend technologies’, but in my experience retail often wins out on the unexpected. For example, such gizmos cannot effectively predict the effects of breaking news such as births and deaths, and instant twitter-born trends such as what a celebrity might do or wear? Even our ‘accurately’ forecasted weather is prone to being somewhat contrary. These factors all create surges and peaks and troughs in demand that even the smartest systems cannot foresee. Where VM adds something different in this area is the ability to ‘create’ sales through generating surprise and delight for consumers. The unexpected focal point along a dingy walkway, the brand that now stands out against competitors, the powerful presentation and impact of a well-stocked, colourful grocery counter or the window display that stops someone in the street. Certainly, scientific explanation of what makes these work can be undertaken, and shopper behaviour probed and analysed to find out the reasons why people react in a certain way. However, unlike machines and electronic instruments, human beings are delightfully (and frustratingly for retailers) prone to being random, and likely to change their minds. Here VM works on creating distracting, diversionary and behaviour-changing effects that, when executed well, cause consumers to switch what and how they buy particular goods. By creating a sense of planned difference, VM can quite
literally interrupt shoppers’ ‘planned’ or ‘normal’ reactions in all kinds of retail-based behavioural scenarios – put simply, when they are ‘shopping’. Shopper analytic devices could be useful to direct and inform VM and marketing campaigns, helping to determine which products to promote or the likely combinations that ‘most’ people would find beneficial, useful or attractive. These are potentially useful ways to provide VM teams with the right product knowledge to deliver more productive displays. Retailing is and has always been about having great products, which are attractive enough for consumers to buy. That attractiveness is made up of many considerations. Some are practical ones such as quality and price, while others are emotional, like store environment, marketing and customer services. So for me, the factors that make shops and stores successful, cannot just be turned into a purely technical business model as adopted by the likes of Amazon and eBay. In many sectors, impulse sales still account for a bigger part of a consumer’s purchase decisions. Effectively, being more valuable to retailers than the amount of planned, regular or repeat purchases. Customers remind businesses all the time that they are quirky, unusual and like to be treated as individuals. With the rise of the ‘everyone is an individual’ culture, surely this matters even more? All retail technologies still require some level of human interaction to make them work. In-store analytics can provide the sales data and ‘intelligence’ but they will still rely on store managers and shop teams to react to this data and move the goods and promote products according to the data set produced. Many promotions and sales are lost through ‘poor retail implementation’ practices in store. This is sometimes due to the fact that teams are slow to react, or react to the wrong things, or other issues such as when supply chain slip-ups get in the way etc. Fundamentally, retail will always be a ‘people’ business - a relationship between the buyers (the customers) and the sellers (the store owners). No amount of fancy technology will account for getting the basics right, and that’s where VM is one of those ‘soft’ but nonetheless effective tools that a business can deploy to make sure its shops and stores maximise whatever opportunities they have. Analytics tools are excellent to help inform retailers’ tactics, but in my experience they are not a universal palliative for effective brand strategy and in-store implementation practices to deliver commercial success. Karl McKeever is creative director of visual merchandising and brand delivery consultancy Visual Thinking.
Email Karl at karl@retailfocus.co www.visualthinking.co.uk
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project focus
Kite Westfield Stratford City, London
Photography: Jon Enoch
Design: Fourmation Opening date: March 2014 Store size: 92 sq m
‘From the beginning we have been driven by the concept of transforming the sterile opticians experience of today and turning it into something stylish and exciting,’ says Asad Hamir, founder of Kite, a new fashion-forward opticians at Westfield Stratford City in East London. Located on the ground floor of the shopping centre, the 92 sq m boutique opticians intends to change the traditional customer journey for the better, refocusing on fashion, service and expert eye care. ‘In our world, shopping for glasses should be as fun and exciting as any other retail experience on the high street today,’ says Hamir. Designed in collaboration with London-based consultancy Fourmation, Kite has a colourful, open interior that invites consumers to hang out and have fun. Working with music specialist, Music Concierge, the company has developed a soundtrack for the store that matches the values and personality of the brand. In addition, two Kite Kiosks incorporating 46-inch multitouch displays enable customers to take #specselfies of their favourite frames and then share the pictures on social networks. A further four mini tablet-based kiosks are situated on the large central consultation bench for customers to use. The materials palette includes large format porcelain tiles and powder-coated metals, which are contrasted with raw unfinished steels and vintage oak cladding. ‘We also wanted to play some games with the colours, having bright accents with dark backdrops in order to highlight the areas we wanted the customer to focus on,’ explains John Foden, creative director at Fourmation. For the lighting, Fourmation worked with LTS Fagerhult to design bespoke X fittings using LEDs that create a daylight
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effect in the centre of the store. ‘We also developed a unique cross mechanism to fix the sections together without creating any loss of continuous light,’ says Foden. The testing rooms at the back of the space, which are used to carry out eye examinations, are designed to feel more like a spa, with the latest equipment to hand and images that follow the development of the Kite brand over the last two years. The company plans to open further stores in 2014 as well as a pop-up concept. ‘We see bricks and mortar as a key part of our expansion strategy,’ says Hamir, ‘and we have the ambition to be a national brand over the coming years.’
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La Grande Epicerie de Paris Le Bon Marché, Paris Design: Interstore Design & DYArchitectes Opening date: December 2013 Store size: 3,500 sq m
Photography courtesy of DR and Interstore Design
Following 18 months of refurbishment works, luxury food emporium La Grande Épicerie de Paris has unveiled a new look that picks up the tradition of typical French markets and specialist stores. The fine foods concept at high-end department store Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche is spread across three levels with a restaurant led by chef Jean-Jacques Massé on the first floor, an extensive food hall on the ground floor, and a wines and spirits department with adjacent wine bar in the basement. The floors are linked by a new stairwell and escalators in the centre of the store, which are flooded with natural light from the stunning glass-domed cupola designed by DYArchitectes. At the heart of the food hall, which has been designed in collaboration with Zurich-based Interstore Design, is a new ‘Place du Marché’ where fresh fruit and vegetables are presented on a large marble table and authentic market van. Surrounding the marketplace are the pâtisserie, chocolaterie, boulangerie, charcuterie, rôtisserie, boucherie, fromagerie and poissonnerie, all designed like boutiques or market stands that are clearly arranged and more open than in the past. Each department features large
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handcrafted glass mosaic patterns by contemporary French artist Mathilde Jonquière on the counters and rear panels that distinguish and unite the specialist sections. Other key design elements include the striking canopy installation in the marketplace, the water display with mirrored background, featuring more than 100 types of water from around the world, and the 20 new automated tills equipped with a self-scanning system. Delicatessen sales manager, Laurent Trégaro says the aim for the grocery store was twofold: ‘To enrich our section in terms of both quality and quantity for the product ranges popular with our customers, in line with well-established trends; and to showcase these collections more effectively through a spectacular display, advice [and] tastings’. The 550 sq m wines and spirits department together with the Le Balthazar wine bar were the first to be completed, followed by the food hall and La Table de la Grande Épicerie de Paris restaurant. ‘Today’s brand new Grande Épicerie de Paris is Europe’s most ambitious fine-foods concept,’ says Patrice Wagner, president of Le Bon Marché and La Grande Épicerie. ‘We wanted to offer our clients a totally unique gourmet experience. The know-how and skills of our architects, our craftsmen and the artists we selected to join us for the adventure means this is now a reality.’
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project focus
Osprey Regent Street St James’s, London
Photography courtesy of Osprey London
Design: In-house Opening date: April 2014 Store size: 465 sq m
It took Osprey London nearly three years to find the ‘right’ building for its new flagship store, which opened in April at 27 Regent Street St James’s in the West End. The British luxury lifestyle brand, originally known for heritage-inspired leather bags and accessories, is using the Grade II listed space to showcase its fashion collections as well as its ever-expanding lifestyle product ranges. Spread across two levels, the store houses the wider Osprey London and O.S.P Osprey collections for both men and women, as well as home furniture and accessories, and a hospitality area where customers can relax with food and hot beverages in the style of the Saddlery Cafe, which can be found at the Osprey St Albans lifestyle store. Speaking ahead of the opening, founder Graeme Ellisdon said: ‘As one of the most important cities in the world, we consider this move to London a significant milestone in the company’s growth. The new flagship store will embody the core brand values that tie the different collections and lifestyle categories of the brand together - a love of natural materials, traditional techniques and a robust sense of design.’ Designed in house, the aim was to create a welcoming and personal space. As such, the ground floor is designed to feel like ‘our place in town’ while the basement is designed to feel like ‘our place in the country’, a concept which is reflected as much in the materials palette as in the merchandise itself. The entrance to the store features an oak-panelled lobby with oak-framed glass doors and wide glass display cases framed in dark grey wood on either side. On the ground floor, a limestone border has been used to edge an aged parquet floor in a traditional Versailles pattern in keeping with the period of the property. The walls have been painted in a heritage palette of pale grey, with a darker grey for the men’s area, and a series of glass-topped tables made from the highly polished twisted trunks of trees have been strategically placed throughout the space. For the lighting, three round flat-line chandeliers bring a clean and contemporary look to the floor while a globe chandelier in the
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same materials is suspended over the men’s area in the far right corner of the store. ‘The aim is to use the building and our design as a visual metaphor for the heritage of the brand, which is partly rooted in the British countryside and partly rooted in London,’ says Ellisdon. ‘As a brand steeped in natural materials and traditional techniques, this approach was extended to an insistence on the use of solid woods, metals and bespoke finishes. ‘Throughout the store we’ve used a variety of different natural materials including oak,’ continues Ellisdon. ‘Oak has a natural affinity to leather and provides the perfect foil for its display.’ A staircase, featuring oak treads with metal ridge details, leads customers to the lower ground floor. Hanging above the impressive stairwell is a large, vintage-inspired crystal chandelier with French plisse silk shades in muted tones which pick out the colours of the exposed brickwork. The lower ground floor has a more informal atmosphere, with walls clad in reclaimed London pitch pine floorboards in a variety of colours and states of wear. Against the white metal joists of the ceiling, the look is architectural yet cosy and serves to create a comforting cocoon which seems far away from the noise and bustle of Regent Street. In the centre of the space is a large square pillar on which tongue-in-cheek cloth taxidermy is hung, and around which sits a large oak-topped counter housing the till point. To the left of the stairs on the lower ground floor is the Saddlery Cafe, which serves drinks and fresh, seasonal and locally made bakes. The walls in the cafe stand out from the downstairs scheme with a clean, contemporary white wash. ‘As a brand, we love to work within architectural spaces, especially those with a story to tell, and these properties are hard to come by,’ says Ellisdon. ‘We are thrilled to be an early part of this regeneration project of the St James Gateway for the Crown Estate. It feels like we’ve come home.’
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display systems
Stands of attention Inspiring product displays from stores across the globe
Storytelling is an approach taken by many brands and retailers to entertain and engage with consumers, and stand out from the competition. Far more than just words and narrative, a brand story is about actions and experiences. In a store, every element of the design, including the fixtures and fittings, can be used to create relevant and memorable experiences. Here, Retail Focus looks at five original display systems designed to reinforce the brand identity.
Stuart Weitzman, Hong Kong & Milan Zaha Hadid Architects The new retail concept for luxury shoe brand Stuart Weitzman is divided into invariant and adaptive elements, enabling the design to establish unique relationships in each worldwide location, yet also allowing every store to be recognised as a Stuart Weitzman space. Created in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects, the design concept is a playful dialogue of geometries; creating a rhythm of folds and recesses that have been shaped further by functional and ergonomic considerations. An intricate combination of materials and construction technologies are used to define the spatial experience. The curved modular seating and freestanding display elements are constructed from fibreglass dipped in rose gold - a technique similar to that used in boat manufacturing. In addition, the glass-reinforced concrete of the walls and ceiling expresses solidity while at the same time the precision of complex curvatures generate focal points and areas for display. The retail concept launched in Milan, Italy in September 2013 followed by a 63 sq m boutique in Hong Kong. Additional flagship stores by Zaha Hadid Architects are planned over the next few years, including Rome and New York.
Hong Kong
Photography (Hong Kong): Virgile Simon Bertrand Photography (Milan): Jacopo Spilimbergo
Milan
Hong Kong
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display systems
SoleRebels, Barcelona Dom Arquitectura & Asa Studio Ethiopian shoe brand SoleRebels opened a store in Barcelona in 2013, designed by Dom Arquitectura and Asa Studio. Located in a former butchers shop, the space features recycled items such as pallets, ropes and wheels that fit with the brand image. ‘We had a very small place and a very limited budget,’ says a spokesperson for Dom Arquitectura. ‘We decided to use natural materials and neutral colours to highlight the product.’ One side of the store is lined with pallets, giving warmth to the space. Ropes, which are tied to the pallets are secured to the wall and ceiling and come down to the other side of the store, where they hold large wheels, reused to display product. ‘Everything is held between both sides and generates a sustainable tension,’ says the studio. Photography: Jordi Anguera
COS, Milan Nendo At the recent Salone del Mobile in Milan, fashion brand COS collaborated with Japanese design studio Nendo to create a ‘space dipped’ shirt installation and temporary concept store. The COS x Nendo installation featured sculptural pieces that relied on the interplay of the popular COS white shirt and a series of brushed steel frames. ‘The smartly ordered shirts are crisp, classic white until they fall inside the steel cube frames, at which point they take on colour as though the space itself has dyed them,’ explains Nendo founder, Oki Sato. ‘The simple yet effective framing strengthens viewers’ awareness of the space.’ Nendo also created a number of pieces for the concept store, including a ceramic tea set and a modern globe. Photography: Daici Ano
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ODEEH, Berlin Zeller & Moye This new concept store for German fashion brand ODEEH incorporates a number of moveable elements to allow for maximum flexibility. Designed by Zeller & Moye, the display units are made from raw cement boards and are complemented by a series of delicate metal objects, such as clothes stands, hooks and trays. In addition, mirrored screens create a kaleidoscope-like interior, enabling customers to view the products from all angles. The zigzag lines present throughout the space, together with the cross patterns of the light fittings are inspired by the stitching methods in tailoring. The 250 sq m fashion store opened in April in the Bikini Berlin shopping centre, located in West Berlin. Photography: Harry Weber
Belvedere Museum, Vienna Lumsden Design For the gift shops at Vienna’s Belvedere Museum, UK-based Lumsden Design created a bespoke modular display system that harmonises with the architectural surroundings. Created for the shops at the Lower Belvedere and the Prince’s Winter Palace, the merchandising system comprises a series of stacking trays made from Valchromat and has a limited colour palette of dark grey with an accent of Belvedere’s signature red. Manufactured by Kamper in Austria, the reversible trays are designed to be easy for the retail team to disassemble and reconfigure as display tables, jewellery stands and a cash desk. The studio has also developed feature wall displays with the same flexibility, with two different modular shelf inserts that create a variety of spaces to fit product or graphics. ‘The challenge was to create a retail concept that would be respectful of the Belvedere brand but that would work in two very different but architecturally imposing sites,’ says Callum Lumsden, founder and creative director at Lumsden Design. ‘The display system needed to be modular so it could not only adapt to the different sites but would be quick to install and easy to reconfigure by the retail team.’ All the display furniture features built-in LED lighting. Photography: Catriona Mills
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global expansion
Think global, design local Global expansion plans are back on the agenda with investment in new and existing stores a key priority for retailers, discovers Retail Focus.
The proportion of retailers with international store expansion plans has increased dramatically in 2014, revealing a renewed confidence in the global retail market, indicates a new report by commercial real estate services firm, CBRE. Of those retailers surveyed, more than a third plan to open 40 stores or more this year, with mid-range fashion and value fashion accounting for the most active sectors. ‘An upturn in consumer confidence and renewed vigour in the global retailer community has put large scale expansion firmly back on the agenda,’ says Peter Gold, head of cross-border retail at CBRE. The study, entitled: ‘How active are retailers globally?’, suggests that Germany is ‘by far’ the most sought after retail market in the world, followed by France, the UK, Austria and China. ‘Germany’s growing appeal to international retailers reflects the strength of its consumer economy, the relative under representation of
Above: Pringle of Scotland has entered the Chinese market with a new flagship store in Chengdu, designed by atelier oï. Below: Fast fashion retailer Primark has an active schedule of store openings planned this year.
international retailers compared with similar sized cities elsewhere in Europe, and the opportunity for retailers to target 20 large cities in one market,’ says the report. Fast fashion retailer Primark has an active schedule of store openings planned this year, with the pipeline of new stores for the future said to be ‘as full as it has ever been’. Since the last financial year end, the company has opened more than 16 new stores across Europe, including in Germany, The Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and its first stores in France. According to parent company, Associated British Foods (ABF), capital expenditure on new Primark stores and refits for the full year is planned to be ahead of last year. The company also recently announced that it plans to take the Primark concept to the USA with a new 6,500 sq m store expected to open in Boston, Massachusetts towards the end of 2015. Negotiations are also said to be underway to open further stores in the north east of the USA through to the middle of 2016. Earlier this year, British high street retailer Marks & Spencer also revealed plans for further international expansion, with a focus on opening 250 new stores, as well as growing its food business and increasing its franchise operations. The company will expand internationally with a ‘bricks and clicks’ approach by establishing flagship stores in key cities, supported M&S Food stores and a
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full online offer. It will also expand its food business in Western Europe by opening around 20 standalone food stores in Paris over the next three years. ‘Our strategy of becoming an international, multichannel retailer is more relevant than ever before because of the strong growth potential of international markets,’ says M&S’ chief executive, Marc Bolland. ‘We are focusing on flagship stores to deliver brand presence and stand-out. We also see great opportunities in fresh food, and lingerie & beauty concepts.’ The report by CBRE reveals that while investment in multichannel is important, investment in new and existing stores remains the number one priority for retailers. When expanding into new markets, most brands want to convey a cohesive vision and then adapt the experience to local sensibilities, claims a spokesperson for design consultancy UXUS. The company has recently collaborated with Qatar Luxury Group to launch its first homegrown luxury brand, Qela. The pilot store opened in Doha towards the end of 2013 with a second store expected to open in Paris this summer. The design brief, explains UXUS, was to showcase Qela’s Qatari savoir-faire and craftsmanship, while honouring the cultural legacy of each store location. ‘It was also important to communicate a clear global vision to differentiate Qela from other leading luxury brands,’ says the spokesperson. For the Paris location, the consultancy has personalised the platform by infusing Qela touchpoints with aspirational Parisian influences. ‘The result is a signature brand experience that sets a point of difference globally, while staying relevant to the culture and consumer of each market,’ adds UXUS. David Dalziel of UK design firm Dalziel & Pow is of the opinion that global brands are typically successful because they know themselves, they know their brand and they don’t deviate too far from that message when adapting to local markets. That said, an element of local context can go a long way, he adds. ‘We love what H&M are doing in various key locations around the globe,’ enthuses Dalziel. ‘For such a retail giant they have successfully created local experiences in Barcelona, Rome, Paris, Los Angeles, Dubai, New York and more. Every key location has had a unique design response while the second tier stores deliver a consistently good experience that supports the brand.’ Dalziel & Pow has been working with Primark for some time, creating a benchmark retail identity for the UK, Ireland and Europe. In recent years, the retailer has attempted to adjust its proposition in each major location when it opens; an interesting challenge, says Dalziel, when you are growing as fast as Primark. The first evidence of this came with the opening of the Oxford Street East store in London towards the end of 2012. ‘Local maps used in static and digital graphics, local transport references in the form of sections of tube trains, the acceptance of found architecture in the space all added to the “London” quality in the space, a characteristic enjoyed by locals and tourists alike,’ explains Dalziel. ‘In Dusseldorf, we uncovered some interesting materials in the shell and chose to leave those exposed, coupling them with a very fashion forward architectural materials palette to give relevance to the location,’ adds Dalziel. While the top target markets for 2014 listed in the CBRE report are dominated by countries with mature retail sectors, a number of emerging markets also feature strongly, including China, Turkey, Russia, Singapore and Malaysia. ‘China is currently a very exciting place to be as a retailer,’ says CBRE’s Sebastian Skiff. ‘Globally speaking, the Chinese consumer accounts for a significant proportion of many retailers’ sales, whether they are registered through their stores in China or London,
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New York, Paris etc. Having a strong presence in China is an important strategy to drive sales across a brand’s global locations, not just within China itself.’ Pringle of Scotland has just entered the Chinese market with a new flagship store in Chengdu. It is said to be the first in a series of important Chinese openings for the brand, which intends to open 15 to 20 free-standing stores over the next three to five years. Designed in collaboration with Swiss architect atelier oï, the materials palette of the 240 sq m retail space draws inspiration from the brand’s Scottish heritage, with wood and stone prevalent throughout. Pringle of Scotland’s argyle pattern is also referenced through the use of sharp angles and dissecting lines wrought in gun metal structures that feature across shelving units and fittings. ‘We see China as an exciting long-term opportunity and the store is our first step into a market that has huge growth potential,’ says Wilfred Koo, Pringle of Scotland’s president for Greater China. ‘It is important the customer is introduced to the brand and its heritage through the bricks and mortar store concept, however we do have plans to introduce a Chinese website in the future.’ In April, Burberry opened a new flagship in Shanghai, inspired by its Regent Street store in London. Incorporating British craftsmanship and materials, the space reflects the architectural design concept developed by chief creative officer, Christopher Bailey. Highlights of the new store include a dynamic illuminated facade, the first digital brand gallery in Asia and the first in-store Burberry Beauty room in China. Like Burberry, brand consultancy Interbrand believes retailers in mature markets must enhance their global presence, provide new services and use technology to simplify and enrich customer interactions. ‘In a crowded, competitive space, overflowing with options, it is imperative [that] retailers make an effort to understand the local habits and culture of every market they enter, address real needs, acknowledge changing preferences and bring something new and better to that market,’ says the Interbrand website. ‘Whatever the market, there is always potential for growth. Retailers just need to find the unique idea that will unlock growth opportunities in the region.’ Top: Burberry has opened a new flagship in Shanghai, inspired by its Regent Street store in London. Bottom: Primark in Dusseldorf, designed by Dalziel & Pow.
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opinion
What men want There used to be a dearth of decent menswear outlets beyond the exclusive worlds of Sloane or Bond Street but that has changed argues Pentagram architect, William Russell. Today in London, there are plenty of premium boutiques that cater for men who like to shop. The growth in the number of stores like Start, Present and Hostem in the East End, and Trunk, Album and Oliver Spencer further West seems to indicate a change in men’s attitude to retail. These relatively recent stores have joined the more well-established London brands like Paul Smith, Nigel Hall and Margaret Howell to transform the landscape, servicing an increasingly sophisticated clientele. The wealth of these shopping experiences aimed at the stylish, cultured male shopper with an appreciation for design suggests that the so-called ‘smart man’ has already risen and the high street has some catching up to do. The prevailing attitude of these savvy professional males places a high value on buying quality in small quantities. In some respects, this is a product of an economic era where men have seen their disposable incomes shrink and have tailored their shopping expenditure accordingly. As a result, instead of following current trends, some men are choosing to carefully assemble wardrobes with classic, contemporary apparel - apparel that transcends seasonality and last years not weeks. Margaret Howell, who I’ve been collaborating with on store design for more than a decade, is a perfect example of these contemporary shops. The selection of clothing you will find in her stores is geared towards highly functional items with greater longevity as opposed to highly fashionable items, which could be seen as disposable. When conceiving the design personality of her shops, we created a very functional and unobtrusive environment that mirrored the qualities of her clothing designs, from the materiality of the fittings to the use of space. This growing genre of men’s stores has tended to offer a more holistic experience than major retailers, whose sense of store design and curation often leaves a lot to be desired. The apparel you will find in stores like Margaret Howell and Present on Shoreditch High Street is complemented by a rich assortment of heavily curated products that appeal to the lifestyles of those who shop there, such as furniture, books, cutlery and incense. The meticulous nature in which these well-considered items and artefacts are compiled by their vendors, after scouring the
ground of countries further afield, has earned them widespread recognition and admiration. These luxury stores aren’t definitively masculine or feminine, but non gender-specific. In the case of Margaret Howell stores, men’s and women’s clothes occupy the same racks in the same undivided space. These shops cater for a calibre of shopper who challenges the 21st century perception that men are reluctant to invest in their wardrobe. The men who frequent these stores don’t need a lot of encouragement to spend large amounts of money on fashion impulsively - even throughout times of austerity. In fact, in 2014 they are twice as likely to buy from high-end stores. The hand-picked approach to merchandising and pareddown store formats is not just limited to fashion. A similar approach is being championed by Rachel and Simon of Labour and Wait. Their take on homeware has proven to be hugely successful and appeals equally to both genders. This has definitely been noticed by the larger retailers, and John Lewis has successfully embraced a similar approach in some of its newer merchandising and design principles. As for fashion store concepts, the COS store I designed for the H&M group a few years ago adopted similar principles to the Margaret Howell concept, and recently, & Other Stories has taken this curatorial approach even further. In the future, we will certainly see the growing influence of small, independent boutiques, with a carefully constructed niche, trickle upwards and shape the aesthetic impact and merchandise of the high street retailer. This comes as good news for men, particularly those who feel estranged from high street shopping. If more and more mainstream menswear outfitters follow this lead and adopt a more expansive attitude towards creating rich, desirable assortments of items - housed in relaxed, welcoming retail environments - perhaps the majority will feel better catered for.
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self service
Self service: Empowering the consumer With a growing number of consumers relying on in-store self service technology, retailers need to think bigger and better, finds Retail Focus. As consumers become accustomed to the simplicity of online transactions, they become less tolerant of poor service, states a new report by shopping centre group, Westfield which examines shopper behaviour in the UK. The research shows that consumers are increasingly relying on technology to give instant service, from click-and-collect and self-service tills to online price checking and touchscreen ordering kiosks. The study, based on responses from 8,000 consumers across the UK, found that 63 per cent of shoppers prefer self-service over service with more than 75 per cent adding that they would like to use touchscreen ordering points. ‘The way consumers are using technology when shopping is focused on having control and efficiency, with click-and-collect, self-service tills, reading online reviews and checking prices being the most valued technologies,’ says Westfield director, Myf Ryan. In 2009, some 23,000 self-checkout
terminals were shipped worldwide, with this number predicted to reach nearly 60,000 by 2018, according to RBR London. However, a study by Tensator shows that there is still significant dissatisfaction with both queueing and current self-service till systems, with one in three shoppers admitting to walking out of a store without buying the goods they intended to because of a bad experience. ‘Go into any high street store and the emphasis is very much moving towards self-service, but retailers need to ask themselves if they are getting it right,’ says Alan McPherson, CEO of Tensator Group. With 84 per cent of shoppers claiming to need help when using self-service tills, retailers should to be
Below: Waitrose is trialling a range of technologies at its new store in Swindon that are intended to enhance the consumer shopping experience.
looking at the technology they use and the way its being presented to the consumer, argues McPherson. ‘If so many people need help, it’s not self service.’ Mark Curtis, chief client officer at global service design consultancy Fjord, agrees that there is growing customer vexation towards self-service technology. ‘In theory, companies handing more control to their customers is a positive development,’ he notes. ‘The problem is, all too often this transference of control comes across as companies abdicating responsibility by offloading costly frontend activities to their customers. Instead of being empowered, customers frequently end up feeling frustrated and abandoned, without there being any trade-off in terms of actual time saved.’ The technology certainly has a future, maintains Curtis, but improving the customer service experience will be crucial. ‘This could include allowing more personalisation, transparency and contextualisation of a service in a way
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that resonates with a consumer’s needs and expectations for a brand,’ he adds. ‘The smart players in the self-service space will design services that don’t make consumers feel like they must perform tasks, but rather, that they are involved in creating the service. Empowered and intrigued by the possibilities of getting more out of the service, consumers will feel more invested in the brand and more likely to stay loyal.’ Today, self-service technology extends beyond the traditional self-service checkout. Handheld scanning devices, touchscreen kiosks, smartphones and tablets are all being used to enrich the in-store experience. ‘Stores are now blending physical and digital retailing, and allowing customers to be in control of their own retail experience,’ observes Katie Baron, senior retail editor at Stylus.com. The technology, says Baron, hands over the control to the customer and provides them with the information they need to feel happy about their purchase. ‘Customers who shop online are used to being in control of their own experiences and now want to have the same amount of control in store. One brand in particular, Sneakerboy [Retail Focus, February 2014] has seen that although both men and women have shown the same level of interest in tech in the retail space, a larger amount of men are keen on browsing at their own pace. In response to this, the Australian brand allows customers to checkout their chosen items via in-store tablets or through the brand’s mobile app. These technologies are giving time-poor consumers the combination of traditional retailing and e-commerce, and ultimately enhancing the retail experience.’ In the grocery segment, Waitrose is trialling a range of technologies at its new store in Swindon that are intended to enhance the consumer shopping experience. The branch has a number of touchscreen devices for customers to browse content and place orders as well as mobile charging points and a
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mobile payment app that could replace its QuickCheck scan-as-you-shop service. It is also one of the first supermarkets to test iBeacon technology, which transmits information and offers to customers as they enter the store. When it comes to in-store self service, retailers need to think bigger, claims Kate Ancketill, CEO and founder of GDR Creative Intelligence. ‘Customers expect to be able to do almost anything on their smartphones,’ she says. ‘Increasingly, this now includes ordering via their phones before they’ve even arrived at a store, and using them as a payment method when they leave.’ David Lowrence, retail engagement manager at Fujitsu UK & Ireland, a leading supplier of self-checkout terminals, agrees that self-service processes have expanded Below left: Waitrose trials a range of technologies at its new Swindon store.
Below: Sneakerboy in Australia combines the best of digital and physical.
from the original concept of static in-store, retailer provided technology to customerowned devices. ‘This empowers the customer to a massive degree, allowing a full omnichannel shopping experience, and forcing retailers to cater for a BYOC (Bring Your Own Checkout) environment,’ he says. ‘The new approaches to self service, together with the associated technology are having a huge effect on both the customer journey and the retailers’ ability to “save the sale”. By linking omnichannel techniques to both user-provided and in-store self checkout devices, an endless aisle can be created so that the shopper can purchase anything, anywhere, anytime from one device. ‘The omnichannel world is here,’ says Lowrence, ‘and self service is a major part of that experience.’ Above: Primark self-service checkout in the Denim Studio at Selfridges.
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highgloss glossacrylic acrylic high
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Tel: 01482 440680 Fax: 01482 440680 Tel: 01482 440680 Fax: 01482 440680 info@parapan.co.uk www.parapan.co.uk info@parapan.co.uk www.parapan.co.uk
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products
POP + Display Visplay Change by Invisible gives you the freedom to transform your store design and merchandise display as needed – quickly, any time and as often as necessary. Front panels can simply be removed from the rear wall using a special clip. The height of the Invisible 6 P/L profile can be adjusted thanks to an intelligent substructure. The Change panel can be repeatedly adapted to new product lines with little effort, using different quantities of profiles and panels. You can use colours and pictures to adapt to the new season, and react quickly to changing merchandise density and new product lines. Power can be accessible for connecting the virtual world to your shop. T. +44 (0)207 288 9570 E. visplay-uk@visplay.com www.visplay.com www.youtube.com/user/Shopfittingsystems
Eurostand Display The new iPad Duo and iPad Quad have been specifically created by the Eurostand internal product design team and allow for a much needed cable management system to give continuous use from your iPad. As the name suggests, the iPad Quad offers four information stations, letting your display reach a number of visitors at any one time. Also living up to its name, the iPad Duo lets two people use the iPad display at the same time. Both are perfect for events, showrooms, visitor’s centres and offices. T. +44 (0)1277 350 925 E. enquiries@ipad-displaystands.co.uk www.ipad-displaystands.co.uk
arken P-O-P arken has extended its LED light box offer with the Finelite LED light box. The LED poster display has a slim design that illuminates the graphic insert to make it vibrant for maximum impact. The product is made from naturally anodised aluminium and features a non-reflective PFS front sheet. It also uses LED strips to create even illumination across the whole fascia. T. +44 (0)1638 565 656 E.info@arken-pop.com www.arken-pop.com
Andy Thornton Andy Thornton offers a range of retail display tables in a variety of materials and finishes. Used like these Industrial cast iron pedestal tables in distressed finishes with variable heights, they are perfect for displaying fashion items and giftware. The tables are part of the company’s rapidly expanding ‘Urban Vintage’ collection of visual merchandising display equipment, which includes shelving units, carts, trolleys, cabinets, drawers and garment rails. Andy Thornton also supplies vintage-style lighting, original shop fittings and decorative metal tiles for cladding ceilings & walls. T. +44 (0)1422 376 000 E. marketing@andythornton.com www.andythornton.com Twitter: andythorntonltd
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products
surfaces + finishes Armourcoat Armourcoat, a leading manufacturer of surface finishes and sulptural effects, has collaborated with UK furniture designer Steuart Padwick on the ‘Eye of the Storm’ table. This highly original concept design, made from Ductal Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), will launch at Clerkenwell Design Week in London. Commenting on the project, Padwick says: ‘This collaboration began with a chance meeting with Armourcoat at Design Shanghai in March. I was immediately excited by the enormous potential of Ductal and it gave me the idea to create a table that showed off Ductal’s properties, and yet was a dramatic piece of furniture in its own right. T. +44 (0)1732 467 993 E. sales@armourcoat.co.uk www.armourcoat.com Twitter: Armourcoat
Armourcoat Armourcoat has launched the Duncan MacKellar Signature Collection of polished plaster wall finishes. Devised by Armourcoat founder and creative director, Duncan MacKellar, the Signature Collection comprises four polished plaster finishes; Biellese, Calabresi, Nebrodi, Volsini – inspired by an Italian heritage and MacKellar’s artistic interpretation of natural forms and surface effects. The launch comes as Armourcoat celebrates its 30 year anniversary. T. +44 (0)1732 467 993 E. sales@armourcoat.co.uk www.armourcoat.com Twitter: Armourcoat
Rockfon Cinema chain Cineworld has specified Rockfon ceiling products for sites across the country. Chosen for their superior acoustic control, Rockfon Color-all tiles in charcoal colour are fitted in the auditoriums to enhance the atmospheric surround sound the cinema chain is proud of offering its customers. In addition 500 sq m of Rockfon Artic ceilings tiles are installed in the foyer of each new cinema complex to create a welcoming, contemporary look. T. +44 (0)800 389 0314 E. info@rockfon.co.uk www.rockfon.co.uk
Polyflor A diverse range of flooring products from Polyflor, the UK’s commercial and residential vinyl flooring specialist, have been installed in the new state-of-the-art headquarters of fashion house, SRG Apparel, in Whitefield, Manchester. More than 750 sq m of Polyflor products were specified by Jenkins Design of Bury, and installed by Bramhall Flooring, including Expona Control, Expona Design, 2000PUR, Polysafe Arena and Modena PUR. All Polyflor flooring is 100 per cent recyclable via the Recofloor recycling scheme and contains up to an average of 40 per cent recycled content. SRG Apparel designs, creates and supplies to UK market leading retailers such as River Island, Next, Tesco, Asda and New Look. T. +44 (0)161 767 1111 E. info@polyflor.com www.polyflor.com Twitter: polyflorltd
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products
selection Movetech UK Movetech UK’s Small Carousel range comprises versatile and reliable mains powered display turntables, ideal for creating compact window and counter displays. The Small Carousel range includes the popular Mini Carousel, the B25 range and B200 range. All are well suited to generating simple, full circular platform displays. They can also be combined with other movements in the range or, for instance, imaginative lighting effects, to create something really special that stops customers in their tracks. Ceiling mounted and battery powered units are also available. T. +44 (0)1204 537 680 E. display@movetechuk.com www.movetechuk.com/smallcarousels.html Twitter: MovetechUK
Messagemaker Messagemaker has increased the interactivity of its digital LED signs and displays by providing direct control from a mobile device. The new instant messaging solution uses the TwittLED range of moving message displays and so also offers the capability to stream live Twitter feeds. Installed in shop windows, digital displays with a scrolling feed provide an impactful way to promote your business and brand build 24/7. T. +44 (0)01737 774 738 www.messagemaker.co.uk/twitter-sign Twitter: messagemakerLED
3M Wrights/GPX Plastics LEDMAG is a great looking LED light box system that is easy to use, 100 per cent adaptable and designed to create stunning displays in a variety of retail and service locations. No specialist onsite installation – just a sleek and stylish display system that is low on cost and big on style. LEDMAG uses magnets to ensure that once a display frame is attached to stylish chromed steel frame it lights up automatically. Mix-and-match different light boxes to create impact and maximise the effectiveness of the display. The boxes come in a variety of ‘A’ sizes and it is easy to change images, photos or copy to ensure your display is always up-to-date and always creating interest. T. +44 (0)121 580 3080 E. gpx.sales@wrightsplastics.co.uk www.gpxgroup.com Twitter: WrightsGPX
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Spandex, trade supplier to the sign making and display industry, has been announced as master distributor for 3M Architectural Markets, specialising in innovative surface finishes that transform interior and exterior spaces. Spandex customers now have access to a large stock of Fasara Glass Finishes and DI-NOC Architectural Finishes at bespoke prices and available for next day delivery. Both products are ideal for refreshing retail spaces without the need for planning approval, with minimal disruption and for as little as 10 per cent of the cost of a full refurbishment. T. +44 (0)845 606 388 E. innovativefinishes@mmm.com www.3M.co.uk/innovativefinishes Twitter: 3MGraphicsUK
Opening a new store ? We can supply all your needs in just one delivery... saving you money! Vist our online shop with over a thousand products available and in stock or call our Sales Team today
• Distribution • Shop fittings • Bespoke design • Display systems • Mannequins • Point of sale • Printed bags • Printed hangers
Call now 0844 8009 305 www.theretailfactory.co.uk
The Retail Factory provide a unique...
source · store · deliver “Our team of warehouse professionals will accurately pack the items you require for delivery, getting you everything you need, when you need it and where you need it.”
source · Consolidating your order process
· · · · ·
Store opening and closure service... We can now offer retailers a way to consolidate and simplify the process of new store set-up, the refurbishment of existing stores and the closure of any unwanted locations. Our service removes the organisational and logistical burden during a new store opening, significantly decreasing the stress, hassle and cost involved, allowing you to shift your focus onto the more crucial issues relating to establishing a successful retail environment. We will source all the products you need for your store openings, supplying everything you require from our retail, stationary and back office range of over 40,000 products. We organise the delivery of the items centrally into our 25,000 square foot warehouse, to be stored ready for dispatch to your locations, on the dates you specify. Before dispatch, all the items needed for a particular store are picked and packed onto pallets for delivery to you simultaneously, significantly reducing onsite traffic and the confusion that can be caused by multiple drops from several different suppliers.
Save hassle of dealing with multiple suppliers Significant cost savings Reduce your financial outlay on the project One point of contact for all matters relating to your order Invoicing and administration streamlined
store · · · ·
Central storage point for all your items Delivered direct to our warehouse and stored until needed Deliveries unpacked, checked and inventoried Picked and packed on a store by store basis
deliver · Delivering on demand · No ordering in bulk · Distributing to stores, only when required · Fewer deliveries
store closures · · · · ·
Help in the event of store closure Organise pick up, sorting and secure storage of equipment Recycling and disposal of unwanted and damaged items Collect directly and transport to our warehouse Undamaged items inventoried, repacked and stored
Talk to us today call 0844 8009 305 or email enquiries@theretailfactory.co.uk
flooring
focusFlooring on: Watch this Spacia Available from May 2014, the 26 new additions to the Amtico Spacia collection offer a dynamic blend of rustic textures, neutral colour palettes and warm woods. The products include Nordic Oak, which hints at chic Scandinavian style and Spiced Timber, which has a roughhewn surface and natural, rustic grain. The collection comprises 96 products in total in wood, stone and abstract ranges.
www.amtico.com
The choice of flooring in a retail store will have a significant impact on the look and feel of the space. Not only should it help reinforce brand image and, possibly, aid wayfinding, it must be comfortable underfoot as well as durable, safe and easy to maintain. This month, we walk you through some of the latest designs, materials and textures available on the market, from carpet and vinyl to wood, stone and porcelain tiles.
Pukka tiles Some 128,000 individually cut tiles have been used to create a repeating black and beige pattern on the floor in Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant in Cornwall, as part of a recent renovation project. The tiles, which were created from Tarkett’s Luxury Vinyl Tile iD Inspiration 70 range, were used to build 320 larger 50cm x 50cm tiles for easy installation at the entrance to restaurant and around the bar area. The flooring is 100 per cent recyclable and is manufactured with a 0.70mm transparent PVC wear layer, which means it’s hard-wearing without losing any of its visual appeal.
www.tarkett.com
Fashion statement A range of products from vinyl flooring company, Polyflor have been installed in the new state-of-the-art headquarters of fashion house SRG Apparel in Whitefield, Manchester. Jenkins Design of Bury specified more than 750 sq m of flooring products, including Expona Control in warm grey concrete and Polysafe Arena PUR in brushed titanium to create zonal areas throughout the first floor. Expona Design in aged Indian apple has been installed in the feature showroom due to its strong directional contrasts, which complement the overall design of the space. Polyflor flooring is 100 per cent recyclable via the Recofloor recycling scheme and contains up to an average of 40 per cent recycled content.
www.polyflor.com
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flooring
Wood be good Saw Mill Oak from solid wood flooring company Junckers is popular among architects and designers for its rustic surface texture with distinctive grooved saw marks. The rough, irregular transverse lines created by a band saw add character to the wood, with a patina that improves with age and use. The product is pictured in an interiors store called Couch, in Copenhagen.
www.junckers.co.uk
New colours Developed specifically for the commercial interiors market, the Kerastar range of porcelain floor tiles from Johnson Tiles now features more shades and new larger sizing choice for maximum creativity. The expanded colour palette includes chalk and linen through the spectrum to the darker tones of shadow, graphite and night, with four different finishes dependent on usage. The tiles are available in four sizes: 200mm x 200mm, 300mm x 300mm and two new sizes of 600mm x 600mm and 900mm x 450mm.
www.johnson-tiles.com
Inspired by nature Inspired by natural materials, Karndean’s updated collection of Art Select Stones and Woods showcases intricate and realistic embosses, each handcrafted to reflect the unique patterns and textures of real wood and stone. The new-look Art Select Stone collection comprises four slate, three marble, three travertine and four limestone designs while the Art Select Wood collection welcomes three new parquet colours: Sundown Oak, Spanish Cherry and Morning Oak.
www.karndean.com
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flooring
Silence is golden Inspired by the calm, tranquil beauty of the forests, lakes and wide skies of Sweden, Silence from Bolon is a new versatile carpet collection that is subtle, light and warm, but still rich in colour with a silk-like appearance. The flooring can be used to create 3D effects and reflect light, resulting in a totally different appearance, depending on the direction from which the light is falling. Showcased at Salone del Mobile in Milan in April, the collection is offered as a combination of sheets, tiles and planks in a choice of colours. Bolon also intends to offer tiles from the Silence collection with sound absorbing qualities later in 2014.
www.bolon.com
Look sharp The new FP800 digitally printed carpet range from MD Flooring Solutions has been developed specifically for the retail and display market, for advertising and enhancing brand identity. The polyamide 8 nylon cut pile carpet on actionbac brings to life the sharpest and brightest of designs.
www.mdflooringsolutions.com
Alluring tiles The Allura collection of luxury vinyl tiles from Forbo Flooring is designed to respond to the trend for more open, brighter spaces in the retail sector. ‘There’s a move away from dark and tropical wood types to much lighter hues,’ notes a spokesperson for the company. ‘This subtle natural look provides the perfect backdrop in any large open space for an injection of colour, via deep and rich supporting shades or colour pops from fittings, signage and merchandising.’ The larger tile and plank formats (available in lengths of up to 1.5m) together with the introduction of large-scale designs are ideal for opening up interior spaces.
www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/allura
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Directory
Retail Supplier Directory, find the specialist retail products and services you are looking for from leading suppliers around the world. Retail Supplier Directory Visit the Retail Focus online directory at www.retail-focus.co.uk to discover a comprehensive list of the UK’s leading retail suppliers. Each listing contains indepth company information together with inspirational images, video footage and informative press material. You can also link through to company websites and connect with suppliers through Twitter and Facebook. The Retail Supplier Directory is divided into a number of categories, such as design agencies, point-of-purchase, lighting, props and surfaces, to make the site easy to navigate. To feature in the online directory, contact Terry Clark on 0845 6807405 or email terry@retailfocus.co.
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Directory
Aluminium Fittings
Bespoke Display
Bespoke Display
Design Consultancies
RGB Products Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry. Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights *Aluminium slatwall *Perimeter Sections *Corner sections *Design and bespoke service. T: 01273 582241 E: info@d-i-a.net W: www.d-i-a.net S. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin
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.
We provide a bespoke manufacturing service for Point of Purchase and Exhibition Display products. Using our CNC Router and other machinery, we can prototype and produce your merchandising displays and products.
H Squared Limited are display specialists in creating brand presence at the point of purchase. Through a holistic approach to the development of display... strategic led creative design and cost effective manufacture, supply and installation, H Squared are able to offer clients an experience to nurture an idea as well as the capability to realise and deliver these ideas.
T, 020 3260 3888 E. info@axiseurope.com W.www.axiseurope.com/retail S. www.twitter.com/AxisEuropePlc
T, 01403 783670 E. sales@rgbproducts.co.uk W. www.rgbproducts.co.uk
T: 01530 814200 E: studio@hsquared.co.uk W: www.hsquaredltd.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/HSquaredLtd
Aluminium Fittings
Bespoke Display
MicroSlat is a strong versatile 25mm fine pitched aluminium slatwall system. With a bespoke range of components it can be used to build unique and interesting displays or add value to existing designs.
Original suppliers of display fabrics, textiles, PVC and polycarbonates for retail displays and exhibition stands since 1934 Backgrounds have been our background since backgrounds began and B Brown have more than 400 in stock.
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.
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 01892 890608 E: phil@spurcreative.co.uk W www.spurcreative.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative
T, +44 (0) 1179 725168 E. victoria@ignitiondg.com W. www.ignitiondg.com
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: 0 01422 310767 E: sales@wbelland.com W: www.wbelland.com
Balloons & Bunting
Bespoke Display
H Squared Limited are display specialists in creating brand presence at the point of purchase. Through a holistic approach to the development of display... strategic led creative design and cost effective manufacture, supply and installation, H Squared are able to offer clients an experience to nurture an idea as well as the capability to realise and deliver these ideas. T: 01530 814200 E: studio@hsquared.co.uk W: www.hsquaredltd.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/HSquaredLtd
Bespoke Display
Bespoke Display
Bespoke Display
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: 0 01422 310767 E: sales@wbelland.com W: www.wbelland.com
CNC Routing
Design Consultancies
Display
Axis design, develop, manufacture and install bespoke retail display solutions. We’ve worked with the biggest names on the high street, but approach every project in the same way, with the maximum thought for your brand, products and sales environment.
T, 020 3260 3888 E. info@axiseurope.com W.www.axiseurope.com/retail S. www.twitter.com/AxisEuropePlc
Display
RGB Products No.1 Advertising Balloon Service: • Printed Latex and Foil Balloons • Helium Gas delivery and collection • Flags, Bunting and Banners • Promotional Sashes and T-shirts • Multi-store distribution nationwide
KSF provides retail merchandising display solutions to retailers, brands and trade customers from CONCEPT to COMPLETION via our global supply chain (China/UK/East EU) to deliver LOWER total cost of ownership. YOU’VE TRIED THE REST; NOW PUT US TO THE TEST.
We provide a bespoke manufacturing service for Point of Purchase and Exhibition Display products. Using our CNC Router and other machinery, we can prototype and produce your merchandising displays and products.
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, 01494 774376 E. sales@b-loony.com W. www.b-loony.com
T: +44 (0)8450 944 699 E: ben.wang@ksf-global.com W: www.ksf-global.com S: www.twitter.com/KSFGlobal
T, 01403 783670 E. sales@rgbproducts.co.uk W. www.rgbproducts.co.uk
T: 0845 3730073 E: info@graphicadisplay.co.uk W:www.graphicadisplay.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/graphicatweet
63
Directory
Display
Display
Display - Digital
Furniture
Are you looking to increase your product sales, re-brand or launch a new product? If you’re not already talking to us, you should. Our group offer an unprecedented level of experience coupled with a comprehensive range of products and services. Our aim is to make your products sell and your service the best on the market.
Impulse are a retail display design and manufacturer, offering our own UK facilities and overseas supply chain if time allows.
Crystal Display Systems is already a leading UK designer, distributor and value added reseller of flat panel display solutions. We have a vast array of media players, interactive displays, videowalls and shelf edge displays. Our knowledge and expertise has also led to us being one of the European leaders in transparent LCD.
Spur Creative Workshop deliver unique visual merchandising solutions for retail brands. Boasting a wealth of experience in high quality prop making we create display concepts for window staging, POS and brand awareness campaigns.
T: +44(0)113 265 0093 E: sales@concept-data.com W: www.concept-data.com S. www.twitter.com/GDProjects
T, 01767 682756 E. sales@impulsepop.co.uk W.www.impulsepop.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/impulsepop
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
Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry. Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights *Aluminium slatwall *Perimeter Sections *Corner sections *Design and bespoke service. T: 01273 582241 E: info@d-i-a.net W: www.d-i-a.net S. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin
Display
Display
Impulse are a retail display design and manufacturer, offering our own UK facilities and overseas supply chain if time allows.
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, 01767 682756 E. sales@impulsepop.co.uk W.www.impulsepop.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/impulsepop
T: 01923 800666 E: info@stylographics.co.uk W: www.stylographics.com S. www.twitter.com/hellostylo
Display
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.
Display
Display
T: 0845 3730073 E: info@graphicadisplay.co.uk W:www.graphicadisplay.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/graphicatweet
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Furniture
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.
GDP designs, manufactures, delivers and installs world-class retail environments, store fixtures, displays and visual merchandising equipment. GDP is truly Global, through its activities in many parts of the world. We have supplied high-end displays and furniture to successful retail brands throughout Europe, North America, South Africa and South East Asia. T: +44 (0)1582 433 771 E: info@gdprojects.eu W: www.gdprojects.eu S. www.twitter.com/GDProjects
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.
Display - Digital
T: 01923 800666 E: info@stylographics.co.uk W: www.stylographics.com S. www.twitter.com/hellostylo
Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry.
EPOS
Offering an extensive range of EPOS hardware from world class suppliers such as Star Micronics, Honeywell and Posiflex, DED offer the complete EPOS hardware solution alongside a unique rewritable loyalty system.
T: 01797 320636 E: sales@ded.co.uk W: www.ded.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/dedltd
Finishes
Armourcoat is the world’s foremost supplier of polished plasters, sculptural effects and innovative surface finishes.
Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights *Aluminium slatwall *Perimeter Sections *Corner sections *Design and bespoke service. T: 0 01422 310767 E: sales@wbelland.com W: www.wbelland.com
T. +44 (0)1732 460 668 E. sales@armourcoat.co.uk W. www.armourcoat.com S. www.twitter.com/Armourcoat
Graphics
Graphica Display print, produce and install retail graphics including till point graphics, window graphics, LED lightboxes, cut & printed vinyl and much more. Nationwide & Euorpean delivery and installation.
T: 0845 3730073 E: info@graphicadisplay.co.uk W:www.graphicadisplay.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/graphicatweet
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
Lighting
POP/POS
Slatwall
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.
Wandsworth is the oldest independent manufacturer of electrical accessories in the UK. A truly British company, the majority of our products are sold throughout the world. Wandsworth’s traditional activities are the design and manufacture of superior metalfinished electrical wiring accessories.
From small, lightweight point-of-sale display turntables for short term use, to larger turntables designed for durability and reliability over many years, Movetech UK has a turntable to meet your needs.
Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry.
T: +44 (0) 1634 292 025 E: info@crystal-display.com W: www.crystal-display.com S. www.twitter.com/CrystalDisplays
T, 01483 713 400 E. info@wandsworthgroup.com W. www.wandsworthgroup.com S. www.twitter.com/WandsworthGroup
T: 01204 537680 E: display@movetechuk.com W:www.movetechuk.com S. www.twitter.com/movetechuk
T: 01273 582241 E: info@d-i-a.net W: www.d-i-a.net S. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin
Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights *Aluminium slatwall *Perimeter Sections *Corner sections *Design and bespoke service.
Integrated Marketing
POP/POS
POP/POS
BWP Group is an integrated communications agency that specialises in retail destination marketing. We drive footfall to shopping centres and retail brands across Europe, through a combination of marketing and brand consultancy, PR, experiential, events, social media and digital communications.
H Squared Limited are display specialists in creating brand presence at the point of purchase. Through a holistic approach to the development of display... strategic led creative design and cost effective manufacture, supply and installation, H Squared are able to offer clients an experience to nurture an idea as well as the capability to realise and deliver these ideas.
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.
MicroSlat is a strong versatile 25mm fine pitched aluminium slatwall system. With a bespoke range of components it can be used to build unique and interesting displays or add value to existing designs.
T, 01628 625 900 E. hello@bwpgroup.com W. www.bwpgroup.com S. www.twitter.com/BWP_Group
T: 01530 814200 E: studio@hsquared.co.uk W: www.hsquaredltd.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/HSquaredLtd
T 01892 890608 E: phil@spurcreative.co.uk W www.spurcreative.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative
T. 01325 351 276 E. sales@microslat.com W. www.microslat.com S. www.twitter.com/MicroSlat
Logistics
POP/POS
At Chequers, we provide a specialist fragile transportation and logistics solution, dedicated primarily to the retail visual merchandising, POP/POS display and shopfitting sectors.
Impulse are a retail display design and manufacturer, offering our own UK facilities and overseas supply chain if time allows.
T, 01757 707077 E. sales@chequerstransport.com W. www.chequerstransport.com
T, 01767 682756 E. sales@impulsepop.co.uk W.www.impulsepop.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/impulsepop
Lighting
POP/POS
Atrium, established 36 years ago, is the UK’s longest standing independent architectural lighting supplier. Flos, Ilti Luce, LTS and Modular have granted us full exclusivity for the UK and the Republic of Ireland. We specialise in the supply of high quality design-led technical and decorative luminaires to the commercial project market.
KSF provides retail merchandising display solutions to retailers, brands and trade customers from CONCEPT to COMPLETION via our global supply chain (China/UK/East EU) to deliver LOWER total cost of ownership. YOU’VE TRIED THE REST; NOW PUT US TO THE TEST.
T: +44 (0)20 7681 9933 E: sales@atrium.ltd.uk W: www.atrium.ltd.uk S. www.twitter.com/Atrium_ltd
T: +44 (0)8450 944 699 E: ben.wang@ksf-global.com W: www.ksf-global.com S: www.twitter.com/KSFGlobal
POP Install
Our aim is simple: To provide GOLD STANDARD Installation and Merchandising of Display Equipment at competitive prices.
T: 0161 941 2239 E: mike.kirchin@plan2install.co.uk W: www.plan2install.co.uk
POP Install
We are the leading retail implementation agency with unrivalled expertise in Installation, Retail Audits, Merchandising and Field Marketing. If you think your campaigns might benefit from a complete service, you should talk to us.
T: 0161 486 7878 E: instore@momentuminstore.com W: www.momentuminstore.com S: www.twitter.com/momentuminstore
Slatwall
Slatwall
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: 0 01422 310767 E: sales@wbelland.com W: www.wbelland.com
Suspension System
Suspension systems - Simple installation, high carrying weights, automatic height locking device and progressive adjustment, compatible with existing covering and panelling.
T: 020 8446 0161 E: sales@walterlogan.com W: www.walterlogan.com
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Q&A
In 1976 Carlo Freddi founded a new sportswear brand called Freddy in his home market of Italy, with a strong focus on dance wear. Since its launch, the brand has been the official sponsor of and supplier to the Corps de Ballet and the Accademia d’Arti e Mestieri dello Spettacolo at Milan’s famous Teatro alla Scala as well as to the Italian Olympic team. It has achieved a position of leadership in the Italian market and continues to embark on an expansion programme across Europe. This month, Freddi talks growth, inspiration and opening on London’s King’s Road. RF. Who is Freddy? CF. The Italian pant company since 1976. When I was 19, I wanted to do something mine: I started this business using my surname, and changing the ‘I’ into a ‘Y’ for an international touch. RF. What inspired you to launch a sport fashion brand? CF. I identified a clear gap in the market when first launching the Freddy brand in the home market of Italy. Whilst our DNA is in the dance fitness genre, Freddy has since matured into a truly rounded sport fashion global brand. Our strength lies in our attention for details, thereby creating truly aspirational product that women want to be seen in. Through our continued expansion, our brand mandate has always remained consistent and this is key. I am an avid believer in the ‘one brand, one voice’ philosophy. RF. How many stores does Freddy have in its estate? CF. To date, Freddy has 27 single-brand stores worldwide, including first-line stores, outlets and Pant Rooms. RF. The company has recently opened a new store on King’s Road, London. What are some of the biggest challenges you face in expanding into the UK and beyond? CF. The UK is notoriously a very difficult market to enter, but equally, a very rewarding one if you come up with the right formula and a clear message. This we now have thanks to the emergence of the unique WR.UP pant and its patented technology. This convinced us to remould our retail footprint both in terms of platform and preferred location. King’s Road itself represents the perfect demographic target to spring-board this product. We now play to our brand strengths that will allow us to solidify a strong multichannel presence in the UK as well as new emerging ones. RF. What growth plans do you have for Freddy? CF. Besides accelerating our own retail footprint through traditional bricks and mortar concept stores, we are now gaining considerable momentum through multichannel exposure given our brand clarity focus that sees us more immediately recognised as women being our key gender, pants being our
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product typology and WR.UP being our halo product. As with all global brands, the consumer tends to recognise one particular trigger product as a brand identification. In this case for Freddy it’s undoubtedly pants (like-for-like sales are +30 per cent versus FW13).
RF. How do you engage with the digital consumer? CF. Lately, social networks - and the web as a whole - have become one of the main points of contact between Freddy and its consumers, who can send us spontaneous and genuine feedback on our work and products. At Freddy we take good care of online conversation, and we like people to talk about our products in first person. Try and look up WR.UP on Instagram: our clients are our best testimonials! We also pay great attention to fashion bloggers, with whom we like to interact at events and launches, and from whom we always receive interesting ideas and fresh inspiration. We should not forget, of course, Facebook, which is still the heart of our daily conversation with our fans. RF. Tell us something we’d be surprised to learn about Freddy. CF. Despite the company being founded upon a concept of dance, it now contributes less than five per cent of global revenues as the brand is more readily recognised as a sport fashion brand.
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