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Ice Cubes
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28-29
Features Regulars Sense of intimacy
Valentino has opened its largest flagship store in the world, located in Piazza Di Spagna, Rome, next to the 16th century Palazzo Mignanelli, home to the creative headquarters of the Valentino Maison.
marketing: 35 POP tobacco display ban
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International expansion
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Leader
17-18 Window shopping Inspiring window displays from around the globe.
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25-32 Project Focus
Miu Miu : Valentino: River Island
Diary
13-15 News
Top of the POPS Karl McKeever Devotion should be retail’s new concept, says Karl.
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41 InVMpictures: & Display Show
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O pinion
Consumers are longing for a touch of magic from retailers and to be engaged in a way that’s out of the ordinary, believes Martin Raymond, co-founder and editor in chief of The Future Laboratory.
Focus on: Flooring
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Q&A
Nathan King, head of visual at Warehouse, discusses an average day in the visual department, the latest trends from Milan and reminisces about his career,
48-56 Products Products and services for the retail industry.
www.retail-focus.co.uk
leader
May ‘15 One of the focuses in this issue is international expansion. We’ve sourced some innovative projects from around the world to whet your appetites. We start with Miu Miu’s new store in Tokyo (pages 25-26), followed by Valentino’s biggest flagship to date in Rome (pages 28-29), finishing on home turf with Dalziel and Pow’s concept for the new River Island store at The Bullring, Birmingham (pages 31-32). All exceptional examples of forward-thinking design in their own ways. We also explore some of the retailers implementing successful store concepts overseas (pages 38-39). With the recent ban of displaying tobacco products in small stores and outlets, we take a look at the impact this has had on both manufacturers of POP displays and the retailers (pages 35-36). There are very strict rules about how much of the display can be uncovered at any one time, including for restocking and serving customers. For a solution to be fully compliant it must take this into account. The VM & Display Show in April was a wonderful source of visual treats. We round up the show in pictures on pages 41-42. Speaking of VM, our Q&A this issue is with Nathan King, head of visual at Warehouse, whose introduction to retail started at just eight years old, helping his mum out in her shoe shop. We bring you details of RIBA’s Shanghai Windows project, which sees RIBA chartered architects paired with local and international retailers to create original and thought-provoking temporary architectural installations around the city’s flourishing Xintiandi shopping and entertainment district (page 44). We also explore Ralph Pucci: the Art of the Mannequin, an exhibition at MAD Museum in New York, the first museum exhibition to explore the work of this renowned designer (page 10).
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diary
New Designers Business Design Centre, London Part 1 24-27 June 2015 Part 2 1-4 July 2015 New Designers is celebrating 30 years in 2015. Every year, more than 3,000 of the most promising graduate talents from Britain’s leading design courses exhibit, presenting an unmissable opportunity to buy new products, be inspired and discover new design talent to commission or recruit. An integral part of New Designers is One Year On, which always adds highly anticipated and exciting content to the show. One Year On specifically showcases a group of more than 50 emerging designers in their first year of business, selected for their entrepreneurial flair and exceptional quality of work. NewDesigners
www.newdesigners.com
Designs of the Year Design Museum, London Runs until 23 August 2015 Now in its eighth year, Designs of the Year at the Design Museum celebrates design that promotes or delivers change, enables access, extends design practice or captures the spirit of the year. There are 76 nominees over six categories — Architecture, Digital, Fashion, Graphics, Product and Transport. DesignMuseum
The POPAI Awards return this September at the glamorous setting of the Lancaster London Hotel. Judging takes place in June, and nominations will be announced on 1 July at a new POPAI Awards Nominations Showcase event at 30 Euston Square, London. popaiuki
www.popai.co.uk
London Design Festival London, Citywide 19-27 September 2015 First staged in 2003, the London Design Festival is one of the world’s most important annual design events. The festival programme is made up of more than 350 events and exhibitions staged by hundreds of partner organisations across the design spectrum and from around the world. @L_D_F
www.londondesignfestival.com
Credit: www.londondesignfestival.com, Photography by Ed Reeve
www.designmuseum.org
POPAI Awards Lancaster London Hotel, London 3 September 2015
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Ralph Pucci
ART FORM Ralph Pucci: The Art of the Mannequin explores art, fashion and craft in ubiquitous sculptural form through three decades of Ralph Pucci mannequins.
Photo by Butcher Walsh. Courtesy of the Museum of Arts and Design
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‘He has also cutivated collaborative relationships with designers, models, artists and illustrators that have had energising and inspiring results.’
Above: Diverse forms from over the years Below left: The Olympian Goddess, 1986 Below right: Recreation of Ralph Pucci’s sculpture studio Bottom: The Olympian Goddess, 1986 and The Mistress, 1988
Photo by Antoine Bootz Photo by Butcher Walsh. Courtesy of the Museum of Arts and Design
Ralph Pucci: The Art of the Mannequin opened on 31 March in New York and is the first museum exhibition to explore the work of renowned New York-based designer, Ralph Pucci. The exhibition includes more than 30 of Pucci’s most important mannequins, as well as an in-gallery recreation of the sculpture studio where his long-time collaborator Michael Evert creates the prototypes. Through a complete commitment to craftmanship, and unique collaborations with the likes of Diane von Furstenberg, Patrick Naggar, Lowell Newsbitt, Andrée Putman, Kenny Scharf, Anna Sui, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, Christy Turlington and Veruschka, Pucci expanded the parameters of the sculptural form while creating mannequins that reflect major cultural trends of the past three decades. As Pucci was building his business in the 1970s, the notion of the super model — the living mannequin with a personality — emerged. Pucci captured this catalytic moment in his work, finding inspiration from sources as varied as Greek and Roman statues and the performance costumes of the New York Dolls. He personified the previously anonymous form in new and challenging ways, creating visions of physical beauty that were more specific, empowered and more diverse than the fashion industry had previously allowed. His mannequins became agents of change in our attitudes to the body, fashion and individual identity. There’s a time lapse video that uncovers the start to finish cycle of the Pucci mannequin design and fabrication process, from the sculpting of the prototype by Evert to the final product ready for the marketplace. Evert is conducting live sittings and is sculpting models of selected fashion celebrities and members of the general public, offering visitors a first-hand look at his creative process. The exhibition reveals the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into the creation of the mannequin by focusing on the collaboration between Pucci and Evert, his master sculptor and longtime collaborator. A recreation of the Pucci sculpting studio features the idea boards that are used to create mannequin designs, the mannequin forms in various stages of finish, and smaller maquettes revealing the traditional clay sculpting methods Evert uses to create the Pucci mannequins. ‘Pucci has not been afraid to diversify, abstract, and satirize the human figure and generally push the culture envelope as he observed in 2009,’ says MAD’s chief curator, Lowery Stokes Sims.
Photo by Eric Scott
The exhibition is open until 30 August 2015 and takes place at MAD Museum, New York. For more information visit www.madmuseum.org
MODEL - 2015 Ralph Pucci ( b . 1957) With elongated legs, simple poses, and interchangeable arms, Model was conceived as a workhorse mannequin inspired by art. While the 19 male and female bodies are standard the heads are based on a traditional wooden mannequin form. Pucci’s influences for the collection include the sculptor Fritz Wotruba and the sculptural forms of the artist William Turnbull. To emphasize its artistic aspect, the mannequins have two finishes: a foundry finish with exposed seams and an aged plaster finish. Both show the maker’s hand.
Ralph Pucci mannequins are produced under license by Cofrad Mannequins
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news
Bonaveri hosts Series Miniatures exhibition During Salone del Mobile fair in Milan last month, Bonaveri hosted an exhibition of miniatures entitled Series Miniatures. The maquettes highlighted the research undertaken by Bonaveri whilst exploring new standards of beauty through art and handcraft. A miniature maquette is a working model — it’s reduced proportions are
intended to provide a conceptual idea and vision of the final figure. It’s intended to reflect the early stage ideas of a mannequin allowing the sculptor to explore all creative aspects of the form.
This exhibition of 30 pieces was a window into the world of this creative process and showed the significance Bonaveri places on mannequin shape and aesthetics.
throughout the store. The design and layout of the space allow Christopher Kane to curate the entire space with special features and pieces, which have all been custom designed and are completely bespoke to the store, such
as colour gradient Perspex displays and a floor-to-ceiling totem on the lower ground floor, formed of glass cylinders with an internal light source, creating a beautiful beam of light with iridescent effects, seemingly floating within the space.
Christopher Kane unveils Mayfair flagship Christopher Kane has opened its first flagship in London at 6-7 Mount Street, Mayfair. Split over two floors, the 380 sq m store was designed by Christopher Kane and renowned British minimalist designer, John Pawson. It represents the brand’s unique and innovative approach to luxury and fashion, with a great respect for craftsmanship and a high level of technical skill alongside a deep sense of integrity that’s paramount to the retailer. The goal is not a signature work of architecture but an environment with an emotional dimension; a space where the focus is on the clothes and the people connected to them. The facade of the store features elements of the listed building’s original Edwardian beginnings, creating simple, full-height openings stripped of all extraneous details. From the outside the eye is drawn inwards by the thin steel that runs through the depth of the floor plan and down the dramatic staircase. Glass has been set in Portland stone, an important feature and material used
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news
In brief... Superdrug will open 100 new stores in the next three years. 2014 saw Superdrug launch two new store formats. Beauty Studio by Superdrug opened in Cardiff and offers customers a seamless combination of beauty products and services. Customers will find an in-store salon, nail bar and blow dry bar alongside premium beauty and fragrance. Meanwhile in Banbury, the retailer opened its first Health & Wellbeing store, which brings to life what health means to today’s customer. Elements of both these new store formats are currently being rolled out across the country. This expansion plan will bring Superdrug’s total store numbers to 900+ and is expected to create around 1,350 new jobs. Italian clothing retailer Stefanel has agreed a 10-year lease for Regent Street, London. Stefanel will open a 241.5 sq m store across basement and ground floors at 78 Regent Street. Shaftsbury has announced 14 new lettings to high profile retailers in Carnaby. Canadian make-up emporium MAC will open a new global flagship at 30 Great Marlborough Street. Set across three floors, the 510 sq m store is due to open this September to coincide with London Fashion Week. It will be the only MAC store in the world that will incorporate the consumer retail offer with a MAC Pro concept in the same building. Parisian label The Kooples will upsize from its current Carnaby Street store by opening a brand new flagship at 30 Carnaby Street. The 278 sq m store will open in July and offer the full Kooples men’s and women’s collections on the ground floor and stock the full Kooples Sport collection on the 1st floor, providing a combination of product which is not found anywhere else in the UK.
H&M Conscious Capsule Lounge pop-up arrives at Oxford Circus FormRoom was asked by H&M to transform the fourth floor lounge at its Oxford Circus store into a Conscious Capsule Lounge. For the re-activation of its conscious message globally, H&M wanted to create a space in its flagship store in the UK. The space would seek to communicate its Conscious message to customers. Visitors would realise the steps H&M is taking to provide more sustainable and environmentally conscious fashion
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Fashion meets paperback at Sonia Rykiel Sonia Rykiel’s flagship stores in Paris, London and Tokyo are the latest targets of the pop-up concept. The 550 sq m Paris store in Boulevard Saint-Germain has been converted into a hybrid cafe-library, imagined by the brand’s artistic director Julie de Libran in collaboration with Swedish-Portugese artist André Saraiva and directorpublisher Thomas Lenthal. More than 50,000 books are used in the scheme. On the ground floor bookshelves stretch from floor to ceiling. On the first floor the library continues with a specialist section covering the visual arts across red lacquered shelves. The changing rooms feature an abundance of erotic literature on display, but not for sale. Mannequins wearing Sonia Rykiel mingle between the bookshelves,
Samsung takes over Harrods
Samsung launched a retail first in April with a campaign, developed with Cheil UK, that put it centre stage in Harrods. Lucky Fox collaborated with Cheil UK and MDLab on the build and installation. Samsung took over the
alternatives. The aim was for its customers to be able to find out more through media content and interaction in a gallery/ exhibition type of space. A closed loop was vinyled on the floor so visitors could follow this path to navigate through the space. The colour palette was limited and the shopfit minimal with lots of white and a hint of plywood. Interaction was encouraged via a touch screen, video wall and live social media feed. Visitors were invited to take selfies in the bespoke photo booth, sharing their photos using the hashtag #hmclosetheloop
alongside handbags, small accessories and shoes that are displayed within rectangular voids cut out from the built-up book walls, topped with long reflective surfaces and red trim. A skylight allows natural daylight to flood into the space, and inside is a warm toned lighting scheme. Red walls and mirror-clad pedestals and handrails work together to create a dynamic contrast to the thousands of books. The space features a blue and red carpet, with a quirky print including a combination of books, lips and eyes. For the final touch of the refurbishment, de Libran envisioned a scent; light, fresh and evocative of the innocence of youth. The fragrance was developed alongside perfumer Daniela Andrier. The scent will fill the boutiques in Tokyo and London in the image of the Paris concept.
majority of the retailer’s window displays and this was the first time that Harrods has let a technology brand take over the whole store. Samsung’s Experience Innovation at Harrods campaign was designed to showcase and generate awareness for a range of electronic products including Samsung’s latest innovative SUHD TVs, domestic appliances such as the WW9000 washing machine and Chef Collection oven, as well as two ground breaking smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge.
for a chance to win a prize. Formroom created a CNC world map from plywood to get across the transport message, and built simple frames to suspend clothes in. The central installation was made using unwanted garments, which the team cut into strips and threaded through hexagonal mounts.
news
Selfridges roof transformed into Vintage Salt restaurant Selfridges in London has transformed its rooftop space for the summer, this time under the guise of Vintage Salt. Open for five months, the restaurant kicks off Selfridges’ Great British Outdoors campaign. This British summer restaurant, bar and terrace is inspired by a Cornish fishing village, where diners can enjoy a unique British seaside dining experience high above the streets of the capital. The Drift Bar, located on the terrace, has a separate entrance accessed via the Boardwalk and is lined with nautical ropes guiding the way to the outdoor terrace. A wooden beach hut serves an extensive list of chilled reds, rose, white wine and champagne, and the dedicated G&T bar offers gin cocktails. Guests can escape the sun in one of the two beach huts or enjoy a tipple from the special sundowners menu on the terrace deckchairs while watching the sun go down.
rpa:group delivers Tommy Hilfiger anchor store in Berlin Tommy Hilfiger has opened a new anchor store in the heart of Berlin’s Mitte neighbourhood, a hotspot for fashion and eclectic street style. The spacious store, designed by rpa:group, covers two floors with a sales area of 347 sq m. It offers the full range of Tommy Hilfiger collections, including men’s sportswear, women’s sportswear, men’s tailoring, Hilfiger Denim, footwear and accessories. The concept was adapted around the original 19th century building and its beautiful period characteristics; a unique setting that celebrates the brand’s ‘classic American cool’ heritage. As the building
is listed, the architecture team set out to both preserve and emphasise areas of the existing building and use the opportunity to restore original elements such as ornamental ceilings, mouldings, ornate column heads and delicate woodwork where possible. In particular, the striking green period fireplace (pictured above) and wood panelling were listed elements and every attempt was made to ensure that these features worked with the building’s new interior look. Antique brass fixtures and period seating were also sourced to give the whole design that extra dimension.
Oasis flagship receives digital makeover Digital media agency Kaleidovision has worked with Oasis to produce digital storytelling installations and bring tech into the the heart of the shopping experience at the brand’s Argyll Street, London store. Innovative animations appear throughout the store. Behind the main cash desk customers can look out through windows onto changing seasons in a beautiful digital garden. The animation runs on two 70in screens concealed behind period-style sash window frames. By the fitting rooms, customers will glimpse the silhouette of a cat walking across another digital window, gazing up to the birds flying in the sky of its virtual world. A wall full of portrait stretches from floor to ceiling accompany the journey of the escalator. A selection of the original illustrations, created by agency ilovedust, has been brought to life digitally by Kaleidovision’s motion graphics experts, including animated talking characters such as the dashing fox that interacts with customers and butterflies that suddenly come to life, gracefully flying from one painting to another.
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visual merchandising
Window shopping Inspiring window displays from around the globe
Calvin Klein Arte Vetrina Project has created windows for Calvin Klein at Piazzo Duomo in Milan. The eight windows of La Rinascente Milan have been dressed with full-size window vinyl, outlined in floor to ceiling bespoke metal structures highlighted with bright white neon striplights. The windows celebrate the launch of the new Calvin Klein testimonial Justin Bieber together with Lara Stone for men’s underwear.
The Body Shop
Photographer: Melvyn Vincent
Lucky Fox has worked with The Body Shop on its spring scheme to design and install a concept for the retailer’s new Fuji Green Tea bath and skincare collection. Lucky Fox designed a Japanese spa-like environment, with a huge bath tub looking out over a view of cherry blossom with the Japanese mountain in the background. Large format product shots highlight the key items from the collection. Slowly rotating leaf mobiles create the illusion of tea leaves slowly falling over the bath tub, which displays a full range of products and gifting options.
Karl Lagerfeld Chameleon Visual has installed Karl Lagerfeld’s Tiffany Cooper windows across Europe. Illustrator Tiffany Cooper was commissioned to create a capsule collection for the brand, which launched at Collette in Paris prior to all Karl Lagerfeld boutiques. Chameleon Visual used Cooper’s illustrations and turned them into a window campaign. To add some humour, the Regent Street store has a set of three animated Karls spinning in the window.
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visual merchandising
Topshop Mannequins are strutting their stuff in Topshop’s latest window concept on Oxford Street, designed alongside Blacks. The concept was to create a high summer playful window, which has a nod to the 1970s. Topshop used brights and pastels to form a catwalklike structure where mannequins could emerge through. There is an element of playing with light; as the sun hits the window the colour from the structures reflects on the mannequins and floor.
Hackett Harlequin Design has created Hackett’s Equestrian window scheme. The campaign adds a humorous twist to a recurring theme with the careful positioning of mannequins. For the flagship London store, Harlequin designed and produced a set of oversized 3D printed horse legs spanning the full height of the display area. Each store is also equipped with bespoke hanging graphics and a set of props.
See more window installations on the blog:
www.retail-focus.co.uk/blog
Turnbull & Asser
Fenwick Balloons are big at the moment, and Fenwick Brent Cross has used these balloons created by DZD in its latest window scheme. These clear, metallic and solid coloured balloons combine together to help create a bold, bright and cheerful display.
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Bentalls With Pop Art being quite prominent in fashion at the moment, Bentalls has created these windows to highlight some of the merchadise it has that falls into this trend. The mannequin renovations were undertaken by Arty Wigs Display and all props were made by the in-house team.
Turnbull & Asser asked Lucky Fox to design and install a shipwrecked themed window scheme for its new spring/summer range. The theme was inspired by the brand’s new contemporary tie range, which features distinctive prints comprising tropical parrots and polo players riding giraffes. Lucky Fox created poly-carved sand islands and sourced palm trees to echo the quirky, lighter mood of the collection. The Turnbull & Asser creative team finished the look with vintage luggage cases and life rings.
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Decorado off the shelf decor and props
V2_Retail_Focus_SP_May_2015.indd 1
13/05/2015 12:09
POP
p o t POPS e h t f o
Company: Elemental Design
Client: L’Oreal (Viktor & Rolf)
Display title: Viktor & Rolf Bon Bon pop-up
Sector: Fragrance
Location: Selfridges, London
The brief: After the successful launch of Bon Bon last year, Elemental Design’s studio was once again commissioned by L’Oréal to create a display that captures the essence of the playful fragrance. L’Oreal’s initial brief took inspiration from a classic sweet shop, with the product in fact presented as confectionary.
The result: The focal point of the site is a large-scale interpretation of a Viktor & Rolf still-life photograph showing the key ingredients. With an oversized factice of the iconic Bon Bon bottle at the base, the key ingredients were artfully balanced on top. The entire sculpture was encased in a giant bell jar, mounted on a cylindrical column in bright pink; the colour of the Bon Bon packaging. Smaller bell jars, displaying the bow-shaped perfume bottles, were dotted along the counter alongside a bespoke glorifier in the shape of a tiered cake stand. A range of bows were arranged to appear to be tumbling from an oversized Bon Bon fragrance box, drawing the customer in.
www.elemental.co.uk
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...TO MAKE A RETAIL FABRIC LIGHTBOX 22
Q&A column
Karl McKeever Devotion should be retail’s new concept There’s a worrying trend emerging in retail. Rarely does a month go by without a brand lauding the precious time, effort and money it has spent on launching its latest new store concept, only to fail to support it adequately in the post-implementation stage. After the ‘circus’ (the operations and marketing teams responsible for such openings) has left town, the store teams who are charged with delivering the brand experience on a daily basis are left confused and floundering. Like a parent that has cut the cord too soon, and missed out on the crucial early stages of bonding with their new infant, what’s often left behind is unfilled potential. Or, in the worst examples, new concepts that are cut adrift from further thought — becoming feral and delinquent as a result. A harsh statement maybe, but the commercial impact of such neglect should not be ignored. So, who’s creating these broken dreams? In recent years there have been many examples of brands that have fallen into the ‘launch and leave’ trap with their new concepts. All over the world, in either excited enthusiasm (or desperation) to deliver something new, all too often there’s an imbalance of where time and resources are spent to not just open a new concept, but to help it succeed in the longer term. New concepts require significant, ongoing investment. Failure to do so will ensure they never fulfill their true ROI potential — it’s as simple as that. This is how all major brands measure retail success and it’s the question brands must answer through KPI’s such as traffic, conversion, sales volume and customer feedback to compare the performance of new concepts to existing stores. If brands fail to benchmark their new concepts in this way and the projects are perceived to have failed to take off, what next for the brand? Confidence and results are crucial for securing investment, but without the proof that a concept can or has succeeded, why should investors provide support? Perceptions are everything. Some will seize on the lack of benchmarking or understanding as an admission of poor performance. Stakeholders’ enthusiasm could then dampen and they may potentially withdraw their support for similar activities in future. Idle talk in the industry leads to secondary negativity and Karl McKeever is creative director of visual merchandising and brand delivery consultancy Visual Thinking.
Email Karl at karl@retailfocus.co www.visualthinking.co.uk
cynicism with talk of: ‘here we go again’ and ‘they don’t know what they’re doing’. This is exactly what brands don’t need when they’re experimenting with new ideas, trying to reinvent themselves, or in some way seeking to make a positive response to their market. Brands need supporters and those who are knowledgeable about what to do, to keep new concepts working and delivering results. When the brand reveals what it planned to do, the eyes of the world take notice. The best competitors will want to learn from the concept, potentially taking out of it what they want too. A brand that’s better organised or has the cultural, organisational and management ability to take from a concept could and likely will. Recently, I came across the new retail concept for the Target department store chain in Australia. I saw the original concept location on a previous visit. Clearly big bucks have been spent on sophisticated retail design. Yet within a few short months, the concept has descended into an all too familiar story of substandard retail implementation. Personally, I found the concept overly complicated but outside of this, the reality is that the concept itself is a radical step change for those with ongoing responsibilities to present, manage and sustain this store environment effectively in the future. Fundamentally, the support provided to its store teams appears to have been ineffective and failing. Without effective support, tools and training for the teams, store performance is likely to disappoint over time. People don’t naturally have the experience to manage new environments — this needs to be built, nurtured and embedded. Managing a new store concept places huge demands on the management teams, and they need specialist and ongoing support to make it work. For me, retailers are guilty of assuming that if they provide information, it will be used and people will automatically understand it. This isn’t the case. It’s not all bad though. Back in the UK, in contrast to what I would consider poor concepts by Wickes and B&Q, in the same sector there has been Homebase’s successful venture with Habitat and Laura Ashley. The latest generation of Homebase stores, as seen with the recently launched Habitat shop-in-shop concept in Chichester, proves that it’s not about the concepts in themselves but the way they are launched, managed and supported internally at the time, post-launch and then ongoing, that matters and makes the difference. CEOs need to have a greater voice in new store concepts, and resist just leaving it to the marketing departments to create what could be perceived as either vanity projects or ego-driven schemes. Such projects only serve to create a big buzz in the media or impress corporate shareholders at press days, and then tend to trade poorly or be operationally and commercially ineffective over the longer term. In reality, setting new concepts, only for the people who could make all the difference in securing their future suffering the same lack of ongoing investment as the concept itself, should be seen for what it is — a kind of corporate irresponsibility. A concept that surely no retailer and brand would willingly sign up to.
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bridgford interiors limited bridgford building, wellington crescent, fradley park lichfield, staffordshire WS13 8RZ tel: 01543 443200 email: alan.palmer@bridgford.co.uk web: www.bridgford.co.uk
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MIU MIU Miyuki Street, Tokyo Design: Herzog & De Meuron Opening date: March 2015 Store size: 720 sq m
Photo credit:
©Nacása & Partners
Miu Miu has unveiled its new store on Miyuki Street, Tokyo designed by Swiss architect Herzog & de Meuron. The 720 sq m store in the Aoyama District of Tokyo will be the cornerstone of the brand’s Japanese activities. Since opening its first boutique in Aoyama in 1999, Miu Miu has maintained a significant presence in Japan and now has 23 boutiques across the country, including nine in Tokyo alone. This new building continues the company’s tradition of collaboration with world-class architects and re-emphasises Miu Miu’s dedication to the Japanese market. The new store is located diagonally across the street from the celebrated Prada Tokyo Epicenter — also designed by Herzog & de Meuron — in an elegant neighbourhood that has, over the past two decades, become a showplace of architectural invention. In contrast to the transparency of the all-glass Prada building, the understated metallic surface of the Miu Miu facade is opaque, which creates a more intimate feel. A spokesperson from Herzog & de Meuron, says: ‘Contrary to expectations for a site that is home to so many luxury brands, Miyuki Street in Aoyama Tokyo is not particularly beautiful or elegant. The architecture is heterogeneous; a hodgepodge of freestanding buildings of different heights and shapes, with neither historical tradition nor common standards. Never meant to be a space of its own, the street is a purely technical and functional link between Omotesando and the Aoyama Reien cemetery further down the road. Despite single trees here and there, the atmosphere is not inviting like a boulevard or a plaza. Tokyo is a pure, quintessential city, its territory exploited to the full with absolutely no leeway for the individuality that we take for granted in European cities.’ The architectural firm noticed this more than 10 years ago during the planning stage of the glass building for Prada Aoyama. At that time the firm was interested in counteracting the situation — on one hand, by placing a small plaza to the side of the building, and on the other, by making the structure completely see-through so that you can see into the interior from all sides and can also look out from inside at specifically targeted views of the city. ‘Over the past decade, the distinctive building has become a much-frequented location and it was therefore important to Prada, our client Prada Japan and also to us as architects to take this into
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account in planning the Miu Miu store located in the immediate vicinity on the opposite side of the street. We started out by trying several different architectural typologies. Since zoning regulations called for less height, we explored the potential of a smaller, more intimate building. We used the following thoughts to channel our ideas: more like a home than a department store, more hidden than open, more understated than extravagant, more opaque than transparent,’ continues the spokesperson. The typological model that best suited these considerations and specifications was a box placed directly at the level of the street, its cover slightly open to mark the entrance and allow pedestrians to look inside. Only then do they realise that the building is a shop. Here, under the oversized canopy, the two-storey interior is visible at a single glance, as if the volume had been sliced open with a big knife, turning the inside out. The rounded, soft edges of the copper surfaces inside meet with the razor-sharp steel corners on the outside of the metal box, while the cave-like niches clad in brocade face the central space of the shop like loges in a theatre. The shop on two tall storeys not only presents enticing goods on tables and in display cases, it’s also like a spacious and comfortable home with inviting sofas and armchairs. The façade has neither logo nor pomp; it’s a polished, mirrorsmooth surface, as if one single giant brushstroke had swept smooth the ordinarily matte surface of the steel panelled façade. This surface attracts the gaze and curiosity of passing pedestrians. But instead of affording a view inside, as in a shop window, the gaze is inverted; instead of the anticipated see-through window, viewers encounter self-reflection. While the street is not a place that encourages lingering and looking around, the building itself is a gesture that extends an invitation to come inside and stay a while.
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VALENTINO Piazza Di Spagna, Rome Design: In-house and architect David Chipperfield Opening date: April 2015 Size: 1,865 sq m
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Valentino opened its largest flagship store in the world in April, located in Piazza Di Spagna, Rome, next to the 16th century Palazzo Mignanelli, home to the creative headquarters of the Valentino Maison. The flagship marks an important step in the development of Valentino’s worldwide retail network expansion and continues the innovative store concept developed by the brand’s creative directors, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Picciolo, with architect David Chipperfield. The store concept combines old and new in order to generate a kind of Palazzo atmosphere, steering away from a pure showroom and promoting a new retail architectural format in place of a more traditional retail boutique structure. The essential elements of the store concept have already been applied and appreciated in other Valentino boutiques in Italy, such as the Via Montenapoleone flagship in Milan that opened in 2012. However, the Rome flagship also incorporates new developments of the store concept. The architecture is designed to complement the pieces on display, making use of a range of discreetly opulent materials — grey Venetian terrazzo with Carrara chippings, timber, marble, leather, carpet and carbon fibre — to focus attention on the
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collections and also evoke a sense of intimacy. The Rome store features a massive entrance atrium, a sort of terrazzo/marble stage that stands 6m high, in which sculptural columns and walls define the entrance as the monumental space of the project. The two main marble staircases connect to the store levels, taking customers on a sort of ascending tectonic tour. The traditional Woman Store Concept is showcased at ground level. Here, there’s a variety of rooms, each with different architectural characteristics that not only separate the different types of merchandise but also offer distinct atmospheres generated by a custom palette of colours, textures, and lights. On the first level is a completely new Woman Store Concept, featuring a polished white arched galleria to which carbon fibre elements are attached for product display. On the ground, first and second levels, the new Man Store Concept has terrazzo walls and palladiana floors. The collection is displayed on oak shelving and hanging elements, which are supported by polished brass fixtures around the perimeter. The Man Store Concept unifies the spaces into a consistent experience through the tectonic floor surfaces of terrazzo and palladiana. The Piazza di Spagna boutique is the first Valentino boutique in Italy to carry Men’s Denim Made to Measure. Photo credit: Mannequins supplied by Bonaveri
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RIVERTheISLAND Bullring, Birmingham
Design: Dalziel and Pow Opening date: March 2015 Size: 2,136 sq m With a history of working together for 25 years, River Island has once again returned to Dalziel and Pow to collaborate on this fresh, dynamic new flagship store at Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre. The concept at the heart of the store is The Event, the essence of being at a fashion show or art exhibition. The two-level store sits next to its old site and is double its size. The Women’s department runs fluidly into Kids, which follows the same design theme, as does the Men’s offer located on the mezzanine level. Dalziel and Pow worked in collaboration with River Island’s in-house team to come up with a stripped back, deconstructed space that reveals different facets as shoppers explore, creating an
exciting sense of discovery. The new design concept originated from a desire to create a fresh, flexible and surprising brand experience within the retailer’s flagships stores, embodying the wow factors that have always been in River Island’s DNA in a modern way that can be easily updated to reflect the latest collections and also respond to the changing tastes and needs of consumers. An 8m-high atrium space greets customers upon arrival, where a troop of mannequins stand on a central, circular stage. Moving away from straight lines, the design emphasises angles and proportions, including segments of wall and huge panels that slice through the space. Layered, large-scale photographic panels and mirrors lean against the walls.
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louvred ceiling of spotlights and neon add to the feeling of being on stage when inside looking out. Urban and luxury juxtapose with the use of select materials — poured resin and ply alongside real marble and glass. Digitally printed wallpapers also replicate the marble and concrete surfaces. In the fitting room area, inspiration came from fashion show catwalks. The fitting rooms also feel far more integrated in the main store. There is also a brand new Style Studio for VIP personal shopping and styling advice. ‘I am incredibly proud of the look and feel of the new flagship store and the way that the store design has elevated the shopping experience here. River Island is such a distinctive brand with a stylish, fun and confident attitude and you can see this everywhere you look,’ says Ben Lewis, CEO of River Island.
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POP marketing
BEHIND
CLOSEd
S R O DO
Since the ban of tobacco advertising in the UK in 2003, tobacco companies have become increasingly reliant on point of sale displays to draw attention to their products and therefore create sales. The display of tobacco goods has been illegal in large stores and supermarkets since 6 April 2012, and now small stores and other outlets such as pubs and clubs need to adhere to the rules. Standardised cigarette packets will be introduced in May 2016, to further protect children from ‘glitzy’ tobacco packaging. All information displayed about tobacco products must use Helvetica plain font, and the only information that’s allowed to be displayed is the brand name and price (cigars can include the country of origin, dimension and size, and pipe tobacco can include the cut and type of tobacco used). ‘Visibility of the product has always been a critical part of the impact of any product in-store — tobacco being no exception. Being a small, high value product and based on years of investment, tobacco has secured prime display space behind the counter, in the shopper’s line of sight for as long as anyone can remember. The new legislation changes this forever. There are many
With the ban of showing tobacco products at point of sale now applied to both large and small shops across the UK, what does it mean for the display sector? benefit from better visibility. In this lies the opportunity for the display industry,’ continues Kingdon. ‘Predominantly stores are on board with the tobacco display ban and have, or are, implementing a solution. While it might have taken a while for smaller stores to fully understand the implications of the ban and the consequences of non-compliance, I’d say that the majority are now up to speed. Not surprisingly a fine of up to £5,000 or two years in prison are not things that small store owners want to put themselves at risk of,’ says Duncan Hill, managing director of HL Display, which has installed self-closing or manual door solutions in around 5,000 stores. At this stage it’s too early to say whether the display ban has had an impact on sales. Hill says the impact will undoubtedly differ from store to store, depending on the customer profile of each and also how well they prepared both their customers and staff for the implementation of the ban. ‘There are a variety of solutions being offered, from vending machines to sliding doors, drawers and freezer blinds and even shower curtains. Store owners should be aware though that it’s
Above: HL Display has installed self-closing or
Right: The influx of e-cigarettes
manual door solutions in
has led to a new generation of
around 5,000 stores.
blending stores, including VIP Electronic Cigarette’s Blending Boutique at Highcross Leicester.
ramifications of this, some of which will only become completely clear in the future,’ explains Martin Kingdon, director general of POPAI UK & Ireland. The question is, can this space retention be justified ongoing? Now that tobacco is covered up, will it need the space behind the counter that it has resided in for years? ‘In conversations with independent retailers, it seems clear that many products are currently over-faced based on rate of sale. Will they try and optimise space availability? There has also been a view that historically smaller brands may disappear owing to lack of visibility, this again will generate space efficiencies. Tobacco will come under pressure from other high margin products, that retailers realise may now
not enough to just cover their display — there are very strict rules about how much of the display can be uncovered at any one time, including for restocking and serving customers. For a solution to be fully compliant it must take this into account,’ explains Hill. ‘When agencies and manufacturers first started to review the incoming legislation concerning tobacco display advertising in-store, with a view to creating ‘dark market’ sales, there were a number of potential alternative routes that could have been taken and a number of companies came to the market with solutions that differed from the traditional cigarette gantry. These ranged from overhead merchandising solutions, which were popular in Canada and Australia, to under the counter concepts,’ explains
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POP marketing
Nigel Dench, business development director at shopper marketing agency HRG (UK). After evaluation of the retail estate, both options had their drawbacks. In Canada and Australia, the retail stores were generally new, purpose-built environments with more space and higher ceilings, whereas the majority of gantries in the UK were in CTN and off-licence type store formats. These were older buildings potentially starting life as homes and repurposed, or an original store dating back 100+ years. These stores did not have the ceiling height or space under the counter to accommodate either solution. When starting to develop a dark market solution the key point that needed to be considered was the huge investment tobacco companies had already made to produce, install and maintain these secure, lockable merchandising solutions. It would not be feasible to replace these and so from very early on HRG looked at the existing infrastructure of gantries and how these could be adapted to comply with legislation. Early legislation outlined that only a small area of tobacco products could be on show when shopping the fixture, which needed to be considered — a curtain or a large door would not comply. There were also a large number of gantries spread across the country (in excess of 80,000) which varied considerably in width and height, so a solution that could be adjusted easily on-site and installed quickly were a real potential benefit and would save a lot of money for the brands. ‘From conversations I had with tobacco companies and at POPAI events, there seemed that little consideration was being given to shopper needs — most were purely seeking to solve operational issues,’ continues Dench. ‘From the anecdotal research I conducted after the ban came into force within larger retail spaces, I did not see many or any issues that larger store formats faced, mostly due to their rate of sale and profitability. These store formats generally had new fixtures built that contained sliding doors in front of the gantry. These were to match the store’s existing retail furniture, look, feel, colour and finish etc. The only key issue they potentially did face was in re-merchandising product through the day. Many high footfall stores would normally need to do so due to the high volume of sales. However, if doors were kept open for an extended period of time in order to replenish shelves during normal trading hours, retailers laid themselves open to the potential of failing to adhere to legislation guidelines.’ The influx of e-cigarette products to the market has led to a new generation of blending stores. NexusEngage worked with VIP Electronic Cigarettes on its new Blending Boutique at Highcross Leicester. Customers can design their own e-liquid flavour for e-cigs. The boutique is only the third of its kind, following debuts at Westfield Stratford and Brent Cross. Will alcohol one day face the same display restraints as tobacco products? Dench believes so. ‘As tobacco sales decline, these small businesses and convenience stores will need to find alternative revenue streams. The main spirits and alcohol brands could look to adapt this space, which has been done on a small scale in some stores. But I think as time goes by governments and legislation will divert their attention to these types of products as well, and ultimately they will face the same measures.’ For now, the issue will potentially become more about brand choice and shopper knowledge of products as the display restrictions bite.
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Right: It’s not enough to just cover the display. Shop owners need to adhere to very strict rules about how much of the display can be uncovered at any one time, including for restocking and serving customers.
Below: Shopper marketing and retail display specialist HRG has worked on developing a number of alternative solutions to the now standard retro-fit gantry shutters, supporting greater ease of shop and overcoming key day-to-day operational merchandising challenges.
international expansion
GOING GLOBAL
Global expansion continues to be a key priority for retailers, many of which have concept stores planned around the world.
According to a survey by Royal Mail, 65 per cent of UK retailers are planning to increase international sales over the next 12 months. The study also discovered that more than 84 per cent plan to target new countries they don’t currently sell to, with the US top of the list as the economy with most opportunities. Not all retailers have been successful at expanding overseas. The likes of Sainsburys, Marks & Spencer and Tesco have struggled to make a mark on the American market, while others are thriving. China is a hot destination for many retailers, including Burberry and New Look, both of which have many store openings planned in this area in the near future.
Topshop and Topman
Hackett
Topshop’s global expansion continues. The brand opened its Fifth Avenue store in November 2014, followed by an Amsterdam flagship (pictured above) in February. The New York store is the second largest store in the world after the British flagship on the corner of London’s Oxford Street and Regent Street. In March this year, Topshop opened its first store in New Zealand, located on Queen’s Street in Auckland.
Hackett has also tapped into the Dutch market, opening an Amsterdam-based store in March on P.C. Hoofstraat 117. The opening of the new store is in line with the brand’s approach of opening concept stores in key cities throughout the world. The three-storey store spans 235 sq m, showcasing the whole Hackett range, from casualwear to formal suiting. The retailer previously opened a store in Lisbon in February.
Hamleys Hameys World in Moscow is the retailer’s latest opening overseas. Designed by Fitch, the focus of the 7,000 sq m store is taking customers (families) on a journey through nine different worlds, including Enchanted Forest, Safari and Space. The design allows customers to create experiences with the brand and bring them closely together — something that Hameys feels is particularly important in the increasingly digital world. Each of the nine worlds provides a feast for the senses. A key focus is a 13m-tall LEGO rocket made with 1.9 million bricks.
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international expansion Burberry
H&M In February, Swedish fashion chain H&M opened its first flagship in Taiwan. Situated in Tapei, the store welcomed customers with the exclusive H&M 2015 Chinese New Year collection, as well as apparel, underwear and accessories for men, women, kids and babies, alongside the H&M Home concept. A queue of 1,200 fans waited outside, and some even camped outside — a common occurance for H&M openings in new countries.
The last 12 months have been a busy time for Burberry in terms of its global expansion programme. Towards the end of November 2014, the retailer opened its new Beverly Hills flagship (pictured left). The store, on Rodeo Drive, blurs the brand’s physical and digital worlds through the Burberry Retail Theatre Concept, where interior video walls and in-store digital screens showcase brand content and broadcast live events. In December, the retailer opened its first Burberry Beauty Box in Asia, bringing Burberry Beauty and a new retail concept to Korea. This was then followed by Burberry’s first freestanding store in Osaka, Japan.
Primark The high street retailer has acquired leases to seven stores from US retailer Sears, which includes shops in New York, Boston and Philadelphia. First to open will be a store at the largest mall in the country, the King of Prussia, just outside of Philadelphia. After that the retailer is then expected to open a store in the Staten Island Mall in New York in 2016.
Marks & Spencer
New Look The retailer is planning on opening more than 50 stores in China over the next year. Five more outlets are planned in Poland, where the brand already has 11 stores. New Look has 18 stores in China, and this figure is set to increase as the country is the brand’s main focus for growth. Speaking about New Look’s third quarter results, Anders Kristiansen, chief executive officer, said: ‘We now trade from 18 stores in China. We remain on target to have 20 stores in the country by year end and we have in place a strong development pipeline for the year ahead. Elsewhere, further openings in France, Germany and Poland leave our international expansion programme firmly on track.’
In March, Marks & Spencer announced its investment plans for China. The retailer has firm intent to enter key cities such as Beijing and Guangzhou from 2015/16. The company will continue to invest in its existing flagship store portfolio with the complete modernisation of its flagship on West Nanjing Road in Shanghai during the autumn. Marks & Spencer will expand its Food store portfolio at convenient travel and city locations in Hong Kong during 2015/16. The retailer has opened three of these Food standalone stores in Hong Kong during 2014/15, which have seen sales per sq ft in line with its best performing Food stores in the UK. The brand will also grow its presence in Macau with a new 1,000 sq m store in The Venetian Mall this November. On 7 May, Marks & Spencer opened its new flagship in Brussels, on the Avenue de la Toison d’Or.
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Call: 0845 680 7405 to advertise
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show review
In pictures: VM + Display Show Highlights from the 2015 VM & Display Show, which celebrated 25 years. The VM and display industry came together at the Business Design Centre in Islington last month to celebrate the show’s 25th birthday. The show increased in size this year, expanding to the upper level of the venue. The industry also got the chance to let their hair down at Cafe de Paris, where fire eaters and burleque dancers entertained the crowd. SDEA members voted overwhelmingly in favour of Panache Display to win the SDEA Best Stand Award. The company celebrated the launch of its Little Dog with a candy coloured stand featuring a multitude of eye-catching pups alongside the brand’s range of mannequins, which are all designed and manufactured in-house at its London studio. Rare Basic launched Finishes of the Future, with a range of mannequins sporting eye-catching finishes, while Arty Wigs demonstrated its skills in mannequin renovation, make-up and wigs. Speaking of wigs, Tam Walsh created some striking designs for the show, including one piece that incorporated toy soldiers, helicopters and fighter planes. Global Display showcased a new range of Pashion mannequins finished in a dramatic copper effect, alongside its Eco mannequin. Eye-catching wigs and make-up designed by its London studio combined with a deconstructed inspired stand. Blacks drew inspiration for its stand from the founder of the
early 1980s Memphis collective, Ettore Sottsass. Just as the Memphis design aesthetic focused on bright colours, kitsch suburban motifs and conceptual shapes, Blacks incorporated the playful theme of Memphis into the design of its stand, using more than 200 individually designed, handcrafted components. Pennant made an impact with its huge red shoe at the front of the mezzanine level, as did Matt Wingfield with his collection of vibrantly coloured crates, while Replica’s stand was good enough to eat. Andy Thornton went back in time with its offering of vintage furniture and shelves stocked with apothecary bottles. The winner of the Graduate Challenge was Eve Devonshire from Hertford College. The title of the theme was Silver and the brief was to create a window display design to launch a new denim range for a leading high-end denim brand. The competition was sponsored by Harrods and judged by Sandra Craddock, fashion windows team leader at Harrods. Devonshire won a week’s work experience placement with Harrods. The 11th VM & Display Awards will take place later this year on 19 November at a bigger venue, Bloomsbury Big Top in London. As part of the celebrations a new award will be introduced, the Retail Focus People’s Choice Award, voted by the general public via social media.
Clockwise from top left: Pennant’s giant shoe made an impact as visitors walked upstairs to the mezzanine level; Rare Basic launched Finishes of the Future; Blacks’ stand was influenced by the 1980s Memphis design aesthetic; The more you looked, the more you saw on Artefact’s intricate stand design; Tam Walsh demonstrated her striking wigs and millinery.
Photography: Melvyn Vincent Photography / Retail Focus
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show review
Left Anticlockwise: Quirky captions on the Harlequin stand; The V-Neck collection from Barthelmess; Pashion mannequins by Global Display; Panache used a bold and bright colour scheme for its Little Dog launch; Graphica’s star of the high street design; pastel bird boxes by Stylographics; DZD’s butterfly beauties.
Bottom from left: Arty Wigs demonstrated its skills in mannequin renovation, make-up and wigs; Eve Devonshire from Hertford College won the Graduate Challenge, sponsored by Harrods and judged by Sandra Craddock, fashion windows team leader at Harrods; Devonshire’s winning design; Matt Wingfield’s vibrantly coloured crates.
To view more images from the show visit www.retail-focus.co.uk/blog 42
FINISHES OF THE FUTURE. www.rarebasic.com
RIBA Shanghai Windows
RIBA SHANGHAI WINDOWS The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) London has opened its 2015 RIBA Shanghai Windows exhibition of installations by its members.
Now in its third year, RIBA’s Shanghai Windows event pairs RIBA chartered architects with local and international retailers to create original and thought-provoking temporary architectural installations around the city’s flourishing Xintiandi shopping and entertainment district. The cross-over art exhibition is a partnership between RIBA London, Shanghai Xintiandi and the Culture and Education Section of the British Consulate-General. The lifestyle and entertainment businesses twinned with architects this year are as follows:
Draisci Studio with Barcodes — have designed faceted blocks that smile and seem to come alive with eyewear on.
CTHM X INDJ with the support of BuroHappold Engineering and the lighting department at WSP — created Fountain, an ethereal river of light that seemingly floats, flows and falls from the upper windows of a restaurant.
Mobile Studio with Giftique — this design draws upon the meteorological qualities of the season and coincides with the launch of a new green tea. Squire and Partners with Maria Luisa — distorted handcrafted marble sculptures have been inspired by the artistic process of creation and decay. Draisci Studio with Barcodes
Opensystems with NN — have designed DICE, a sculptural installation that resembles primitive crystalline formations and marks the entrance of the store.
Urban Systems with PH7 — this installation references material systems in nature and is fabricated using low-cost and 3D printing technologies, using a bio-degradable plastic made from renewable resources.
Arup Associates with Pizza Express — created an outdoor installation that celebrates the art of pizza making; the motion of stretching the pizza dough for Pizza Express’s 50th anniversary. Amin Taha Architects with Rubis SPA — flooded the spa podium CTHM X INDJ and BuroHappold Engineering
Arup Associates with Pizza Express
lobby to chest height, capturing the blue mountain lakes of Switzerland where Rubis SPA was born.
RCKa with Tayohoa — created a cathedral-like entrance to the busy homewear store, redesigning the space with an optical illusion using the brand’s own knitted vinyl products.
RCKa with Tayohoa
Opensystems with NN
Urban Systems with PH7
Amin Taha Architects with Rubis Spa
‘Our Shanghai Windows project offers our members the unique opportunity to gain invaluable experience working in China, work with Chinese and global household name clients and demonstrate their skills to a design-savvy Chinese audience,’ says RIBA president Stephen Hodder. ‘Our exhibition will be seen by more than one million visitors, helping to demonstrate why British architects are renowned around the world for their creativity, ambition and flair. Well done to all the architects taking part this year; your original designs and professionalism here in Shanghai do British architecture proud.’ RIBA Shanghai Windows runs until 31 May 2015.
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opinion
METAPHYSICAL
RETAIL Consumers are longing for a touch of magic from retailers and to be engaged in a way that is out of the ordinary – even spiritual, otherworldly, metaphysical, believes Martin Raymond, co-founder and editor in chief of The Future Laboratory. Following the blockbuster franchises of The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and the global obsession with HBO’s Game of Thrones, we’ve entered a golden era of fantasy storytelling. Now as this thread of culture is infiltrating stores and consumers are becoming weary of digital experiences, we are witnessing the rise of Metaphysical Retail. ‘Since 2001 we’ve observed fantasy fandom become more accepted by adults, and less of an embarrassing skeleton that they would keep in their closets,’ explains Daniela Walker, trends analyst at LS:N Global. ‘In turn, people now expect fantastical narratives and to be taken further down the rabbit hole by brands.’
Neo Tolkienism The shift that Walker describes is what we call Neo-Tolkienism, where fantasy is no longer the genre of geeks but instead has morphed into an enchanting — and lucrative — retail trend. ‘We are living in a science fiction world now, seeing new technology around us all the time,’ says Mark Chadbourn, fantasy author and BBC scriptwriter. ‘This has changed the way people think about the world and opened them up to fantastical storytelling because at the moment, we cannot tell what’s real and what isn’t.’ The aesthetic of Neo Tolkienism can be seen in the 2015 Cruise collection, a limited-edition capsule collection of crystalencrusted shoes and bags by Jimmy Choo creative director Sandra Choi. It’s also hinted in brands such as Dolce & Gabbana; Its autumn/winter print campaign featured women stalking through enchanted forests clad in chainmail. It’s not just for luxury brands, there’s opportunity for businesses across the spectrum to capitalise on this cultural shift. Topshop is the latest mass market brand to adopt this aesthetic in its collections, with a line that celebrates the occult with a range that uses the signs of the zodiac as the design premise.
Mystical Materialism In a world of economic uncertainty and seemingly never-ending austerity, consumers are reaching for magical escape routes, playfully experimenting with astrology, spiritualism and the occult in their retail choices. But while their sartorial style may be metaphysical and otherworldly, their beliefs remain very much grounded in the material world. ‘I call it the Now Age,’ says Ruby Warrington, founder of website, The Numinous, which explores the links between astrology, spiritualism and consumerism. ‘The New Age was all about running away, becoming a hippie and rejecting society. The Now Age accepts that you can explore those ideas without changing your personality and your name and going to live in an ashram.’
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This sense of mystical materialism is spreading fast. Luxury fashion brand Donna Karan opened an Urban Zen pop-up in Aspen, Colorado in December 2014 with a philosophy of soulful economy. Handmade items from troubled parts of the world such as Haiti are on sale, with each purchase ensuring that an artisan in an emerging economy has access to clean water for two weeks.
Digital Mysticism Modern mysticism is even making its way into cyberspace, where digital brands are developing apps and holding debates about how to find peace and tranquility in today’s always-on existence. Mindfulness apps such as Headspace, which bring on-themove meditation to the smartphone generation, are front and centre of this emerging trend. Headspace has more than a million users and is valued at £25m–£37m in a meditation and wellness industry worth £5.6bn, according to co-founder Rich Pierson. The Wisdom 2.0 Conference in San Francisco in February 2014 focused on tech industry debates about helping consumers to build healthier relationships with the smartphones, apps and gadgets that clamour for their attention. ‘The people who are designing and developing software are increasingly becoming social engineers, so it’s kind of our responsibility to think about what this is adding for people in a positive way,’ says Irene Au, formerly of Google. So, suddenly it’s important — and commercially sound — to find ways to harness the pop culture fascination with fantasy narratives, to link it to the digital expectations of today’s share-everything consumers, and to provide the escapist fun that they crave.
www.thefuturelaboratory.com
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Advert 86mm wide x 127mm deep
Dragon Display Systems
Designed and Manufactured in the UK
Manufacturers of flexible wall and centreshop hanging and shelving systems, particularly for clothingrelated trades: fashion, lingerie, outdoor, sportswear & urban.
www.dragondisplay.co.uk Display Systems Ltd
Tel 01952 290055 • Fax: 01952 290056 • sales@dragondisplay.co.uk
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products
VM + DISPLAY Andy Thornton This table is just one of many items available in Andy Thornton’s Urban Vintage collection, which was recently exhibited at the VM & Display Show. The company launched many new products at the show. The Urban Vintage range of visual merchandising display products includes industrial-style shelving units, carts, trolleys, tables, cabinets, drawers and garment rails. Andy Thornton also manufactures bespoke fittings to order, as well as supplying industrial-style lighting, original shopfittings and decorative metal wall and ceiling tiles. T. +44 (0)1422 376 000 E: email@andythornton.com www.andythornton.com Twitter: andythorntonltd
Graphica Display Graphica Display is a design-led, large format display printing and signage company producing anything from window decals and retail display through to hoardings, promotional printing and point of sale. At last month’s VM & Display Show, the company invited visitors to use Graphica Display large format printing to become stars of the high street. The company created the amps, guitar and a piano, and even produced a 3D-printed microphone. T. +44 (0)845 373 0073 E. info@graphicadisplay.co.uk www.graphicadisplay.co.uk Twitter: graphicatweet
arken POP arken POP specialises in the UK manufacture of customised graphic display products, including LED lightboxes, poster frames and freestanding signage, supplying retailers and third party shopfitting companies. At this year’s VM & Display Show the company showcased its Purelite LED lightbox, demonstrating how the sleek product creates a stunning display, illuminating any poster image to great effect. arken POP also produces award-winning bespoke POP displays, supplying a wide range of brands in a variety of sectors. T. +44 (0)1638 565 656 E: info@arken-pop.com www.arken-pop.com
WBC WBC is the UK and Ireland’s largest online trade supplier of gift packaging, bags for life and retail display. WBC manufactures bespoke and off-the-shelf solutions including POS, vintage props and fixtures. The company works alongside store designers, VMs and business owners to produce product lines that offer a one-stop-shop for UK retailers. With an exclusive showcase of its new BRIX modular display system at the recent VM & Display Show, WBC has developed a range that marries contemporary style with total flexibility — perfect for pop-ups, exhibition design and high street retailers. T. +44 (0)800 085 8595 E. sales@wbc.co.uk www.wbc.co.uk Twitter: wbc
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products
T.C. Millwork, Inc At 90 lumens per watt, the state-of-the-art, self-emitting OLED-lit shelving system is one of the latest variations of SMARTRAIL® by T.C. Millwork, Inc. The horizontal panel wall system incorporates OLED (Organic LED) panels, less than 1mm thick, into transparent glass shelves, producing virtually shadowless museum-quality lighting. These shelves can be arranged anywhere along the wall standards without having to be connected by wires. They were recently on display at Global Shop 2015 in Las Vegas, creating quite a buzz throughout the convention. T. +1 215 245 4210 E: sales@tcmillwork.com www.tcmillwork.com Twitter: TCMillwork
Norbord Caberwood MDF Pro from Norbord is a premium grade MDF with a uniform density across the board. It is ideal for creating bespoke, versatile shopfittings for any space and is a great, cost-effective alternative to moisture-resistant alternatives in terms of strength. Suitable for straight forward machine and surface finishing, and available in six standard sizes, it offers all the benefits of timber without the natural defects. It is also designed to look good and is ideal for most high quality paint and surface finishes including the application of paper foils and veneers to suit individual tastes. T. +44 (0)1786 812 921 www.norbord.co.uk Twitter: NorbordEurope
Cooke Brothers Cooke Brothers has introduced two new shelving strip options in addition to its ever-popular shelf support range of products. The Shelving Lite range is made from lightweight anodised aluminium and is available in a wide range of finishes and popular profiles, including both surface-mounted or rebate fixing. Further requests from customers for shorter lengths of shelving strip has led to the company supplying the Shelving Lite in new standard lengths of 1,140mm. A further addition to the shelving system range is the option of solid stainless steel patterns, now available across the company’s two most popular profiles — flat (7470) and raised (7472). T. +44 (0)1922 740 001 E. sales@cookebrothers.co.uk www.cookebrothers.co.uk Twitter: CookeBrothers
Brochure Holders International Brochure Holders International is part of the global Taymar group, recognised as a leading manufacturer of premium quality injection moulded leaflet holders and display solutions. Committed to on-going product development, the Taymar group offers one of the world’s largest collections of crystal clear wall, floor and counter standing brochure displays. Following the success of its recently completed range of Outdoor Holders, the Taymar group is delighted to introduce the new 6RC230 rotating displays (pictured). Cleverly designed and moulded in one piece, the new unit is not only competitively priced but serves as both a desktop spinner and floorstanding carousel. T. +44 (0)1473 229 250 E. sales@brochureholders.co.uk www.brochureholders.com LinkedIn: company/brochure-holders-international-ltd
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products
TECHNOLOGY NEC Display Solutions Europe NEC Display Solutions Europe is launching a new series of entry-level professional displays for both signage and corporate office applications. The E Series large format display (LFD) portfolio is now split into smaller sized models for signage and larger sized models for conferencing and collaboration applications. This enables organisations in the retail, corporate and education sectors to enjoy more ergonomic visual experiences, whilst benefiting from the flexibility and control that the E Series displays offer. T. +44 (0)870 120 1160 E: infomail@nec-displays.com www.nec-display-solutions.com Twitter: NEC_Display_EU
Checkpoint Systems Checkpoint Systems has announced an RFID upgrade kit for its EVOLVE iRange P10 antennas, giving retailers a smooth migration to RFID by enabling the use of a single tag for both inventory visibility and loss prevention. The upgrade kit is fitted by Checkpoint Systems service technicians to existing or new P10 antennas. The P10 RFID leverages all the advantages of RFID technology as well as serving as a powerful solution for loss prevention at entrances/exits and a visual deterrent for would-be shoplifters. T. +44 (0)1635 567 070 E. checkdirectuk@checkpt.com www.checkpointsystems.com Twitter: CheckpointSys
Tyco Tyco has launched the Illustra Fisheye Camera. An ideal security solution for retail environments, it provides a 180° panoramic view when mounted on a wall, or a 360° bird’s eye view when mounted on a ceiling. This enables applications such as retail stores to be properly safeguarded with an ultrawide field of view in real time. Quick and easy to install, the new camera is a cost effective measure than can significantly improve security levels. The camera has ePTZ (electronic pan-tilt-zoom) capabilities for ultra smooth transition. The benefits of this technology is that there are no moving parts, so the motor will not deteriorate and require maintenance, however it still enables uses to digitally zoom and navigate the camera’s viewable area using advanced software. T. +44 (0)1932 743 333 www.tyco.com
ONELAN ONELAN is proud to announce that its NTB-4K-1000-P/NTB4K-2000-P models have been recognised as Crestron 4K Certified devices. This makes ONELAN the only manufacturer with two certified source devices among the growing list of Crestron 4K Certified devices. The Crestron 4K Certification Program acknowledges the quality and reliability of playback delivered by the 4K Net-Top-Box and ensures compatibility with Crestron’s 4K distribution systems. With more 4K devices entering the market, it’s increasingly difficult for systems integrators and AV pros to understand which offer the best performance, quality of playback and reliability. Crestron’s engineers in the DigitalMedia Lab have taken the industry lead, rigorously testing 4K sources and displays to ensure they’ll work in a distributed system powered by DM. T. +44 (0)1491 411 400 E. sales@onelan.com www.onelan.com Twitter: onelan_ltd
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products
LIGHTING Display Lighting The DPLED Gantry luminaire from Display Lighting is designed for use in a number of applications in retail, display and museums. DPLED is a specialist made to measure gantry LED luminaire, unobtrusively illuminating jewellery and any other merchandise within display cabinets and showcases, adding sparkle and catching the eye without creating shadows. DPLED is a no UV, low heat and low energy lighting solution incorporating Philips LEDs to reduce energy bills, compared with halogen/metal halide. T. +44 (0)161 207 3355 E. enquiries@display-lighting.com www.display-lighting.com Twitter: DisplayLighting
Gamma Illumination The new Freestyle ABD Linear from Gamma Illumination is a cost effective and energy efficient LED replacement for existing T5 and T8 fluorescent fittings. The ABD is hassle free and is suitable for waiting rooms, offices, lobbies, corridors, reception areas and leisure facilities. Powered by the Tridonic LLE module and Talexx Converter, for optimum efficacy, the ABD is a professional surface-mounted luminaire with a contemporary look, specially designed to cover ceiling damage left by previous fittings. The luminaire has an extra-long life of 50,000 hours (L70) and its energy usage can be further reduced with its smart sensor and dimming options. T. +44 (0)1924 482 777 E. sales@gamma-uk.com www.gamma-uk.com Twitter: GammaLighting
Sylvania Sylvania, part of the Havells Sylvania Group, has extended its LED product range with the RefLED+ ES50 V2 360lm lamp, a true retrofit replacement for a halogen GU10 with the energy saving and long life benefits of LED technology. The RefLED+ lamp has been created with a unique shallow depth, full diameter, halogen facetted lens design that maintains a traditional lamp aesthetic that delivers high efficacy and a stunning lit effect. The lamp’s design is the first LED GU10 lamp whereby the full front face lens lights up with no visible heat sink from the front. This allows the lamp to be used in any colour downlight or spotlight without colours clashing between lamp and fixture and offering a wide aperture of light, unlike conventional LED lamps. Available in nondimmable and dimmable versions, the lamps consume just 5W and 5.5W respectively. T. +44 (0)870 606 2030 E. info.concord@havells-sylvania.com www.sylvania-lamps.com Twitter: HavellsSylvania
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Spectral Lighting Part of the RIDI Group, Spectral Lighting’s STORA LK luminaire has taken pride of place at the revamped Swindon Designer Outlet Centre. STORA LK is an ultra-efficient LED pendant ring luminaire that creates a striking light effect. An elegant and timeless design, it offers continuous direct LED lighting, with its aluminium body acting as a thermal control to ensure a constant temperature and optimum output. STORA LK’s clean lines are accentuated by the drop suspension wires that cleverly integrate power cabling. The project also utilised RIDI’s EDLR downlighters, T. +44 (0)1279 450 882 E. enquiries@ spectral-lighting.co.uk www.spectrallighting.co.uk
R_Focus_RH_Aleda_Hacel.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2015 13:35 Page 1
Aleda Adjustable : LED
Precise and Powerful Featuring a distinctive design, the Aleda Adjustable downlighter by Hacel adds an innovative dimension to accent lighting. Combining creativity with lighting class single point LED Modules, the luminaire, with a smooth and precise pan and tilt adjustment, hosts outstanding performance characteristics and energy efficiency. The Aleda is ideally suited to a wide range of applications, providing a lighting solution of the highest quality. Dynamic Design. Exceptional Engineering.
Our stunning new Fluent in Lighting Catalogue presents a dynamic range of architecturally inspired, class leading LED luminaires with superior perfomance. Download now
w w w. h a c e l . c o. u k
products
SURFACES + FINISHES Doro Tape UK To add to its already extensive portfolio, Doro Tape UK has introduced a new Illustra range of patterned window decoration film, each with its own design guaranteed to bring individuality and style to any establishment. Manufactured by ASLAN in Germany, these films come in three attractive styles; Polka, Linen and Snow. Suitable for long term exterior applications, they offer excellent scratch resistance, have a dry apply adhesive for ease of application, and as an added bonus are digitally printable. T. +44 (0)1858 431 642 E. sales@dorotape.co.uk www.dorotape.co.uk Twitter: doro_tape
Armourcoat Armourcoat has refreshed its modular surface solutions website, presenting stunning effects and design ideas for retail interiors. The ArmourFX website (www.armourfx.com) features case studies, finish options, a web-based CRM (Customer Relationship Management) project delivery system, together with hundreds of standard and custom design ideas. A product visualiser provides specifiers with a step-by-step guide to the design process, and includes an estimated budget pricing range. T. +44 (0)1732 460 668 E: sales@armourcoat.co.uk www.armourcoat.com Twitter: Armourcoat
3M Innovatively crafted, decorative surface finishes from 3M have been used to refresh service counters as part of a Post Office Network Transformation Project involving 6,500 main and local category outlets. An estimated 5,000m of easy-to-apply and highly durable DI-NOC Architectural Finishes have been installed by leading corporate signage specialist Sign 2000 to refurbish all of the service counters at these sites rather than having to meet the high cost of replacement, thereby enabling savings to be made by the Post Office. DI-NOC offers additional benefits including the ease with which the films can be applied and purposely removed as required. T. +44 (0)800 121 4739 E. commgraphics.uk@mmm.com www.3M.co.uk/innovativefinishes Twitter: 3MgraphicsUK
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Aspecta Aspecta Erme is launching 24 abstract LVT tile designs. The new tiles embrace a creative portfolio of vibrant and stimulating colours, textures and shapes. In a retail context, an innovative use of abstracts can not only contribute to the overall brand but also help with signposting and marketing. Sizes range from 184,15mm x 1219,2mm to 609,6mm x 609,6mm, and all products have a 3.2mm thickness and a 0.7mm wear layer. T. +31 (0) 88 166 2500 E. info@aspectaflooring.com www.aspectaflooring.co.uk Twitter: Aspectaflooring
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products
FLOORING Forbo Flooring Forbo’s Nuway Tuftiguard Classic and Design ranges benefit from two new scraper bar options. Black Anodised provides a contemporary matt black aesthetic compared to standard aluminium bars, whilst the robust, reliable and environmentally friendly Bamboo option sits perfectly with interior wood finishes and other floor coverings, providing a truly unique entrance flooring choice. In addition, Forbo’s Nuway Grid and Connect single-sided systems feature a new rubber Ultragrip insert providing increased slip resistance, particularly in multi-directional entrances. T. +44 (0)844 822 3928 E. info.flooring.uk@forbo.com www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/nuway Twitter: forboflooring
Polyflor SimpLay loose lay vinyl floor tiles from Polyflor have added the finishing touches to a refurbished Vodafone store in Birmingham. They were installed by AFB Flooring Solutions of Lancashire, for retail and commercial fit out specialist Audas Project Management. Suitable for retail and commercial environments, SimpLay tiles and planks have been developed for loose lay installation without the use of adhesive, so they can be fitted quickly with minimal downtime required. The SimpLay range features eight authentic wood plank designs, six natural stone tile effects and two weave pattern tiles. The Rich Walnut 2504 shade complements Vodafone’s signature red and white colour scheme. T. +44 (0)161 767 1111 E. info@polyflor.com www.polyflor.com Twitter: Polyflorltd
Gradus Gradus has extended its primary barrier matting collection with the launch of Esplanade 8500, a heavy duty mat suitable for use in the most demanding environments. Esplanade 8500 has been specially developed for use in both interior and exterior environments subject to heavy foot and wheeled traffic, such as shopping centres, supermarkets and railway stations. The matting is available in 12mm and 18mm thicknesses, in open and closed construction, and comprises rubber wipers and silver anodised aluminium linking strips. The rubber wipers are available as either single or double and are ideal for scraping off dirt. They are available in plain rubber or rubber interwoven with nylon fibres, with a choice of two colours — grey or black. The silver anodised aluminium linking strips help to reduce strobing in brightly lit environments. T. +44 (0)1625 428 922 E. imail@gradusworld.com www.gradusworld.com Twitter: Gradus_World
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Tarkett Tarkett has extended its commercial modular products collection to include Loose-lay LVT, making it the most comprehensive modular solution on the market. Available in stone and wood designs, the Loose-lay collection stands out for its textile and abstract aesthetics. iD Inspiration Loose-lay LVT features a unique herringbone ‘gripping tread’ design effect on its underside. Ideal for overnight installation, the loose-lay requires little if any subfloor preparation as it absorbs uneven patches. T. (0)1622 854 040 E. uksales@tarkett.com www.tarkett.co.uk Twitter: TarkettUK
DESIGN LED CONTINUOUS VINYL FLOORING
A unique addition to the Expona Family Introducing the latest edition to the Expona family of floorcoverings, Expona Flow is a collection of 50 commercial vinyl sheet products encompassing authentically reproduced natural materials and innovative, eye catching designs. Contact us for your free copies of the new brochure and fully sampled presentation book.
POLYFLOR LTD. PO BOX 3 RADCLIFFE NEW RD WHITEFIELD MANCHESTER M45 7NR TEL: 0161 767 1122 FAX: 0161 767 1128 E-MAIL: INFO@POLYFLOR.COM WWW.POLYFLOR.COM
flooring
focusFLOORING on: Flooring in stores needs to withstand a huge amount of foot traffic everyday. It needs to be hardwearing, easy to clean and retain its appearance to represent the brand and add to the overall look and feel of a store. Here we bring you a variety of solutions that keep retail spaces looking their best, including wood, vinyl and laminate.
By the book At Foyles book store, in the old university building of Central St. Martin’s, the original floor from the old ballroom has been restored and re-laid in the central area. A new Domus engineered oak floor has been added to the remainder of the new areas, including the entrance lobby, book aisles, stairways, lift areas, cafe and exhibition spaces. Large plank and complementary smaller strip-wood parquet formats were selected for specific areas to finish off each space — the warm tonal variation of the natural oiled Select wood grade gives the floor a distinct, organic character that performs to a high standard for this busy London retail business.
www.domustiles.co.uk
Solid as a rock
Luxury vinyl tiles from Polyflor’s Expona flooring range have been laid throughout the Harris + Hoole coffee shop in Slough. With unlimited design possibilities available from the Expona collection, a combination of tiles in contrasting colours were chosen by Path Design of London to create a striking effect.
Junckers’ latest offering is Driftwood Grey Oak, a new collection based on the success of its finishing product, Driftwood Grey Oil. Available on the brand’s full range of solid oak floors, wide board planks, two-strip and textured oak floors, it has a distinctive worn look, with the patina of a rustic, aged wooden floor without compromising on any of the benefits of a Junckers solid hardwood floor.
www.polyflor.com
www.junckers.co.uk
Possibilities are endless
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flooring
Stimulating the senses
Step by step The Aqua-Step laminate waterproof laminate flooring range, exclusively available from IDS, includes 18 designs with a choice of elegant travertine stones and stylish woodgrains to suit a wide range of interior looks. The product is ideal for domestic and commercial applications offering an easy installation, low maintenance, high performance waterproof floor finish. Aqua-Step effortlessly withstands water, condensation and moisture and can be wet-mopped with soap water without any swelling of the boards. It’s 100 per cent waterproof with the core of the board made of high quality synthetic resin in combination with a honeycomb structure. It’s also compatible with underfloor heating.
Aspecta Erme has launched a collection of 24 abstract LVT tile designs. This new range embraces a creative portfolio of colours, textures and shapes that are vibrant and stimulating. With sizes ranging from 184,15mm x 1,219,2mm to 609,6mm x 609,6mm, all products have a 3.2mm thickness and a 0.7mm wear layer. They are further enhanced by a three stage embossing process with 13 different designs, and also a ceramic bead finish.
www.aspectaflooring.com
www.idsurfaces.co.uk
Full of inspiration Tarkett has supplied and installed flooring for Poundland’s newest London store at Treaty Shopping Centre in Hounslow. With an emphasis on durability and resilience to accommodate for significant footfall, this project saw Tarkett’s iD Inspiration flooring in Oak Natural fitted front of house. The flooring is manufactured with a 0.70mm transparent PVC wear layer that means it’s incredibly hard-wearing without losing any of its visual appeal. A TopClean XP PUR surface treatment also means easy, low-cost maintenance and high return on investment. The range is also environmentally friendly being 100 per cent recyclable, and includes a minimum 48 per cent recycled content. For back of house in staff areas and the Hounslow store’s stock room, Tarkett installed Vylon Plus, a homogeneous vinyl floorcovering that provides an incredibly versatile flooring solution.
www.tarkett.co.uk
New kid on the bloc The Bloc collection from Kährs is an on-trend patterned wood floor created using individual oak staves, available in three different sizes and shades. Sections are easily joined using an oak tongue to create unlimited geometric designs — from traditional herringbone to modern brick — in single or multi-colours. Staves can also be used to create eye-catching borders around patterned or traditional plank floors. All Kährs Bloc staves have an even timber grain, a lightly brushed surface and a beveled edge along all four sides. Nature Bloc has an oil prefinish, whilst White and Grey Bloc are oiled and stained, which creates an elegant washed hue.
www.kahrs.com
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‘Smoke’ by Armourcoat Sculptural From a range of original seamless 3D wall surface designs www.sculptural.armourcoat.com
Directory
Retail Supplier Directory, find the specialist retail products and services you are looking for from leading suppliers around the world. Retail Supplier Directory Visit the Retail Focus online directory at www.retail-focus.co.uk to discover a comprehensive list of the UK’s leading retail suppliers. Each listing contains indepth company information together with inspirational images, video footage and informative press material. You can also link through to company websites and connect with suppliers through Twitter and Facebook. The Retail Supplier Directory is divided into a number of categories, such as design agencies, point-of-purchase, lighting, props and surfaces, to make the site easy to navigate. To feature in the online directory, contact Terry Clark on 0845 6807405 or email terry@retailfocus.co
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Directory
Aluminium Fittings
Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry. Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights *Aluminium slatwall *Perimeter Sections *Corner sections *Design and bespoke service. T: 01273 582241 E: info@d-i-a.net W: www.d-i-a.net S. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin
Bespoke Display
Bespoke Display
Axis design, develop, manufacture and install bespoke retail display solutions. We’ve worked with the biggest names on the high street, but approach every project in the same way, with the maximum thought for your brand, products and sales environment.
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, 020 3260 3888 E. info@axiseurope.com W.www.axiseurope.com/retail S. www.twitter.com/AxisEuropePlc
T: +44 (0)8450 944 699 E: ben.wang@ksf-global.com W: www.ksf-global.com S: www.twitter.com/KSFGlobal
Design Consultancies
H Squared Limited are display specialists in creating brand presence at the point of purchase. Through a holistic approach to the development of display... strategic led creative design and cost effective manufacture, supply and installation, H Squared are able to offer clients an experience to nurture an idea as well as the capability to realise and deliver these ideas. T: 01530 814200 E: studio@hsquared.co.uk W: www.hsquaredltd.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/HSquaredLtd
Aluminium Fittings
Bespoke Display
MicroSlat is a strong versatile 25mm fine pitched aluminium slatwall system. With a bespoke range of components it can be used to build unique and interesting displays or add value to existing designs.
Original suppliers of display fabrics, textiles, PVC and polycarbonates for retail displays and exhibition stands since 1934 Backgrounds have been our background since backgrounds began and B Brown have more than 400 in stock.
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
Walker Bros (Elland) Ltd is an Engineering Manufacturing company specialising in sheet metalwork and plastic fabrication. We supply precision metal and plastic products, components and light fabrications to a broad range of industries and markets throughout the UK and Europe. 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
Walker Bros (Elland) Ltd is an Engineering Manufacturing company specialising in sheet metalwork and plastic fabrication. We supply precision metal and plastic products, components and light fabrications to a broad range of industries and markets throughout the UK and Europe. T: 0 01422 310767 E: sales@wbelland.com W: www.wbelland.com
Design Consultancies
Design Consultancies
We are TWO Visual, the retail agency specialising in visual merchandising. Led by brand directors Jeanette Cheetham and Brendan Gordon we provide everything retailers need to make their brands visually dynamic, whilst improving team and commercial performance.
T, +44 (0) 1858 414275 E. hello@twovisual.co.uk W. www. twovisual.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/TWO_Visual
Bespoke Display
Display
No.1 Advertising Balloon Service: • Printed Latex and Foil Balloons • Helium Gas delivery and collection • Flags, Bunting and Banners • Promotional Sashes and T-shirts • Multi-store distribution nationwide
We are IPOS. A creative design agency whose extensive and impressive client list speaks volumes for the professional services we offer. We design, produce and install all aspects of our client’s POS. From instore graphics, window vinyls and 3D bespoke window displays to full multi location campaign roll outs.
With over 24 years experience and knowledge within the industry, we pride ourselves on offering a tailored service for retail solutions such as Mannequins, LED Lighting & magnIQ our patented magnetic wall system. We work with many different sectors, including; Designers, Stylists, Architects and Visual concept team buyers.
arken are a UK design and manufacturing facility creating bespoke poster display solutions. As well as our bespoke offer, we provide off the shelf products such as poster frames, light boxes, poster hanging systems, pavement signs, forecourt signs, all available in a range of colours and sizes.
T, 01494 774376 E. sales@b-loony.com W. www.b-loony.com
T: 0161 477 8501 E: info@ipos-design.co.uk W: www.ipos-design.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/iposdesign
T +44 (0)20 8348 9888 E: mail@rarebasic.com W: www.rarebasic.com S: www.twitter.com/rarebasic
T: +44 (0)1638 565656 E: info@arken-pop.com W: www.arken-pop.com
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Directory
Display
Are you looking to increase your product sales, re-brand or launch a new product? If you’re not already talking to us, you should. Our group offer an unprecedented level of experience coupled with a comprehensive range of products and services. Our aim is to make your products sell and your service the best on the market.
T: +44(0)113 265 0093 E: sales@concept-data.com W: www.concept-data.com S. www.twitter.com/GDProjects
Display
Internationally acclaimed, award winning unique magnetic wall system offers instant flexibility & creative choice to architects, interiors & store designers. Since launching the magnIQ system in 2006 the response has been quite phenomenal. To date the system has won 13 prestigious awards and is now internationally recognised justifying the many years Rare Basic spent on research and development. T +44 (0)20 8348 9888 E: mail@rarebasic.com W: www.rarebasic.com S: www.twitter.com/rarebasic
Display - Digital
Furniture
Crystal Display Systems is already a leading UK designer, distributor and value added reseller of flat panel display solutions. We have a vast array of media players, interactive displays, videowalls and shelf edge displays. Our knowledge and expertise has also led to us being one of the European leaders in transparent LCD.
Spur Creative Workshop deliver unique visual merchandising solutions for retail brands. Boasting a wealth of experience in high quality prop making we create display concepts for window staging, POS and brand awareness campaigns.
T: +44 (0) 1634 292 025 E: info@crystal-display.com W: www.crystal-display.com S. www.twitter.com/CrystalDisplays
T 01892 890608 E: phil@spurcreative.co.uk W www.spurcreative.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative
Furniture
Display
Display
Display - Digital
GDP display, manufactures, delivers and installs world-class retail environments, store fixtures, displays and visual merchandising equipment. GDP is truly Global, through its activities in many parts of the world. We have supplied high-end displays and furniture to successful retail brands throughout Europe, North America, South Africa and South East Asia.
Spur Creative Workshop deliver unique visual merchandising solutions for retail brands. Boasting a wealth of experience in high quality prop making we create display concepts for window staging, POS and brand awareness campaigns.
We provide total end to end solutions encompassing all aspects of designing, implementing, managing and supporting multi-faceted marketing technology concepts and Digital Screen Media networks.
We create bespoke tailored solutions for retail, interiors, exhibitions, museums and 3D and we know one size does not fit all. Our teams are always ready for the challenges, big or small.
T: +44 (0)1582 433 771 E: info@gdprojects.eu W: www.gdprojects.eu S. www.twitter.com/GDProjects
T 01892 890608 E: phil@spurcreative.co.uk W www.spurcreative.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative
T, +44 (0)845 481 8020 E. info@screenmediatechnology.com W.screenmediatechnology.com S. www.twitter.com/ScreenMediaTech
T: 01923 800666 E: info@stylographics.co.uk W: www.stylographics.com S. www.twitter.com/hellostylo
Display
Display
We are IPOS. A creative design agency whose extensive and impressive client list speaks volumes for the professional services we offer. We design, produce and install all aspects of our client’s POS. From instore graphics, window vinyls and 3D bespoke window displays to full multi location campaign roll outs.
We create bespoke tailored solutions for retail, interiors, exhibitions, museums and 3D and we know one size does not fit all. Our teams are always ready for the challenges, big or small.
T: 0161 477 8501 E: info@ipos-design.co.uk W: www.ipos-design.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/iposdesign
T: 01923 800666 E: info@stylographics.co.uk W: www.stylographics.com S. www.twitter.com/hellostylo
EPOS
Offering an extensive range of EPOS hardware from world class suppliers such as Star Micronics, Honeywell and Posiflex, DED offer the complete EPOS hardware solution alongside a unique rewritable loyalty system.
T: 01797 320636 E: sales@ded.co.uk W: www.ded.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/dedltd
Finishes
Display
Display
Impulse POP specialises in Point of Purchase display systems for the Retail sector. We offer many years of experience in all aspects of retail design, with in house manufacture - including quick turnaround prototypes, or overseas manufacture, delivery, installation and retail merchandising.
Woodwood Group –Tx Frame UK are a specialist in tension fabric display systems and LED light boxes. We are able to deliver the highest quality service with a friendly but professional approach to ensure you receive the spectacular results you deserve.
Armourcoat is the world’s foremost supplier of polished plasters, sculptural effects and innovative surface finishes.
T, 01767 682756 E. sales@impulsepop.co.uk W.www.impulsepop.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/impulsepop
T, 01376 295 016 E. sales@txframe.co.uk W. www.txframe.co.uk
T. +44 (0)1732 460 668 E. sales@armourcoat.co.uk W. www.armourcoat.com S. www.twitter.com/Armourcoat
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Graphics
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
POP/POS
Crystal Display Systems is already a leading UK designer, distributor and value added reseller of flat panel display solutions. We have a vast array of media players, interactive displays, videowalls and shelf edge displays. Our knowledge and expertise has also led to us being one of the European leaders in transparent LCD.
Impulse POP specialises in Point of Purchase display systems for the Retail sector. We offer many years of experience in all aspects of retail design, with in house manufacture - including quick turnaround prototypes, or overseas manufacture, delivery, installation and retail merchandising.
T: +44 (0) 1634 292 025 E: info@crystal-display.com W: www.crystal-display.com S. www.twitter.com/CrystalDisplays
Lighting
T, 01767 682756 E. sales@impulsepop.co.uk W.www.impulsepop.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/impulsepop
POP/POS
LED Solutions are a specialist LED lighting supplier who can offer you a wide variety of bespoke lighting solutions for the sign, shop fitting and display industries.
We are IPOS. A creative design agency whose extensive and impressive client list speaks volumes for the professional services we offer. We design, produce and install all aspects of our client’s POS. From instore graphics, window vinyls and 3D bespoke window displays to full multi location campaign roll outs.
T: 0116 262 5933 E: sales@ledsolutions.co.uk W: www.ledsolutions.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/ LEDSolutionsUK
T: 0161 477 8501 E: info@ipos-design.co.uk W: www.ipos-design.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/iposdesign
POP/POS
Custom made, 20mm deep LED Edge lit ‘Diamond’ light boxes, and 8mm deep ‘Garnet’ light panels for retail display, signage and advertising.
T: 0333 123 0345 F: 0333 123 0445 E: Sales@ways2display.com W www.artillus.com
POP/POS
From small, lightweight point-of-sale display turntables for short term use, to larger turntables designed for durability and reliability over many years, Movetech UK has a turntable to meet your needs.
T: 01204 537680 E: display@movetechuk.com W:www.movetechuk.com S. www.twitter.com/movetechuk
POP Install
100% provides services in the UK & Europe covering: • • • • • •
Display Installation POS Updates & Maintenance Store Audits Transport & Warehousing Project Management Online Reporting
T: +44 (0)161 929 9599 E: dan.williams@100percentgroup.com W: www.100percentgroup.com S. www.twitter.com/ 100percentgroup
POP Install
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: 01273 582241 E: info@d-i-a.net W: www.d-i-a.net S. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin
Slatwall
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.
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: +44 (0) 1625 569 200 E: instore@momentuminstore.com W: www.momentuminstore.com S: www.twitter.com/momentuminstore
T. 01325 351 276 E. sales@microslat.com W. www.microslat.com S. www.twitter.com/MicroSlat
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
VM
MTFX Winter Effects artificial display snow range includes all you need to give your displays the crispness of a winter setting or the chill of a frosty Christmas.
T: 01452 729903 E: info@mtfx.com W: www.mtfx.com
POP/POS
POP/POS
Retail Consultancy
VM - Training & Tools
We specialise in Point of Sale (POS) and Point of Purchase (POP). We design, manufacture and fit retail fixtures and store displays and we’re good at it. For over 55 years Axiom has been designing and producing exciting and innovative retail displays for well known brands and retail groups.
Spur Creative Workshop deliver unique visual merchandising solutions for retail brands. Boasting a wealth of experience in high quality prop making we create display concepts for window staging, POS and brand awareness campaigns.
We are TWO Visual, the retail agency specialising in visual merchandising. Led by brand directors Jeanette Cheetham and Brendan Gordon we provide everything retailers need to make their brands visually dynamic, whilst improving team and commercial performance.
We are TWO Visual, the retail agency specialising in visual merchandising. Led by brand directors Jeanette Cheetham and Brendan Gordon we provide everything retailers need to make their brands visually dynamic, whilst improving team and commercial performance.
T: +44 (0)161 681 1371 E: info@axiom-displays.co.uk W: www.axiom-displays.co.uk
T 01892 890608 E: phil@spurcreative.co.uk W www.spurcreative.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative
T, +44 (0) 1858 414275 E. hello@twovisual.co.uk W. www. twovisual.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/TWO_Visual
T, +44 (0) 1858 414275 E. hello@twovisual.co.uk W. www. twovisual.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/TWO_Visual
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Q&A
Nathan King is head of visual at Warehouse. Here he reminisces about his early introduction to the retail world, runs through an average day in the Warehouse visual department and discusses current trends. RF. What is your career background? NK. Wow... if I go all the way back to the start, I used to help my mum out in her shoe shop on a Saturday ripping up delivery boxes aged eight, and good training I say. I have had some amazing opportunities in my career, working with some iconic brands such as Topshop, Topman, Oasis, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and now more recently with Warehouse. A real mix of retail high street and premium brands has rounded me to say the least. I studied an arts-based degree but then went back to the floor and have done the hard path of shopfloor and fitting rooms to the present day, and wouldn’t change a bit of it!
mine and the team’s creative thinking and coming up with something innovative. We are actually very lucky to work in this amazing industry.
RF. As head of the visual department at Warehouse, how many people are in your team?
RF. What trends are you seeing in visual merchandising and display at the moment?
NK. We are strong at 20 amazingly creative talented people so far, from global VM/international/field VM/creative and in-store visuals; honestly the best team I have worked with to date. We have just completed our AW15 press day set up and the whole team in someway supported the set up. The enthusiasm and commitment always blows me away. We have worked really hard to get a diverse team; having individuals part of a big structure makes things more interesting and drives creative thinking, and most importantly when you get us all together in one room we have a huge laugh and for me thats really important. It’s so corny but an old manager of mine used to say ‘team work makes the dream work’ ... I just cringed!
NK. Product wise, for us at Warehouse we are seeing that quality and a point of distinction is what she is looking for; something a little more premium that feels quality and exclusive but accessible. From a more creative interior perspective it’s all about a cleaner modern feel for me. After a brilliant trip to Milan recently you couldn’t escape natural woods and raw metals, bold copy and print, and hints of colour.
RF. What does an average day in the Warehouse visual department involve? NK. You have to be having a laugh. If there is a curve ball you know we’ll get it, but what is consistent is a resilience to that, and just cracking on and getting it done. New stores, new windows, new promos, new print, new people, new product... it’s all in a days work for Team Visual at Warehouse. RF. What’s been your favourite scheme you’ve worked on during your career? NK. There have been plenty; some amazing show stoppers and some smaller schemes that just make you smile. The ‘Walk this way’ denim dogs window at Oasis was a window that still makes me smile — poodles made of denim; need I say more? More recently the spring/summer window for Warehouse has been a sophisticated modern window, more of an artistic installation, and really reflects the direction of the Warehouse brand. For me it’s great to keep doing new things, challenging
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RF. What schemes are you working on at the moment? NK. We are nearly done with autumn/winter and trying to get this into production in the next few weeks. Simultaneously, Christmas, can you bare it? It makes my head spin, I’ve not even had a sun burnt shoulder yet and already we are thinking about the festive season! We try and keep a bank of ideas at the ready so we can keep things moving, looking at themes and trends that are coming up, but as we all know that can all change.
Creators & makers of award winning window schemes & in-store environments USING /// WOOD ACRYLIC METAL PRINT PLASTIC POLYSTYRENE COMMON SENSE
Blacks London /// 0207 377 1776 Blacks Factory /// 01937 840 090 Email info@blacks-vm.com www.blacks-vm.com