Retail Focus December 2016

#80

retail focus

DECEMBER 2016 : £6.75 #82

December 2016/issue 82

retail focus WWW.RETAIL-FOCUS.CO.UK

ASSOS of Switzerland: Coast: Coach House: VM supplement: Shopping Centres: Pop-up Shops: Retail Trends 2017: Materials & Finishes: Q&A with Steven Dempsey, John Lewis

Night and day Coast boutique retail concept celebrates everyday glamour

Christmas windows : ASSOS of Switzerland : Coach House : Pop-up Shops : VM Supplement : Shopping Centres : Retail Trends 2017 : Materials & Finishes

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contents

CONTENTS Night and day

30-32

Coast’s new boutique retail concept in Newcastle’s Metrocentre embodies what it means to feel beautiful, modern and feminine.

71

39 Pop-ups: Sense of excitement

43 VM supplement 7 8

Leader

Retail 2017: What’s in store?

65 Shopping centres 26-36 Project Focus ASSOS of Switzerland : Coast : Coach House

Diary

10-16 News 18-20 Window shopping A round-up of this season’s Christmas windows.

22

Top of the POPS

25

Karl McKeever Make 2017 the year to celebrate store teams, says Karl.

www.retail-focus.co.uk

69

O pinion Philip Handford, creative director at Campaign Design, discusses the past, present and future of the physical retail experience.

77-86 P roducts Products and services for the retail industry.

88 Focus on surfaces & finishes 94

Q&A Steven Dempsey, VM concept manager at John Lewis, discusses the role of the visual merchandiser, collaborations and trends for the year ahead.

“Sometimes you need to take the bull by the horns... ....and get on with it.”

- Said every successful product designer ever

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welcome December ‘16 As 2016 draws to a close we find ourselves, once again, reflecting on the past 12 months and considering the trends likely to impact the retail industry in 2017. In this final issue of the year, specialists from across the sector share their thoughts on what the new year has in store (pages 71-73). Watch out for more emotionally distinct, service-led experiences!

As our columnist Karl McKeever gazes into the future, he explains why 2017 should be the year that the industry celebrates store teams; the gatekeepers to delivering compelling retail experiences. ‘While the “hardware” of a store is important, it becomes almost meaningless if its team members are not motivated, passionate about the brand and buy into why getting it right matters,’ he says, on page 25.

In November, the VM and Display industry gathered in London to celebrate its magnificent achievements over the past 12 months. Winners on the night included Hackett, Debenhams, Joseph Fashion and Diptyque (pages 55-57).

The final award went to Steven Dempsey of John Lewis, who was named most innovative person in VM. Read our Q&A with Steven on page 94.

This creative and talented group has once again excelled itself by delivering some truly inspiring festive window schemes that conjure up a sense of fun and excitement this holiday season. In our regular Window Shopping feature, we browse the displays of some of London’s top department stores (pages 18-20), while in our special VM supplement we head further afield to marvel at the schemes adorning the streets of Paris and New York (pages 49-51).

From all of us at Retail Focus, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and successful 2017.

Gemma Balmford Editor

Managing Editor

Editor

Gemma Balmford e. gemma@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)7908 895 906

Lyndsey Dennis e. lyndsey@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)7500 138 810

Display Sales

Production & Web

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

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

Get more from Retail Focus online!

www.retail-focus.co.uk

Account Manager Adam Potter e. adam@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)845 680 7405

Industry associations

Search Retail Focus For subscription enquiries please email: subscriptions@retailfocus.co Retail Focus is published 12 times a year by Retail Focus Promotions Ltd, Yeomans, Bassetts Lane, Woodham Walter, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6RZ. system or transmitted in any form without permission. Please address all enquiries to the editor at the above address. The opinions expressed in Retail Focus are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information contained in these pages. We will assume permission to publish any unsolicited material unless otherwise stated. ©Retail Focus Promotions Ltd 2016.

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diary

DIARY

Maison & Objet Paris Nord Villepinte, France 20-24 January 2017 Every year, Maison & Objet spotlights the most outstanding names on the contemorary international design and decor scene across three main hubs: Maison, Objet and Influences. For each fair, Maison&Objet chooses a Designer of the Year, and for January Pierre Charpin has been chosen. The Rising Talent Awards take place during the fair, and reveal tomorrow’s star lifestyle designers. For 2017, Maison & Objet is introducing Rising Talent Awards UK with the support of Sir John Sorrell, founder of London Design Festival, the London Biennale and the Saturday Night Club Trust.

MaisonObjet

www.maison-objet.com

Retail Shopfitting & Display Summit Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted 6-7 February 2017 The Retail Shopfitting & Display Summit brings together retail professionals and suppliers for one-to-one business meetings, seminars and networking. The Summit aims to help industry professionals discuss their plans, generate new ideas and share information.

RSDSummit

www.retailshopfittingsummit.co.uk

Surface Design Show Business Design Centre, London 7-9 February 2017 Surface Design Show returns to London in February 2017, showcasing the newest and best surfaces that the design industry has to offer. More than 130 exhibitors have already signed up, with more to be confirmed over the next few months.

Returning brands include Altfield, Concreate and James Latham. surfacethinking

www.surfacedesignshow.com

EuroShop Messe DĂźsseldorf, Germany 5-9 March 2017 EuroShop will be celebrating 50 years in 2017. Launched in 1966, EuroShop is a creative hub bursting with new ideas specifically for retail. Some 2,500 exhibitors from more than 50 countries will present their products for the global retail sector. Due to high demand for exhibition space, an extra hall will be occupied bringing the total to 17 halls.

Euroshop

www.euroshop-tradefair.com

www.retail-focus.co.uk /Events keep up-to-date with the latest events in your industry

Photo: Messe Dusseldorf / ctillmann

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news

NEWS Amazon Go store concept unveiled Amazon has announced plans to introduce the Amazon Go store concept, using its Just Walk Out technology.

Customers simply open the app on their smartphone and scan it as they enter the store, then begin shopping. No queues, no tills, just grab your shopping and leave.

This checkout-free shopping

experience is made possible by the same types of technologies used in self-driving cars: computer vision, sensor fusion, and deep learning. Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology automatically detects when products are taken from or returned to the shelves and keeps track of them in a virtual cart. When you’re done shopping,

Missguided opens first store at Westfield Stratford Women’s fashion brand Missguided has opened its first bricks and mortar store, located at Westfield Stratford.

The brand has enjoyed record revenue for the year to March 2016 of £117 million; a 34 per cent increase on the £87 million in the previous year.

Designed by Dalziel and Pow, the store is the first bold step in the brand’s ambitious strategy to offer a seamless online/offline experience.

The ‘On Air’ store concept entices girls to be creative and in constant conversation with each other by turning social media into a live, physical experience, making them feel part of an exciting community. Inspired by a TV studio, the space delivers a dynamic live stream of content, fashion and inspiration. It captures the Snapchat generation’s short attention span and desire for the new, with a constantly changing space, bursting with ‘jaw-to-the-floor’ shareable moments, stage sets and real-time digital displays, where co-created brand content comes to life.

Inside the store, one of the focal points includes a pink monster truck created by Prop Studios, bedecked in jewels, pink leather, lighting and chromed features. The truck is surrounded by oversized donut tyres dripping with icing and sprinkles, alongside mannequins shooting dollar bills — the perfect point for an Instagram photo.

The Westfield flagship is the first in the pipeline of store openings in the UK and the brand is currently in the process of exploring opportunities internationally.

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you can just leave the store. Shortly after, Amazon will charge your Amazon account and send you a receipt.

Amazon is trialling this store concept in Seattle in an approximate 167 sq m space.

Amazon Go is currently open to Amazon employees in its Beta programme, and will open to the public in early 2017.

news

Selfridges unveils phase one of its Accessories Hall Phase one of the new Accessories Hall at Selfridges London is now open. Due to complete in 2018, Selfridges will triple the size of its current luxury handbag department to change the way customers shop for luxury accessories and designer handbags in particular. By transforming its existing handbag department into the ultimate global destination for luxury accessories, Selfridges continues to deliver its vision to be the destination for the most extraordinary customer experience.

Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, the 5,574 sq m Accessories Hall will provide customers with an intimate, personalised and unique experience

each time they visit. Everything has been designed to make the beauty and craftsmanship capitalised in each luxury item sold from the hall, resonate in every aspect of the customer experience.

This retail approach applies to the intelligent architecture, which plays a crucial part in the customer experience by making it very intuitive, from the lighting to the product mix and the customer service proposition dispensed by specially trained teams. Items are showcased within the space in a special way that will bring greater meaning to each purchase and will reinforce customers’ appreciation of each product as a true investment rather

London College of Fashion to relocate to Stratford By 2021, the London College of Fashion will have a new home at the Olympic Village in Stratford. One of the anchors of the Cultural and Education Quarter at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this project will create one of

the world’s largest buildings dedicated to the study and research of fashion. It brings together the London College of Fashion’s disparate sites into one place at Stratford Waterfront, a new neighbourhood of which

than a commodity.

Phase one reveals 10 new luxury concept brand boutiques designed to be both distinctive and unified by David Chipperfield’s cohesive, fluid aesthetic treatment of the space. The flagship accessories boutiques are Balenciaga, Burberry, Chanel, Celine, Chloe, Chrome Hearts, Gucci, Loewe, Mulberry and Saint Laurent.

Anchoring the whole space is The Fount, a new cocktail concept bar. The Fount is anchored by four accessories spaces by Anya Hindmarch, Jimmy Choo, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.

architectural practice Allies and Morrison is providing a masterplan role.

For LCF, this is an opportunity to bring together different disciplines into one flexible place. The building will not just be integral to the way this institution exists and develops, but because of its prominent global role, to how fashion itself will evolve and innovate in the 21st century.

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news

Charlotte Tilbury opens Beauty Wonderland at Westfield White City Charlotte Tilbury has opened her second ever beauty store, at Westfield White City. Customers step through night crimson doors and into a super-sized ‘gifting wonderland’ with Hollywood theatre lights and red carpets.

The Beauty Wonderland store incorporates all of the latest digital innovations to Tilbury’s now signature Old Hollywood-inspired interiors. Nestled amongst the deep night crimson

velvet sofas, ornate, rose gold, Art Deco light fittings, Rock N Kohl zone and old Hollywood-style vanity tables, customers will find a Magic Mirror that magically morphs their face to the makeup artist’s 10 iconic looks in seconds. Customers can save their favourite looks and even try out a contour to see what it looks like — makeup made easy.

‘I can only liken it to falling down Alice’s rabbit hole into a world of makeup

enchantment; my stores are all about making makeup easy to use, easy to choose and easy to shop in a luxurious theatrical, sensory environment. It’s a real 18 to 80 playground — a world that’s designed to make you dream and make your beauty dreams come true,’ says Tilbury, who is keen to disrupt and revolutionise the shopping experience as we know it.

In brief...

Sainsbury’s is introducing five Mini Habitat concessions within its stores over the coming months. These concessions, which will range from 130 sq m to 185 sq m in size, will sit alongside and complement Sainsbury’s own homeware and cookware ranges.

The first Mini Habitat store opened at the Nine Elms supermarket, and the next at London Colney this month. A third opened at Marshall Lake in Solihull on 7 December.

LEGO has opened its biggest flagship, in London’s Leicester Square. The store’s focus is on inspiring creativity through new experiences and fun, interactive workshops, with a number of firsts for the brand. New features include the ‘Mosaic Maker’, which offers fans the opportunity to purchase their own personalised LEGO mosaic portrait.

Mynt Design creates fresh retail concept for Leicester opticians chain Mynt Design has created a new retail design concept for family owned opticians Henry Smith + Hamylton in Leicester.

Inspired by the architecture of the flagship store on Horsehair Street, the shopping environment is designed to reflect the brand’s rich heritage and personality as a professional and established Leicestershire brand, while clean, clinical

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spaces are used for eye examinations and private consultations.

Meanwhile, a fun, bold and vibrant zone is used to showcase the brand’s broad range of sunglasses.

The revamp is expected to complete in the first quarter of 2017 and will roll out to the company’s seven optical practices throughout the county.

South Molton Street and Sloane Street have welcomed the most international brand debuts in London, according to results from Colliers International’s Central London Retail Healthcheck Report. The report found 26 UK debut openings from international brands, plus an additional six British brands that have opened their first stores, across 20 London retail streets over the course of the year.

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news

Nespresso opens first boutiques in John Lewis Premium coffee brand Nespresso has opened two new boutiques in John Lewis Kingston and Peter Jones in Sloane Square. For the first time, John Lewis customers will be able to taste, purchase and learn more about the Grand Cru coffees at the two new boutiques.

These openings represent a pilot for Nespresso with the possibility for future boutiques in John Lewis stores across the UK. ‘We are proud to have been partners with John Lewis for many years. This announcement represents the next stage of our partnership, as we bring our coffee expertise to customers at John Lewis in Kingston and Sloane Square,’ says Francisco

Nogueira, Nespresso UK & Ireland managing director. ‘To date, John Lewis customers have been able to purchase machines in store but have not been able to purchase, taste or learn about our 24 Grands Crus. This is all about to change. John Lewis customers will now have the opportunity to enjoy the full Nespresso experience similar to that experienced in our stand-alone boutiques.’

The expansion comes as part of a broader ambition for Nespresso to open a boutique within an hour of every person in the UK and Ireland.

Covent Garden transformed into augmented reality shopping destination Covent Garden has been transformed into the world’s first augmented reality retail district for Christmas, in partnership with AR app Blippar. More than 140 participating stores and restaurants in Covent Garden are introducing new AR applications over the coming weeks in what will be the largest showcase of AR technology ever attempted in one location.

Merging bricks and clicks, visitors can expect fun and digitally enhanced immersive shopping experiences from brands across beauty, fashion and accessories such as Mulberry, Dior and The Watch Gallery. Families can also meet Santa in an interactive neighbourhood Grotto and embark on an AR treasure hunt to catch reindeers hidden around Covent Garden, including the largest digital reindeer ever that soars around the famous Piazza, merging the real and virtual worlds.

Meanwhile, shoppers will be able to unlock exclusive offers from the UK’s first AR Christmas tree — a towering 50ft spectacle in the heart of the Piazza and London’s largest Nordic spruce –

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which will be decorated with ‘offers’ that can only be unlocked through Blippar.

To help shoppers discover the perfect gifts, style editors from Esquire, Elle and Cosmopolitan will be working with Blippar and select Covent Garden retailers and restaurants including Hackett, Sandro, Dior, Kiehl’s, Charlotte Tilbury, Clinique, The Watch Gallery, Bobbi Brown, Ted Baker and Paul Smith to provide AR beauty and fashion gift guides that can be accessed through the Blippar app.

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international news

International

NEWS PRADA arrives in the Caribbean To consolidate its presence in CentralAmerican markets, PRADA has opened its first store on the promenade of Saint Barthélemy in the Caribbean. The 200 sq m store houses the brand’s women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories and footwear collections, together with a selection of special items.

The original store design has an exotic vibe to create a unique, contemporary shopping experience. Inspired by the architecture of 1950s South American mansions, the store concept features an

exotic reinterpretation of PRADA’s classic heritage elements.

A chequered marble floor has been teamed with natural materials such as wood within a bright atmosphere, creating an elegant yet relaxed setting. The original white and yellow striped entrance ceiling is a modern take on a characteristic coffered ceiling. The entire space is flooded with natural light that filters through the large windows and the wooden brise soleils.

Special products are showcased in

rooms with original, creative, vintage fabric wall coverings, which were inspired by iconic prints from the PRADA collections and reinterpreted in an architectural context. The collections are displayed on shelves made of natural wood or printed with graphic motifs. Rare design pieces such as tubular-framed wicker armchairs from the 1950s, original seating by Gio Ponti and rattan armchairs designed by Franco Albini create intimate spaces for relaxing moments during shopping.

Manolo Blahnik opens in Kuala Lumpur Luxury shoe retailer Manolo Blahnik has continued its expansion plans in Asia with the opening of a store in Kuala Lumpur. Designed in collaboration with architect Nick Leith-Smith, the store occupies a 100 sq m space on level two of the Pavilion Mall in the vibrant Bukit Bintang district.

Transforming a traditional material used in furniture making and artisan scaffolding, Leith-Smith used a forest of bamboo as the central motif for the space. Elegantly positioned in parallel, conforming to the plant’s natural growing pattern, the shoes are arranged in flowing lines, almost floating, picked out on individual brass shelves that follow the dark stained bamboo structure, which snakes around the space in graceful curves. They are also displayed on circular stone topped brass tables.

Brass pendants hang above herringbone pattern marble flooring that is in-laid with brass detailing, drawing inspiration from palm leaves mirrored in the canopy-like lighting above.

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The North Face unveils new store format in Palo Alto Drawing on the learnings from The North Face pilot store in Regent Street, London, The North Face has launched a flagship store in Palo Alto, California as part of a global rollout.

‘A progressive playground for explorers’, the 603 sq m next generation store takes the brand DNA to the next level, with authentic materials, texture and tactility, featured global athletes and curated products. This is coupled with localised community elements and expertise.

Bringing the outdoors in is fundamental to the progressive playground theme and has been encapsulated via the digital ‘sky windows’ in the ceiling that feature artistic, atmospheric content curated by the The North Face athlete, Renan Ozturk.

Integrated Systems Europe The place for AV solutions for Retail

Digital Signage Summit @ ISE

During the world’s largest AV show, the Digital Signage Summit will present expert opinion and insight into digital signage and AV solutions for Retail.

This half day conference takes place on Wednesday 8 February 2017.

Boost your knowledge and learn more from a packed education programme that offers everything from bitesize 20 minute taster sessions, to panel discussions, seminars and in-depth Conferences.

Experience the show floor and get hands on with cutting edge retail technologies, including video wall displays and LED screens.

Find out more: www.iseurope.org Organised by

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visual merchandising

Festive window displays from some of London’s top department stores

Debenhams

See more Christmas window installations online:

www.retail-focus.co.uk/vm

John Lewis The John Lewis windows on Oxford Street draw inspiration from the retailer’s Christmas advertising campaign, featuring Buster the dog. Complete with lights and gift ideas from the department store’s Christmas range, the display incorporates woodland creatures cosied up in burrows with presents, while Buster can be seen on the snow-swept lawn above them. The scheme was created in collaboration with Harlequin Design.

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Debenhams Oxford Street has built on the success of its Christmas 2015 campaign with the Found It Gift Factory. The scheme incorporates lighting and movement, and runs through the building and up the corner windows. ‘In each of the windows we have a different machine from this magical Willy Wonker-inspired world,’ explains Ian Dorsett, creative manager of windows at Debenhams. ‘All the machines are centred around our fabulous products and gifting.’

The visual team collaborated with Magenta Print and Display, Artefact, Blacks VM, ANS Lighting, Arty wigs, Genesis Mannequins, Replica and DZD on the scheme.

visual merchandising Harvey Nichols The Italian-themed Christmas window display at Harvey Nichols celebrates the retailer’s winter campaign, Britalia. The scheme plays on Italy’s love affair with theatre, drama, opulence and life’s finery in a tongue-in-cheek manner. Behind the glass, heavy draping, crafted from reels of paper, echoes the theatrical stage sets of Italian operas, while performing mannequins and a lighting display transport viewers into another realm. By day, the windows showcase a predominantly white scheme, featuring transparent baubles, snow white foam balls and marble-effect columns on the exterior of the store. By night, hidden layers and details become visible. It is the first time that Harvey Nichols has used Father Christmas in its windows.

House of Fraser The House of Fraser Christmas campaign, entitled ‘Christmas is Coming For You’, celebrates the slow building anticipation of the festive season’s arrival and the excitement when it arrives. ‘With this year’s campaign, we wanted to capture the magical anticipation of the season and the overwhelming excitement it brings when it finally arrives; all in the contemporary and energetic style that has become synonymous with House of Fraser,’ says Nigel Oddy, CEO at House of Fraser. ‘We have updated Christmas iconography with a vivid and creative twist to create a powerful campaign that’s instantly recognisable.’

Liberty Liberty has partnered with The Royal Ballet and its festive masterpiece, The Nutcracker.

The Peter Wright production by The Royal Ballet inspires each of the store’s windows on Great Marlborough Street. For the first time, the store’s windows feature no merchandise and are devoted solely to The Nutcracker’s eminent Christmas style.

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visual merchandising

Fortnum & Mason The Fortnum & Mason Christmas campaign, ‘Together We’re Merrier’, celebrates the importance of togetherness and encourages the coming together of family, friends and even foes at Christmas. A series of nine stories, created by communications agency Otherway, detail the partnerships of classic arch-enemies with charming outcomes, like The Bull and The China, The Butcher and The Turkey, The Wolf and The Sheep, and The Boy and the Brussel Sprouts.

Harrods In a first for Harrods, the luxury department store has partnered with Burberry to create its festive window displays. Entitled ‘A Very British Fairy Tale’, the windows on Brompton Road tell the story of two children on an enchanting adventure through a snow-swept English country house, complete with flying cars, floating bathtubs and secret passageways.

See more Christmas window installations online:

www.retail-focus.co.uk/vm

Selfridges The message from Selfridges London this Christmas is, ‘celebrate yourself (you deserve it); celebrate your loved ones (and not just your family) and turn everyday during the season into a party’. With the Shine On! theme as the driving energy behind Selfridges’ Christmas 2016 offer, themed products, visual displays and in-store experiences are a kaleidoscope of dazzle, glitter and fun. Santa is back as the hero of the window scheme, after several years away, showing onlookers how to throw the best parties. Each window showcases a snowy alpine landscape and different party scenarios, each one more exuberant than the next, where family, friends, pets and nearly 100 disco balls all join in the fun. Propability created elements featured across many of the windows.

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harlequin-design.com | twitter.com/HarlequinLondon | facebook.com/harlequindesignlondon | +44(0)20 7253 6238 | London EC1V 0DS

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The solution Momentum Instore’s tightly planned schedule and knowledge of the stores themselves included in-depth training and walk through sessions before the project started to ensure no potential for error. The 16-strong Momentum teams of installation, electrical and merchandising specialists worked every night in stores to build counter and wall displays, while giving NYX full visibility of progress through Momentum’s app, Insite. The team then completed follow up remerchandising projects to ensure the displays deliver an outstanding experience for customers.

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Europe’s leading annual event for innovation and inspiration in RETAIL DESIGN, MARKETING, VISUAL MERCHANDISING, ARCHITECTURE & SHOPFITTING Your unique opportunity to: • Be seen as a leader in the industry • Engage with the retail design and marketing industry • Meet with senior decision makers • Generate qualified targeted leads • Promote awareness for your company • Launch new products and services

“There are a lot of people here. There has been a good mixture of brands and retailers. We’ve seen Asda, John Lewis, Tesco, Marks and Spencer, Bobby Brown, Calvin Klein and Hasbro - a good mix of multinational, and big global brands.”

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18/11/2016 19:55

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Karl McKeever

As is now traditional, the countdown to the end of the year signals industry awards season. These high-profile black tie events are always an opportunity (and an excuse) for those in the retail sector to don their finery and enjoy a glittering night out while celebrating their achievements.

On a personal level, I take great pride in being asked to present the Retail Focus Readers’ Choice Award at the VM & Display Awards each year. But with a broader perspective in mind, these awards also shine a light on deserving recognition that is so often overlooked.

It is interesting to note that there are still very few categories that celebrate the ‘soft power’ – in-store teams. At the Retail Week Interiors Awards early in the month, stores were once again the stars, taking centre stage as they were recognised for their shopfitting solutions, lights and, of course, design.

To me, this constant focus on celebrating bricks-andmortar instead of hearts and minds seems counter-productive: after all, while they may not be as headline grabbing as a new flagship store, store teams are the gatekeepers to delivering a truly compelling retail experience, one that is emotionally engaging, with genuine personality and warmth, on a daily basis.

A shopper’s perception of the entire brand often comes down to their experience in the store – determining how long shoppers stay, whether they make a purchase and, perhaps crucially, visit again.

Technology was very much the focus of the Retail Systems Awards at the end of October, with accolades for those delivering payment systems, mobile solutions and websites. But amongst the shortlisted entries, it was also reassuring to see some in-store solutions, such as the O2 digital tool, placing people and improved team performance at their very heart. It’s proof, if it were needed, that there are brands out there that ‘get it’.

For many, online shopping is continuing to win on price and convenience. This means that now is the time for retailers to invest more heavily in the people who engage with shoppers and continually strive to foster long-term loyalty. While the ‘hardware’ of a store is important, it becomes almost meaningless if its team members are not motivated, passionate about the brand and buy

into why getting it right matters – in terms of store presentation, shopability and the bottom line.

We are now coming to the end of a year that has been characterised by major changes, not least the UK’s decision to leave the EU. None of us know what the retail landscape will look like in a year’s time, and while we may experience a certain level of uncertainty, I believe retailers will once again rise to the challenge with renewed energy and creativity.

One of the biggest areas for this growth must surely be greater focus in those on the ground. It is essential that we equip our store teams with the tools they need to deliver high quality and consistent customer experiences. This means instilling the brand’s values at every level of the team, and this can only be done through engaging, effective and continuous training.

If, for example, the pound remains weak in the wake of Brexit, retailers could well be in a good position to attract visitors from overseas. Services such as tax-free shopping or luggage drop-off, as seen at designer outlet Bicester Village in Oxfordshire, might be rolled out more widely to cities like London and Manchester.

Tapping into the lucrative tourist market, teams might be equipped to offer world-class service to international shoppers, gaining a greater understanding of different habits and even speaking to them in their own language.

The retail sector is adept at responding to change, but it must be remembered that a shift in store culture does not happen overnight. Retailers should always be prepared to spend time working with their teams, helping them to align their own goals with that of the brand and rewarding them for a job well done.

When it comes to achieving excellence, nothing galvanises people like the prospect of winning an award, and store teams are no exception. Not only do they enjoy a night out together, they also have the chance to share in the success that is sometimes reserved for those higher up in the company. In addition, they can meet others in their industry and exchange ideas so they are likely to return to work more motivated than before.

Certainly, there are steps being made in the right direction, and there are some excellent examples of brands that are leading the way in investing in their teams. However, 2017 could be the year when they step up a gear, and when they do, the sector should also be ready to award those who make the biggest contribution.

Karl McKeever is creative director of visual merchandising and brand delivery consultancy Visual Thinking.

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

Make 2017 the year to celebrate store teams

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ASSOS of Switzerland St James’s Market, London Design: Ab Rogers Opening date: November 2016 Store size: 304 sq m Cycling brand ASSOS of Switzerland opened its first international concept store in November, at the new St James’s Market development in London’s West End, marking the 40th anniversary of the company. Designed by Ab Rogers (the brainchild behind the design of Comme Des Garcons as well as projects for TATE, the V&A and Conde Nast), the landmark store is split across two levels and houses the full ASSOS apparel collection, helmets, eyewear and accessories.

‘As a cycling enthusiast myself, I’m drawn to the unwavering commitment to performance and the attention to detail ASSOS invest in every garment,’ says Rogers.

‘I wanted to design a space that echoed this ethos, but importantly, also offered an innovative retail solution to guarantee customers an unmatched experience, both on and off the bike.’

The 304 sq m space is inspired by Rogers’ work with museums as well as aspects from the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. ‘2001 is an endless inspiration for us, which itself was inspired by the Superstudio design aesthetic of the 1960s and 70s,’ adds Rogers.

The store is designed to help professionals and cycling enthusiasts find their perfect kit by providing the opportunity to road-test the performance-led range in store. An elliptical changing room at the back of the ground floor enables customers to trial garments in the collection on a Goomah racing bike, to determine the fit in the saddle before they leave the store.

‘We are committed to developing the most technically advanced product and through our new retail experience, customers can rest assured they have chosen the perfect fit before they take to the saddle,’ says Phil Duff, CEO at ASSOS. The ground floor also houses the main collection while the mezzanine focuses on the brand’s exclusive product partnerships.

The store is full of dynamic prompts that inspire you to go cycling in the countryside, including rotating billboards, a communication tower and a never-ending display rail along the back wall, inspired by the bike frame. ‘It curves from vertical

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‘It is like we have created a wine cellar for ASSOS’s garments’

Chris Gorman Photography

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to horizontal holding the racks of clothes, while a collection of graphic signage tells you about the collection and the season underway,’ explains Rogers.

Giant totems act as central floor fixtures with hanging rails holding bibs and large format images, inspired by the notion of a rotating wheel that serves to draw the eyes up, allowing you to appreciate the double-height space.

The design team has deliberately played down the colour palette to show off the colours of the brand. The smooth surface black rubber flooring from Jaymart, was specified as it provides sound absorbency, underfoot comfort and warmth, and won’t be scarred by cleats, which attach to the soles of cycling shoes.

‘ASSOS clothing is about creating

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something fit for purpose, a kind of pure engineered aesthetic and we have adapted that approach to the boutique,’ says Rogers.

‘To me, it is like we have created a wine cellar for ASSOS’s garments.’

Nature Made | Made for Nature

www.bonaveri.com/sustainability www.blue-studio.co.uk T: 020 7394 2813

project focus

Coast

Metrocentre, Newcastle Design: Checkland Kindleysides Opening date: November 2016 Store size: 142 sq m No longer defined by just occasionwear, high street clothing brand Coast has unveiled a new boutique retail concept in Newcastle’s Metrocentre that celebrates everyday glamour. The retailer worked with design consultancy Checkland Kindleysides to create a store concept that ‘embodies what it means to feel beautiful, modern and feminine’, while encouraging new and existing audiences to reappraise the brand.

Inspired by the idea of getting ready, the store design takes cues from a domestic dressing room, with a neutral, calm colour palette and a blend of textured materials providing a sophisticated backdrop to the product. ‘This is a soft take on the subtle

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contrast of light and dark, channeling the transition from day to night, and the versatility of their product,’ says Joe Evans, creative director at Checkland Kindleysides.

The dressing room, which is said to be the ‘go-to destination’ within the store, is bigger than a typical high street changing room, enabling friends to try on new pieces together in a lounge-like environment.

The collections are displayed on fixtures inspired by the simple geometry of the dressing screen, with a subtle pearlescent white finish and highlights of luxury gold detailing. Meanwhile, accessories are displayed in the ‘jewellery box’, located next to the fitting rooms to encourage customers

project focus

The store design takes cues from a domestic dressing room

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to explore the range.

As a main customer touch point, the cash desk is designed to emphasise the contrasting light to dark concept, creating a focal point in the store. The diagonal textured wall provides a backdrop to the cash desk’s contrasting materials and gold details, while gentle lighting effects soften the area, adding very subtle movement to the space. ‘Shoppers are no longer restricted by the boundaries of the physical store, as they have access to the entire Coast collection, including exclusive online pieces via iPads that are integrated into the space,’ explains Evans.

The concept, which launched at the Metrocentre in November, establishes a timeless retail signature for Coast that is adaptable across different formats.

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Coach House Regent Street, London

Photography: Melvyn Vincent

Design: Stuart Vevers (creative director); Studio Sofield Opening date: November 2016 Store size: 504 sq m The opening of Coach House on London’s Regent Street in November coincides with the New York luxury fashion brand’s 75th anniversary year and heralds a new chapter in the company’s evolution, both globally and in Europe. Designed by creative director Stuart Vevers and William Sofield of design firm Studio Sofield, the store’s New York style architecture embodies every aspect of Coach’s modern luxury philosophy.

The 504 sq m space is designed to offer a new experience in retail and an engaging journey of discovery for consumers. Inside, a giant glass wall pays homage to the iconic cityscape of New

York, where Coach was founded in 1941.

Other architectural focal points include a mechanised conveyor belt showcasing the Coach collection, and a monumental black steel and mahogany staircase.

The store speaks to the brand’s heritage of leather craftsmanship and innovative design with special services unique to the global flagships. A made to order service allows customers to create a bespoke Rogue bag by offering nine options and more than one million possible combinations.

Meanwhile, the ground floor is home to a Craftsmanship Bar, where ‘Coach Artisans’ guide visitors through the process

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of monogramming and customisation, as well as providing custom leather care and repair services. The space also incorporates a curated selection of vintage bags from Coach’s archives.

The store also houses the Coach 1941 ready-to-wear collections for women and men, along with a broader range of bags and accessories.

‘The location of these pinnacle stores was important to us, and just as New York’s Fifth Avenue is iconic, so is Regent Street,’ says Vevers. ‘The time feels right to bring our most unique and curated store vision to London shoppers. Coach House will feature special installations and store concepts as well as specially commissioned interiors and art.’

Coach has also opened a new 1,858 sq m, three-level flagship store at 685 Fifth Avenue in New York City, designed

by Vevers and Sofield.

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W: www.shopdisplay.org

pop-ups

POP-UPS: SENSE OF EXCITEMENT Text: Lyndsey Dennis

Pop-ups are a go-to marketing strategy for many retailers looking to drive brand awareness and a powerful expansion tool to test new markets.

Whether it’s open for one day or three months, a pop-up shop generates a sense of excitement for fans of a brand, immersing them into a different, exciting and memorable experience.

‘Pop-ups offer that much-needed flexibility to create bigger experiences and allow brands to be in the right place at the right time,’ says Elizabeth Layne, chief marketing officer at Appear Here that specialises in finding temporary spaces for brands. ‘Pop-ups also offer retailers the opportunity to test the market first, whether that’s trialling a new location or retail concept.’

Appear Here worked alongside menswear brand EJDER to take over an underground toilet in Old Street Station and transform it into a store, which won Best Pop-up Store at the MAPIC Awards. EJDER partnered with 24 Hour Club on the space — an underground space for an underground brand — working with the original layout and playing with the raw, industrial feel by keeping the original tiling and using metal bars and chains to display the clothing.

Looking forward, Layne believes more brands will start looking at retail space as media space, which means pop-ups will become part of their marketing spend. ‘Already, many brands are discovering that pop-ups are their best performing brand marketing channel, where they’re getting better CPMs than other traditional advertising like out of home or TV. Some brands, like LYST, are also using shopfronts as advertising solutions. They’ve discovered a shop front is much more cost effective than a billboard, and there’s a lot more you can do in one. For London Fashion Week, they rented shops in high footfall areas and fly-posted the shopfronts with their latest advertising campaign.’

Sloane Stanley has created a dedicated revolving pop-up space within a prime retail unit on King’s Road in Knightsbridge known as The Concept Store. This year the store has welcomed dairy-free ice-cream specialist Nana Nice Cream for its debut

London pop-up, fashion label Memsahib Collections, as well as Seraphina, Summerbox and Fofolles World.

‘Many consumers expect the pop-up shopping experience to deliver something unique and different to a standard bricks and mortar store, with many offering exclusive in store experiences that can’t be replicated online. The Nana Nice Cream pop-up also hosted a series of exciting events from yoga classes and wellness talks with leading experts in the field, to a breakfast bar with Rude Health,’ says Hannah Grievson, commercial property manager at Sloane Stanley.

Pop-ups are also the ideal store format to cater for specialised shopping or seasonal products, for example, the Christmas Cracker pop-up that allows the brand to expand its reach to a greater audience during its key trading period.

Harvey Nichols’ fifth floor rooftop in Knightsbridge regularly hosts temporary brand experiences, including a Bombay Sapphire bar in the summer and the current Nutella pop-up for the winter.

The terrace has been transformed into an Italian alpine winter lodge, where visitors can enjoy breakfast favourites with a Nutella twist.

‘Pop-ups enable brands to be visible to consumers in different landscapes, and are a cost-effective solution as they allow retailers to test the market without investing heavily in retail space. The short-term nature of pop-ups also generates a sense of excitement,’ says Mark Neilly, creative manager at visual merchandising specialist Lucky Fox. Above: MADE PRESENTS took up residency at The Truman Brewery in East London for 10 days, showcasing the latest interiors trends from MADE.COM and hosting a number of inspirational workshops.

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pop-ups

The company recently designed a pop-up space for Levi’s in the denim tailor space in Selfridges to showcase its sew-on patch collaboration with Poppy Delevingne. ‘The space had to typify the look and feel of a functional workshop whilst complimenting both the Selfridges denim studio and the Levi’s in-store identity, which heavily emphasises natural wooden surfaces. Working primarily in plywood, we were asked to incorporate a series of practical workspaces where customers could consult with the in-house tailors and customise their Levi’s jeans and jackets with rips and trims, and Poppy Delevingne’s festival-inspired patches,’ explains Neilly.

‘The financial pressure on high street fashion retailers means that there will always be a place for cost-effective solutions such as pop-ups. It would also make sense for savvy brands to utilise the large number of retail spaces becoming vacant — M&S has recently confirmed it will close more than 30 UK stores, and eight stores will be left empty as a result of Gap pulling Banana Republic out of the UK — by turning them into low commitment and low risk pop-up ventures,’ says Neilly.

London souvenir store We Built This City in Carnaby is a great example of pop-up to permanent, beginning life with an eightweek pop-up and now taking up permanent residency. The retailer is now dipping its toe in the Camden scene with a second pop-up.

We Built This City collaborates with local artists, designers and makers in the capital, offering them a platform for their work and hosting creative workshops and live events.

MADE PRESENTS took up residency at The Truman Brewery in East London for 10 days in November, showcasing the latest interiors trends from MADE.COM and hosting a number of inspirational workshops and a cafe serving coffee and cake in the day and cocktails in the evening. The pop-up invited fans of MADE.COM to learn more from the designers behind the iconic furniture with a panel discussion on the Hygge trend.

Still in the capital, US eco-friendly womenswear label Reformation has launched its first physical presence in the UK with a pop-up in Seven Dials. The space acts as a showroom rather than a traditional store; shoppers are invited to browse and try on items only normally available in the USA, and then use touch screen technology to order via the online shop.

London is a particular focus for pop-up marketplace specialist Storefront, which has been inundated with requests from clients to extend its services into London. ‘As it is one of the world’s top retail destinations, it was an obvious move for us,’ says Matthew Greenwell, director of Storefront. ‘Opening here allows us to now offer a seamless service to all bases of the fashion triangle — New York, Paris, London.’

‘Demand from retailers for pop-ups is growing exponentially.

In the past pop-ups have been generally associated with short durations such as one to two weeks. However, our fastest growing customer segment is medium to large size retailers/brands using pop-ups for durations of six - 18 months. They are using them as a powerful expansion tool to test new markets. For example, inside the space of a year a retailer could launch three six-month pop-ups across Hong Kong, New York and Paris,’ says Greenwell.

‘Additionally, pop-ups are great for creating immersive experiences to connect with customers in new ways. For example, Casper launched a pop-up recently in London where customers could book a bed to have a nap!’

It’s these experiences that keep a brand fresh, exciting and engaging for customers, and the perfect way for a retailer to test out new store formats and locations.

40

From top to bottom Designed by Lucky Fox, the Levi’s pop-up in the denim tailor space in Selfridges showcased its sew-on patch collaboration with Poppy Delevingne.

The fifth floor terrace at Harvey Nichols has been transformed into an Italian alpine winter lodge, where visitors can enjoy breakfast favourites with a Nutella twist.

The 24 Hour EJDER Club has taken over an underground toilet at Old Street Station and won Best Pop-up Store at the MAPIC Awards.

We Built This City is testing the waters in Camden with a pop-up.

Reformation has launched into the UK with its first UK pop-up store in Seven Dials.

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From Paris to New York Christmas windows from around the globe

News VM & Display Awards 2016 Products & services

145 TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD LONDON W1T 7NE sales@dzd.co.uk 020 7388 7488 www.dzd.co.uk

Flash to go here

Welcome The VM & Display Awards returned to the Bloomsbury Big Top in London last month. Hosted by television personality Rylan Clark-Neal, the glittering event recognises and celebrates the work of this creative and talented industry over the past 12 months. The stars of the night were Harlequin Design, who won five awards and was shortlisted for two. Turn to pages 55-57 for a round-up of the winners.

Retail Design Expo is introducing a Christmas VM Market and the VM Christmas Awards at its next show in May 2017. Displaying both bespoke and off-the-shelf products, the market will provide a focal point for retailers and brands seeking inspiration for their Christmas displays. Find out more about this and other industry news on page 47.

On pages 49-51 we bring you a selection of window displays that are adorning the streets of Paris and New York. From Galeries Lafayette’s polar bear journey to highlight the importance of protecting the polar ice caps to the Destination Extraordinary holiday windows at Bergdorf Goodman on New York’s Fifth Avenue, these international windows are a treat for the senses.

Lyndsey Dennis Editor

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News

49

From Paris to New York

55 VM & Display Awards 2016

47 News The latest news from the visual merchandising and display industry.

VM focus www.retail-focus.co.uk

49 From Paris to New York Festive windows in Paris and New York.

Managing Editor Gemma Balmford e. gemma@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)7908 895 906

55 VM & Display Award 2016 A celebration of visual merchandising and display expertise.

Editor Lyndsey Dennis e. lyndsey@retailfocus.co t. +44 (0)7500 138 810

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

47 Cover image: ‘The Scenic Route’ at Bergdorf Goodman on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

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

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䐀椀猀琀爀椀戀甀琀攀搀 椀渀 琀栀攀 唀䬀 戀礀 倀愀渀愀挀栀攀 䐀椀猀瀀氀愀礀 䰀琀搀 眀眀眀⸀瀀愀渀愀挀栀攀搀椀猀瀀氀愀礀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀Ⰰ 䰀伀一䐀伀一 圀㌀ 匀䰀 ⬀㐀㐀 ⠀ ⤀ ㈀ 㠀 㜀㔀㈀ ㈀㔀㈀ 椀渀昀漀䀀瀀愀渀愀挀栀攀搀椀猀瀀氀愀礀⸀挀漀⸀甀欀

news

VM NEWS VM & Display Show 2017

Photography: Melvyn Vincent

The VM & Display Show returns to the Business Design Centre in Islington on 5-6 April 2017. The two-day show covers everything within visual merchandising and display, including mannequins, print, Christmas decorations, display services, props, design, graphics, bust forms, turnkey service, POP, lighting, fabrics and more.

The Graduate Challenge will take place once again, where visual merchandising students from various universities compete to win work experience at Harrods. The exhibition will also include its regular Underground Network and Designer Network feature areas.

To register for your ticket, visit www.vmanddisplayshow.com

Robert Patterson 1952-2016

Renowned sculptor Robert Patterson, who has created mannequins for the fashion retail industry for more than 30

years, has died at the age of 64 following an illness.

Distinctive in style, Patterson’s mannequins are instantly recognisable for their stylised and often dramatic character.

He created mannequin collections for many of Europe’s display suppliers including Proportion London, Gemini, Hindsgaul and EuroDisplay. Patterson also worked on exhibition commissions, including for the Victoria & Albert Museum, Rick Owens and a number of private collectors.

Tanya Reynolds, creative director at Proportion London, who his most recent collaboration was with, says: ‘Robert was a gentle, stylish man who was a joy to work with. Intelligent, curious and innovative, his ideas were often ahead of the zeitgeist. Robert was respected by everyone who met him and he will be greatly missed by the fashion industry.’

Retail Design Expo to launch Christmas VM Market and Awards Retail Design Expo is introducing a Christmas VM Market and the VM Christmas Awards at its next show in May 2017. Displaying both bespoke and off-theshelf products, the market will provide a focal point for retailers and brands seeking inspiration for their Christmas displays. It will be housed in its own designated area and with a distinct look of its own.

The VM Christmas Awards will celebrate the very best in seasonal VM displays,

interiors and windows, with all displays from Christmas 2016 eligible for entry. An independent judging panel will select the shortlist and winners. Work from the full shortlist will be displayed throughout RDE and an awards ceremony announcing the winners will be held at the show.

RDE takes place on 8-9 May 2017 at London Olympia. For more information visit www.retaildesignexpo.com

The Visuality Corporation acquires Almax Visual merchandising display specialist The Visuality Corporation (TVC) has announced the acquisition of Almax, specialists in the design and production of men, women and child mannequins and bust forms.

TVC is the parent company to Falcon Industries and Noa Brands, which includes Atrezzo, Fusion Specialities, Goldsmith, Pop Mannequins and now Almax.

The addition of Almax further strengthen’s TVC’s commitment to sustainability. Almx products are made in two eco-sustainable factories in Italy and China, and constructed from shock-proof polystyrene, a material that makes them extremely durable but also recyclable.

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international

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From Paris to New York...

With Christmas just around the corner, we marvel at some of the festive window displays adorning the streets of Paris and New York.

Galeries Lafayette The arctic window displays at Galeries Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris recount the epic tale of a family of polar bears who, faced with the relentless melting of the ice caps, journey from the North Pole in search of a new home. The bears have fun playing and dancing around each floor of the store before embarking on their journey back to the North Pole. The scheme is designed to highlight the importance of protecting the polar ice caps.

Saks Fifth Avenue Jumbo swirl lollipops, whipped cotton candy and mounds of rock candy fill the windows at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York.

The holiday windows, entitled Land of 1000 Delights, provide an enchanting landscape of colourful candy and festive fashion. The scheme appears in all 41 stores across the US and Canada.

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visual merchandising

international Macy’s

The Christmas 2016 windows at Macy’s Herald Square in New York celebrate the spirit of the season and pay tribute to nine years of the department store’s ‘Believe’ campaign — a letter writing drive that raises funds for children’s charity Make-A-Wish.

Created by Roya Sullivan, award-winning designer and Macy’s national director of window presentation, the displays combine the wonder of modern technology with stunning visual elements and an extra dose of holiday nostalgia as they bring six key holiday themes to life — Believe, Celebrate, Together, Giving, Love and Magic.

Printemps American actress Uma Thurman unveiled the ‘Christmas Dream at Printemps’ window displays on behalf of luxury footwear brand Jimmy Choo, which has partnered with the Paris department store for the 2016 scheme.

The windows tell the story of a magical and enchanting journey of two sleeping children suddenly waking up in their dream, right in the heart of the department store. Each window display presents a magical tableau of one of the stages of this dreamlike voyage, featuring adorable characters that have been designed and produced in collaboration with the three major partner brands: Jimmy Choo, David Yurman and Bonpoint.

Barneys Barneys New York partnered with a number of artists to create inventive interpretations of love, peace and joy themes in the windows of its two flagship locations.

Entitled ‘Love Peace Joy Project’, the windows encompass the core aesthetic of each respective artist as the base, but then add another level of innovation that is unique to the Barneys New York partnership.

‘Our intention was to take the theme of Love Peace Joy and filter it through the eyes of five extraordinary, creative people,’ says creative director, Dennis Freedman. It is the fourth year that Christie Digital has collaborated with the store on its window displays, helping to bring the creative concepts to life with advanced visual technology.

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Bloomingdale’s Bloomingdale’s New York has partnered with a group of dynamic visual artists for its Christmas 2016 windows. Inspired by this year’s holiday campaign theme, ‘light’, the artists were each challenged to create a one-of-a-kind chandelier that embodies their artistic expression of the word ‘light’. The eight chandeliers will be auctioned off to benefit the retailer’s long-standing holiday charity partner, the Child Mind Institute.

Bergdorf Goodman The Destination Extraordinary holiday windows at Bergdorf Goodman on New York’s Fifth Avenue, 57th Street and 58th Street depict a dreamlike itinerary of lush locales, unexpected landscapes and verdant gardens. To reflect the theme, each window depicts a unique imagined destination, including The Book Club, The Winter Garden and Bird’s Eye View. The displays showcase the work of specially commissioned artisans, who have created hand-painted backdrops, highly embellished objects and unique set pieces.

Le Bon Marché Paris department store Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche has wrapped itself in a big white coat this Christmas. In the windows on Rue de Sèvres, snowflakes are animated in the shape of little figures, sliding down the roofs of the store.

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And the “BIGGEST” award of the night goes to . . . . . . Stylo.

Proud to 3D print the giant award statue

www.stylographics.co.uk +44 (0) 1923 800666

awards

VM & DISPLAY AWARDS 2016 A celebration of visual merchandising and display expertise.

The visual merchandising and display industry gathered at The Bloomsbury Big Top in London on Thursday 24 November for the annual VM & Display Awards. Hosted this year by television personality Rylan Clark-Neal, the glittering event recognises and celebrates the work of this creative and talented industry over the past 12 months.

Highlights included Hyundai Department Store winning Best International Windows in collaboration with Prop Studios, John Lewis winning Best Christmas windows in a multiple department store in collaboration with Harlequin Design, and Steven Dempsey at John Lewis awarded Most Innovative Person within VM. The stars of the night were Harlequin Design, who won five awards and was shortlisted for two.

The winners...

BEST USE OF INSTORE GRAPHIC Sponsor: Barthelmess UK Nike - Airmax - In collaboration with Millington Associates

BEST WINDOW GRAPHIC Sponsor: Blacks Oasis - Colouring In - In collaboration with Augustus Martin

BEST BOUTIQUE WINDOW Sponsor: VM Graphics Anya Hindmarch - In collaboration with Seen Displays

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Flash to go awards here

VM & DISPLAY AWARDS 2016

BEST USE OF MANNEQUINS IN AN INDEPENDENT Sponsor: Millington Associates Harvey Nichols - Home of Menswear - In collaboration with Arty Wigs

BEST WINDOW/S IN A MULTIPLE DEPARTMENT STORE Sponsor: Bonaveri Debenhams - Destination Summer - In collaboration with ANS, Blacks, Magenta Print and Rare Basic

BEST INTERNATIONAL WINDOW/S Sponsor: Replica Hyundai Department Store - In collaboration with Prop Studios

BEST INSTORE BRANDING Sponsor: Vision On Design Nike - Airmax - In collaboration with Millington Associates

BEST INSTORE VM SOLUTION Sponsor: DZD Diptyque - Boxpark - In collaboration with Elemental Design

BEST NON FASHION RETAIL CONCEPT Sponsor: Proportion London Johnny Walker - In collaboration with Portland Design

MOST OUTSTANDING FEATURE/PROP Sponsor: Tenn Karl Lagerfeld - In collaboration with Harlequin Design

RETAIL FOCUS READER’S CHOICE AWARD Sponsor: Retail Focus Magazine Joseph - In collaboration with Harlequin Design

BEST USE OF MANNEQUINS IN A MULTIPLE Sponsor: ICON Hackett - Travel Collection - In collaboration with Harlequin Design

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BEST CHRISTMAS WINDOW/S IN A MULTIPLE DEPARTMENT STORE Sponsor: Riot of Colour John Lewis - In collaboration with Harlequin Design

BEST STORE CONCEPT Sponsor: Off The Wall Coverings Nike - Techpack - In collaboration with Millington Associates

awards

For details of the shortlisted schemes, visit www.retail-focus.co.uk/vm

Large 3D printed statue produced by Stylo

BEST CHRISTMAS INTERIOR Sponsor: Harlequin Design Topshop - In collaboration with Arty Wigs and Blacks

BEST CHRISTMAS WINDOW/S IN AN INDEPENDENT Sponsor: Window France Harvey Nichols - In collaboration with ANS, DZD and Global Display

Television personality Rylan Clark-Neal hosted the event.

BEST CHRISTMAS WINDOW/S IN A MULTIPLE Sponsor: Dulux Trade Topshop - Paper Cave - In collaboration with Blacks and Global Display

BEST WINDOW/S IN A MULTIPLE Sponsor: SFD Joseph - Plastic Constraint - In collaboration with Harlequin Design

Joseph won the Retail Focus Readers’ Choice Award and Best Window/s in a Multiple, in collaboration with Harlequin Design.

BEST WINDOW/S IN AN INDEPENDENT Sponsor: Cofrad Harrods - London Calling - In collaboration with Bonaveri, Global Display, Practical Creative Solutions, Press On, Schlappi and SFD

MOST INNOVATIVE PERSON WITHIN VM Sponsor: Universal Display Steven Dempsey - John Lewis (read our Q&A with Steven Dempsey on page 94)

Jonathan Berlin of Univeral Display presents Steven Dempsey at John Lewis with his award for Most Innovative Person Within VM.

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products

VM & DISPLAY Harlequin Design Harlequin Design is a creative retail design agency based in London, Italy and Shanghai.

Creating environments that bring brand stories to life, working in partnership with its clients every step of the way from initial sketches to final install. Services include research, mood boards, design concepts, 3D visualisations, prototyping, store plans, project management, UK/European/Asian production, logistics, installation, and review and learnings.

T. +44 (0)20 7253 6238 E. andrew@harlequin-design.com www.harlequin-design.com Twitter: HarlequinLondon

Brandaroma Reiss worked with Brandaroma on a trial of six stores diffusing the company’s Black Oudh fragrance in store. Reiss was really pleased with the result, offering another dimension to the in-store experience for its customers. As a bonus, sales in the fragrance also increased. Following the successful trial, Reiss has committed to rolling out the Brandaroma diffusing machines in 25 of its key stores within the UK and internationally.

T. +44 (0)1604 652 011 E. sales@brandaroma.com www.brandaroma.com Twitter: BrandaromaLtd

Dragon Display Another variation on the Dragon twin-slot theme introduced in the last 12 months is Deep Rear Hanging as specified for Southampton Football Club (Twinslot — Option 3 on the Dragon Display website). It uses a lot of the company’s standard forward facing accessories but instead they are reverse hung on posts that have no slots in the front, so the customer sees a smooth profile. Generally suited to a 1,200mm module width, it’s easy to fix and the accessories are fully interchangeable. So far it’s been used for men’s fashion, sports (as shown here) and outdoor clothing.

T. +44 (0)1952 290 055 E. sales@dragondisplay.co.uk www.dragondisplay.co.uk

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bbrown bbrown is an expert in providing creative display materials to clients across the globe in retail, exhibitions, TV, film and events.

Its stock product range includes materials such as glitter fabric, 3D illusion film, PVC, decorative 3D tiles and light enhancing panels; ideal for creating wow-factor displays. bbrown Glitter, one of the company’s most popular special finishes, is ideal for adding glamour to any environment. It’s available in two different finishes and a large range of colours to suit most requirements, including pink, gold, green, red, blue, white, black, purple, silver and bronze.

T. +44 (0)3705 340 340 E: customerservices@ bbrown.co.uk www.bbrown.co.uk Twitter: luvbbrown

products

VM & DISPLAY Andy Thornton The eagerly anticipated Andy Thornton Vintage Style catalogue is out now. Browse the extensive new collections of retail display solutions, contract furniture and lighting. Explore the innovative Urban Concrete Collection, a range of concrete-inspired display products that are attractive and versatile, whilst benefiting from being extremely portable. The unique finish is almost indistinguishable from real concrete. For retail display, industrialstyle shelving, cabinets, trolleys, carts and garment rails are constantly being developed, so they now offer solutions for most display requirements. For your copy of the new Andy Thornton Vintage Style brochure, T: 01422 376 000 or visit www.andythornton.com.

T. +44 (0)1422 376 000 E. sales@andythornton.com www.andythornton.com Twitter: andythorntonltd

Ralph Pucci International Ralph Pucci International has collaborated with fashion designer and illustrator Rebecca Moses to stage ‘Imperfectly perfect: Art, Mannequins and Fashion by Rebecca Moses’. Her drawings have come to life as a collection of 25 Mesdames who bring wit and unique personality into store display figures.

The Mesdames debuted earlier this month at Ralph Pucci in New York, dessed in custom clothing made from the first Ralph Pucci fabric collection, surrounded by murals and paintings, all created by Moses. c/o European distributor Cofrad T. +33 01-53-17-14-00 E: contact@cofrad.com www.cofrad.com

Display Lighting Rare Basic Rare Basic is pleased to Introduce its collection of interchangeable magnIQ magnetic accessory trays. Designed for instant VM impact, functional and flexible, the trays can be purchased with a kit of magnetic components creating a showcase for varied merchandise. From luxe golds to leather coverings, the trays enhance product in any store environment.

T. (0)20 8348 9888 E: mail@rarebasic.com www.rarebasic.co.uk Twitter: RareBasic

VSPLED luminaires have a high output linear corner profile with fixed height directional spotlights and glass shelf supports. They have been designed for use in a number of different applications in the retail and display sectors. The VSPLEDs are a bespoke, made-to-measure product that are simple to install and can be fixed into both new displays and retro-fitted into existing displays.

This system can be manufactured to form an integral part of your display and can support and illuminate shelving at the same time, giving high output illumination directly to your products.

T. +44 (0)161 207 3355 E. sales@display-lighting.com www.display-lighting.com Twitter: DisplayLighting

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shopping centres

Shopping centres: Increasing the leisure mix

Shopping centres are devoting more space to catering and leisure facilities to improve the shopping experience, finds Retail Focus.

Text: Gemma Balmford

Imagine hover boards and flying drones replacing car parks and security guards in shopping centres, with segways transporting people from shop to shop. This could one day be a reality according to pupils at Micklem Primary School, who were invited to takeover the running of the Marlowes shopping centre in Hemel Hempstead as part of a nationwide challenge by the Children’s Commissioner to give young people an insight into a career in retail. The Shopping Centre 2116 project invited pupils to imagine how the way we shop today would change in 100 years time.

Getting around the malls will apparently be a lot easier with teleport stations replacing customer lifts, while virtual shop assistants, YouTube shops and interactive ‘look before you buy’ photo booths in fashion and clothing stores will transform the traditional shopping experience.

‘Retail shopping will be more interactive and the line between shopping and socialising will become increasingly blurred,’ says Vince Williams, centre director at the Marlowes. ‘We are already taking the suggestions of the Micklem pupils on board and building them into our future thinking.’

Today, virtual assistants are already being used in some shopping centres to provide a more immersive, guided retail experience and the importance of leisure facilities continues

Above: Meadowhall in Sheffield is currently undergoing a £60 million refurbishment. Plans have also been submitted for a £300 million Meadowhall Leisure Hall. to grow.

‘Developers are devoting more space to leisure in new build schemes following the lead of successful schemes such as Grand Central Birmingham,’ says John Percy, Cushman & Wakefield’s head of shopping centre development consultancy. ‘This is an international as well as national trend, and we await some of the new leisure trends that are starting to emerge that will help drive the next generation of customer engagement.’

According to a panel of retailers, owners and developers, who gathered to discuss the shopping centre development pipeline with Revo and Lunson Mitchenall, the larger towns and shopping centres that offer a wide variety of comparison fashion, restaurants and leisure activities that give the customer an entertaining and enjoyable shopping trip are the winners. ‘Catering and leisure massively improves the shopping experience, making it more dynamic as people spend more money over greater hours,’ says Rick Mai, development director at Land Securities. ‘The experiential and social factors cannot be over estimated.’

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shopping centres

UK developments This month, Hammerson’s leisure-focussed Watermark Westquay is due to open in Southampton, with an extensive list of restaurants and cafes, a Showcase De Lux cinema and a public plaza, designed to host a series of events. The scheme is one of six extensions/redevelopments to open in the UK in the second half of 2016, in addition to four new developments, including most notably Victoria Gate in Leeds and Bond Street in Chelmsford.

‘In football parlance, this has been a year of two halves,’ says Percy of Cushman & Wakefield. ‘After a quiet first six months, we will see schemes completing up and down the country, and 2017 will be busier still.’

According to Cushman & Wakefield’s UK Shopping Centre Development Report, new openings and redevelopment of existing UK shopping centres will reach a four-year high in 2017. The largest of the six new developments expected to open next year is The Lexicon Bracknell, which will provide 53,883 sq m of new shopping, dining and leisure. The 68,748 sq m Westfield London extension, anchored by John Lewis, will also open, as well as the fully redeveloped 45,394 sq m Westgate Shopping Centre in Oxford.

The £60 million refurbishment of Meadowhall in Sheffield, which will be split into four different areas, each with a different theme, is also due to complete at the end of 2017.

‘Consistent with recent years, the shopping centre development pipeline are predominantly extensions or refurbishments,’ says Cushman & Wakefield. ‘The Watermark Westquay extension in Southampton and intu Eldon Square, Newcastle are examples of shopping centre extensions and refurbishments, but also highlight another key trend of increasing leisure mix in shopping centres.’

Looking further ahead, Hammerson and Standard Life Investments have revealed plans for a £1.4 billion redevelopment of Brent Cross Shopping Centre in North London, with possible completion in 2021/2022. The proposed plans include 40 new restaurants, a town square that will become a hub for leisure activities, and a market level that will pay tribute to London’s popular foodie heritage.

According to commercial real estate company Colliers International, there is a growing trend for the extension of already successful schemes and augmenting them with a greater leisure offer. This is expected to be the main driver for the delivery of new shopping centre space in the next three to four years.

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Clockwise from top: Hammerson and Standard Life Investments have revealed plans for a £1.4 billion redevelopment of Brent Cross Shopping Centre in North London; Victoria Gate opened in Leeds in October; John Lewis anchors the new Bond Street development in Chelmsford; Meadowhall in Sheffield is currently undergoing a £60 million refurbishment; Il Centro in Milan, Italy was named Best New Shopping Centre at MAPIC in November; Pupils at Micklem Primary School predict that hover boards and flying drones will replace car parks and security guards in shopping centres in 100 years time.

shopping centres

Key schemes 2016 Victoria Gate, Leeds Developer: Hammerson Design/architecture: Acme Anchor tenant: John Lewis Size: 35,400 sq m Opened: October 2016 Bond Street, Chelmsford Developer: Aquila Design/architecture: WCEC Anchor tenant: John Lewis Size: 27,871 sq m Opened: September 2016 Watermark Westquay, Southampton Developer: Hammerson Design/architecture: Acme / Grant Associates Anchor tenant: Showcase Cinema de Lux Size: 17,000 sq m Opening: December 2016

Key schemes 2017

European hotspots At MAPIC in November, Il Centro in Milan, Italy was named Best New Shopping Centre. The development, designed by architectural firm Design International, opened in April and is now the largest shopping centre in Italy. It was one of the key openings across Europe in the first half of 2016, alongside the Riviera scheme in Moscow and the Avion Söderslätts Handelsområde in Sweden.

In the second half of 2016 and throughout 2017, approximately 8.1 million sq m of new shopping centre space will be added across Europe with operators seeking to add more entertainment elements designed to improve customer experience, according to research from Cushman & Wakefield.

‘Property owners are working harder than ever before at understanding changing consumer shopping trends and the needs of modern retailing,’ says Cushman & Wakefield. ‘They are also responding to the evolving role of shopping centres in communities and this is being reflected in the planning of development projects throughout Europe. Both new construction and redevelopment projects at the larger end of the scale, as well as mixed use schemes, are seeing food and beverage operators and leisure facilities featuring highly, as landlords look to raise footfall, extend dwell time and increase turnover.’

The European Shopping Centre Development Report, published in November, cites London, Bristol, Edinburgh, Barcelona, Munich, Ankara, Istanbul, Sofia and Bucharest as among the top locations in terms of future shopping centre development potential due to a combination of strong macroeconomic fundamentals and low market saturation.

The Lexicon Bracknell Developer: The Bracknell Regeneration Partnership (Legal & General Capital and Schroder UK Real Estate Fund) Design/architecture: Chapman Taylor, BDP Anchor tenant: Waitrose, Fenwick Size: 53,883 sq m Opening: September 2017 Westfield London Extension Developer: Westfield Design/architecture: Allies and Morrison Anchor tenant: John Lewis Size: 68,748 sq m Opening: 2017 Westgate Shopping Centre, Oxford Developer: The Westgate Oxford Alliance (Land Securities and The Crown Estate) Design/architecture: Allies & Morrison Architects, Dixon Jones Architects, Glenn Howells Architects, Panter Hudspith Architects, Gillespies Anchor tenant: John Lewis Size: Additional 45,394 sq m (total size 74,700 sq m) Opening: Autumn 2017 Adapted from the Cushman & Wakefield UK Shopping Centre Development Report H2 2016

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opinion

Is Retail Ready?

Philip Handford, creative director at Campaign Design, discusses the past, present and future of the physical retail experience.

I have been intrigued by the future of the bricks-and-mortar retail experience since 1996. While in my first job at Dalziel & Pow I did a presentation about how all of us ‘interior designers’ were going to be out of a job in five years because of internet shopping. Well, I didn’t really believe it then, but I was being derisive to inspire some debate. Now 20 years later and I’m still on the same subject but with a little more of an insightful point of view. I find myself asking, ‘Is retail ready for the future?’

As an interior designer who specialises in the luxury retail sector, I have a passion for beautiful materials, poetic spaces, and considered detailing. Also, I’m incredibly fascinated by technology (ever since I first tried virtual reality at the Trocadero on Piccadilly in 1995).

Changing Times Right now I can see the change that is happening to the retail industry. By my calculations, we will see sales online and in-store reaching a tipping point by the first quarter of 2020. Bearing in mind that currently 80 per cent of all sales in the UK go through traditional bricks-and-mortar stores, this is a swift change. This will have a profound effect on retailers’ business strategies.

The change is being driven by the consumer, and the desire for convenience.

As we all know, this shift in power from brand to the consumer is being accommodated by the internet and online sales, enabling consumers to purchase more conveniently. But, when you look at the retail market, we currently have no examples of the next generation of retail business model that connects the online with the in-store, meaningfully.

Sweet Shop Back in 2011, when we were approached by The Future Laboratory for London Design Festival to come up with an installation in the courtyard of their offices, I proposed a ‘Sweet Shop’ which was an experiment to explore the idea of what an online experience would be like in a physical store. Imagine an experiential retail space that could recognise you on approach, monitor your actions and build a profile on you, through your intuitive actions in space.

And then use this information live to evolve your experience. We created a consumer journey that would not only define you, but your perfect sweet. This first venture into what we are calling ‘experiential retail’ was a poetic one. Selfridges visited the experience and invited us to take the ‘experiment’ into commercial practice, and we created the Fragrance Lab in 2015 in partnership with The Future Laboratory.

This project proved that the consumer did have an appetite for ‘experiential retail’ (it took approx. 200k visitors in just six weeks).

Back in time If we look back at luxury retail in 1910, the upper class were offered an exclusive personal service, through a curated product presentation, and trusted sales associates. Luxury has tracking and profiling consumers to recognise their preferences, to use this insight to empower staff, and also to create intelligent responsive retail store environments.

Experiential Retail We are referring to this new retail model as ‘experiential retail’. A term that has been over used, but in its definition very simple.

If we look back to an article written in 1982

by Professor Morris B. Holbrook called,

‘The Experiential Aspects of Consumption’, it states that ‘an experiential outlook must involve subjects in consumption-like experiences, based on real or at least realistic product samples’. So, what he is saying is that experiential retail is about being able to play with the product.

Campaign Theatre I decided I wanted to take this idea further, and in October we launched a new venture called Campaign Theatre.

This new venture is an experiential think tank to create a commercial showcase for the ‘experiential retail’ store model. Over the next 12 months we will be conducting a series of experiments to test and resolve the idea. We will be answering the following questions: •H ow to make the in-store experience relevant?

•H ow to design an ephemeral store space?

•W hat does a seamless omnichannel feel like for the consumer?

•H ow to technically deliver a connected store?

•H ow to transition to a new retail business model?

Campaign Theatre looks to challenge how to make the built retail environment relevant again, seamlessly connected with the online, and not only an enjoyable customer experience but also an intelligent one. So, we are pushing to design an experiential retail model, but will it be too late? We plan to launch the first Campaign Theatre consumer facing store in 2018.

Watch this space.

www.campaigndesign.co.uk

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trends

RETAIL 2017: WHAT’S IN STORE? As 2016 draws to a close, we ask a variety of industry professionals what they will take from this year and what to expect in 2017. Text: Lyndsey Dennis

Ownership, bespoke and data driven Nathan Watts Creative director, FITCH

Consumer-brand solidarity

Lamorna Byford Innovation researcher at GDR Creative One of the biggest trends of 2016 was a move towards retail spaces becoming more public. In May, Apple’s new San Francisco store led the way, welcoming browsers into its branded space to sit and eat their lunches while they took advantage of the free Wi-Fi, with no pressure to purchase. In London, Japanese clothing brand Uniqlo opened its new Life WearHouse store on Oxford Street. The brand used cultural ambassadors from the city to create curated selections of products and it runs related events within the space.

By designing these more inclusive and welcoming stores, retailers are giving shoppers shared ownership of the space and the moment, prompting far more meaningful interactions between brand and consumer.

Moving forward into 2017, I think that retailers will continue to design welcoming spaces, but I expect to see more of them do this while incorporating another quickly developing trend. Namely, becoming activists and building good into their brand propositions to align with the expectations of GenZ. This is something that we’ve seen many brands doing during the course of a politically rocky 2016. By building this approach into their physical spaces, retailers can show not only that they provide a space for their target demographic to spend time in, but that they share beliefs — a clear path to consumer-brand solidarity.

Patagonia’s Black Friday sale of recycled and second hand products is a great example of this and that environmental mission is openly communicated in its retail spaces, making it clear to customers exactly where the brand stands.

Foremost, we’ll continue to see brands and retailers develop ever more emotionally distinct experiences. Key to realising this will be a focus on how to offer greater personalisation and customisation of products and services. These are four emerging trends that can unlock these opportunities in 2017: Time savers vs time spenders Retail formats will become ever more distinct: expect to see further divergence between fast convenient spaces that serve time pressured consumers and immersive formats that engage audiences’ leisure time.

Access to ownership retail Brands and retailers from a wide range of sectors will offer alternative ways to access products and services. New subscription models will serve novel ways to access regular purchases whilst membership models will serve untapped needs for occasion access without ownership.

Inclusive bespoke Bespoke services will hit the mainstream and will be spearheaded by high tech digitally enabled staff. Expect bolder store design executions built around enhanced consultation and humanserviced customisation.

Data driven spaces Invisible tech will capture more data both from shoppers and the locality than ever before. Retailers will invest in highly engaging broadcast technology in order to serve up intuitive, hyper-relevant content via low involvement interfaces.

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trends Dual experiences and customisation Katie Baron Head of retail at Stylus

Our biggest retail conversations for 2016 straddled truly ‘smart’ omni-era brand design, the experiential economy, championing exploration for lives lived in ‘beta’, brands as ‘enablers’ and the value of getting more intimate, inclusive and locally relevant. We even reviewed how to use the most uncomfortable aspects of change — namely an irreversible culture of consumer disloyalty and a resistance to traditional brand formulas — to elicit exciting new opportunities.

2017 will see a continuance of all those themes but for store design in particular I predict the following: a split between fast and slow, dual experiences sitting side by side that cater to the emerging split between ‘let me explore’ and ‘get it for me’; service stores/retail clinics — environments reimagined as a serviceled spaces catering to spin-off brand skills, advisory services, educational initiatives and even outsourcing programmes; lab stores — incubation-based HQ/consumer-facing R&D mergers that acknowledge the increasingly blurred line between aspiring amateurs and career professionals; deep customisation where the power of play becomes a prevailing methodology and therefore sits at the front of centre of store design; and the store as a media hub — aligning with the way in which retailers are swiftly transitioning into editorialised entities and brands are turn broadcaster. In this space tech-assisted store concepts will both fuel and display brands’ media activity.

Multi-layered experiences and events Nick Leith-Smith, Principal, Nick Leith-Smith Architecture + Design

With the deepening symbiosis of consumers to smart phones and the immediacy of m-commerce, the in-store experience provides a much needed counterpoint for us as human beings! Consumers need the physical resonances of a space and the level of interaction it offers. And with the allure of technologies like virtual reality, we can get nearer to the brand or product but as consumers we still need the absorption of a physical space and to try before we buy. 2017 will not be the death knell for bricks and mortar retail, but with people spending increasingly less time in shops, brands need to delve even deeper in to understanding the psychology of the buying process. We will witness more flagship showcases where brands are curating multi-layered experiences and events to drive footfall, deepen their connection with the brand and enhance engagement.

From an aesthetics stance of these spaces, we will see an increased focus on intelligent and sustainable approaches to store architecture and design. This is, and will be, demonstrated through respect to culture and customs by making use of locally sourced materials or culturally relevant artistic references and communicating to shoppers on a more discerning and thoughtful level.

Pop-ups will remain a key strategy for brands wanting to trial new markets or locations or use a platform for a new launch event and crucially as a driver for social media. Lastly, we will see more pure play e-tailers invest in bricks and mortar spaces, be it showrooms, pop-ups or permanent spaces.

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Digital and real world interaction John-Michael O’Sullivan Design team leader, HMKM

2016 will be remembered as the year virtual reality and augmented reality went mainstream. Don’t believe it? Just look at the Pokémon phenomenon. What’s been noteworthy, from a retail perspective, is the success virtual reality has had in a sector that’s often been wary of new technology.

When Harvey Nichols relaunched its London flagship’s menswear floors last spring, it simultaneously unveiled an e-tail environment that let customers ‘walk’ through the new spaces online, browsing and buying clickable product along the way.

On the other side of the world, Australian retailer Myer partnered with eBay to create the world’s ‘first virtual department store’ — a concept that offers all the convenience of online shopping (fast browsing, easy selection, seamless checkout) within a virtual store space, which customers can ‘visit’ without leaving the comfort of home. These examples show how retailers are radically rethinking the customer journey, leveraging digital innovation to create holistic, wholly immersive shopping experiences.

But what’s clear, as we look to 2017, is that technology is simply the tool. Our craving for real-world interaction — with products, peers and physical places — is stronger than ever. For proof, look no further than the latest generation of high-impact retail destinations.

In New York, Samsung’s spectacular digital playground immerses the customer in a dynamic, personalised universe; in Los Angeles and New York, audio specialist Sonos is replacing old-school retail formats with studio-style listening showrooms; and in Detroit and Toronto, Shinola is redefining lifestyle retail with a powerful narrative that’s conveyed seamlessly across both digital channels and physical spaces. The success, each time, stems from the fact that each environment has been designed with the customer positioned at the heart of the retail experience.

In the future, that seamless dialogue between customer, product and brand will become increasingly critical. As bricks and mortar collide, the retailers that will thrive are the ones who challenge us to create unforgettable, individual, remarkable customer experiences, spanning both the physical and digital realms.

trends

Digital innovation and creating premium experiences

Ryan Brazelton Executive creative director at Interbrand Obtaining success in 2017 comes down to brands creating valuable experiences for their customer based. The ever-changing digital world continues to take over, and the gap between mass market and upmarket brands is closing. The next year will require brands to focus on two things: experimenting with new digital trends to create differentiating experience while staying true to their identity, and determining how to create premium experiences in order to even remain in a consumers’ consideration set.

Take the food and beverage sector for example. There are brands like Starbucks which recognised that it delivers more than a $4 cup of coffee — their chic café interiors and high-end cafes are important to the customer experience. In an effort to continually meet and exceed the expectations of loyal customers, while generating new patrons, Starbucks stays abreast with the daily trends inspiring people all over the globe. While maintaining interior chicness, the coffee house has also rolled out digital tools and apps to make it easy for customers to be rewarded with each purchase. In short, just as Starbucks has created more premium cafes everywhere, the entire fast casual market has hitched up as well, giving customers high quality experiences and high quality meals.

The food and beverage sector has completely out-paced everyone in terms of growth, and the corresponding level of design and premiumness is no coincidence. When you look at other brands within this sector, such as the McDonalds and Taco Bells of the world — the true value players — you can see how every brand needs to follow suit or run the risk of becoming irrelevant. These industry trends are happening across all markets: fashion, specialty, grocery and beyond. The middle is changing, it is being forced to value experience and design in order to maintain relevance.

Lighting as an effective branding tool Paul Nulty Owner, Nulty+

In 2017 we will witness far more ‘brand experience’ and the use of light and design to create an emotional connection between customer and product. Today’s customers don’t want a functional space that impassively displays merchandise, they want to feel connected with the purchases they make from the brands they love; the result is lighting will strengthen its role as an effective branding tool.

The collaboration between light and technology has also become prevalent. LED is now being used as an advanced marketing and sales tool and combined with smartphones is radically changing the way consumers browse and purchase.

Two thirds of consumers shop with smartphones and today’s state-of-the-art luminaires can communicate via them, tracking consumer movements and subtly increasing light levels to focus on particular products and offers. Light’s power is that it is functional and aesthetic; it enables people to act and also feel. Get the combination right and this can positively encourage people to visit shops and buy.

2017 is also likely to see a year of converging technology. This blurring of e-tail and retail will not only enable smartphones to gather and retain information on a shopper’s previous purchases and alert them with reminders as they walk past specific stores, but automatically adjust light to match ambiance depending on what a customer is buying. This will be particularly beneficial to the cosmetics industry as it marks the start of a new era when in-store lighting can finally match, enhance and offer a truer representation of skin tone for customers as they try and buy their cosmetics.

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products

LIGHTING MEGAMAN Family-owned flooring and furniture business, Butterfill’s in Llandrindod Wells, Wales recently upgraded its showroom, which includes a simple LED centrepiece featuring 44 MEGAMAN 3W Gold Filament lamps. As well as looking stunning, it has the additional benefit of saving £1,025 in electricity costs and 4,402 kg of CO2 for the store every year (calculations based on replacing 60W traditional filament lamps, operating for nine hours daily, seven days a week).

T. +44 (0)1707 386 000 E: marketing@megamanuk.com www.megamanuk.com Twitter: MegamanUKLtd

Progress Lighting For the second year running, the Selfridges creative team turned to Progress Lighting to illuminate its Christmas windows.

This year’s window scheme allowed the Progress Lighting design team to come up with some amazing lighting concepts.

Every window at Selfridges is fitted with Masterspot 2 wireless controlled colour tunable LED light fixtures, which allows Progress to individually control each fixture and create dynamic light senses to highlight and enhance the window showcases.

Each window is individual and so is the lighting.

T. +44 (0)1423 704 124 E. led@progresslighting.co.uk www.progresslighting.co.uk Twitter: progressled

Hacel Lighting The commanding Azuma range from Hacel Lighting combines a contemporary design and powerful performance with formidable form and functionality. Delivering impressive outputs up to 6010 lumens, the Azuma features state of the art Zhaga single point modules and outstanding colour rendering properties — optimal in retail and spotlighting applications.

T. +44 (0)191 280 9911 E: info@hacel.co.uk www.hacel.co.uk Twitter: Hacel1

Martini Light Martini Light has collaborated with Gilmar Group to illuminate the latest GilmarBox at ‘The Style at Vicolungo’ outlet in Italy.

Thanks to the special HD Retina technology mounted on the Milo L spotlight, colours are perceived in an optimal way saturating both the warm tones and the cool ones, making them pleasing to the human eye while maintaining a high level of visual comfort. A technology capable of associating our memories with those familiar colours which we like and which invoke positive feelings. The HD Retina LED uses the Memory Color Rendering Index (MCRI) as a scale for measuring the chromatic rendering, thus also inspired by the way the human eye perceives and reconstructs colours.

T. +39 (0)535 48220 E. info@martinilight.com www.martinilight.com Twitter: Martini_Light

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TM

The World’s 1st Combined Bluetooth Printer and Cash Drawer Star is known worldwide as the most dominant printer manufacturer for mPOS with connectivity at all levels, so it is only natural for Star to create the world’s 1st Bluetooth all-in-one mPOS printer and cash drawer. mPOP delivers outstanding connectivity and design, plus intuitive functionality and simple integration with your chosen mobile, software and card payment system. Welcome to a new era for mPOS. Welcome to mPOP.

Stylish, functional cash drawer Reliable 100mm/second print speed Classic Bluetooth Connectivity Compact, mobile POS design Effective cable management with one power source for mPOP and two mobile devices

NEW

Tablet and phone not included

Use with YOUR choice of mobile device

Device stand

Plug and play Star scanner

Star Micronics EMEA, Star House, Peregrine Business Park, Gomm Road, High Wycombe, Bucks. HP13 7DL, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1494 471111 • Fax: +44 (0) 1494 473333 • Email: Sales@Star-EMEA.com • www.Star-EMEA.com

products

TECHNOLOGY iiyama High quality professional display specialist iiyama has announced an expansion of its large format display (LFD) range with the multi-touch ProLite TF6537UHSC-B1AG, a slim yet robust, ‘zero bezel’, edge-toedge 65in 4K display designed for continuous operation. The ProLite TF6537UHSC-B1AG features a high quality IPS panel guaranteeing exceptional color accuracy, high brightness and superior viewing angles. Suitable for the most demanding environments, it also boasts 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) and displays amazingly detailed visuals.

T. +31 204460404 E: support.nl@iiyama.com www.iiyama.com Twitter: iiyamaCo

DENSO Auto-ID DENSO Auto-ID has launched two products, the BHT-1200 RFID handheld terminal (or BHT-1281QULWB-CE as the model is officially called) and the QK30-IC scanner. Both are based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Near Frequency Communication (NFC) respectively. The BHT-1200 RFID offers the popular features of the BHT-1200 series such as the robustness and the resistance to extreme temperatures from -20 to +50 degrees Celsius. In addition, it provides an extremely fast reading speed. While the BHT-1200 is an all-round performer in storage facilities, the QK30-IC is ideal for shorter distances. It is equipped with modern NFC technology and unites the standard model QK30 with a chip card reader.

T. +49 (0)211 88252 450 E: info@denso-autoid-eu.com www.denso-autoid-eu.com

NEC Display Solutions Europe NEC Display Solutions Europe will showcase exciting display trends using real-life scenarios at the ISE 2017 exhibition on 7-10 February 2017 at RAI Amsterdam. Attendees can explore an engaging display applications showroom at stand 5-R24. They will find new and effective ways of using display technology to deliver better results in corporate offices, retail and commercial premises, education and more. Visitors can also join demo sessions with first-hand insight from industry experts on the latest innovations.

T. +44 (0) 870 120 1160 E. infomail@nec-displays.com www.nec-display-solutions.co.uk Twitter: NEC_Display_EU

Seymourpowell Superdry in Berlin has introduced a smart mirror from design and innovation specialist Seymourpowell, which allows customers to browse through the brand’s latest winter collection and interact with garments by trying them on ‘digitally’ before purchasing. Seymourpowell collaborated closely with Superdry’s global merchandising and store design teams on the concept, which forms a focal point of the newly opened flagship store in the city. Integrated body tracking technology allows them to try on the garments digitally as they browse. Any movement the customer makes is mirrored by the garment shown on screen.

T. +44 (0)20 7381 6433 E. charlie.curran@seymourpowell.com www.seymourpowell.com Twitter: Seymourpowell

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products

PROJECTS Nulty+ Working closely with Selfridges and design agency Campaign, Nulty+ designed a minimal and low energy LED lighting scheme for phase one of Selfridges’ Designer Studio. Nulty+ used a soft colour palette with slight variations in shades of white, creating a sense of serenity. Integrated track and spotlights are used around the perimeter of the concessions, and recessed downlights along the central core. Changing rooms feature softer lighting, designed to make shoppers feel comfortable and confident, whilst avoiding unnecessary shadows, and include halo lighting around mirrors.

T. +44 (0)20 7401 3635 E. office@nultylighting.co.uk www.nultylighting.co.uk Twitter: NultyLighting

Moduleo London College of Fashion recently refurbished its High Holborn building, and opted for the Scarlet Oak from Moduleo.

It was crucial the flooring specified was durable, stylish and safe, as well as flexible for the students and staff who utilise the campus daily. With this in mind, the designers on the project opted for luxury vinyl flooring from Moduleo for the Student’s Union café and bar, as a result of its advanced strength, slip-resistant rating of R10, and realistic wood-effect appearance.

T. +44 (0)1332 851 500 E: salesuk@moduleo.com www.moduleo.co.uk Twitter: ModuleoUK

StudioXAG The Adidas Originals flagship in London recently underwent a revamp with a localised twist. StudioXAG designed and implemented two long-term dwell areas within the store – adding authentic elements of familiarity as well as encouraging the local consumer to spend more time in the store. Taking reference from the iconic housing estates of London, StudioXAG brought the outside inside with reclaimed chimney pots used as planters and even a piece of the London streets in the form of a reclaimed pavement light re-purposed as a coffee table. Mid-century British furniture, phone charging facilities and local magazines offer an inviting retreat from the busy streets of soho. Other nods to London include the rubber flooring from the Victoria Line tube used as tabletops as well as cushions made from the London Underground moquette fabric.

T. +44 (0)20 8539 8606 E. hello@studioxag.com www.studioxag.com Twitter: studioxag

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Reggiani UK Reggiani UK has supplied a variety of fittings to the new Aelia Duty Free Store at London Luton Airport. The lighting scheme was specifically designed to create a stress-free, relaxed and pleasurable shopping experience for travellers. Reggiani worked closely with local architects Wanda Creative as well as liaising with independent lighting designer, Franck Franjou.

T. +44 (0)20 8236 3000 E: sales@reggiani.co.uk www.reggiani.co.uk Twitter: reggianilight

Ultra efficient, high performance LED battens Up to 50% energy saving

Ultra efficient up to 138 lpcW

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Unique slide & lock design

Direct T8 and T5 fluorescent replacements

Precision engineered LED array

Standard and high output versions

Provides ultra fast installation

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NEW

INDUSTRIAL LED RANGES

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01243 838999

a company

jcc.co.uk/skypack Skypack® 10 year domestic and 5 year commercial extended warranty. Register at JCC.co.uk

See JCC.co.uk for full details

LOOSE LAY VINYL FLOOR TILES

NEW The Expona SimpLay collection of loose lay vinyl tiles and planks offers 38 authentic reproductions of beautiful natural and abstract materials presented in an adhesive-free heavy commercial product, designed to reduce installation time.

Find out more at www.polyflor.com/exponasimplay Order your free brochure and samples from the Polyflor website or by calling 0161 767 2551

2506 Grey Country Oak Free of charge samples

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

products

FLOORING Osmo UK ESCO flooring is available via Osmo UK, following a partnership between the wood finishes expert and ESCO Group in 2014. The ESCO collection includes nine flooring options, including Bohemia, Chateau, Moravia and Kolonial. A favourite amongst architects and interior designers is Harfa flooring. This flooring surface has been designed with a rough-sawn treatment and has been enhanced with cross-wise cuts that are grooved in the surface with great care. Harfa can be combined with many different styles and colours, providing endless possibilities. Harfa flooring is available in eight colours, including natural, natural white, double smoked black, smoked tobacco, smoked natural, washy grey, smoked white and stone grey. There is also the option to choose between two or three layer parquet and your wood style — elegance, superb, classic or original.

T. +44 (0)1296 481 220 E: info@osmouk.com www.osmouk.com Twitter: @osmo_uk

Axminster Carpets Hazy Days is the latest range from wool carpet specialist Axminster Carpets. Offering a sense of refined style through a carefully curated selection of designs, these 30 brand new pure wool carpets are set to inspire. From elegant geometrics to charming botanical patterns, Hazy Days is a versatile collection of grey and soft dove carpets with a twist. Blending an assortment of exquisite designs with a subtle neutral palette, this modern range delivers a stylish and timeless look as well as the luxury and durability of a pure wool carpet.

T. +44 (0)1297 32244 E. sales@axminster-carpets.co.uk www.axminstercarpets.co.uk Twitter: AxminsterUK

Forbo Flooring Systems Junckers Forbo’s floor coverings have helped to create an attractive, welcoming interior environment at The Kelpies Visitor Centre in Falkirk from which visitors can admire the world’s largest equine sculptures. Architects at Nicoll Russell Studios specified Allura Stone Luxury Vinyl Tile in Grigio Concrete, Charcoal Concrete and Natural Concrete for the cafe, exhibition space and retail area. The natural aesthetics, 50cm x 50cm format and installation layout blend effectively with the granite paving of the plaza outside and echo the patterns of the stainless steel cladding panels on the Kelpies themselves.

Junckers has reformulated its UltraMatt Lanquer finishing product to give even more matt appearance on floors.

Recognising the trend for natural looking wood and the growing demand for floors that look ‘unfinished’, the new formula is the most natural looking lacquer on the market. Even though it looks just like an oiled finish with no surface sheen, as a lacquer it gives the floor superior protection against spills and scuffs and is more hardwearing. All Junckers pre-finished floorboards are now available with UltraMatt Lacquer.

T. +44 (0)844 822 3928 E. info.flooring.uk@forbo.com www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/allura Twitter: forboflooringUK

T. +44 (0)1376 534 700 E. enquiries@junckers.co.uk www.junckers.co.uk Twitter: junckersfloors

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products

FLOORING Forbo Flooring Systems Forbo’s new Marmoleum Linear sheet collection enables end users and specifiers to define spaces through intriguing floor designs, by playing with texture, colour and installation directions. Recently presented with the iF Design Award, this exceptionally sustainable floor covering collection is divided into three ranges that reflect the latest trends across the retail, leisure, hospitality and office sectors.

T. +44 (0)844 822 3928 E: info.flooring.uk@forbo.com www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/marmoleumlinear Twitter: forboflooringUK

nora flooring systems The new noraplan Iona rubber covering is opening up completely new design options. With the new noraplan lona rubber covering, so many different graphic designs can now be integrated into the rubber flooring due to a special manufacturing method: the requested design is incorporated into the covering during vulcanisation at a high temperature and under a large pressure, for a permanently attractive look that will last for decades. noraplan lona is available in 24 basic colours in the standard range.

T. +44 (0)1788 513 160 E. info-uk@nora.com www.nora.com/uk Twitter: noraflooring

Polyflor High design luxury vinyl tile flooring from Polyflor’s Expona Commercial collection was chosen as part of a sophisticated and stylish interior design scheme for Handbag Clinic in Islington, designed by Aubury Design. Expona Commercial luxury vinyl tiles in the Crème Swirl design were selected for the shop floor area. The subtle Crème Swirl design from the Abstract effects collection within Expona Commercial has high end design appeal, complementing the store interior and the luxury handbags on display. The same design was also installed in the Newcastle branch of Handbag Clinic.

T. +44 (0)161 767 1111 E: info@polyflor.com www.polyflor.com Twitter: Polyflorltd

Gerflor There’s no doubt that 2016 has seen a Luxury Vinyl Tile and Plank (LVT) resurgence leading to a much higher demand for this most ubiquitous of flooring products. For Gerflor it’s been a journey of discovery, passion and innovation leading to a zealous encounter with the creativity of old and new materials.

All vinyl seems to be trending this year and it now appears to be the ‘big dog on the block’. Original, well thought-out vinyl designs are on a march, becoming one of the most popular and sought-after floors on the market, and this is in large part due to the newest luxury vinyl designs. It’s a situation perfectly suited to Gerflor’s new Creation 55 range.

T. +44 (0)1926 622600 E. contractuk@gerflor.com www.gerflor.co.uk Twitter: Gerfloruk

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products

SURFACES & FINISHES International Decorative Surfaces Fenix NTM is an uber-fashionable supermatt material that’s beautiful to touch and work with, yet magically doesn’t leave unsightly fingerprints. It also features nanotechnology that enables superficial micro-scratches to be thermally healed and disappear. Not just technically amazing, Fenix NTM offers endless design scope too for horizontal and vertical applications to create desirable interiors.

Fenix NTM is available in 15 colours including subtle neutrals in grey and cream tones, plus deeper shades of blue, black and brown.

T. +44 (0)845 023 0376 E: solutions@idsurfaces.co.uk www.idsurfaces.co.uk Twitter: idsurfaces

James Latham James Latham has opened a new showroom in the heart of London’s architectural and design community. Showcasing an enormous range of exclusive and semi-exclusive materials, the facility — which is located at Suite 301 of the Business Design Centre in Islington — has been created to inspire architects and designers, provide expert advice and enable them to keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in surface solutions.

T. +44 (0)207 7288 6417 E. bdc@lathams.co.uk www.lathamtimber.co.uk Twitter: lathamsltd

Armourcoat Armourcoat has introduced a new decorative wall finish based on natural granite stone, destined to be an instant classic effect. The Granite polished plaster finish recreates the timeless beauty and long lasting qualities of granite, a classic choice offering a natural stone option. This rugged hand-applied finish, created from a natrual material composed of hydrated lime and crushed marble, presents a rough-hewn surface full of texture and interest. An array of global projects for an impressive list ofinternational blue chip clients in the residential, hospitality and boutique retail sectors have established Armourcoat as a leading supplier of high quality surface finishes. Armourocat products are made from natural minerals including recycled Italian marble, contain low or zero VOCs, and have the added confidence of a full 10 year guarantee.

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

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International Decorative Surfaces IDS has updated its Solutions Guide. The 72-page, full colour directory showcases the depth and breadth of IDS’s portfolio in flooring, worktops, sinks and taps, wall panelling, solid surface, laminate, compact and decorative panel products. Designed to help customers browse, compare and choose the right product, the guide is rich with images, technical and product information on the 40+ leading surface material brands that IDS represents and distributes across the UK. Each category highlights the features and benefits of each brand along with their application possibilities within domestic and commercial settings.

T. +44 (0)845 023 0376 E: solutions@idsurfaces.co.uk www.idsurfaces.co.uk Twitter: idsurfaces

Losan Real Wood Veneers James Latham’s new and exciting range of real wood veneers allow designers to create environments with stunning effects and finishes, bringing together a particular depth, texture and individuality impossible to achieve with artificial materials.

The authentic, warm and natural beauty shines through in this new range of veneers, highlighting the unique characteristics, grain and tone of the wood. The portfolio of veneers - which are all from FSC certified stock – include such on trend species as Smoked Figured, Crown and Rough-Cut Eucalyptus as well as Cracked Oak, Smoked Larch and Satin Walnut.

INSPIRED INTERIOR DESIGN IS ALL ABOUT CHOICE

Shinnoki 2.0 Shinnoki 2.0 is a range of ready to use, high quality veneered panels that are supplied already stained and lacquered, requiring no further finishing.

One key aspect of Shinnoki 2.0 is its stability. The veneers are mismatched, but stained and textured to create a consistent finish that shows the natural aspects and beauty of the species.

XyloCleaf Available through James Latham and unlike anything else on the UK market, XyloCleaf is an exclusive and highly textured range of decors which includes a variety of wood grains, linens and other unique materials.

With over 60 colours and patterns in MFC and more than 20 in HPL laminate, all of which come with ABS edging as standard, the sensational XyloCleaf collection is suited to high-end premium design schemes within either the commercial or residential sectors and is perfect for furniture, fixtures and wall panelling.

The extensive Shinnoki 2.0 portfolio is supplied in designs which are completely in tune with current design trends and includes matching realwood and ABS edge banding. The 17 designs are also supplied in separate 3-ply veneer sheets, perfect for curved surfaces, doors or other interior requirements.

With one of the biggest and most varied collections of decorative surface solutions in the UK, three of James Latham’s most popular materials continue to grow in popularity with interior designers and shopfitters, inspiring the freedom to create distinctive designs that define spaces.

For more information on Latham’s full range of surface materials phone 0116 257 3415, e-mail marketing@lathams.co.uk or visit www.lathamtimber.co.uk

materials & finishes

focus on materials & finishes Materials and surfaces can bring tactility, warmth and colour to a space, as well as having a practical aspect. In this issue we get under the surface of some of the latest materials to grace retail environments, from Evan James Design’s 3D interactive surfaces to Caesar’s long-standing Tecnolito range.

Interactive sensory design Evan James Design produces 3D modular surface systems for interior applications, questioning not only does a wall need to be flat but also stay the same. The company combines traditional quality craftsmanship with new technologies to endorse customer individuality, product longevity and durability. The completely bespoke surfaces can be created from an extensive range of woods including birch, walnut and oak, a colour matching service and a range of finishes from matt to metallic.

www.evanjamesdesign.com

Past and present TheSize, designer and manufacturer of Neolith, has expanded its range of premium Sintered Compact Surfaces, unveiling new launches at the Marmomacc exhibition in Verona, Italy. Inspired by past and present, the new décors are an amalgamation of architectural influences, natural marbles from around the world and collaborative workings of in-house designers at TheSize.

Shown here is Aspen Grey, a dark grey matte inspired by natural Aspen stone.

www.neolith.com

In the mood Luxury vinyl flooring manufacturer Moduleo has partnered with London retailer Mr Carpets to open its first UK showroom. The flagship store has launched within Mr Carpet’s East Sheen store and offers customers an invaluable opportunity to sample products, design a flooring of their choice, and meet the team before they make the purchase. Moduleo recently unveiled its Moods collection to the UK market. The collection is now available to see at the showroom, and offers customers a creative studio in which they can combine 10 new flooring formats. Up to 110 wood and stoneeffect designs can be created using the wide range of tile shapes available, including hexagons, chevrons, triangles and diamonds.

www.moduleo.co.uk

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materials & finishes

Italian flair A key product of the Caesar range for more than 20 years, Tecnolito has been restyled in terms of colours, finishes and appearance to offer a complete set of surfaces designed for the architecture of today. Chromatic scales of neutral tones, a spectrum of warm and cold tones and a multi-purpose neutral colour give life to a palette of 14 colours especially designed with the cooperation of professionals of the most important architectural centres in the world. The extra large 120cm x 120cm size is the perfect choice for public spaces subject to heavy pedestrian traffic.

www.caesar.it

Award winning In September, Swiss-based Decolan was honored with Product of the Year for its DECOFLEX3D at the NAS Design Partnership Awards 2016. Being a thermoplastic laminate that can be designed into anything the client needs makes DECOFLEX3D the ideal solution to dramatically change the interior design of restaurants, bars, shops and any kind of wall or ceiling that needs to be restructured or space to be refitted. DECOFLEX3D is heated up and moulded into a set design chosen or a custom-made 3D structure specifically requested by the client, and can also be customised with any colour. Visit the company at the Surface Design Show in February.

www.decolan.co

Plenty of choice Tiles 4 Architects has an extensive product range, from porcelain and ceramic tiles to mosaics. After its success at the UK Construction Week, the company is looking forward to launching more new ranges to compliment its current portfolio at the Surface Design Show. In particular, the T4A94 range for use both inside or outside on walls and floors. A range of five sizes, five neutral colours and two finishes are available, as well as two styles of mosaics, skirtings and step treads, available in all the colours. The new T4A88 120cm x 120cm porcelain wood effect floor is available in beige, walnut and grey in two finishes, matt and an outdoor ribbed finish that replicates decking. Tiles 4 Architects has also launched the new T4A81 eroded metal range, ideal for the retail sector.

www.tiles4architects.co.uk

Solid as a rock Returning to the Surface Design Show in February, Concreate will showcase its latest developments of concrete surface solutions.

Its pre-cast, lightweight floor and wall panels can be installed in just about any interior space and work alongside any material to create compelling, modern architectural styling. The company’s tongue and groove flooring panels are lightweight and available in three shades.

www.concreate.net

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directory

DIREcTORIES

www.retail-focus.co.uk/directory Visit the Retail Focus online directory at www.retail-focus.co.uk to discover a comprehensive list of the 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: sales@diasystems.co.uk W: www.diagroup.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin

Aluminium Fittings

Bespoke Display

Bespoke Display

Design Consultancies

Axis design, develop, manufacture and install bespoke retail display solutions.

We’ve worked with the biggest names on the high street, but approach every project in the same way, with the maximum thought for your brand, products and sales environment.

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

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

Bespoke Display

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

Bespoke Display

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

Design Consultancies

MicroSlat is a strong versatile 25mm fine pitched aluminium slatwall system.

With a bespoke range of components it can be used to build unique and interesting displays or add value to existing designs.

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

Walker Bros (Elland) Ltd is an Engineering Manufacturing company specialising in sheet metalwork and plastic fabrication.

We supply precision metal and plastic products, components and light fabrications to a broad range of industries and markets throughout the UK and Europe.

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

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

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

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

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

Audio Visual Integration

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

Bespoke Display

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

Brochure Holders

Design Consultancies

Brochure Holders International Limited is part of the global Taymar group recognised as a leading manufacturer of premium quality injection moulded leaflet holders and display solutions.

Committed to on-going product development the Taymar group offers one of the world’s largest collections of ‘clear view’ wall, floor and counter standing brochure displays.

We are TWO Visual, the retail agency specialising in visual merchandising.

Led by brand directors Jeanette Cheetham and Brendan Gordon we provide everything retailers need to make their brands visually dynamic, whilst improving team and commercial performance.

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

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

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

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

Balloons & Bunting

Bespoke Display

Climate Control

Display

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

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.

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

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

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

T: +44 (0)8450 944 699 E: ben.wang@ksf-global.com W: www.ksf-global.com S: www.twitter.com/KSFGlobal

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

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

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Display

Display

Display - DIGITAL

FURNITURE

Are you looking to increase your product sales, re-brand or launch a new product? If you’re not already talking to us, you should.

Our group offer an unprecedented level of experience coupled with a comprehensive range of products and services. Our aim is to make your products sell and your service the best on the market.

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.

Crystal Display Systems is already a leading UK designer, distributor and value added reseller of flat panel display solutions. We have a vast array of media players, interactive displays, videowalls and shelf edge displays.

Our knowledge and expertise has also led to us being one of the European leaders in transparent LCD.

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

T: +44(0)113 265 0093 E: sales@concept-data.com W: www.concept-data.com S. www.twitter.com/GDProjects

T +44 (0)20 8348 9888 E: mail@rarebasic.com W: www.rarebasic.com S: www.twitter.com/rarebasic

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

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

Display

Display

Display - DIGITAL

FURNITURE

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

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

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

Display

EPOS

GRAPHICS

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

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

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

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

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

Display

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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Finishes

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

GRAPHICS

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

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

directory

interactive displays

pop

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.

> In house design and manufacture of permanent displays > Powder coated steel, stainless steel, plastics and print used in any combination > Rapid prototyping and batch manufacture > Confidentiality assured > Let us help you improve your product sales` Find out why our customers keep returning for more………

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

T: 01482 345067 E: sales@jcrpos.co.uk W: www.jcrpos.co.uk S. @JCR_POS

pop/pos

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

slatwall

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

LIGHTING

pop/pos

pop up

vm

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.

Custom made, 20mm deep LED Edge lit ‘Diamond’ light boxes, and 8mm deep ‘Garnet’ light panels for retail display, signage and advertising.

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

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

T: 0116 262 5933 E: sales@ledsolutions.co.uk W: www.ledsolutions.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/ LEDSolutionsUK

T: 0333 123 0345 E: Sales@ways2display.com W www.artillus.com Web: www.ways2display.com

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

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

Literature Display

pop/pos

Retail Consultancy

vm

Brochure Holders International Limited is part of the global Taymar group recognised as a leading manufacturer of premium quality injection moulded leaflet holders and display solutions.

Committed to on-going product development the Taymar group offers one of the world’s largest collections of ‘clear view’ wall, floor and counter standing brochure displays.

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

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

Since the ‘glam’ days of the 1970s, Panache Display has been a lead player in the global fashion business producing ever-changing looks to set its own trends in mannequin design and visual display - while establishing an enviable reputation for quality, as well as, creativity.

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

T: +44 (0) 20 8752 2520 E: info@panachedispay.co.uk W: www.panachedisplay.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/PANACHEDISPLAY

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

Maintenance

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

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

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

pop/pos

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

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

slatwall

VM TOOLS AND TRAINING

Specialist Stockist of Aluminium Extrusions and Mild Steel Fittings for the shopfitting industry.

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

Extensive stock held of: *Slotted uprights *Aluminium slatwall *Perimeter Sections *Corner sections *Design and bespoke service.

T: 01273 582241 E: sales@diasystems.co.uk W: www.diagroup.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin

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

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Q&A

Steven Dempsey Steven Dempsey has been with the John Lewis Partnership for 10 years, working in various roles from visual merchandising and marketing manager to most recently, VM concept manager. In November, he was named Most Innovative Person in VM at the VM & Display Awards 2016. In our final interview for 2016, Dempsey tells us how the role of the visual merchandiser is changing, why he’s always seeking out new collaborations, and the trends he will be playing with in 2017.

RF. What does your role as VM concept manager entail exactly?

SD. The primary function of my role is to deliver outstanding new stores that excite and delight our customers, and are relevant to the local landscape and heritage of the area. I partner our VM designers, architects, concept and presentation teams to push the boundaries of what is expected from us and capture the current trends and mood within our departments. I think your reputation and image is strengthened by the trends you choose to avoid as much as the ones you choose to follow. Not everything is going to be right for every brand but by picking off the ones that resonate with your values, they can have great pay offs and my role is to help facilitate that filtering.

You’ve been with the John Lewis Partnership for 10 years. How RF. do you keep the creative juices flowing?

SD. I think the fact that I love what I do helps the process massively.

I relish looking at old problems from a new angle to design a better solution and I think my best ideas are born from those moments of crisis, where I have to ask myself ‘what can I possibly do that hasn’t been done before?’ Sometimes that is about evolution rather than revolution, but there are also those lightbulb moments that might begin as a ridiculous idea but can be moulded into the perfect outcome.

Do you ever collaborate with artists and designers on your RF.

in-store VM displays?

SD. All the time, it’s one of the favourite parts of my role. Myself and the VM designers are always seeking out new collaborations and sometimes the desired end result can only come from those smaller and more independent artists. You can achieve surprising outcomes by picking the right person for the right project. I think it’s also our duty as a large company to share whatever budget we have among the VM and artist community.

Who would you most like to work with?

RF. SD. I have my eye on a couple of street artists that I’m desperate to collaborate with. I’m just waiting for the right project, but you can’t rush these things. If you try to force joint ventures they can feel awkward and contrived. Waiting for the prime opportunity always delivers a greater reward.

As the retail landscape evolves, how is the role of the visual RF. merchandiser changing?

What trends do you see emerging in 2017?

RF.

SD. I think we need to be even more agile in the way we work and utilise every opportunity that is available to us. With the increasing demand that every square foot of selling space returns it’s pound of flesh, the requirement to look beyond the usual areas to add VM is ever more important and seizing those spaces can result in unexpected results.

SD. Current events and world news have a way of weaving themselves into and influencing fashion, as we saw recently with Hilary’s pant suit trend, so maybe the Trump hairdo will be on every mannequin on the High Street next year? Maybe not.....I think outline, shadow and repeat are the three trends that we will be playing with next year.

Do you think retailers are paying greater attention to their VM? RF.

What are you working on at the moment?

RF.

SD. Definitely. When I started in VM more than 20 years ago, the retail landscape was not particularly diverse. As we have become more discerning and demanding customers, retailers have innovated to create differentiated images projected through the way they handle their merchandise and in their approach to VM. I think the competition between brands for who has the best windows at any one time now is fierce. We used to see it a lot at Christmas and not so much at any other time, but now we are spoilt all year by incredibly imaginative and inspiring windows. I would like to see more excitement like that inside the stores.

SD. Lots of exciting new openings! We have our first venture in Dubai opening in March and we are just adding the final VM touches to the plan. We also have two stores opening in the UK next year, one in Oxford and our latest store in London, which will be the flagship store to the extension of the Westfield White City project. Each will have it’s own unique signature VM that will sit beside our department solutions, but we can’t tell you any more than that...yet!

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Read the full interview online at www.retail-focus.co.uk/qanda