Contemporary, diverse, and dynamic, Mannequin by HOL offers a comprehensive collection of mannequins to meet the demands of today’s retail and exhibition scenarios.
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hol-mannequins.com | info@hol-mannequins.com
Celebrate our 30th anniversary at VM & Display Show 2026 Stand F1B
The HOL Group is a diverse range of creative brands that specialises in retail and hospitality. Based in London, HOL Group supports businesses globally from shop fitting, visual merchandising and clothes hangers to design services and operational equipment.
We provide original, engaging concepts to our customers along with practical and commercial visual solutions. Project management and installation are also services offered and HOL has a vast range of manufacturing capabilities based in the UK, Europe and the Far East.
NEW YEAR NEW COLOURS
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HELLO...
Hello and welcome to the latest issue of Retail Focus. It appears that after an extended winter, we’ve finally hit spring, with some warmer weather arriving just in time for the Easter celebrations.
It’s hard to believe that we are already more than a quarter of the way through 2026, with the Christmas and New Year period not seeming that long ago. And while it has been a somewhat uncertain first quarter of the year, given the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on the economy, there remains plenty to be positive about both at home in the UK and overseas.
With the focus very much on evolving the retail experience for modern shoppers, this issue of Retail Focus, as ever, pays tribute to those forward-thinking brands and stores taking steps to future-proof their business.
Tying in with this is one of our special features in this edition, ‘Evolving Role of AI’ (page 42), where we take a look at the increasing role artificial intelligence is playing in the retail sector.
Elsewhere, we analyse the impact of superior signage in shopping environments, showcasing some of the best examples across stores (page 28). Also in this issue are expert views on the importance of the shopping experience in luxury retail (page 38) and how the retail sector as a whole is undergoing an identity shift, with customers now the centre of attention (page 52).
As always, we also pay tribute to some of the latest projects in retail around the world. This time, these include Napapijri launching a brand-new retail concept in Paris (page 18), SportsShoes.com opening a new flagship experiential store located on Shoreditch High Street in London (page 20), and an in-depth look at the TEAM CHINA Shanghai Flagship Store (page 23).
We also celebrate umdasch The Store Makers being honoured in the ‘Interior Excellence’ category at the recent Global RLI Awards (page 26) and cast an eye back over this year’s edition of Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Barcelona (page 56).
Finally, and staying on events, we take a look ahead to one of the major industry gatherings in the Visual Merchandising and Display Show, which this year takes place from 14-15 April 2026 at London’s Business Design Centre (page 32). We’ll be in attendance throughout, so please come and say hello if you are planning to visit.
See you next time!
CONTENT DIRECTOR
Lee Cullumbine 07949 781817
For subscription enquiries please email: lee@retail-focus.co.uk
Retail Focus is published by LTC Digital Ltd
No part of Retail Focus may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without permission. Please address all enquiries to the editor at the above address. The opinions expressed in Retail Focus are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information contained in these pages. We will assume permission to publish any unsolicited material unless otherwise stated. LTC digital Ltd
VM & DISPLAY SHOW
BDC LONDON | 14 - 15 APRIL 2026
The VM & Display Show is the place for all your visual merchandising and display needs. Visitors can meet with an array of industry experts who can help make displays a reality, from concept to installation. Taking place at the Business Design Centre in London, the VM & Display Show is the only UK exhibition dedicated to this creative industry, bringing together everything from mannequins, print and props to POP, lighting and fabrics - and every in-between - under one roof across two days.
www.vmanddisplayshow.com
RETAIL TECHNOLOGY SHOW 2026
EXCEL, LONDON | 22 - 23 APRIL 2026
Connecting retail’s change-makers, the Retail Technology Show brings together Europe’s most forward-thinking retailers and leading tech innovators.
12,000+ Retail & brand professionals attend offering limitless opportunities to network and meet the right people.
400+ Exhibitors showcasing the latest retail tech solutions to help meet your customer’s demands and future-proof your business.
100+ Speakers to keep you up-to-date with the latest trends and challenges from game-changing leaders.
www.retailtechnologyshow.com
FUTR EUROPE
LONDON | 25 APRIL 2026
FUTR is Europe’s only Summit focused on fresh thinking and progressive change in the future of retail, marketing and commerce. Our attendees have told us it is “the ONLY retail and marketing event they attend all year.”
FUTR is the annual gathering of senior executives from brands, retailers, corporates, marketplaces & D2C who want to stay at the cutting-edge of insights, technologies and solutions across retail, marketing and commerce. FUTR is a watering hole for future-focused leaders who want to see “what’s next” and understand how to bridge the gap between “now and next”.
futr.today/london/about/
SHOPTALK EUROPE
FIRA GRAN VIA, BARCELONA | 9 - 11
JUNE 2026
Say hello to your one stop shop for connecting with Europe’s most senior retail, brand, tech and investor decision makers pioneering tomorrow’s digital innovations in store and online.
With 4,000+ power players and 1 in 3 being C-suite representing over 70 countries, you’ll be able to pack months of meaningful meetings into just three days to drive your business forward. For 2024, we’re going bigger with an expected 25,000+ meaningful meetings connecting you with decision makers that matter to your company. www.shoptalkeurope.com
THE CREATIVE RETAIL AWARDS
TBC | SEPTEMBER 2026
The Creative Retail Awards are much more than a mere accolade; they represent a pinnacle of achievement in the retail industry. The Creative Retail Awards feature 20 expertly curated categories, offering a broad platform for retailers, brands, agencies, and suppliers to showcase their achievements. This diverse range of categories culminates in an unparalleled awards ceremony, celebrating the remarkable talents and accomplishments within the retail sector. Participation in these categories is not only a recognition of success but also a pivotal moment that can shape the future trajectory of those in the retail industry. www.creativeretailawards.com
CANNES, FRANCE | 3 - 4
NOVEMBER 2026
MAPIC is the International retail real estate event to build the ultimate lifestyle and shopping destinations. It is an opportunity to learn network with key players at the centre of the retail property industry’s transformation, and be part of creating the exciting new business models that are shaping the places to live, play and shop of the future.
The 30th edition of MAPIC is introducing an optimised and efficient two-day format (4-5 November).
www.mapic.com
ONE HUNDRED RESTROOMS LAUNCHES AT NORDSTAN
Ambassador of the Netherlands inaugurates inclusive toilet concept with focus on well-being
The Dutch company ONE HUNDRED has officially inaugurated its first well-being-focused public restrooms in Gothenburg, located at Nordstan, the most iconic shopping destination in central Gothenburg.
The official opening was attended by the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Sweden, Joost Reintjes, who, together with Helena Lindqvist, CEO of Nordstan and the co-founder Bram Gleichman of ONE HUNDRED, performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
After a soft launch that began on 30 December, the facilities are now formally inaugurated. Designed to evoke all senses, high accessibility, and a strong focus on visitor experience, the location introduces a new approach to care and comfort in public restrooms.
Under the guiding principle “Relieve, Refresh, Reload,” visitors gain access to a range of services designed to support comfort, well-being, and (child) care in the vibrant urban environment.
FINSBURY FOOD GROUP CREATES GROUP PRODUCT AND INNOVATION DIRECTOR ROLE TO ACCELERATE STRATEGIC GROWTH
Leading speciality bakery manufacturer, Finsbury Food Group, has strengthened its commercial leadership team with the creation of a new senior role, appointing Neil Rockliff as Group Product and Innovation Director.
This signals clear intent from Finsbury to invest further in its innovation capability, enhance strategic alignment with customers and ensure product development plays a central role in shaping the Group’s future direction.
Neil brings extensive experience of leading innovation strategies across complex, multi-site, muti-category food businesses having held roles at Samworth Brothers and Greencore. This closely mirrors Finsbury’s UK and European footprint and diverse product portfolio spanning retail, foodservice and export channels.
A FRESH NOTE FOR KING STREET AS MATIERE PREMIERE OPENS UK DEBUT IN COVENT GARDEN
Shaftesbury Capital has announced that French luxury fragrance house MATIERE PREMIERE has opened its first UK store at 31 King Street, Covent Garden, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s international retail expansion and reinforcing Covent Garden’s position as a leading destination for luxury beauty.
Founded on a radical approach to perfumery, MATIERE PREMIERE is known for centring each fragrance around a single, exceptional natural raw material, used in high concentration and sourced to the highest standards. The new 708 sq ft Covent Garden store showcases the full portfolio of scents, allowing customers to engage directly with the brand’s craftsmanship and creative philosophy in its own dedicated store for the first time in the UK.
LONDON’S FIRST DEDICATED TEXTURED HAIR CONCEPT STUDIO OPENS
A new destination for textured hair is set to open its first UK concept store and salon.
Tressly Studios is launching in London, designed exclusively for Afro, curly and coily hair. The studio reimagines the future of hair spaces by uniting independent professional hairstylists with a curated edit of innovative, culture-first hair brands often overlooked by traditional beauty retail, ensuring highperformance care tailored to the unique needs of textured hair.
With fewer than 0.01% of UK salons catering specifically to Afro and textured hair, the launch addresses a long-standing gap in the industry and sets a new benchmark for inclusive, design-led hair spaces in the capital.
LAKESIDE SHOPPING CENTRE ANNOUNCES ARRIVAL OF FASHION HEAVYWEIGHT URBAN OUTFITTERS
New flagship store adds scale, energy and cultural relevance to Essex’s go-to shopping destination
Lakeside Shopping Centre today announces that Urban Outfitters, the worldleading fashion and lifestyle retailer, is set to open in summer 2026 on the lower level, further strengthening the destination’s fashion offer and cementing the super-regional scheme as a home for premier international brands.
The new 6,500 sq ft store will offer the brand’s signature blend of menswear, womenswear, accessories and homeware from its proprietary brands including Urban Outfitters Masterbrand, BDG, iets frans. Kimchi Blue, Loom and Ayker: all designed in-house at the London Head Office. The store will also showcase sought-after labels like Levi’s, Dickies, Carhartt WIP. With a strong following among a fashion-forward, younger demographic, the brand’s arrival will further diversify Lakeside’s customer base while strengthening its position as a leading fashion destination.
BLACK SHEEP COFFEE PLANS 60 NEW LONDON SITES AS CENTRAL AND EAST LONDON EXPANSION ACCELERATES
Black Sheep Coffee is strengthening its position in the capital with a new development agreement that will deliver a minimum of 10 stores across Central London, covering the City of London, Tower Hamlets and Hackney. The agreement forms part of broader plans to open 60 additional sites across London in the coming years, a move that would more than double its footprint in the capital.
The agreement marks new territory in London and signals the brand’s continued commitment to growth in one of the world’s most competitive coffee markets. While Black Sheep Coffee already operates a strong estate across the capital, this latest deal deepens its presence in areas known for high footfall, young professionals, students and global tourism.
The territory will be developed by new franchise partners joining the Black Sheep Coffee network for the first time, further demonstrating continued appetite for the brand’s franchise model in established urban markets. As part of the rollout, Black Sheep Coffee is actively targeting 1,500–2,500 sq ft sites in high-footfall, prominent locations, prioritising strong visibility and clear signage opportunities.
TRAFFORD CENTRE ANNOUNCES LATEST INDITEX INVESTMENT WITH STRADIVARIUS UPSIZE
Trafford Centre has announced that international fashion brand Stradivarius will open a larger, upgraded store at the centre in Spring 2026. The announcement follows a year of significant growth at the centre, where more than 50% of its 2025 sales growth originated from fashion, sportswear and footwear.
The new 13,500 sq ft Stradivarius store in Lower Peel Avenue marks a notable upsize and will offer shoppers a wider selection of the brand’s latest collections and accessories in a welcoming and modern retail environment.
The Stradivarius upgrade is the latest Inditex Group investment at Trafford Centre, highlighting the centre’s strong commercial appeal to global fashion brands. In 2025, the centre welcomed a highly anticipated Bershka store, as well as a huge new Zara concept store and upsized Pull&Bear, which more than doubled its footprint, all of which have been well received by customers. This latest commitment from Stradivarius further reinforces Inditex’s confidence in Trafford Centre’s position as a premier retail destination.
FROM ONE FAMILY TO ANOTHER, AS BRITISH GARDEN CENTRES WELCOMES MILLBROOK SITES TO THE GROUP
British Garden Centres is delighted to announce the acquisition of Millbrook Garden Centre's Staplehurst and Gravesend sites, bringing two of Kent’s most popular garden destinations into the BGC family and its portfolio to 77 sites.
While BGC already operates centres in Paddock Wood and Ramsgate, these new locations significantly scale the group’s footprint in Kent. Millbrook was founded in 1979 by Dick and Sue Allen and has been led by their daughter, Tammy Woodhouse, for many years. By passing the baton to the Stubbs family, the deal ensures that the centres remain under family ownership, preserving the community-focused values established over the last 47 years.
British Garden Centres look forward to working with the strong existing team to continue the fantastic reputation these centres have built. The centres will be named Staplehurst Garden Centre and Pepper Hill Garden Centre.
VICTORIA LEEDS ADMITS RANDOX HEALTH FOR REGIONAL DEBUT
Victoria Leeds, owned and operated by Redical, has announced that the private diagnostics clinic, Randox Health, has signed to the destination’s Victoria Quarter, marking the brand’s first standalone clinic to operate in the Yorkshire region.
Signing for a 734 sq ft space, Randox Health will offer visitors a range of blood tests as a means of preventative healthcare, adopting a bespoke, holistic approach. The new Victoria Leeds space will deliver the brand’s complete range of services, spanning full body health checks, specialised testing, innovative diagnostics, and corporate wellness programs.
Diversifying the destination’s tenant mix, complementing fellow wellnessfocused brand ALO, which recently launched in Victoria Quarter.
INDITEX TRIPLES DOWN AT METROCENTRE WITH BERSHKA SIGNING
The Metrocentre Partnership has announced the signing of global fashion powerhouse Bershka for itsregional debut, reinforcing the centre’s position as the go-to retail destination in the North East.
Bershka will open a 16,000 sq ft unit in Red Mall, joining other Inditex brands Stradivarius and Zaraand taking the Spanish retail fashion group’s total footprint at Metrocentre to more than 65,000 sq ft. The new store will feature Bershka’s full product range, spanning womenswear, menswear, teen clothing, and accessories, showcasing the brand’s signature approach to trend-led, accessible fashion.
This signing represents another coveted addition to Metrocentre’s fashion line-up, which has brought together brands with a broad and diverse appeal. This has, in turn, generated strong demand andmomentum over the past year, with the arrivals of Urban Outfitters and Stradivarius, now sitting alongside established names such as River Island, Mango, H&M, and Flannels. The emphasis on best-in-class fashion is already paying dividends in 2026, with category sales up 7.4% in January vs 2025, and womenswear in particular achieving growth of 9.8% vs last year, as well as Hollister due to open this summer.
OFFICIAL HARRY POTTER FLAGSHIP SHOP TO OPEN ON LONDON’S OXFORD STREET
Warner Bros. Global Experiences today announced it will be opening the first premier flagship shop in London, joining the King’s Cross shop, as the UK’s only official Harry Potter retail destinations.
Harry Potter Oxford Street will open in autumn 2026 and is located at The Ribbon, 134-140 Oxford Street, covering 21,000 sq ft across two floors. Designs are underway to transform the interior of the building into a wizarding emporium celebrating the beloved locations featured in the books and films. With photo opportunities, interactives and exclusive merchandise, it will be a ‘must see’ destination for fans and visitors to the capital.
The new shop will join the collection of Harry Potter experiences owned and operated by Warner Bros. in London including Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and the Harry Potter Shop at King’s Cross.
LINDT UNVEILS INDULGENT NEW CHOCOLATE SHOP IN RETAIL DESTINATION, WESTFIELD STRATFORD
Exactly one year after its Flagship Piccadilly store opening, the Swiss chocolatier expands its UK footprint with its latest chocolate paradise on 20th March, with exclusive products in store.
Lindt & Sprüngli, the globally renowned Swiss chocolate manufacturer, is launching its latest luxurious Chocolate Shop in the heart of London’s retail destination, Westfield Stratford.
Exactly one year on from the excitement of Lindt’s Flagship Piccadilly store opening, the Swiss chocolatier is expanding its London footprint within one of the largest urban shopping centres in the UK. The new boutique Lindt store will captivate chocolate lovers and tourists alike with its irresistibly unique chocolate experiences.
GIRO SPORT DESIGN EXPANDS UK RETAIL PRESENCE WITH
VIA PARTNERSHIP
Giro Sport Design announces a new UK retail partnership with VIA, marking a key step in the brand’s continued investment in Europe and commitment to strengthening its presence within the UK cycling market.
Since the start of 2025, Giro has operated a direct-to-retail model in the UK, working closely with select partners to offer a more seamless brand experience. Through this collaboration with VIA, the brand aims to deepen engagement with the local cycling community and expand its specialist retail network, giving riders easier access to its latest products and innovations.
The London partnership forms part of Giro’s broader European growth strategy, with the UK playing a key role in its future plans.
CUPPAPUG TO LAUNCH SIXTH LOCATION AT BRIGHTON MARINA THIS WEEK
Renowned pug café, CuppaPug, has announced that it is set to open at Brighton Marina Thursday, 5th March.
The Brighton Marina café will be the brand’s sixth location, joining popular sites in London and Manchester as well as several in America. Described as a vibrant pink paradise, the new waterfront venue will offer a unique space where pug lovers can enjoy themed smoothies, hot drinks and cakes in the company of the cafe’s resident pugs.
More than just a café, CuppaPug also aims to educate with their dedicated initiative, CuppaPug Rescue. The Brighton location will provide a lifeline for pugs in need, offering an environment for surrender, rehabilitation, medical care, fostering, and adoption. The pugs are trained, enriched and kept stimulated to ensure their happiness and wellbeing every day.
Guests will also have the opportunity to meet rescue pugs, learn their stories, and even apply to give them a forever home, with every visit supporting the brand’s ongoing rescue efforts.
WELCOME TO THE NEW GOURMET GARDEN BY FIBACP, A FRESH DINING EXPERIENCE IN SHENYANG
We are proud to introduce Gourmet Garden, our newest concept at Star Mall Shenyang, and a completely new way to experience food, culture, art, and entertainment in the city. Rather than a traditional food court, Gourmet Garden was created as an inspiring culinary garden, bringing together carefully selected local and international food providers to offer an extraordinary variety of tastes and cuisines within one integrated destination.
But Gourmet Garden is more than just food. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere where art, music, and digital experiences come together. A central stage hosts live artistic performances and entertainment, complemented by a stunning waterfall installation that transforms the area into a unique and relaxing environment where people can gather, explore, and spend time.
As a foreign investor, we are proud to bring this innovative concept to Shenyang. Our goal was to create something truly special—an experience that goes beyond dining and sets new standards for quality, creativity, innovation, and lifestyle. By integrating digital solutions and modern design, Gourmet Garden improves convenience, efficiency, and customer engagement, further elevating the overall visitor experience. This innovative approach has already resulted in significantly increased visitor dwell time and stronger engagement within the mall.
GANT BRINGS AMERICAN EAST COAST PREP TO SELFRIDGES MANCHESTER WITH IMMERSIVE POP-UP STORE
Gant is excited to introduce its collection to Selfridges Trafford in Manchester and to celebrate the occasion, unveiled a new pop-up destination inviting customers to step into an immersive expression of the brand’s American East Coast heritage. Launching on March 2nd, the pop-up offers a curated edit of Gant’s Spring/Summer 2026 menswear collection, featuring the brand’s iconic preppy styles. From striped rugby shirts and chinos to Harrington jackets and elevated everyday essentials, the selection reflects Gant’s signature blend of classic American sportswear and modern sophistication.
LONDON’S LATEST BEAUTY DESTINATION: DUCK & DRY AT JOHN LEWIS, OXFORD STREET
Duck & Dry, London’s most fashionable beauty destination, is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with John Lewis, this November, the brand will bring its signature styling, vibrant energy and playful sophistication to the iconic Oxford Street store, with the opening of a brand new salon in the Ground Floor Beauty Hall.
Through this partnership, the brand introduces its celebrated concept to one of the most prestigious retail addresses in the city – combining creativity with precision in a space where beauty is as much about confidence as it is about glamour.
Designed with a modern elegance and bright interiors, Duck & Dry Oxford Street offers more than just a chair – it's an escape. Choose from a look book of polished blow dries and updos, or discover the luxe rituals of the treatment bar, to ensure every look is finished with glamour, shine, and staying power.
FLORAL STREET UNVEILS ENCHANTED MASQUERADE POP-UP AT LIVERPOOL BOOTS LOCATION TO CELEBRATE NEW FRAGRANCE LAUNCH WITH NETFLIX AND SHONDALAND’S BRIDGERTON
Modern British fragrance brand Floral Street is delighted to announce a new immersive pop-up display at Boots’ Liverpool New Mersey location to celebrate the launch of Enchanted Masquerade, the brand’s newest fragrance created in collaboration with Netflix and Shondaland's global hit series Bridgerton. Launching on the 12th March, the enchanting in-store experience invites shoppers to step into a world of romance, fantasy and modern Regency glamour.
Inspired by the opulence and fantasy of the hit series, currently airing Season 4, the Floral Street pop-up will transform the fragrance space into a captivating destination where customers can discover the brand’s newest fragrance.
Visitors will be invited to explore an immersive display to discover Enchanted Masquerade up close, experiencing the fragrance’s spectacular floral gourmand scent and discovering the inspiration behind it in a special sensory experience that brings together storytelling, scent and spectacle.
BURRO OPENS IN FLORAL COURT, BRINGING
INNOVATIVE NEW DINING CONCEPT TO COVENT GARDEN
Shaftesbury Capital has announced that Burro, an original dining concept delivering high-quality Italian cuisine, has opened in Covent Garden, cementing the neighbourhood’s position as one of London’s most unique and coveted culinary destinations.
Conor Gadd, Chef Co-Owner of Trullo, one of London’s most renowned restaurants, has opened Burro in Floral Court, Covent Garden. Burro, translating to “butter” in Italian, celebrates a thoughtful, produce-led approach to Italian cooking with warm hospitality, values which connect his native Ireland and beloved Italy. The c4,000 sq ft restaurant is a hub for comforting classics, with dishes celebrating the core principles of Italian cooking, with care and exceptional local produce. Highlights include Dover sole with prosecco and caviar; duck and porcini ragú; and a signature Vitello al burro. Classics are reinterpreted via playful twists with drinks and desserts too, such as tiramisu doughnuts and almond cake with creme fraiche, served with a glass of Marsala.
EXTRA SAYS ‘WHY NOT?’ TO WYE WITH NEW LONG-TERM LEASES, ADVISED BY SAVILLS
Extra Motorway Service Area (MSA), the UK’s leading service station operator, has extended its longstanding relationship with WYE (formerly Top Gift), with Savills advising on a series of new 15-year leases across the portfolio.
The agreements will cover existing locations including Baldock (A1(M) J10), Leeds (M1 J45), Cambridge (A14/M11 J24), and Peterborough (A1(M) J17), as well as flagship sites at Cobham (M25 J9/10) and Beaconsfield (M40 J2). A new WYE unit will also open later in the year at Extra’s Blackburn service area (M65 J4).
WYE, a market leader in scalable kiosk-based retail solutions, offers a wide range of mobile and tech accessories through its network of kiosks and unit shops. With more than 10,000 product lines available, the retailer ensures a consistently well-stocked offer designed around the needs of customers travelling on the UK’s motorway network.
CHAMPION ARRIVES IN MANCHESTER WITH THE OPENING OF ITS NEW CONCEPT STORE AT MANCHESTER ARNDALE
Champion will open a new concept store at Manchester Arndale this March, bringing its sportstyle heritage and a community-focused retail space to the heart of the city.
The global apparel brand will officially open the store on Thursday 12th March on the first floor of the centre, following the signing of a long term lease for a 2,045 sq ft space.
The store introduces an evolved retail concept grounded in Champion’s century-long legacy. Widely recognised as the brand that invented the hoodie and helped shape modern sportstyle, the space reflects a modern interpretation of that heritage through a design language influenced by urban street culture and industrial environments.
CHRISTY CONTINUES RETAIL EXPANSION WITH NEW CLARKS VILLAGE STORE
British heritage towelling and linen brand Christy has announced it will open a third premium outlet store at Clarks Village this April, following the successful launch of its Ashford location in late 2025.
The 1,059 sq ft Somerset store marks the next step in Christy’s considered retail expansion and will offer the brand’s signature collections across towels, bedlinen, robes, filled bedding, top of bed designs, sleepwear and accessories. Designed to immerse customers in the world of Christy, the new space invites guests to truly “sink into Christy”, experiencing first-hand the craftsmanship and tactility that has been synonymous with the brand for over 175 years.
Clarks Village was selected for its strong alignment with Christy’s premium positioning and lifestyle appeal, attracting shoppers seeking established high-quality heritage brands. Customers will discover exclusive outlet product lines alongside special outlet pricing, with 30-50% discounts across a wide selection of collections.
TOPOLOGIE UNVEILS ITS THIRD LONDON STORE NESTLED IN THE HEART OF SOHO
Born in 2018 from the shared passion of rock climbing enthusiasts from France and Japan, Topologie blends the practical elegance of climbing gear with the sophisticated flair of Franco-Japanese fashion, crafting functional wares for everyday adventures.
Following the opening of its first Paris flagship on rue du Temple, the brand expanded to London with its first store on Shoreditch’s Dray Walk and its Flagship in Covent Garden, before opening its first Netherlands store in Amsterdam in November last year.
Topologie now continues its London expansion with the opening of its third store in Soho, strengthening its presence in one of the world’s leading cultural capitals.
Alongside its retail growth, Topologie’s cultural footprint has been shaped through collaborations with Ed Banger Records, A.P.C., Maison Kitsuné, Clarks, and most recently, Pleasures.
A TASTE OF SEOUL: QUEENSGATE ANNOUNCES OPENING OF SEOUL PLAZA
Queensgate Peterborough has announced that Seoul Plaza, the leading Korean-inspired grocery retailer, has opened its first location in the city, further diversifying the centre’s vibrant tenant mix.
The new 4,099 sq ft store, located alongside New Look in the Lower Mall, offers a vibrant selection of supermarket-style groceries, snacks, and ready-to-eat meals. As the leading importer of Korean food in the UK, Seoul Plaza also offers an extensive range of Japanese, Chinese and Thai products, combining high-quality, authentic flavours with convenience.
The Seoul Plaza concept includes its highly popular hot food counter, offering popular Korean staples including bibimbap, Korean fried chicken (yangnyeom) and bulgogi, with seasonal menus of authentic street food favourites.
NAPAPIJRI LAUNCHES A NEW RETAIL CONCEPT IN PARIS
Urban energy meets outdoor spirit: Vudafieri-Saverino Partners redefine Napapijri's retail experience in Paris, translating the brand’s language into architecture through three narrative layers – Urban Shell, Open Archive, and Shelter Room.
Napapijri unveils a new chapter in its spatial and brand narrative with an innovative retail concept designed by Milan-based architecture studio Vudafieri-Saverino Partners, embracing an immersive and story-driven approach to retail. Developed in collaboration with Superspatial studio, the concept debuts in the Parisian flagship on Rue Étienne Marcel, translating the brand’s dual identity - urban energy and outdoor spirit - into an architectural narrative articulated through three layers:
- the Urban Shell: a vibrant, industrial-inspired framework
- the Open Archive: a curated installation showcasing Napapijri’s heritage and future through iconic objects and storytelling elements.
- the Shelter Room: an experiential space for transformation and creativity.
All together these layers shape a fluid, dynamic experience designed to welcome, engage, and connect Napapijri’s international community.
A tactile dialogue between urban landscapes and natural elements
The project begins with the Urban Shell – an architectural framework that opens toward the city and captures its vibrancy with texturized concrete panels, galvanized metal, and rough timber softened by natural stone and warm tones. The concrete ceiling and basalt grey flooring –evoking urban asphalt – emphasize the store’s metropolitan character while providing a sense of solidity and welcome. The result is an urban landscape designed to be explored.
At the heart of the project is the Open Archive, a large metal bookcase that houses archival objects, historical materials, and iconic garments, acting as an open diary of
From Vision to Space
As Tiziano Vudafieri and Claudio Saverino explain: “This project stems from what we call story listening. The concept translates Napapijri's strong and recognisable identity into an architectural language capable of conveying its urban energy and outdoor vocation. We have therefore created a landscape in which every element – material, colour, light – is part of an experiential narrative aimed at curious, adventurous, unconventional people.”
The Rue Étienne Marcel store in Paris marks the first step in an evolving journey that will redefine the brand’s global retail experience, offering an immersive retail experience that reflects the brand’s evolving identity.
Napapijri’s past and future. Every detail – from the finishes to the use of Pantone Napa Orange, a visual hallmark of the brand – contributes to creating a recognizable system of signs that makes the brand’s history and research tangible.
The Shelter Room represents the most experimental and interactive part of the concept: a transformable space showcasing immersive installations and exclusive collections. This hybrid environment—where materials and technology converge—is designed to foster interaction and experimentation, reflecting the brand’s cultural openness.
SPORTSSHOES.COM LAUNCHES FLAGSHIP RUNNING EXPERIENCE STORE ON SHOREDITCH HIGH STREET, LONDON
Online running shoes, running clothing and outdoor gear retailer SportsShoes.com has opened a new flagship experiential store located on Shoreditch High Street, London.
Spanning more than 5,000 sq ft across three floors and called ‘House of SportsShoes’, the store will be a digital-first running destination, delivering the retailer’s ecosystem within a physical environment.
The flagship store, which launched in early March, will provide a programme of activity before, during and after the TCS London Marathon on 26 April.
Alongside product and performance experiences, House of SportsShoes will offer a dedicated events floor featuring a Q&A arena and community zone, designed to host professional athlete experiences, podcasts and brand activations, with further details to be announced in due course.
House of SportsShoes will give runners the chance to try more than 100 top-rated running shoes in-store, showcasing products from brand partners including Nike, Asics, New Balance, Adidas, Hoka, Saucony and On.
Visitors will be welcomed by the House of SportsShoes team, many of whom are experienced and passionate runners, who will provide a running-led, expertise-first approach for customers.
At the heart of the concept is a frictionless, “no-bags-nohassle” model. Shoppers will be able to try on products instore, then complete their purchase and pay in-store, with orders fulfilled from the 17,000 products at the SportsShoes. com warehouse and delivered next day.
Using RFID technology, shoppers can bring each shoe to life on-screen, revealing the innovation and performance features built into the product.
The flagship store will also include a Running Lab featuring cutting-edge running performance technology and gait analysis, with specialist support to help customers find the right shoe.
House of SportsShoes is the latest evolution of the retailer’s stated position of being the most physically present digital retailer in its space. Over the past 18 months, SportsShoes. com has been involved in the delivery of more than 100 activation events across the UK and internationally.
These include Nike Test and Trial initiatives, Parkrun, RunThrough UK events, Kendal Mountain Festival and activations at nine marathons, including London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Boston, New York and Osaka.
The retailer says this distinct approach has allowed SportsShoes.com to reach seven million consumers physically during that period.
SportsShoes.com managing director, Brett Bannister, said: “We regard ourselves as unrivalled in running so when we started the ideation for House of SportsShoes our objective was to create an unrivalled physical retail experience in our space.
“We chose Shoreditch because of its deep connection to London’s running culture and the strong community of run clubs in the area.
“Our flagship store will be the apex of us integrating our digital ecosystem with a physical location and range of complementary experiences, making it unlike any other running retailer’s offer.
“With the support of our brand partners, and with the focal point of the TCS London Marathon, House of Sports Shoes will be truly special.
“We are hugely excited to be bringing big launches from Nike, Asics, New Balance and Adidas, appearances from the running glitterati and one-of-a-kind events as only SportsShoes.com knows how.”
The retailer will reveal further details on what will be happening at House of SportsShoes in the coming weeks.
Established in Bradford in 1982, SportsShoes.com achieved a record turnover of £93.3m for the year ended 28 February 2025. This represented a four per cent increase in revenues and a 13.3 per cent year-on-year increase in EBITDA to £6m.
For further information on the retailer, visit www.sportsshoes.com
PROPS & SCULPTS - WINDOW DISPLAYS - STORE DEVELOPMENT - CREATIVE DESIGN
THE RED RIBBON CONNECTS SPORT SPIRIT AND URBAN VITALITY
TEAM CHINA Shanghai Flagship Store by ICD Sport Spirit Meets Urban Culture
Located on Yongyuan Road, one of Shanghai’s rising trend hubs, the TEAM CHINA flagship store designed by ICD (I Collective Design) reinterprets the spirit of sport within a contemporary urban context. The project bridges the passion and legacy of the Chinese National Team with the city’s vitality, creating a space where sports, culture, and lifestyle converge.
The Red Energy Ribbon Invites Exploration
Distilling from TEAM CHINA’s visual identity, the design transforms it into a spatial symbol——the Red Energy Ribbon. Inspired by running tracks, heartbeat rhythms, and the undulating path toward triumph，the Red Ribbon, extending from the street into the store, flowing naturally through the space, functions as both exhibition structure and retail fixture, shaping the spatial circulation.
This Red Ribbon guides visitors from the interactive exhibition area, through the flexible central activity zone, to the immersive merchandising space. Along this journey, cultural perception subtly evolves into emotional connection and, ultimately, into purchase decisions— transforming the spirit of sport into a tangible lifestyle.
Garden-Inspired Spatial Experience
In response to the linear site, the design echoes the philosophy of Chinese gardens—step by step, scene by scene—to create a meandering route defined by the Red Ribbon, unfolding layered experiences of exploration.
A Visual Anchor on the Street
The Runner Sculpture, straddling indoors and outdoors, marks the starting point of the Red Energy Ribbon. Its dynamic gesture expresses the spirit of breakthrough and self-surpass, becoming a visual landmark on the street and resonating with passerby.
Spatial Adaptability
Lightweight mobile display islands on wheels enable flexible configurations of the activity zone: arranged in groups for daily display, combined into a long table for community workshops, or cleared entirely for product launches and large-scale events—infusing the space with more possibilities.
A Wall That Speaks
The full-height badge wall in the merchandising space showcases TEAM CHINA’s full collection of badge series. The embedded red blind-box modules can form communicative patterns, introducing playful interaction. Limited-edition badges are regularly released inside the boxes, encouraging repeat visits and turning sports passion into everyday engagement.
Visual and Spiritual Continuity
The mirror polished stainless steel ceiling visually expands the modest 2.8-meter height, allowing the red Ribbon to flow infinitely through reflection—symbolizing the continuity of efforts, where every end is a new beginning.
The Red Energy Ribbon connects brand and city, weaving together sport, urban life, and community spirit, while the TEAM CHINA Shanghai flagship store imbues Yongyuan Road with a new pulse of contemporary sports culture.
WINS RLI AWARD FOR ‘INTERIOR EXCELLENCE’ WITH HARRODS PROJECT ‘THE GEORGIAN’
The Global RLI Awards are among the most prestigious international awards in the retail and leisure sector, making this year's win in the ‘Interior Excellence’ category all the more special for umdasch The Store Makers. The award was given to The Georgian, the iconic restaurant located within the world-famous London luxury department store Harrods. The award recognises outstanding achievements in interior design and quality of execution – and underlines the special expertise of umdasch The Store Makers in high-end retail.
Historical beauty in new splendour
As part of the extensive, multi-year renovation of the traditional Harrods department store, a particular highlight was reopened last November: The Georgian – one of the most historic restaurants in the building, known for its classic afternoon tea culture and historic atmosphere. Working closely with the renowned David Collins Studio, which was responsible for the outstanding design concept, umdasch The Store Makers transformed the space into a stylish work of art that brings the spirit of the 1920s into the present day. At the heart of the transformation was the harmonious combination of restoration, redesign and precision craftsmanship.
The Store Makers produced and installed custom-made furniture and decorative elements whose rich details reflect the historical splendour of the space. Highlights such as the restored coffered ceiling, mirrors with mother-of-pearl inlays, geometric floor patterns and 25 individually crafted chandeliers make The Georgian a unique experience. Colours such as amethyst and champagne emphasise the luxurious ambience.
The Georgian: More than just a restaurant
The reopening has not only revived a legendary space – The Georgian now stands for a unique hospitality experience in the heart of Harrods. The successful revitalisation of the historic flair combined with modern luxury aesthetics creates an atmosphere that delights guests from all over the world and underlines the exclusive character of the store.
For The Store Makers, this is another highlight in its longstanding partnership with Harrods and David Collins Studio. Stephen Champion, project manager at umdasch The Store Makers, emphasises the significance of this project: ‘This prestigious project gave us the opportunity to honour the history of Harrods through first-class gastronomy in a luxurious setting and thus become part of that history.’
A strong sign for the future of high-end retail
Winning the RLI Award is not only recognition for The Georgian project, but also a shining example of what can be achieved when craftsmanship, attention to detail and the pursuit of excellence come together. With this project, umdasch The Store Makers has once again demonstrated its ability to transform visionary designs into breathtaking realities.
‘This award is wonderful proof of the outstanding collaboration between David Collins Studio, Harrods and our dedicated team at umdasch The Store Makers. It is always inspiring to be involved in such iconic interiors – spaces that simply have to be admired,’ said Roman Fußthaler, Managing Director, Premium Solutions at umdasch The Store Makers.
GETTING AHEAD IN RETAIL WITH SUPERIOR SIGNAGE
By Rob Fletcher
While signs play an important role in retail, how can you ensure you are making the most of the signage tools at your disposal to drive consumers into stores and improve the overall customer experience? Rob Fletcher finds out more…
Signage and retail have always gone hand in hand. Going back thousands of years, even the earliest market stalls had signs to promote the various items on offer. Of course, in modern retail, signs have come on a little bit since the days of scrawling the prices of goods down on a wooden plank. However, their purpose is very much the same – to drive business.
Nowadays, retailers have a whole host of options at their disposal. From simple printed signs that can be hung from the ceiling of a store to showcase sale items or direct
Best of both worlds
First, let’s pick up on how JD Sports recently became the first company to launch a campaign on The Manchester Screen’s new supersized out-of-home (OOH) site, the largest of its kind in the whole UK, offering both printed and digital signage options to retailers.
Located at Victoria Warehouse, the digital screen and full vinyl wrap dominate one of the busiest gateways in Manchester. The activation formed part of JD’s annual retail conference, which was held at Victoria Warehouse, and features a giant replica of JD’s signature yellow bag, cleverly suspended from the roof of the building.
The combined digital screen and new vinyl billboard site spans 1,140sq m, which developers said will deliver more than 21 million annual impressions from the prime roadside location.
customers to a certain area, to bright digital screens that capture the attention of those passing by outside, there is seemingly no end to the possibilities of signage in retail.
Here, we celebrate some of the recent signage projects that caught the eyes of the Retail Focus team, pick out new advancements with sign-related technologies and offer guidance on how you can make the most of signages in your own retail environment by working with trade partners.
“It’s amazing to see the first screen and billboard promotion come to life with JD’s takeover,” said Katie Smith, owner of The Manchester Screen. “Not only does it create huge impact for the 250 conference attendees, but it also grabs the attention of everyone passing through this key gateway between Manchester City Centre and Media City, Salford.
“It’s been a fantastic team effort to bring all the event elements together — including the careful suspension of the iconic JD yellow bag from the roof. The high-impact visuals continue inside Victoria Warehouse throughout the two-day conference.”
Jodie Howe, director of Edison Media, which handled the media buying, added: “This new campaign shows how powerful large-format OOH can be when creative
Above: JD Sports was the first company to launch a campaign on The Manchester Screen, a new, combined digital screen and new vinyl billboard site
and context come together. It’s a perfect reflection of JD’s connection to Manchester - confident, visible and impossible to miss.”
Digital dreams
While The Manchester Screen draws on the power of both print and digital, it is the latter that has been the driving force of in-store signage in retail in recent years. The benefit of digital over print is that it can constantly change, new content can be added all the time, and customers can get “hands on” with interactive features such as virtually trying on clothes or exploring offers and deals.
PPDS, the exclusive provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, recently added another solution to its range in the form of the 32:9 Philips Stretch 3150, which it said delivers advanced creativity, flexibility, and around-the-clock reliability for a widening range of retail environments and applications.
Available immediately, Philips Stretch 3150 supersedes the popular Philips S-Line, modelled around the evolving needs of the retail market, with each display able to be tailored to meet the unique needs of the customer or environment. Core features include a 37”, 32:9, 1920 x 540 resolution display and 700 cd/sq m brightness, which the manufacturer said offers crystal clear visibility in natural and artificial lighting conditions, all with a weigh of just 7.6kg, further escalating its in-store usability.
“Expanding possibilities further, Philips Stretch 3150 displays can be installed either as a standalone solution or, for larger and more creative visions, multiple displays can be seamlessly daisy chained by connecting the HDMI Out port to the HDMI In port of another display,” PPDS said.
“For tiled setups, retailers can simply connect two or more Philips Stretch 3150 displays with a single external player for single source content management that is effortless,
Build trust fast
Switching attention back to print and, like digital platforms, has plenty of potential when it comes to signage within retail settings. The beauty of print is that it is flexible in its form and can take many different shapes such as posters, POS, stickers, window and floor graphics, wall coverings and more.
If you are new to some of these options or are seeking support with print-based signage, a trade partnership could be the way to go. The Sign Group is one specialist company
Above: New from PPDS, the Philips Stretch 3150 supersedes the popular Philips S-Line
no matter the number of displays selected.”
One of the biggest, yet invisible upgrades on the new solutions is an integrated slot for a CRD32 Wi-Fi module, allowing for optional wireless network connectivity and Bluetooth functionality on the display. It is also compatible with the Philips Wave cloud platform that helps users control their display network, allowing for easier monitoring and control, firmware upgrades, playlists management and power schedule settings.
In addition, the Philips Stretch 3150 delivers on a 60% reduction in power use compared to its predecessor, typically consuming 26W, earning an F rated EU Energy Label, according to PPDS.
“With the new and enhanced Philips Stretch 3150, we are bringing the best of the original Philips S-Line, together with a wave of new and upgraded features and designs, providing our partners and customers with the highquality tools to reach and exceed their ambitions,” added Bart Wouters, global product manager for digital signage at PPDS.
in this area, working with partners, including some in retail, on all manner of creative and eye-catching projects – not only in print, but across a host of other applications such as LED, faux neon and built-up letters.
“Retail signage is getting scrutinised more than ever,” said Grey Hoole, co-founder of The Sign Group. “Carbon data, compliance, lead times, consistency; none of that is going away.
Clear specs, consistent colours, predictable results; that is what allows retailers to roll signage out at scale without surprises
“The brands that do this well are the ones asking better questions earlier in the process and leaning on specialists who stay in their lane. Retailers, sign companies, and trade manufacturers all have different roles. When each part does its job properly, the end result speaks for itself.”
At retail level, Hoole said, signage does three jobs: it gets noticed, sets the tone, and also removes doubt. He added that good signage helps a brand land properly in the real world, as well as reinforces who they are before anyone speaks to staff or touches a product.
“When it is done well, it builds trust fast and makes the space feel intentional, not thrown together,” he said. “From our side of the fence, effective signage also makes life easier for everyone downstream. Clear specs, consistent colours, predictable results; that is what allows retailers to roll signage out at scale without surprises.
“The biggest mistake is treating signage as decoration. It’s part of the architecture of the space. Placement should be driven by sightlines, distance, lighting conditions, and how people actually move through the store. Window signs need impact. Internal signage needs clarity without glare. Feature pieces should earn their keep, not fight the products.
“In retail, slimline illuminated letters, halo effects, and clean face-lit signage work well because they’re legible, controllable, and repeatable. They also sit comfortably
across different store sizes and formats, which matters when brands are scaling.”
So, why work with a company like The Sign Group? Hoole said most retailers do not work with the company directly; instead, it is their visual merchandisers, shopfitters or main contractors that get in contact with the company – and that, Hoole said, is the point.
“As a trade supplier, our job is to give sign makers tools they can rely on,” he said. “Products that behave the same way every time. Clear data, proper certification, UK manufacture, support when things get tight on site; all this is important.
“When a sign company uses something like Neonplus, the retailer benefits without needing to think about it. They benefit from faster installs, fewer issues, brand accuracy that holds up across multiple locations, while it also reduces risk in the chain, which is usually where retail projects fall over.”
As set out by Hoole, there is much more to signage in retail to simply decorate a store. It is a hugely valuable tool in connecting with the consumer, communicating your most important messages and building a stronger brand value. With a plethora of options to consider across print and more traditional signage, this should offer plenty of food for thought when you plan your next campaign.
Above: The Sign Group can
Proper signage. Built properly.
Trade-only manufacturing for sign-makers.
At The Sign Group™, we manufacture signage, display and lighting for the trade — all produced in-house at our Yorkshire HQ.
From built-up letters to flat-cut acrylic, illuminated signage to bespoke fabrications, we produce the components that help sign-makers deliver standout projects.
If it needs building, illuminating or fabricating, chances are we make it.
Everything is built to order by a team that understands the demands of real signage projects. We manufacture: …and much more all under one roof.
• Built ups
• Flat-cut lettering & shapes
• Neonplus®- Illuminated slimline acrylic lettering, signage and lighting.
• Illuminated signage
• Bespoke lighting
Born in Yorkshire. Built on trust. Trade only. Over 20 years manufacturing for sign-makers across the UK.
Got a project that needs a reliable manufacturing partner? Get in touch.
VISUAL MERCHANDISING AND DISPLAY SHOW 2026: BIG BRANDS, EXPERT INSIGHTS, AND EMERGING TRENDS
The Visual Merchandising and Display Show is the biggest event in the calendar for visual merchandising, retail design, and display. Taking place from 14-15 April 2026 at London’s Business Design Centre, the show is the go-to destination for retailers, VM directors, store planners, creative directors, procurement teams, and visual merchandising managers looking to update their knowledge, network, and be inspired by the latest trends.
While retail is at its heart, the VM & Display Show also attracts professionals from hospitality, leisure, and entertainment sectors, helping them to enhance their physical spaces and improve customer experiences. From hotels, resorts, and restaurants to cinemas, museums, and theme parks, businesses across industries will find
innovative solutions to create memorable and engaging environments for their customers. clients in selecting optimal materials for their projects.
This represents just a fraction of the over 100 pioneering exhibitors attending the show.
An Unmissable Exhibition of Retail Innovation
With over 100 brands showcasing the latest advancements in retail visual merchandising and display, the show provides a comprehensive look at the innovations shaping retail and commercial spaces. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and cutting-edge solutions, gaining insight into how brands are evolving their physical presence.
From pop-up store solutions and seasonal display units to AI-powered retail experiences and immersive installations, the exhibition floor will be packed with ideas to inspire and inform. Visitors can expect to see a diverse range
of products and services, including signage, lighting, digital displays, sustainable materials, POP/POS, audiovisual equipment, large-format print, custom packaging, graphics, technology solutions, promotional stands, store fixtures, retail software, design agencies, merchandising accessories, interactive kiosks, Christmas decorations, wall fixtures, mannequins, ceiling hangings, shelving and racking, and lighting solutions – and much more. Whether seeking the latest materials, digital innovations, or creative retail strategies, the VM & Display Show 2026 promises to deliver a wealth of inspiration for industry professionals.
The POPAI ZONE Returns
The POPAI ZONE will once again offer a dynamic programme of expert talks and panel discussions, covering key areas such as the future of consumer experience and sustainability. Kicking off the programme, Phil Day, Managing Director of POPAI UK & Ireland, will deliver an
Two Days of Inspiration and Innovation
Over the two days, the Visual Merchandising and Display Show 2026 will offer networking opportunities, product launches, and interactive displays, making it the ultimate event for retailers, designers, and visual merchandisers.
Andrew Colclough, Director of the VM & Display Show, commented on the excitement surrounding this year’s event: “The excitement around this year’s show reflects the importance of physical retail and the need to provide spaces that truly resonate with consumers. Creating an environment that captures attention and enhances the shopping experience is more vital than ever, and this is the place to find the answers. A one or two-day visit to the Business Design Centre can save weeks or even months of research and sourcing. We can’t wait to welcome the
update on the latest industry insights, setting the stage for a packed schedule of discussions.
There will be a comprehensive seminar and conference programme over the two days featuring the likes of Dalziel & Pow, Tesco Mobile and Ian Scott to name but a few.
industry once again.”
With a record number of pre-registrations, this year’s show is set to be bigger and better than ever. Attendees will have the chance to connect with industry leaders, gain hands-on experience with the latest retail innovations, and discover creative solutions that will define the future of visual merchandising and display. Whether you’re looking for fresh inspiration, new suppliers, or expert advice, the Visual Merchandising and Display Show 2026 will provide everything needed to stay at the forefront of the industry.
For more information and to register, visit www. vmanddisplayshow.com
VISUAL MERCHANDISING AND DISPLAY SHOW: EXHIBITOR SHOWCASE
Dorotape
Stand D4a
Step into a world of colour and creativity with Dorotape!
Anam-atronics
Stand G11
Anam-atronics celebrates unique electro-mechanical artworks that evoke curiosity, wonder, and childhood imagination.
This engaging display features mostly 3D-printed creations combining light, motion, and interaction: a wind-up bird, roaring Zilla fortune teller, an upside-down train, a squid skin LED display, an Archimedes auger -inspired sign, a mechanical lantern projector, and an illuminated moving Ferris wheel inspired by Meccano. www.anam-atronics.com
As a leading supplier of high-quality, vibrant, and unique self-adhesive films, we help retail designers, display experts, and graphic specialists bring their visions to life.
From stunning metallised effects to mesmerizing dichroic finishes, we are the go-to specialists for premium display solutions. www.dorotape.co.uk
Metal Vision
Stand B5
Metal Vision creates striking, sustainable metalwork using reclaimed and recyclable materials. Collaborating with brands and design agencies, we produce unique, artistic display features with fast turnaround. Our work combines creativity with responsibility, proving that impactful visual merchandising can be both eye-catching and environmentally conscious.
Celebrate our 30th anniversary at VM & Display Show 2026
Stand F1B
Since 1996, celebrating 30 Years Of Excellence.
Bespoke. Crafted. Beautiful Hangers.
If you’re seeking top-quality hangers to elevate the presentation and organization of your garments, look no further than Hangers of London. With over two decades of expertise, we have established ourselves as a leading bespoke hanger manufacturer, catering to the retail, domestic, and hospitality industries both in the UK and worldwide.
Craftsmanship meets excellence at Hangers of London. Our extensive range of wooden, plastic, and metal hangers is meticulously designed and crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and durability Each hanger is a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional products that preserve your garments’ shape and exude elegance.
NORTHBANKS
Stand D7
Northbanks is a turnkey retail design and brand experience agency creating standout stores, pop-ups, concessions and display programmes for global brands. Visit Stand D7 to see our recent retail activations and experiential installations, and learn how we help brands turn physical retail into memorable spaces that drive engagement, loyalty and sales. www.northbanks.co.uk
The Sign Group™
Stand F6
Visit The Sign Group™ at Stand F6 to explore a live showcase of illuminated signage, display and lighting solutions all manufactured in-house. See Neonplus® illuminated lettering, Alphascreens™ shaped digital displays, infinity mirror boxes and our new 3D cladding system up close, and find out how we can support your next retail project. thesigngroup.co.uk
Quagga Design
Stand P9
Visit Quagga Design on stand P9, adjacent to the POPAI Zone, to discover creative ideas, sustainable processes, and innovative design solutions. Experience our interactive virtual store planning tool, bringing concepts to life before they’re built and beyond. Meet our team, explore fresh ideas, and see how design-led thinking can transform retail environments.
www.quaggadesign.co.uk
Visual Merchandiser
Stand C12
Visual Merchandiser is an all-in-one subscription platform created by retail creatives for retail creatives. It’s a place to learn, find inspiration, and connect with a global retail community. Visit our stand to view our showcase, discover what the membership offers, pick up exclusive information, and grab a little free gift.
www.visual-merchandiser.com
WHY EXPERIENCE BECAME THE PRODUCT IN LUXURY RETAIL
By Ghalia Boustani – Ephemeral Retailing Specialist | Published Author | Podcast Host
For decades, luxury brands spoke about experience as an enhancement, something layered onto exceptional products, iconic heritage, and refined environments. Recently, that hierarchy collapsed. Across global flagships, pop-up activations, private salons, and digital touchpoints, one reality became unmistakable: customers were no longer evaluating luxury by what brands said, but by how they made them feel, moment by moment.
Luxury did not lose its desirability. Instead, it began to be judged through experience coherence, emotional intelligence, and attentiveness to detail. What emerged in 2025 was not a crisis of aspiration, but a shift in power: the customer voice moved from the periphery to the centre of luxury strategy. Experience was no longer a supporting element, it became the primary lens through which value, credibility, and trust were assessed. What follows is an analysis of 15 luxury retail sentiments that were strikingly apparent in 2025, what they reveal about the evolving role of customer voice, and why luxury brands must now move decisively from insight to action as they move into 2026.
The Top 15 Luxury Retail Sentiments That Defined 2025
1. “I want to feel recognised, not processed.” Clients quickly detected transactional behaviour disguised as service. Recognition, personal, contextual, human, became non-negotiable.
2. “Luxury should feel calm, not overwhelming.”
Overstimulating spaces, excessive storytelling, and layered narratives created fatigue rather than desire.
3. “Exclusivity is about relevance, not access.”
Customers no longer equated luxury with difficulty of entry, but with emotional and personal relevance.
4. “Consistency matters more than spectacle.” A powerful campaign or concept store could not compensate for uneven execution across locations.
5. “Technology should support, not interrupt.”
Digital tools were welcomed only when seamless, discreet, and intuitive ,never dominant.
6. “Staff must know the product ,deeply.” Surfacelevel knowledge immediately eroded trust in a world where clients are highly informed.
7. “Sustainability must be lived, not explained.”
Narratives without embodied action were met with scepticism.
8. “Pop-ups should immerse, not replicate.”
Temporary retail was expected to deliver new emotional value, not act as a scaled-down flagship.
9. “My time deserves respect.” Rushed appointments, poor flow, or inattentive pacing were perceived as anti-luxury.
10. “Atmosphere shapes value perception.” Light, sound, scent, spatial rhythm, and silence became key value signals.
11. “Heritage must feel alive.” Customers sought continuity through reinterpretation, not static nostalgia.
12. “Emotion matters more than explanation.” Clients wanted to feel the brand, not be instructed about it.
13. “Service recovery defines true luxury.” Errors were tolerated. Indifference was not.
14. “Craft is felt in the details.” Packaging, gestures, transitions, and finishing touches carried disproportionate emotional weight.
15. “Listening is the new prestige.” Brands that adapted visibly earned more respect than those that defended perfection.
Why Customer Voices Now Matter More Than Ever
Luxury customers were not passive recipients of experience. They were highly perceptive, globally exposed, and
emotionally articulate. What changed was not their expectations ,but their willingness to disengage when those expectations were unmet.
Customer voices matter because they surface what traditional performance metrics cannot capture. They reveal emotional friction long before it appears in sales figures, uncover the gap between brand promise and lived reality, and expose the micro-moments where trust is either built or quietly eroded. These insights rarely arrive as dramatic complaints. More often, they appear as hesitation, shortened visits, a lack of emotional warmth, or a gradual withdrawal of loyalty.
Crucially, what customers do not say became as important as what they articulate. Silence replaced confrontation. Distance replaced dissatisfaction. In this context, listening could no longer remain a research exercise or a marketing function. It evolved into a strategic capability ,one that required sensitivity, interpretation, and real-time responsiveness.
Why Luxury Brands Must Take Action; Not Just Listen
Luxury brands did not face a shortage of insight. They faced a shortage of decisive, meaningful action. When customer sentiment is acknowledged but not translated into behaviour, experience fragments. Service begins to feel performative rather than sincere, and craft risks becoming symbolic instead of tangible. The brand may appear polished, but it no longer feels alive.
In contrast, brands that acted, even in small, precise ways, benefited from stronger emotional loyalty, greater staff confidence, and clearer experiential differentiation. Luxury customers did not reward effort alone. They rewarded attentiveness, restraint, and relevance. They noticed when brands adjusted tone, refined flow, or corrected inconsistencies, and they remembered it.
Managerial Recommendations for Luxury Leaders
1. Be Simple: Luxury is not complexity. It is clarity, coherence, and restraint. When an experience requires constant explanation, it is already misaligned. The most refined luxury environments feel intuitive, calm, and selfevident. Simplicity allows emotion to surface, and emotion is where value is created.
2. Listen Properly: Listening goes far beyond surveys, dashboards, or post-visit questionnaires. It requires observing how customers move, where they pause, when they disengage, and how their energy shifts throughout the experience. It means engaging in genuine dialogue, trusting frontline teams, and reading emotional cues, including silence. Integrating emotional intelligence into decision-making allows leaders to assess situations holistically and act with precision rather than assumption.
3. Take Actions That Matter: Luxury impact is rarely created through grand gestures. It emerges through small, deliberate actions: a refined welcome, a corrected flow, a quieter space, a more confident interaction. Think of welcoming someone into your home. You would instinctively offer your best, not because it is required, but because it feels right. Luxury should operate from that same instinctive generosity.
4. Teach Teams to Look at Details: Details are not operational issues, they are strategic assets. Teams must be trained to notice how customers navigate space, where attention drops, and when emotion rises or collapses. These moments define luxury far more than signage, scripts, or displays. When teams learn to see what others overlook, the experience becomes alive, responsive, and deeply human.
The most important recommendation for luxury brands is deceptively straightforward: simplify decision-making and restore proximity to the shop floor. Management has become increasingly siloed, with corrective actions often trapped within layers of approval. By the time a decision is cleared, if it is cleared, the moment has passed, and the emotional opportunity is lost.
Luxury demands immediacy, sensitivity, and trust in human judgment. Be simple. Listen carefully. Avoid unnecessary complexity. Take actions that matter. And teach teams to see the details others overlook. Because in luxury, experience is no longer an addition to the product ,it is the product. Customers invest in it, live it, and evaluate it accordingly.
*data collection is extracted from secondary online sources
ANALYSING THE EVOLVING ROLE OF AI IN RETAIL
By Rob Fletcher
With the influx of artificial intelligence into our daily lives showing no signs of slowing down, Retail Focus takes a closer look at the impact of AI on the retail sector and what it could mean for the future of the industry.
While still in its relative infancy, given the buzz and excitement around artificial intelligence, or AI, you would be forgiven for thinking it has been around much longer. In honesty, AI has been bubbling close to the surface for some time, and we have seen glimpses of its potential in certain forms such as online chat bots and smart speakers.
However, over the past few years, AI has drawn the attention of the masses, with tools such as ChatGPT now a go-to essential for many, while others are making use of
Unlock unprecedented opportunities
First up, Ruth Harrison, global retailer and consumer goods lead at Avanade, acknowledged how AI dominated the retail conversation during 2025, promising everything from
built-in AI within social media platforms such as Facebook and X. To put it simply, there is no escaping AI in some form.
With this in mind, Retail Focus casts a focused eye on the retail sector to address some of the primary concerns about the impact of AI and what this technology can do to support those working in and around the industry. Is it the be-all and end-all, or just another option now available to retailers?
smarter merchandising decisions and resilient supply chains to hyper-personalised customer experiences. However, she said, in reality, sustainable value from AI only
materialises when foundations are strong,
“This year, one of the biggest challenges retailers faced was building those foundations: ensuring data is accurate and trustworthy, modernising cloud architecture, and deploying ERP systems that are stable, integrated, and ready to scale,” she said. “Without these essentials, even the most advanced AI strategies risk falling short.
“In 2026, AI is set to unlock unprecedented opportunities for both retailers and consumers, but only if they focus on the most effective areas for AI adoption. One priority will be delivering superior customer experiences through smarter, more agile operations, starting with a single source of truth, robust security, and operational readiness to scale high-impact AI use cases.
“Success will also hinge on a clear automation strategy, knowing when to leverage off-the-shelf AI agents and when to invest in custom solutions tailored to unique business needs. For those who get it right, the year ahead
Strategic opportunity
Candice Mayer-Gillet, managing director at Westfield Rise, had similar thoughts on AI in terms of implementing it as part of a wider strategy. She said the widespread adoption of AI presents a “strategic opportunity” for connecting brand experiences across physical and digital realms.
“In shopping centres like Westfield Shepard’s Bush, we are now exploring how AI can provide retailers with data-driven insights into the customer journey, informing departments across marketing, operations, merchandising, and research,” she said.
“In 2026, the challenge will be to ensure the adoption of an interoperable technology stack, enabling the necessary data to flow across departments without becoming siloed. Once this foundation is set, the adoption of AI solutions will drive seamless campaigns, even
will redefine engagement and satisfaction at every touchpoint.”
With this, Harrison drew attention to the so-called ‘Golden Quarter’ of retail, better known as the Q4 period that includes Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas. She said the most successful retailers will have created meaningful conversations, not just selling products.
“By weaving AI-powered dialogue into the customer journey, retailers can recreate the warmth and personalisation of the most seamless in-store experiences, but at scale,” she said. “In addition to this, conversational commerce isn’t only transforming how customers shop, it’s also revolutionising the store associate experience. With AI-powered tools at their fingertips, sales assistants can serve customers smarter, faster and more personally than ever before, elevating the shopping experience for everyone.”
as disciplines continue to blend, enabling improved efficiency, optimised layouts, stock management, and the design of consumer experiences that feel personal and relevant to each consumer.”
So, what will the ‘true’ omnichannel experience look like in 2026? Mayer-Gillet said as AI streamlines the shopper journey, retailers will gain clearer and more decisive insights, this allowing them to strategize with consumer values in mind.
“Through this lens, AI can support creativity, expanding the canvas without losing trust,” Mayer-Gillet said. “The brands that progress most will not be the ones that automate everything, but the ones who use AI responsibly to unlock ideas and improve clarity while keeping imagination at the heart.”
By weaving AI-powered dialogue into the customer journey, retailers can recreate the warmth and personalisation of the most seamless in-store experiences, but at scale
Shifting role of retailers
Elsewhere, Nikhita Hyett, general manager EMEA at Signifyd, highlighted the surge in the use of AI agentenabled shopping and agentic commerce. She said shoppers no longer need to visit a retailers’ website, instead outsourcing to agents to save time and find the best deals.
If AI agents become the primary intermediary between shopper and shop, Hyett said the industry can expect the role of the retailer to shift dramatically, with customer experience no longer designed for human emotions and intuition, but instead algorithmic decision-making,
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The brands that progress most will not be the ones that automate everything, but the ones who use AI responsibly to unlock ideas and improve clarity while keeping imagination at the heart
fundamentally changing how retailers compete and differentiate.
“We are now past the point of viewing agentic commerce as a passing fad,” Hyett said. “The infrastructure behind it, such as large language models, open APIs, embedded wallets, is already evolving as platforms build functionality into their front ends.”
Taking this a step further, Hyett said retailers need to embed themselves into the agent’s reasoning and ensure their payment stack is optimised for these agent-driven transactions. While this, she said, remains something of
Develop a greater understanding
This point on uncertainty is key. Although AI may sound wonderful and promise a lot, the reality is that it is not a finished product. Professionals across all industries, not
work-in-progress, it may involve working with platforms on verification protocols, adapting fraud models to detect agent behaviour, and training systems to distinguish good bots from bad.
“Agentic commerce is still new, and while it might intimidate some retailers, it won’t render them obsolete,” she said. “It will, however, change how consumers behave, interact with, and expect from retailers throughout the whole shopping journey. Those who adapt to rethink their role not as curators of the journey, but as verifiable, trusted endpoints of sale will thrive.”
just retail, are still learning about what AI is capable of, with ongoing improvements required if you are to not fall short of expectations.
Above: Some shopping centres are exploring how AI can provide retailers with data-driven insights into the customer journey
Retailers are right to see AI as a powerful ally during the busiest trading season of the year
Research from Atradius highlighted this by looking at how 1,000 UK retail decision-makers used AI over the busy Christmas period. Key findings included 90% retailers use AI in some form, with 87% deploying it to manage Christmas peaks and 56% using it months ahead of the festive period.
While adoption was widespread, the report flagged how it is not yet mature. Some 56% of retailers have fully embedded AI across their operations, but 44% remain in pilot stages or planning rollouts. To put it simply, many are still scaling or testing systems, which in turn will leave them more vulnerable to inefficiencies and operational risks.
As for the reason for greater AI adoption, 61% of retailers said customer demand for product availability was the main reason. This was closely followed by personalisation (61%) and faster delivery (59%).
However, there was also an element of concern about AI. Some 66% of retailers expected overall business risk to rise as AI adoption accelerates, particularly around issues such as data privacy, implementation cost and loss of human judgement. In addition, 48% said data security and privacy would be their biggest barrier to AI.
“Retailers are right to see AI as a powerful ally during the busiest trading season of the year,” said Owen Bassett, senior risk underwriter at Atradius UK. “But as automation becomes more embedded in everything from forecasting to fulfilment, it opens new vulnerabilities — from data leaks to supply-chain shocks.
“One failure in a key supplier or a single dataprivacy issue can disrupt Christmas trading in ways retailers may not anticipate. That’s why, alongside responsible AI, financial protection is vital - giving suppliers and retailers the confidence to innovate without fear of cash flow disruption when something goes wrong.”
Consumer scepticism
Indeed, while consumer use of AI while shopping is undoubtedly on the increase, there is a lasting concern about the technology and how it is used by retailers. A recent survey of 2,000 shoppers in the UK and Ireland by CI&T flagged a significant gap between consumer expectations and retailer execution.
Of those surveyed, 61% of consumers are using or have used AI when shopping, with 53% doing so often. However, 68% could not name a single AI shopping experience that impressed them. On top of this, 64% wanted retailers to use AI to improve their shopping experiences, but many
Above: Some retailers used AI to support operations and activities during the Christmas period
were sceptical about how retailers are implementing the technology, as trust remains the defining barrier to adoption.
“Consumers are seeking solution-oriented shopping experiences, but discovery and control are still crucial parts of the journey,” said Melissa Minkow, global director of retail strategy and Insights at CI&T. “It is up to retailers to build and be part of the most valuable path to purchase for the shopper, without sacrificing their opportunities for exploration.”
These closing comments offer an apt conclusion to the discussion. While it is true that AI presents retail with all manner of opportunities, there is plenty of work still be done to hone the technology and make it work properly within a shopping environment. New solutions and updates are coming all the time, but it is down to the retailer to ensure they use these advancements to their advantage.
Above: Experts believe the use of AI in retail will increase in 2026
CANDEE.BIO & CHESTNUT BIOPOLYMERS
The Retail Plastic Problem Nobody Owns — But Everyone Carries
Walk into any retail store.
Every rail, every display, every backroom, every distribution centre…
is quietly full of plastic.
Not packaging.
Not something the customer walks away with.
But the infrastructure of retail itself that is at the centre of the customer experience:
• Hangers
• Size markers
• POS displays
• Signage
Millions of units.
Moving constantly.
Breaking, being replaced, disappearing.
And almost all of it is made from fossil plastic.
The Challenge No One Has Solved
(Yet)
Retailers have made real progress on:
• Packaging
• Carrier bags
• Consumer-facing plastics
But behind the scenes and front of house, a harder problem remains:
How do you remove fossil plastic from operations — without breaking the system that depends on it?
Because today’s alternatives come with trade-offs:
• Recycled plastics → still fossil-based, still microplastics
• Bio-PP → still persistent
• New materials → require new suppliers, tooling, cost
So the system stays the same.
A Different Way Forward
This is where the partnership between Candee.bio and Chestnut Biopolymers changes the equation.
Not by asking retailers to redesign their operations.
But by enabling them to change the material inside the system they already run.
What This Partnership Does
• Chestnut Biopolymers has developed a plant-based material platform designed to replace polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE) and Polystyrene (PS).
• Candee.bio integrates that material into retail supply chains.
Together, they enable a simple shift:
Keep your suppliers. Keep your tooling. Change the material.
Why This Matters Now
Because the pressure is no longer theoretical.
Sustainability, procurement and finance teams are now all looking at the same thing:
• Scope 3 emissions (often >90% of total footprint)
• EPR costs increasing year-on-year
• Plastic taxes expanding in scope
• Microplastic regulation emerging globally
And asking:
“Where is the next meaningful reduction going to come from?”
What Changes When You Change the Material
1. You Remove Fossil Carbon at Source
Instead of extracting carbon from the ground, the material uses renewable plant-based feedstocks.
This directly reduces:
• Scope 3 emissions
• Exposure to fossil-linked pricing
• Long-term carbon liability
2. You Remove the Concept of Permanent Waste
Conventional plastics:
• Persist for decades or centuries
• Fragment into microplastics
This material:
• Biodegrades in natural environments
• Does not leave persistent microplastics
So the question shifts from:
“Can we recover 100%?” to:
“What happens when we don’t?”
3. You Don’t Break the System to Fix It
This is not a redesign.
• Existing moulds → work
• Existing suppliers → stay
• Existing logistics → unchanged
That is what makes scale possible.
Beyond Materials: Rethinking the System Itself
Once the material changes, something else becomes possible.
Reuse Becomes More Valuable
Retail already reuses assets — but inefficiently.
With this material:
• Safe handling
• Durable performance
• No toxicity concerns
Reuse cycles can increase, reducing both:
• cost per use
• total material demand
Closed-Loop Becomes Achievable
Retail has something most industries don’t:
Controlled environments and reverse logistics
Stores → DCs → suppliers. This creates the foundation for:
• collection
• consolidation
• reprocessing Without needing new infrastructure.
Circularity Becomes Economic (Not Just Environmental)
At scale, this becomes:
• lower material input
• lower waste cost
• lower EPR exposure
• reduced reliance on volatile polymer markets
And When the System Isn’t Perfect…
Some loss always happens. The difference is:
• PP → becomes permanent pollution
• This material → returns safely to the environment
A More Realistic Circular Model
Not perfection. But resilience.
1. Reduce 2. Reuse 3. Recover 4. Biodegrade
Where This Applies Today
• Coat hangers
• Size markers
• POS displays
• Signage
• Visual merchandising
How It Works in Practice
• You continue with your existing suppliers
• Candee.bio supports integration
• Chestnut supplies the material platform
The Partnership Roles
• Material developed and supplied by Chestnut Biopolymers
• Market integration led by Candee.bio
Clear ownership.
Clear accountability.
Long-term stability.
What This Enables
Not a pilot.
Not a concept.
But a practical shift:
From fossil plastic → to plant-based materials
Without changing how retail operates
The Question for Retailers Now
Not:
“Is this possible?”
But:
“How quickly can we start?”
FROM STORE TO STAGE: WHEN THE CUSTOMER BECOMES THE HERO
By Ghalia Boustani – Ephemeral Retailing Specialist | Published Author | Podcast Host
Retail is going through an identity shift.
For decades, physical stores were built as places of transaction. Clear shelves. Logical paths. Efficiency. Speed. The objective was simple: make the product accessible and make the sale happen. But today, access is no longer a competitive advantage. If a customer can order the same item in seconds from a sofa, the store has to justify its existence differently. It has to offer something that cannot be delivered in a cardboard box.
The real challenge is that experience is constantly being evaluated in the customer’s mind. Not only the spectacular moments, but the invisible ones. The entrance. The first glance. The way the space guides or confuses. The rhythm between discovery and pause. The feeling at the exit. Experience is rarely about a single dramatic gesture. It is the accumulation of frictionless steps. When those steps feel intuitive and emotionally coherent, the visit becomes memorable. When they do not, the space fades into neutrality. It becomes beige. Forgettable. Interchangeable.
Physical retail fails when it adds nothing beyond access. It succeeds when it creates meaning.
From storytelling to storyliving
For years, brands invested heavily in storytelling. Campaigns became more cinematic. Visual identities became more sophisticated. Narratives grew richer. However, something fundamental has changed. Consumers no longer want to watch a brand story unfold from a distance. They want to step inside it.
The product is no longer the only hero. The customer is.
People want participation. They want to interact, to test, to play a role. Observing is passive. Experiencing is active. The shift is subtle but decisive: from audience to protagonist.
This is where physical retail has an undeniable advantage. A store can transform abstract brand values into lived moments. Through movement, touch, sound, scale, and human interaction, it turns positioning into reality. When a visitor becomes part of the narrative, loyalty stops being a slogan and starts becoming a feeling.
The strategic intelligence of the pop-up
Pop-ups are often dismissed as short-term marketing spectacles. In practice, they can be one of the most strategic tools in a brand’s ecosystem.
Because they are temporary, they reduce risk. Ephemerality creates permission. Permission to test new layouts. New storytelling formats. New technologies. New community dynamics. Ideas that might feel too bold or too uncertain for a permanent flagship suddenly become acceptable. Many brands already know the questions they need to answer. What holds them back is
not ignorance but fear. Fear of confusing customers. Fear of diluting identity. Fear of public failure.
A temporary space softens that fear.
When used intelligently, a pop-up becomes a research and development laboratory for the future of retail. It should not remain a perpetual experiment. Its role is to generate clear insights and direction. When brands truly listen to what these spaces reveal, they stop chasing buzz and start building coherence.
Experience is not decoration
One of the most persistent tensions in retail happens behind the scenes. Experience design is still too often treated as an aesthetic layer placed on top of a commercial strategy. Technology is added because it looks impressive. Installations are installed because they feel contemporary. Concepts are adopted because competitors are using them.
The result can be visually striking but strategically fragile. Design decisions should begin with different questions. Does this reduce friction or create it? Does it guide or
distract? Does it support the customer’s movement and understanding?
Adding elements without understanding their “care instructions” leads to failure. Just as a beautiful plant will not survive without the right light, water, and environment, an impressive installation will not thrive if it is disconnected from behavior and purpose. Experience design is not about adding more. It is about choosing better. When every element is grounded in how people actually move, feel, and decide, even a space that appears “non-productive” on paper can become commercially powerful.
The citizen brand: retail as urban actor
Retail does not exist in isolation. It shapes streets, neighborhoods, and daily routines.
Across many cities, a paradox is visible: dynamic commercial centers and iconic high streets, yet just a few blocks away, areas that feel empty and disconnected. The problem is not only economic. It is experiential.
Neighborhoods need places that gather people. Spaces that create rhythm and social gravity. Retail can play that role.
The idea that proximity retail should be reserved exclusively for small, local players limits the conversation. National and global brands also have a responsibility to adapt to local realities. When they do, they contribute to urban vitality rather than extracting from it.
In France, brands such as Monoprix, Carrefour, and E.Leclerc have experimented with pedestrian-friendly formats, hyperlocal assortments, and context-sensitive layouts. A store on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées does not operate like one near the Opéra district. The most relevant formats respond to their immediate environment. Yet brands cannot carry this responsibility alone. Municipalities are part of the equation. Fair rent structures, adapted taxation, simplified logistics, and smarter delivery systems all influence whether a store can act as a long-term urban partner.
When retail behaves like a citizen, it does more than sell. It sustains neighborhoods.
High-tech in service of high-touch
The future of retail is often framed as a choice between technological sophistication and human warmth. In reality, the most powerful environments combine both. Technology should serve intimacy, not overshadow it.
The most actionable shift for designers and strategists is simple: design the journey before designing the space. Define how the customer should feel, where they should slow down, where they should accelerate, what they should remember. Only then decide which tools truly support that path.
Several brands illustrate this balance in different ways.
At JD Sports, digital screens and LED walls amplify energy rather than dictate behavior. Technology shapes atmosphere, rhythm, and cultural context. The store feels immersive and dynamic, but the emotional core remains movement, music, and youth culture. Technology intensifies the feeling instead of competing with it.
Citadium operates differently. Its strength lies in community and human interaction. Staff act as stylists and cultural mediators. Events and collaborations transform the store into a social platform. Technology is present but discreet. The memorability comes from social aliveness, not digital spectacle.
In beauty, L'Oréal demonstrates how high-tech can reinforce high-touch. Virtual try-ons, AI-driven diagnostics, and smart mirrors reduce uncertainty and increase confidence. Crucially, they empower advisors rather than replace them. Emotional reassurance still comes from human interaction; technology adds precision and credibility.
At the other end of the spectrum, Bacha Coffee embraces slowness. The experience is theatrical and sensory: scent, ceremony, storytelling. Technology is intentionally minimal. Luxury here lies in time, attention, and ritual. The innovation is restraint.
Even on the same avenue, different philosophies coexist. On the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Moncler builds immersive, high-concept spaces where digital installations and dynamic lighting extend architectural storytelling. Technology becomes part of the universe rather than an accessory.
Nearby, Polène adopts a more contemplative approach. Its flagship integrates a museum-like dimension that elevates craftsmanship and materiality. The space invites visitors to slow down and observe. Technology is almost invisible. Meaning is carried by form, texture, and narrative clarity.
These examples share no single formula. What they share is intention.
High-tech works when it disappears into the journey. Hightouch works when it feels purposeful rather than nostalgic. The future belongs to brands that understand why they are using a tool, not simply that they can. When experience leads and technology follows, physical retail regains its power. Not merely as a place to buy, but as a place to belong.
This article is inspired by the conversation held on the ED show.
ISE 2026 PUSHES BEYOND WITH A RECORD-BREAKING SHOW OF INNOVATION, CREATIVITY AND INDUSTRY MOMENTUM
Spanning all eight halls at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via, ISE 2026 delivered four days of record-breaking energy, creativity, and innovation, bringing the global audiovisual and systems integration community together like never before.
Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2026 has officially closed its doors following four days of inspiring firsts that pushed beyond the expected to redefine the possible and reinvigorate the AV and systems integration industry.
ISE 2026 broke all records welcoming 92,170 visitors from around the world. A total of 1,751 exhibitors, including 323 making their debut at the event, contributed to the largest total show floor space in the event’s history at 101,000 sqm.
ISE 2026 delivered exceptional attendance growth, underlining the continued expansion and global appeal of the show. By Tuesday, the event had already welcomed 55,156 unique attendees, a 10% increase compared with Tuesday 2025 (49,981). By Wednesday, total unique attendance across all show days reached 76,035, while the show recorded its largest single day ever, with 64,198 visitors onsite, almost equalling the pre-pandemic record attendance of an entire ISE show (64,908 at ISE 2019 in Amsterdam). Momentum continued through Thursday, as total unique attendance climbed to 87,648, officially marking the highest attendance in ISE history. Overall, ISE 2026 achieved a 8% increase in total attendance compared with 2025, demonstrating unprecedented energy, scale, and industry engagement, and confirming its position as the world’s leading event for the audiovisual and systems integration community. The total number of registrations
reached 120,914 with over 212,000 visits across the four days.
"As ISE 2026 comes to a close, I’m truly inspired by the passion and strength of our community," said Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events. "Over four extraordinary days, we celebrated groundbreaking technology, ignited bold ideas, forged lasting connections, and set new benchmarks for our industry. What excites me most is the creativity, energy, and diversity of our exhibitors and partners, and the unwavering dedication of the ISE team that makes it all possible."
Growing and Empowering the ISE Community and Beyond
At ISE 2026, Spark debuted as a show of unity for creativity and technology – a new initiative driving innovation and knowledge sharing across the creative industries. The new event format brought together the creators of tomorrow, uniting the brightest minds from Broadcast, Live Events, Marketing, Design, and Gaming into one immersive experience. Spark served as a hub for creative professionals, technologists, and decision-makers to connect, share ideas, and explore the future of creativity. With an outstanding line-up of partners and speakers, Spark 2026 showcased how technology transformed the audience experience, on screen, in physical spaces, and live, and demonstrated how innovation and collaboration are shaping the next
generation of creative work.
In another first, ISE announced the ISE Foundation, an initiative spearheaded by ISE, and backed by co-owners AVIXA and CEDIA, with support from the City of Barcelona and the Government of Catalonia. The ISE Foundation aims to empower the AV and systems integration community, with an emphasis on teamwork, innovation, and lasting impact under the tagline "Powering On, Together”.
The foundation launched at a press conference, with distinguished speakers David Labuskes, CEO of AVIXA; Daryl Friedman, Global President & CEO of CEDIA; Raquel Gil, Deputy Mayor of Barcelona; and Miquel Sàmper, Minister for Business and Labour, Government of Catalonia.
From Iconic Landmarks to AI Insights, ISE 2026 Showcased the Future of Creativity
The keynote sessions at ISE 2026, delivered by Matt Clark and Sol Rashidi, electrified the event, drawing full-capacity audiences. Clark took attendees “Behind the Façade: Building a Performance-led Mapping at Casa Batlló, from Concept to Implementation,” revealing the creative and technical mastery behind the mapping at one of Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks. Rashidi’s “The AI Reality Check: What It Takes to Scale and the Future of Leadership” offered a compelling look at how AI is reshaping industries and the leadership needed to navigate this transformation. Together, their presentations showcased ISE as the ultimate stage for innovation, creativity, and forwardthinking industry leadership.
Barcelona Welcomes International Officials to ISE 2026
ISE’s partnership with Barcelona continues to play a vital role in the event’s success. The 2026 show featured a notable delegation of VIPs and government officials, including representatives from Latin American countries, reflecting Barcelona’s status as a global technology hub. Attendees included leaders in national and regional governments, as well as experts in digitalisation and AI policy, highlighting ISE’s impact on international collaboration and regional growth.
"ISE jumpstarts every year as the largest gathering of AV professionals. But beyond the numbers is a more remarkable story: people connecting with one another from different corners of the world and exchanging ideas that will live on past the convention center walls," said David Labuskes, CTS, CAE, RCDD, Chief Executive Officer of
See You at ISE 2027
As the industry looks ahead, ISE 2026 leaves a lasting impression, as a showcase of cutting-edge solutions, and a catalyst for collaboration and progress across the AV and
AVIXA. "The week was full of brilliant minds that push this exciting industry forward. AVIXA is proud to collaborate with the ISE and CEDIA teams to deliver such a vibrant forum."
"ISE 2026 once again demonstrated the extraordinary power of collaboration across our global technology ecosystem," said Daryl Friedman, Global President and CEO of CEDIA. "As co-owners of ISE, we are proud to see the event continue to expand its influence as a platform where innovation, education, and partnership converge. The energy on the show floor and throughout the conference programme reflects a thriving industry that is not only embracing emerging technologies, but shaping how they enhance the spaces where people live, work, and connect."
systems integration landscape. ISE will return for ISE 2027 from 2 – 5 February 2027 at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via –save the dates and prepare to push beyond even further.
M&S: WHY BRAND HEALTH IS THE ULTIMATE INSURANCE POLICY
The announcement that M&S (Marks & Spencer) has retained its crown as the UK’s strongest brand in the YouGov Best Brand Rankings 2026 is more than just a win for the retailer; it is a masterclass in brand resilience. M&S has now maintained an uninterrupted reign as the UK’s healthiest brand since 2022, and they are comfortably ahead of the second place brand on the list, IKEA.
Resilience in the face of crisis
However, this year’s top spot is particularly remarkable. Just months ago, M&S was navigating a crippling ransomware attack that took its fashion and home operations offline for weeks. The breach resulted in approximately a £300 million hit to profits and wiped £750 million off its market valuation.
In any other scenario, a seven-week ecommerce blackout coupled with a data breach would have toppled a brand. Customers would have voted with their fingers and trust metrics would have plummeted. Instead, M&S thrived. By Q4, online sales were back to normal levels.
We know that healthy brands tend to grow but the M&S story proves that brand equity is your ultimate insurance policy when something goes wrong.
Long-term strategy and modernisation
M&S’s ability to bounce back wasn't a stroke of luck; it was the result of a deliberate, long-term marketing strategy. The organisation has been through a period of change, modernising stores, improving its style credentials and broadening its appeal, whilst keeping the quality and service credentials it’s been so loved for.
When it comes to advertising campaigns, in recent years M&S has moved away from multiple, seasonal ATL (AboveThe-Line) bursts, to an always-on strategy (though not foregoing their important Christmas campaign, of course). They have diversified media, now spending approximately a third of their budget on digital channels, with online video being allocated as much budget as linear TV, ensuring they build mental availability with younger audiences.
For 20 years, M&S has lived up to its promise of sustainability, ethical sourcing and quality. Their vision is to be the most trusted retailer, doing the right thing for their customers and with quality products at the heart. In addition to this, their “Reshaping for Growth” strategy has paid off meaning they were also able to weather the storm financially.
Living the brand through every interaction
So, when the attack occurred, public perception of M&S remained strong. CEO, Stuart Machin’s response was direct, honest, and collaborative. Whilst the website was down, he urged shoppers to head into the physical stores. Once all systems were restored, M&S used their SPARKS loyalty programme to repay customers with exclusive “welcome
back” discounts and treats, along with additional discounts for staff and supply chain partners, strengthening its reliability and trust proposition further.
This consistent investment in its brand meant that when the crisis hit, M&S had enough brand equity in place to weather the storm. While satisfaction scores dipped temporarily, quality and reputation scores remained high.
The lesson for any brand is clear: brand health cannot be built overnight. It is the cumulative result of long-term brand-building techniques that boost affinity and loyalty. M&S didn't just "talk the talk" with advertising; they "walked the walk" by ensuring the reality of their quality service and products matched their marketing promises. They had the healthy financials to weather a temporary storm, but it was their brand equity that ensured the customers were still there when the lights came back on.
Lesser-known brands, or those who have neglected their brand health, may not have been shown the same grace. In 2026, a strong brand is no longer a luxury: it's your most critical safeguard.
re-telling retail
Chapters include:
What is storytelling?
Genuine and enduring engagement is the ultimate goal, to truly connect with your audience or customer.
The dangers of a one-way narrative
Historically, story-telling in print, radio and TV advertising meant that the narrative only flowed in one direction, and that was outwards.
The online revolution
The World Wide Web created a feedback loop by opening channels of communication and interaction never before dreamed of.
The vital role of psychology
Empirical work in retail psychology forged the way for measurable decision making, and the basis of genuinely engaging narratives.
The impact of the pandemic
Physical isolation and the scale of the pandemic profoundly affected perception in our lives, playing out a storyline that we were nearly powerless to do anything about.
Our new relationship with brands and what the future holds
Looking ahead at what we demand of Brands, the stories Brands should tell and the role of technology.
The dynamics of storytelling in the volatile retail landscape have fundamentally changed and will help to shape our perception of the future...
In this report in partnership with Retail Focus, James Breaks, Associate Director of Design at rpa:group, takes a close look into the past, present and future of our relationship with brands, and how we engage with them.
As a curator of branded customer experiences, with over 30 years experience in the retail sector, James has seen first-hand how retail has transformed exponentially beyond the physical realm, into a sensory omnichannel experience.
The rpa:group is a global architecture, design, project and cost management consultancy providing creative, practical solutions for the built environment.
Get in touch with j.breaks@therpagroup.com to discuss how we can help you with your next project.
www.therpagroup.com
DOROTAPE PRODUCT
Dorotape has strengthened its sustainability credentials with the launch of a new paper based alternative to traditional vinyl from Fedrigoni, and by becoming an ambassador distributor for the Natural Choice range from R-Tape.
F-Print Natural Fibre 115 is an innovative, removable self-adhesive material that offers a sustainable alternative to traditional monomeric PVC vinyl commonly used for short term indoor advertising. Made from 100% post consumer recycled fibres and featuring an ultra removable, water based (solvent free) acrylic adhesive, this white matt material combines performance, versatility and environmental responsibility. It adheres to any smooth surface and can be removed cleanly without leaving residue.
It is ideal for POS advertising, short term window graphics, and promotional displays where easy removability is essential.
As the display industry — along with leading brands — continues to seek more ecologically responsible solutions, Natural Choice paper application tapes provide the perfect option without compromising on quality. As a Natural Choice ambassador, we are committed to help those designing or specifying for retail, events and branding to make better and more sustainable choices.
Michael Ingram, Managing Director at Dorotape, said:
“The shift from plastic to paper is not a trend. Smart, sustainable materials are the future, and Dorotape is proud to have been appointed as the UK partner to promote this change for Better Business, Better Performance and a Better Planet.”
A KALEIDOSCOPE OF COLOUR.
TORMAX PRODUCT
Invisible Door Automation Brings Seamless
Access to London Café (Sept 2025)
Discreetly integrated into the entrance of Acai Berry café in London’s busy SW1 district, a TORMAX iMotion 1401 underfloor door operator ensures effortless, hands-free access for all visitors.
Offering invisible automation, this innovative swing door solution provides a neat, contemporary appearance that complements the café’s modern design, while delivering the reliable performance demanded in such a high-footfall location.
With the mechanism concealed entirely beneath the floor, the entrance maintains an uncluttered aesthetic, free from bulky overhead drive units, and is engineered for durability with minimal ongoing maintenance requirements.
Acai Berry is a growing café brand known for its vibrant, health-focused menus built around the nutritional power of açai berries. The SW1 café offers a welcoming space for customers to enjoy bowls, smoothies, and fresh juices, all focused on natural ingredients and wellness. With a reputation for creating spaces that are both stylish and accessible, the TORMAX automated entrance ensures inclusivity for all visitors.
TORMAX, a pioneer in door automation, has been setting industry standards since 1951. Swiss-engineered for precision and reliability, the company’s iMotion operators are built using cutting-edge AC motor technology, delivering quiet, smooth, and energy-efficient performance over an exceptionally long service life.
With a portfolio spanning sliding, folding, swing, and revolving door systems, TORMAX works with architects, designers, and contractors worldwide to deliver bespoke entrance solutions that combine technical excellence with architectural vision.
“The Acai Berry installation highlights how our underfloor automation allows designers to retain a clean, contemporary look without compromising on accessibility or durability,” comments Simon Roberts, Managing Director of TORMAX UK. “It’s a perfect example of form and function working seamlessly together.”
EUROBRICK SUPPORTS NEW MARKS & SPENCER FLAGSHIP STORE IN BRISTOL
Marks & Spencer has a long history in Bristol, dating back to the opening of its first stall in 1900. In November 2025, the retailer returned to the city centre with the launch of its new flagship store at Cabot Circus, with Eurobrick contributing to the delivery of the interior food hall fit-out.
Eurobrick supplied 75m² of its I-Clad system for the Bristol food hall, along with Red Blue Flamed brick slips and corners from their Britannia range. The brick slips feature a lightly textured, sanded red finish with a blue and grey multi-effect and have been used extensively across Marks & Spencer food halls nationwide to help create a consistent and welcoming interior brand style.
I-Clad was specified for its slim profile, lightweight construction and ease of installation, making it well suited to retail environments where internal space is at a premium and programme timelines are critical.
The Bristol Cabot Circus project is the latest in a series of new and refurbished Marks & Spencer stores that have used Eurobrick. To date, Eurobrick’s I-Clad system and brick slips have been installed in 203 Marks & Spencer stores nationwide, totalling more than 8,700m². The company continues to support Marks & Spencer as the retailer progresses its ongoing store fit-out programme.
For more information on Eurobrick systems and products please visit www.eurobrick.co.uk, email info@eurobrick. co.uk or call 0117 971 7117.
TORMAX PRODUCT
TORMAX iMotion Operators Automate V&A East Storehouse Entrance (Jan 2026)
TORMAX UK was contracted by Spec-Al Facades to install its advanced iMotion 1301 door drives to automate a pair of heavy, bespoke swing doors, that form one of the main public entrances to the new V&A East Storehouse Museum.
The iMotion door drives feature robust, gearless motor technology that delivers smooth, silent operation while comfortably handling the significant weight and height of the custom stainless-steel and aluminium door leaves. Their precise control software manages door speed, inertia and safety, ensuring dependable, predictable movement that supports steady visitor flow into one of London’s newest cultural destinations.
Located on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the V&A East Storehouse is a major new public facility that brings visitors behind the scenes of a world-leading museum collection. Combining open-access storage, conservation spaces and exhibition areas, the building is designed for the constant movement of people — requiring access points that can withstand continuous use while remaining discreet within the architectural envelope.
The TORMAX iMotion 1301 drive is engineered without gears or brushes, ensuring exceptionally low wear, long service life and minimal maintenance. Its high-torque motor enables confident automation of oversized swing doors, while adaptive controls manage factors such as wind load and levels of foot traffic. The system is fully compatible with access-control integration, safety sensors and buildingmanagement interfaces, providing architects with a flexible solution for complex public buildings.
“TORMAX has long specialised in automating bespoke and architecturally significant entrances,” said Simon Roberts, Managing Director of TORMAX UK. “The V&A East Storehouse required technology that could support the unique steel and aluminium doors in a high-traffic environment without compromising the clean visual design. The iMotion 1301 was engineered precisely for scenarios like this, where reliability, endurance and architectural sensitivity all matter.”
With a portfolio covering sliding, swing, revolving and folding automatic entrances — all built around the Swiss-engineered iMotion range — TORMAX provides automation solutions for commercial facilities, transport hubs, healthcare, educational environments and retail. The company offers full design guidance, technical support and nationwide maintenance to ensure long-term access performance.
WRIGHTS PLASTICS APPOINTED
GLOBAL DISPLAY PARTNER FOR JD SPORTS
Wrights Plastics has strengthened its position as a leading UK retail display manufacturer through a partnership with JD Sports delivering point-of-sale and visual merchandising solutions across their worldwide retail estate.
Items supplied include LED Halo display, Glow light boxes, Brand blocks, Illuminated signage, Mirrored display units, Freestanding display stands, Shelf Overlay and Vinyl graphic packs all manufactured entirely in-house at their West Bromwich facility, utilising their 50+ years expertise in acrylic fabrication, LED integration, plastic CNC engineering and wide-format print.
An early project saw their involvement in JD Sports flagship 41,000 sq. ft Trafford Centre store for which Wrights Plastics developed over 40 bespoke display products, which have since ‘gone global’ and feature in stores in Spain, Germany, Canada, Oxford Street – and Essex!
Commenting on the partnership Commercial Director Andy Watkins, said “Working with JD Sports at this level is an important milestone for us. It shows what a UK manufacturer can deliver when investment, expertise and collaboration come together.”
www.wrightsplastics.co.uk/project/jd-sports/
SDEA INTERVIEW
Q1: What’s the SDEA focused on delivering for its members in 2026?
Everything we’re doing this year comes back to one thing: making membership genuinely valuable. That starts with community. We want the SDEA to be a network where people know each other, help each other and win work together — not just a name on a database.
The retail design and display sector is full of brilliant companies, but a lot of them are operating on their own. They’re facing the same challenges without the benefit of learning from each other. We want to break that down by creating more reasons for people to connect.
On top of that, we’re investing in the things that help members grow — better visibility through our publications like the newlook Shoptalk Magazine and SDEA Newswire, more events, and programmes like the Creative Retail Awards and our new educational offering. The goal is for every member to feel their subscription is working hard for them.
Q2: What new developments should the industry look out for from the SDEA this year?
The big one is our Retail Design Course, which we’re about to launch. It’s a comprehensive programme covering everything from visual merchandising fundamentals to AI in retail design and sustainability. It works for people entering the industry and for experienced professionals looking to build on what they already know. We’ve seen a real gap in the market for something like this.
Events-wise, we’ve already had a fantastic start to the year. Our networking evening at EuroShop in Düsseldorf was at full capacity — a brilliant night that showed just how much demand there is for the industry to get together. In April,
we’ll be at the VM & Display Show hosting another networking evening on the opening day. Our members consistently tell us that meeting people face to face is what they value most, so we keep creating those opportunities.
Q3: The Creative Retail Awards are back — what makes them important and how have they developed?
They exist to shine a light on work that deserves recognition. People in our industry pour months of effort into designing and building retail environments, and most of the time it goes unappreciated by the wider world. The Awards give us a chance to celebrate that.
What’s encouraging is the growth. We’re receiving more entries year on year, with increasing numbers from international companies. The Creative Retail Awards are building a real reputation globally, not just in the UK.
We’re also proud of the judging process. We’ve assembled a strong panel of senior figures from retail, design and brand, and every entry is properly considered. There’s no politics — the quality of the work is what counts.
It’s not just the big brands either. Some of the most impressive entries come from smaller companies delivering clever, innovative solutions on tight budgets. That’s exactly the kind of work we want to celebrate.
Entries are open at www. creativeretailawards.com and the ceremony returns to London in September 2026. If you’ve done work you’re proud of, put it forward.
Q4: What trends are you seeing reshape the physical retail space?
The big shift is that stores have to earn the visit now. People don’t need to go to a shop to buy something — they need a reason beyond the transaction. That’s driving investment in spaces that feel more like experiences, and it’s great news for the companies designing and building them.
Personalisation is a major trend. Retailers are using data to tailor what happens in store, which means spaces need to be designed with adaptability in mind. AI is feeding into this too — not just behind the scenes, but in the physical environment. Smart signage, design tools that speed up the creative process, testing concepts digitally before building them. It’s adding to what creative people can do, not replacing them.
Sustainability is no longer optional. Clients want to know about materials, waste and how long something will last. And flexible design keeps growing — pop-ups, modular systems, spaces that can transform quickly. The static store refit every few years is becoming a thing of the past.
For our members, all of this points to more demand for their expertise.
Q5: For someone not yet a member — what does the SDEA actually offer?
I’d say pick up the phone or come and see us at an event. The best way to understand what we do is to talk to the members who are already benefitting from it. We hear regularly from people who’ve gained new clients, partnerships and opportunities directly through their SDEA membership.
The practical benefits are strong too. Members get exposure through the website, Design & Display Directory, Shoptalk Magazine and the Newswire. They get free entries to the Creative Retail Awards, invitations to all our events, and discounts on everything from HR support to leadership training. It’s a solid package built around helping businesses grow.
We’re not a faceless organisation. We know our members, we understand what they do, and when the right opportunity comes along, we make the introduction.
The industry is moving quickly and going it alone is tougher than it needs to be. That’s what the SDEA is for. Visit www.shopdisplay.org and let’s have a conversation.
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