Retail Focus Magazine 124

retail focus

STELLAR ILLUMINATION

The Fabulous World of Dior transformed Harrods for the Holiday season

HELLO TClark

My passport sits to my right, always close at hand as we are in the midst of show season. I am currently preparing for my trip to Dusseldorf in February, it’s hard to believe it’s been three years since my last visit to the vast halls. A lot has happened in these three years, but this will be my fifth consecutive EuroShop and my schedule is already filling up. Be sure to check out pages 43-49 to discover what to expect. Before that, I am looking forward to attending Integrated Systems Europe in Barcelona, starting on January 30th. It’s a great opportunity to discover technology innovators and solutions providers in the AV industry. Learn more about the show on pages 40-41. Once I return, I will be at the Business Design Centre in London for the Surface Design Show. Taking place on February 7-9, the show invites architects and designers to explore the latest in surface material innovation. Find out why retail designers should attend on pages 37-38.

Our cover image celebrates “The Fabulous World of Dior,” a spectacular takeover of Harrods’ iconic facade and windows during the holiday season. The takeover included mesmerizing pop-ups, a Dior cafe, and an exhibition space within the world-renowned department store. This exceptional event masterfully combines the charm of the English spirit with French luxury and art de vivre refinement. Dive into all aspects of the takeover on pages 26-31.

At the end of last year the Creative Retail Awards crowned the very best in worldwide design and display for 2022. As physical retail evolves, design and experience have become more powerful tools than ever. The Creative Retail Awards have recognised the very best in retail, leisure, and hospitality design & display since 2018. See who walked away with our prestigious awards on pages 32-33.

From the team at Retail Focus, we hope you enjoy this issue and look forward to connecting with you at upcoming events.

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DIARY

FEATURED: ISE 2023 Fira Barcelona

31 JAN - 3 FEB 2023

The exhibitors, visitors and cutting-edge technical innovations are what give ISE its very special atmosphere. It is a place for connecting with key contacts in the industry and for reaching important business decisions. Since it was launched in 2004, the show has grown in size and stature to become the key date on the tradeshow calendar for anyone working in professional AV.

Read full preview on page XX

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SURFACE DESIGN SHOW BDC, LONDON

8-9 FEBRUARY 2023

The show will highlight how fundamentally important design decisions truly are, not simply for creating aesthetically pleasing areas, but for understanding how our surroundings hold the ability to evoke emotional responses, and uncovering how a space can enhance your productivity and mental well-being.

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SURFACE DESIGN SHOW DuSSELDORF, Germany

26 FEB - 2 March 2023

EuroShop is a trade fair for retailing, marketing, and design held every three years in Dusseldorf, Germany. It is the largest event of its kind in the world, and attracts thousands of attendees from around the globe, including retailers, manufacturers, distributors, and design professionals.

@surfacethinking www.surfacedesignshow.com

VM & DISPLAY AWARDS LONDON

15 MARCH 2023

The VM & Display Awards have been successfully running for 25 years, and as a standalone event in its current format for 16 years. Held annually in an iconic, Central London location, the Awards bring together the UK’s most influential creatives, retailers and suppliers in celebration of their considerable achievements.

@vmdisplayawards

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VM & DISPLAY SHOW BDC, London 18-19 APRIL, 2023

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. Discuss your visual merchandising and display requirements with experts in your field.

The show provides exhibitors with the chance to present their expertise to the teams behind the high streets’ windows and in-store displays.

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.

@vmdisplayshow

www.vmanddisplayshow.com

FEATURED:

CREATIVE RETAIL AWARDS LONDON 21 SEPTEMBER 2023

The Creative Retail Awards are a dynamic and exciting annual event designed to recognise and reward innovation and excellence in retail design and experience. Organised by the Shop & Display Equipment Association (SDEA) and Retail Focus, the awards span a number of disciplines, including store design, surfaces, display systems, innovative technology, lighting and much more. The awards are judged by a panel of industry leaders and experts.

Bringing together the whole industry, the Creative Retail Awards is a night that blends networking with an informal party atmosphere celebrating the diversity in our industry. The Awards recognise talent across the full spectrum of retail design and display in a broad range of awards categories.

NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES

www.creativeretailawards.com

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Goldsmiths unveils its new luxury showroom in Meadowhall

The new calm, yet dynamic, space was conceived in partnership with the award-winning UK- based design collective Quadrant Design. Light, uncluttered spaces in a monochrome palette of luxurious materials such as white-washed oak timber, white terrazzo and blackened steel have been combined with visual architectural forms that include repeating vertical lines and soft curves inspired by the Goldsmiths logo.

It marries contemporary luxury design with a relaxed atmosphere and presents guests with both in-store and digital browsing tools.

H&M puts Experience and sustainability AT THE HEART OF Angel Central store

Founded in Sweden in 1947, H&M opened its first U.K. store in 1976. Over forty years later, H&M’s U.K. and Ireland portfolio has grown to include more than 200 stores. Customers visiting the new Angel Central store will notice a warmer, more welcoming interior and relaxed environment, and a lower volume of products which will be displayed in a curated and inspirational way.

H&M Angel Central “will create a welcoming, modern and meaningful shopping experience where style, creativity and culture are celebrated,” says H&M UK & IE Expansion Manager, Christopher Clare. “Through introducing new services, like click and collect lockers and self-service checkouts, we hope to create a seamless customer experience within our Angel store.”

Space NK Unveils Largest Store in Portfolio

Space NK has revealed a newly expanded store, which is the largest in the company’s portfolio, and four times the size of its original location at Westfield London in White City.

Covering 2,500 square feet of trading space, the new store will serve as a beauty shopping destination, tailored to customers’ needs and staffed by a team of Space NK experts.

The newly upsized store not only features an extensive selection of the world’s top beauty brands, but each product category has been thoughtfully curated to create an easy and immersive shopping experience. A makeup play table offers customers the opportunity to comfortably discover and test products.

Swiss Sports brand On opens its first UK Flagship Store on Regent Street

Swiss sports brand On is debuting its first flagship store in Europe on Regent Street, London, UK. With a focus on design and technology, the three-story location aims to provide an immersive and interactive experience for shoppers. In addition to showcasing the latest products, the store will also center around the brand’s community of explorers and encourage visitors to engage with the space through all of their senses. The store will open to the public on February 10th.

“Swiss Engineering means for us loving technology and the natural world,” explains David Allemann, Co-Founder of On. “In our store on Regent Street, we have combined both innovatively and surprisingly. With technology and innovation at the forefront, On London will empower shoppers to engage with our brand in an entirely new way. The focus lies on our community of runners, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyday explorers.”

Charlotte Tilbury launches at Liverpool ONE in regional debut

The 1,000 sq ft store, located on the corner of Paradise Street, marks the brand’s first UK opening in six years and the first standalone UK Charlotte Tilbury space outside London. The store’s interior design embodies

the brand’s trademark glamourous aesthetic, taking inspiration from Hollywoodesque vanity tables to provide an immersive luxury experience.

MUJI brings its sustainability focus to the forefront of its Angel Central store

MUJI, the Japanese retail company specialising in household and consumer goods, has refurbished its Angel Central store. The improved 2,624sq ft space allows MUJI to bring its sustainability focus to the forefront of its Angel Central offer by championing ‘recycle and repurpose’ initiatives. The revamped store is the first of its kind for the brand in the UK. When refurbishing the Islington store, sustainability was at the heart of the design. The store’s feature wall is made using repurposed wood, the ceiling joists come from a demolished building in Northwest London. Most of the signage and fixtures have been made from recycled materials or reused from other projects to help reduce waste.

Lone Design Club Launches in Leeds Announcing A New Strategic Partnership With Landsec and Trinity Leeds

Lone Design Club (LDC) is bringing in 2023 with the announcement of its new partnership with Landsec and Trinity Leeds. Lone Design Club will be working with Trinity Leeds shopping centre to bridge the gap between sustainable living and wellness brands with the launch of the “My Sanctuary: My Home” immersive pop-up experience.

LDC is renowned for its dedication and success in creating innovative pop-up stores and unique events to support independent fashion designers. However, this is their first dip into a dedicated home & lifestyle space with this one-of-a-kind store, which will offer the most innovative lifestyle, home & wellness brands.

Trend to increase physical retail footprint at Westfield Centres continues

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) has announced a number of new fashion, dining and healthcare brands including personal care and beauty products retailer, Space NK, which will more than triple the size of its store at Westfield London this January.

This follows the trend seen across Westfield centres in 2022 with a series of major international brands taking larger spaces, including the recently opened JD Sports which has expanded to 45,000 sqft, plus Tommy Hilfiger, Stradivarius, Bershka, Lacoste, Footlocker, Skechers, Calvin Klein and Dr Martens at Westfield Stratford City.

Whilst at Westfield London, Apple launched a larger refurbished space with 21ft high triple glazed glass frontage, worldfamous toy retailer Hamleys opened its second biggest UK store at 11,000sqft and Tommy Hilfiger celebrated the opening of its larger store with a major brand media domination across the centre. Homeware brand Raft also expanded in the Home Quarter.

Marks and Spencer

is to join

Liverpool ONE, anchoring South

Grosvenor has announced that leading British retailer, Marks & Spencer (M&S), is to join Liverpool ONE, anchoring South John Street in two floors of the former Debenhams. Set to open

in mid-2023, the retail giant is relocating from Church Street to create a 100,000 sq ft store in a move that reaffirms the brand’s commitment to the city centre.

Sephora set to open experiential store in Westfield London

The beauty lover’s ‘ultimate destination’ is arriving in March 2023 in Westfield London, one of the Europe’s largest shopping and leisure destination. The 6000+ sq. ft store is set to showcase an exceptional assortment of products and personal services in a dazzling space that will feature inspiring innovations drawn from the Global retailer’s unique network.

Stetson to debut first UK flagship in Seven Dials

Shaftesbury has announced the signing of iconic, heritage hat brand, Stetson, as their first UK flagship in Seven Dials. Positioned in the heart of London’s West End at 58 Neal Street, the new store will span 1,165 sq ft and include an eclectic range of the brand’s signature styles.

WORLD OF DIOR HARRODS, LONDON, UK

As the holiday season approaches, Dior has created The Fabulous World of Dior, a spectacular presentation illuminating the hallowed halls of the world-famous Harrods department store. An exceptional event combining the charm of the English spirit with French luxury and art de vivre refinement.

A fervent admirer of England, from 1953 Christian Dior developed a powerful and unbreakable bond with Harrods. This story, beginning with Harrods’ earliest singular branded boutique, has continued to grow through exclusive collaborations and is now enriched by a new chapter, unique in its scope and creative daring, inspired by the magic of Christmas.

Images © Adrien Dirand

Season’s Feastings SELFRIDGES, LONDON, UK

Season’s Feastings invites customers to celebrate the power of food to bring us together this festive season. Launching across Selfridges’ four stores and on selfridges.com, Selfridges will offer customers serving suggestions for setting up, dressing up, gift giving and merrymaking, as we look forward to coming together with friends and family to enjoy cherished Christmas rituals.

DAZZLING HARVEY NICHOLS, LONDON, UK

Inspired by festive celebrations, the displays have been designed to entice and capture the attention of customers by using a sparkly metallic colour palette of golds and silvers, and dazzling product displays to excite and delight passers-by. A luxury edit of lust-worthy gifts are showcased, from delightful stocking fillers to must-have Harvey Nichols Hampers, with exclusive pieces across fashion, beauty, food and wine displayed in every window.

Images: Andrew Meredith

Selfridges celebrates special moments

Selfridges new season launched across all stores with a focus on helping customers celebrate special moments, big or small. In 2023 this is brought to life through the lens of 2D artistry.

Unveiling all-new window displays and unexpected visual pleasures in its physical and digital spaces, ‘Selfridges Celebrates‘ is Selfridges playful take on how to shop and plan for the moments in life that call for joyful celebration. All year round, customers can find thoughtful gifting ideas and experiences, sustainable solutions and accessible treats, all with a Selfridges 2D twist.

n a world flooded with hyper-connection and the multi-sensory, 2D illustration is having a moment in the spotlight across all Selfridges categories. Four talented female artists and illustrators Angela Kirkwood, Paulina Almira, Brindha Kumar and Lena Yokoyama have been commissioned to interpret special Selfridges destinations including the beauty concierge, skate bowl, brasserie, bar, opticians and other parts of the store encouraging shoppers in. Each illustrator has a clear and different style which also adds to the diversity of the visual merchandising concept.

A special commission by John Booth in Selfridges flagship Oxford Street windows on the corners of Oxford Street and Orchard Street invites customers to explore playful interpretations of what celebration means to them.

Propability delivered on the creative vision working in co-operation between the illustrators and the Selfridges team. Each window was constructed by printed reboard or diabond in 2d but as the individual elements are layered a 3d effect was cleverly created. Each part was clad in print and as always used sustainable and recyclable materials.

One of the key challenges was to ensure that the various scales, sizes and parts were constructed and printed correctly with Propability managing the process each step of the way liaising between the artists, printers and ensuring a smooth delivery and installation from start to finish.

Customers will also be able to shop exclusive 2D inspired collaborations and drops revealed throughout the year, from special edition Selfridges Selection treats featuring colourful designs by Angela Kirkwood, to playful homeware, cards and trinkets by David Shrigley, Reselfridges vintage fashion edits inspired by 2D artistry and a whole host of Selfridges Celebrates eventing.

MOLTEN BROWN REGENT STREET, LONDON

British fragrance maker Molton Brown has transformed their flagship store on London’s landmark Regent Street. The interactive store has a strong focus on the customer experience and has sustainability at its heart, with exclusive products and services, Regent Street has always been the pinnacle of the Molton Brown experience.

Design agency, Dalziel & Pow created an interactive store environment that celebrates their roots and reframes them for our times. This new space has been inspired by their founders, who were pioneers in positive luxury, and continues their legacy of creating immersive experiences. They have taken the calming, botanical and sophisticated ambience of their original 1970s hair salon through to their new sanctuary, giving it a contemporary twist with natural materials, sustainable features and carefully selected virtual technology.

With a focus on enhancing the sensory experience, shoppers can expect to find a variety of interactive and immersive elements throughout the store.

One of the most exciting new features is the Multi-Sensory Virtual Fragrance Experience. Using augmented reality technology, shoppers can explore collections in-depth through in-store iPads, bringing the ingredients of each fragrance to life. Additionally, QR codes placed throughout the store offer a behind-the-scenes look at

the brand and its products. And with the Fragrance Finder, shoppers can discover the perfect scent based on their personality.

Another exciting feature is the Fragrance Discovery Playground, where shoppers can sample intriguing fragrances under the light of a beautiful resin chandelier. The chandelier features hand-painted rods inspired by the unique designs of the brand's Eaux de Parfum caps.

For those looking to relax and unwind, the store features a Lounge area complete with comfortable seating, expert advice from team members, and signature hand and arm massages. The store also offers a Personal Gifting Service, allowing shoppers to add a special touch to their purchase or surprise a loved one with an elegantly wrapped gift box, personal message, and a variety of recycled ribbon options. Bottles can also be engraved or housed in a Molton Brown Twill Pouch and stamped with initials.

Finally, the store features a Salon, a private room for consultations and gatherings. Named in honor of the brand's first location, the Salon offers a welcoming space to sip English sparkling wine and

explore the never-before-seen Archive, featuring the brand's favorite memories from its early days to the present.

Sustainable solutions are at the heart of the redesign, flourishing plants help purify the air, including a herb garden, grown using a method called ‘hydroponics’. This involves creating a controlled, pesticidefree environment with LED technology – the same way we’re growing the herbs in our Botanical Hair Care collection. The ‘Return. Recycle. Reward.’ scheme means you can bring back your Molton Brown plastic bottles to recycle while customers enjoy 10% off your next purchase as a reward.

The store uses FSC certified wood laminates, low VOC paints and low energy LEDs. The floor tiles are sustainable and parts of the wall covering are cork, which is made in a zero-waste facility that uses mainly renewable energy. The furniture is British-made, with an aim to reuse and repurpose – from sourcing all props second hand to re-dressing our window fixtures for each campaign and reducing waste wherever possible

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DIOR X HARRODS LONDON, UK

"The Fabulous World of Dior" was a grand showcase at the renowned Harrods department store that combined the elegance of French luxury with the charm of the English culture. Christian Dior had a strong connection to England and Harrods, starting with the store's first Dior boutique in 1953. This relationship had grown through exclusive partnerships, and included a new, ambitious and imaginative chapter inspired by the magic of Christmas.

From November 10 to January 3, 2023, the façade of the Brompton Road building was adorned with a monumental installation aglow with a play of light radiantly showcasing Dior's fundamental references as reinterpreted by artist Pietro Ruffo for the Dior cruise 2023 collection. The compass rose, lucky stars and scintillating flowers guided visitors along the historic window displays - a captivating attraction that drew people from all over the world, transformed and brought to life by a fantastic gingerbread tableau. A journey that stretched the limits of the imagination, exploring the House's different worlds and symbols, from fashion to beauty.

In the heart of this prestigious venue, a thousand fascinating surprises and animated decors, enhanced by gourmet treats, awaited customers. Two dreamlike pop-ups – an ode to Monsieur Dior's attachment to the celebration of Christmas and the art of cherishing loved ones – along with a Café specially conceived for the occasion, and even a truly immersive exhibition that played with proportions to enchant the senses, promised unforgettable moments of joy and sharing.

A magical invitation that combined the boldness and heritage of the two Houses, united more than ever by a quest for excellence and the desire to keep the Dior dream alive.

STELLAR ILLUMINATIONS

Harrods was decked out in a dazzling installation deployed along its historic façade on Brompton Road. A reinterpretation of sketches created during a compelling dialogue between Maria Grazia Chiuri and Roman artist Pietro Ruffo for the Dior cruise 2023 collection, this monumental work highlighted the compass rose – a precious symbol dear to the founding couturier – magnified with poetic motifs, expressions of classic Dior references. In a celestial choreography, the lucky star flourished endlessly, sublimely scintillating to infinity on the facade's ornate Edwardian architecture.

Like a magnetic Shepherd's Star, a central sculpture – erected to an impressive height of seventeen meters, the building's largest structure to date – seemed to dance in front of the dome of the British department store, guiding visitors within. A few steps away, on Hans Crescent, the entrance at Door n°5 was ornamentally crowned in turn by a majestic forest of biscuit fir trees. Lighting up the Knightsbridge district with an iridescent halo, this striking tableau invited young and old to suspend time and bask in the thrilling experience of the moment.

WINDOW DISPLAYS, A CELEBRATION OF DREAMS AND DIOR SAVOIR-FAIRE

A tribute to the enthralling moments that brighten winter, an unparalleled new scenography, reflecting the passionate creativity of Dior, reinvented the forty-four traditional Christmas windows of Harrods. An exaltation of end-of-year festive magic, through the House's symbols and diverse universes. For the first time in the history of the department store, each of these iconic displays – from Brompton Road to Hans Crescent, via part of Basil Street – was converted into a small theatre of wonder, with scenery made of gingerbread – an essential English Christmas treat – punctuated by mouldings and details sculpted in sugar and caramel, tickling the fancy of those with a sweet tooth and expanding the imagination of all.

The outfits designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri for the Dior cruise 2023 line, as well as the Dior Maison creations inspired by this collection, were given pride of place in a setting that evoked travel, the meeting of worlds and cultures, sublimated by the drawings of Pietro Ruffo.

As if on an initiatory journey, the Granville villa and Monsieur Dior's atelier invited visitors to explore the House's heritage, while the facade

of a miniature 30 Montaigne was unveiled in an animated version, where Dior's classic silhouettes and accessories danced. As an enchanting surprise, certain emblematic dresses from Dior's patrimony – such as the Tourbillon, Soirée d'Asie and Junon models – were completely reinterpreted in confectionery and candy form. The Bar Jacket, the Lady Dior, the Dior Book Tote, and the Medallion chair – transformed by Philippe Starck and presented at the Salone del Mobile 2022 – were by turns spotlighted in the windows of the building.

The Dior Prestige ritual, lipsticks, and fragrances – such as J’adore, Eau Sauvage, Miss Dior, and the olfactory works of La Collection Privée – also appeared in sumptuous exhibits, sometimes depicting a forest of pine trees made of cookies, sometimes a joyful flurry of candy balloons, boldly conveying the House's excellence in beauty, from skincare to perfume.

PRECIOUS SETTINGS: TWO EXCLUSIVE MULTI-EXPERIENCE POP-UPS

Inside the landmark department store, two novel pop-up boutiques drew their fantastic decor from the most beautiful Christmas fairytales. The first, designed as an authentic gingerbread house representing Monsieur Dior's Atelier, summoned visitors to enter the secret wings of 30 Montaigne, to discover the House and the virtuosity of its creations behind the scenes. Transported by a conveyor belt, the Lady Dior revealed its architectural lines in a mesmerizing ballet, illustrating the effervescence of Santa's workshop just a few days before December 25. Within the display, the Dior Book Tote expressed its singularity

through exquisite embroidery and design traits, in a mischievous and delectable interplay of optical illusions. Leather goods accessories and irresistible micro-bags enriched this exceptional selection, cultivating a sense of absolute wonder.

The second pop-up, an ephemeral gift shop, invited each and all to find the perfect present –from ready-to-wear to shoes – to delight their loved ones. A tribute to those suspended instants of wintertime, knit sweaters were adorned with poetic patterns, as were the homeware items in the Dior Chez Moi capsule, suggesting a new art of living with a softer touch. Evoking the first ever collection of Maria Grazia Chiuri for Dior, a series of t-shirts featured prints that asserted the Creative Director’s socially aware vision.

This space, conceived as a refined cabinet of curiosities, was a sublime homage to the art of giving so dear to Monsieur Dior, deeply rooted in the history and identity of the House.

A KINGDOM OF DREAMS, SUBLIMATING BEAUTY IN ALL ITS FORMS

Prolonging the magic of this fantastic world that unfolded throughout every corner of the store, Dior also inaugurated two new ephemeral spaces entirely devoted to beauty. One presented the couture fragrances of La Collection Privée Christian Dior, the other invited visitors to discover all the facets of make-up, the art of perfume, and exceptional pampering according to Dior.

The dream workshop dedicated to La Collection Privée, traced the history of Dior through the prism

Exhibition

Dior Cafe

Dior Cafe

Dior Cafe

Dior Cafe

of its signature compositions. Gris Dior, Ambre Nuit, Oud Ispahan, and Bois d’Argent were divulged through unique sensory territories depicting flowers and refined ingredients that they enhanced. Taking from couture its elegance as well as its excellent craftsmanship, this entrancing line was revealed in a dreamlike tableau, adorned with the fairy-tale sketches elaborated by Pietro Ruffo for the end-ofyear celebrations.

At once a boutique and a gallery of marvels, the second setting wove the passionate ties that united Dior and rare crafts. A mini-trunk enclosing the precious Millefiori edition of Miss Dior Eau de Parfum and the J’adore bottle, reinterpreted with striking virtuosity by artist India Mahdavi, were displayed alongside timeless icons of the House expressing the creative effervescence and plurality of its universes, from the art of make-up to prestigious skincare.

A momentous pause in time, defined by a selection of objects of desire, such as sumptuous gift sets and advent calendars, cultivating, more than ever, the pleasure of giving so cherished by the House.

THE FABULOUS WORLD OF DIOR: A UNIQUE EXHIBITION

Dior initiated a captivating encounter between different customs that brightened the end of year festivities, from the City of Light to the English capital. They conceived a unique, unprecedented exhibition, a real "kingdom of dreams" specially designed for Harrods, which revisited the tradition of gingerbread houses. Inside the British department store, a fabulous exhibition was unveiled, reproducing the architecture of Dior's emblematic locations, from Granville to La Colle Noire and 30 Montaigne, in reduced proportions. This fantasy universe was entirely composed of finely crafted cookies, punctuated with arabesques and delicate drawings, an expression of the audacity and art of detail so important to the House.

Playing with optical effects and dimensions, this work – both miniature and grandiose – called visitors to rediscover from a new perspective the landmark places within the history of Christian Dior. From the garden of his mother, Madeleine Dior, in Normandy – where, as a child, the founding couturier developed a passion for flowers – to the dream workshop where he drew his first fairytale dresses; from the Château de la Colle Noire and on to the ateliers where the collections were created, this enchanting promenade invited young and old alike to contemplate, as the light changed from break of day to nightfall, numerous animated

scenes recounting the Dior odyssey.

Dior created a captivating exhibition called "kingdom of dreams" at Harrods, which paid tribute to the tradition of gingerbread houses. The exhibition featured miniature reproductions of Dior's emblematic locations, such as Granville, La Colle Noire and 30 Montaigne, all crafted from finely made cookies. This unique display played with optical effects and dimensions, inviting visitors to rediscover the landmark places in the history of Christian Dior from a new perspective. Scenes of various animated moments in Dior's journey were also showcased, such as gingerbread Monsieur Dior contemplating future silhouettes, La Colle Noire's embroidery, the creation of the original Miss Dior dress, and the petites mains of the House busy stitching and re-stitching graphics on the iconic Lady Dior. This display celebrated the excellence of the House in all its forms, from haute couture to perfumes, through the use of expert craftsmanship and savoir-faire. It was an immersive and playful experience that allowed visitors to observe the meticulous gestures that perpetuate the Dior magic as if through a magnifying glass.

LE CAFÉ DIOR AT HARRODS, A GOURMET INTERLUDE

Cultivating Monsieur Dior’s love of the art of gastronomy, the House of Dior inaugurated at Harrods a new and extraordinary venue dedicated to delighting the taste buds. As a tribute to British hospitality and the pleasure of entertaining, so dear to the founding couturier, a tearoom was unveiled in an unprecedented stage set, entirely adorned with gingerbread from the facade to the interior design and even the tiniest details, where Dior’s distinctive fundamentals were sketched. The Medallion chairs were dressed in iconic Dior toile de Jouy, the patterns of which could also be seen on the wooden tables, while the lines of the Maison’s signature cannage decorated the tableware, illuminated by delicate golden hues.

In a fairy tale setting, like the house in Hansel and Gretel, visitors could discover the great classics of French cuisine and culinary specialties with a twist of British influence, such as Cornish crab with green apple, Atlantic lobster Thermidor and its yuzu vinaigrette, or a roasted chestnut velouté with winter chanterelles, all conceptualized and created by Harrods brigade of masterful chefs. Those with a sweet tooth were enticed to taste a selection of gourmet creations – such as tarte tatin or pear baba – and pastries reinventing traditional Christmas desserts, including a sumptuous honey cake in the shape of a Christmas tree.

Exhibition Exhibition

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Creative

Retail Awards crown the very best in worldwide design and display for 2022

As physical retail evolves, design and experience have become more powerful tools than ever. The Creative Retail Awards have recognised the very best in retail, leisure, and hospitality design & display since 2018. With categories including sustainability, omni-channel, technology, VM schemes, POP/POS, shopfitting, store design, experience, and innovation, the Awards recognise talent across the full spectrum of the industry.

The 2022 Judging Panel independently shortlisted and selected the Winning and Highly Commended entries submitted by suppliers, designers and retailers from across the globe.

The big night took place at Proud Embankment on the 22nd of September, with the Creative Retail Awards’ unique take on a ceremony that blends networking with an informal party atmosphere celebrating the diversity in our industry. Shunning the traditional gala dinner format, the Awards ceremony was interspersed with enthralling live acts, finishing with a live band and DJ into the small hours.

The night was attended by the Who’s Who list of suppliers, designers, and retailers including ASDA, Chopard, Dermalogica, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Musgrave Group, Ribble Cycles, Sky, Sports Direct, and many more. Each Award category gave the shortlisted entrants a chance to walk away with a Highly Commended or Winner’s trophy in front of a supportive crowd of industry peers. Winners this year included projects from retailers such as AT&T, Bonadea, Chanel, Coach, Nestlé, and Woolworths South Africa. Store Design of the Year was won by Sports Direct with their new Oxford Street store, with the Retail Experience Award going to Chanel and Harrods for their Door Nº 5 in celebration of 100 years of Chanel Nº5. The ceremony closed with the announcement of the Judges’ Choice Award, which this year went to Portuguese tinned goods store Comur Coimbra, from Grupo O Valor do Tempo.

VIEW THE 2022 HIGHLY COMMENDED & WINNING ENTRIES.

2023 AWARDS NOW OPEN FOR ENTRIES

switched on shopping

Nearly forty years after the lights were switched off at one of London’s best loved landmarks, Battersea Power Station opened on Friday 14th October, marking the first time the public can explore this iconic architectural masterpiece and enjoy the first of its unique shops, bars, restaurants and leisure venues.

Visitors will be able to discover the Power Station’s Turbine Halls, which have been meticulously restored back to their former glory and transformed into one-of-a-kind retail and leisure destination. British and international brands opening new stores include Nike, Mulberry, Theory, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, Aesop, Space NK, Hugo Boss, Jo Malone London, Uniqlo and Mango. A new neighbourhood bookstore, Battersea Bookshop, from specialist bookseller Stanfords, and Curated Makers will host more than 40 local independent small businesses selling homeware, candles, clothing, artwork and more will also be opening within the Power Station. Further brands will open through 2022 and 2023.

Eateries opening inside the Power Station include Le Bab, Where The Pancakes Are, Poke House, Clean Kitchen Club and Paris Baguette

Battersea Power Station opens its doors to the public for the first time in history

to name a few. Inception Group, London’s most experiential hospitality company, is also opening an exciting new bar concept, Control Room B, in one of the original control rooms. The immersive experience is completely unique with cocktails inspired by the Grade II* listed building’s iconic architecture and history, transporting guests back to the 1950s when the second half of the Power Station was built.

The Boiler House at the heart of the Grade II* listed building will be home to the recently announced 24,000 sq. ft Arcade Food Hall from JKS Restaurants, which will open in 2023.

Electric Boulevard, a new high street to the south of the Power Station, also opens today with the likes of high street favourite, ZARA and ZARA Home, opticians and eyewear specialists, David Clulow, and Korean food and culture hub, Oseyo. A new-concept M&S Foodhall will follow shortly along with the UK’s first art’otel, a 164 room hotel with a Michelin starred chef, Henrique Sa Pessoa, running its new restaurant, JOIA.

Since 2012, the Power Station and its 42-acre surrounding site has been under the custodianship of the current shareholders, Sime Darby Property, S P Setia and the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), who have overseen the painstaking restoration of the building. In 2019, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and EPF became the long-term owners of the Power Station securing the future of the landmark for many generations.

Battersea Power Station welcomed over a quarter of a million visitors during its opening weekend between Friday 14th – Sunday 16th October, as huge crowds came to see inside the iconic landmark for the very first time and explore the neighbourhood’s new pedestrianised high street, Electric Boulevard.

Simon Murphy, CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC), said:

“The public response to the opening of Battersea Power Station and our new pedestrianised high street, Electric Boulevard, has been truly amazing, and exceeded our expectations. Over 250,000 people from the local community, across London and from further afield, came to visit the newly restored Power Station at the very earliest opportunity, demonstrating the attachment people feel to this iconic landmark. On behalf of our shareholders, I would like to thank every single person who came down to visit, and we look forward to many more visitors over the coming months and years – this is just the beginning.”

Photo Credit: SLVHCS ‘Project Legacy’, New Orleans, USA

© Sean Airhart/NBBJ

Retail Design Industry Invited to Explore the Latest Trends in Surface Design

The Surface Design Show, set to take place at London’s Business Design Centre from 7-9 February 2023, has announced that the theme of its upcoming edition will be “Shaping Communities.” The theme aims to improve the built environment for all through collaboration and meaningful design solutions.

The theme explores an open dialogue among industries and brands with the common goal of building stronger relationships between people and places. The role that our built environment plays within society should inspire new conversations where human experience and a community’s identity are paramount.

The show will highlight how fundamentally important design decisions truly are, not simply for creating aesthetically pleasing areas, but for understanding how our surroundings hold the ability to evoke emotional responses, and uncovering how a space can enhance your productivity and mental well-being. As much as places need to have a positive impact on people, how buildings affect the environment must also be considered with sustainable practice being imperative to both design and outcomes.

The Main Stage located on the mezzanine level of the show will play host to over 40 speakers during the 2 days of the

Show. Several sessions including Tuesday evening’s Opening Night Debate will focus on the topic of Shaping Communities. Located at the heart of the show and a recurring highlight of the exhibition Surface Spotlight Live features innovative and tactile material for visitors to touch and feel, providing a hands-on experience for architects and designers.

Curated by trend and colour expert Sally Angharad, Surface Spotlight Live explores the narratives underpinning aesthetic choice, material selection and design ethos. The 2023 selection for Surface Spotlight Live highlights the importance of community and will encourage new exchanges between surfaces as well as industry sectors.

One of the highlights of the show is the enhanced natural stone section in the Stone Gallery, which will encompass pavilions from Great Britain and Italy. This section will give attendees the opportunity to see and touch the latest in natural stone materials and designs.

In addition, the show will also feature a New Talents section, where attendees can meet up-and-coming designers who are bringing innovation and creativity to the sector. Another important

feature is Surface Spotlight Live, an area of innovative and tactile materials for visitors to touch and compare.

The show will also feature the Surface Design Awards, which celebrate excellence in surface design. This year, the awards received 130 entries, with the finalists being announced during the show.

Retail designers should take note of the significance of surface design in shaping the overall appearance and atmosphere of a retail space. The materials, finishes and textures used in the built environment play a vital role in evoking emotions and reactions in customers, such as creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere or a sense of luxury and exclusivity. By understanding the psychological impact of various surfaces, retail designers can develop spaces that not only look good but also emotionally connect with customers.

The correct choice of surface materials can make a space more durable, easy to clean and resistant to wear and tear. Additionally, the use of sustainable materials can make a retail space more environmentally friendly, which is becoming increasingly important for many consumers.

Surface design also plays a crucial role in branding and differentiation. Retail designers can use surface design to create a unique and memorable brand identity that stands out from the competition. From the materials used to the colour palettes, patterns and textures, surface design can be a powerful tool for creating a distinct and memorable brand image.

The Surface Design Show, is set to take place at the Business Design Centre in London from 7-9 February 2023. So, mark your calendars and visit the Surface Design Show to register for free entry.

ISE 2023: Bringing the Best of AV to Barcelona

Integrated Systems Europe (ISE2023) is set to be the largest trade show for professional AV and electronic systems integration in the world, providing retail professionals with access to the latest technology and innovations in the industry. The show, which is set to take place in Barcelona, promises to be a valuable opportunity for retail professionals to stay ahead of the curve and incorporate cutting-edge solutions into their designs.

Furthermore, ISE offers a unique opportunity for retail professionals to network and collaborate with other professionals in the field. The show attracts a diverse range of attendees, including manufacturers, distributors, integrators, and consultants, all of whom can offer valuable insights and perspectives on the latest trends and best practices in retail technology.

With over 900 exhibitors set to participate, the show will showcase the latest and greatest in technology and solutions, with around 120 first-time participants taking up 3,630sqm of

floorspace at the Fira in Barcelona and showcasing a diverse range of innovative products and solutions.

The ISE Conference Programme for 2023 has been announced and it promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking event for business leaders, innovators, and technology pioneers in the AV and integrated systems sector. The conference will feature an extensive line-up of events that will tackle some of the most pressing issues, market trends, and inspirational ideas in the industry.

Retailers will be particularly interested in the Digital Signage Summit ISE2023, co-produced by invidis and Integrated Systems Events. The summit will take place on Wednesday, February 1st, in CC5.1 and will explore the theme of the Power of Pixels. The conference will feature digital signage experts, thought leaders, and leading technology and service suppliers as they delve into topics such as the role of digital signage in omnichannel retail, green signage, and future trends in the sector.

EuroShop: 2023 EIGHT UNIQUE Dimensions

EuroShop 2023 is set to be more important than ever as the global retail industry looks to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic. Taking place in Düsseldorf from 26 February to 2 March, EuroShop will provide a platform for over 1,700 exhibitors from 56 nations to showcase their latest developments and innovations in the retail industry.

With the pandemic acting as an accelerator for digitalisation and networking in the retail sector, EuroShop 2023 will be placing a strong emphasis on the importance of energy saving and sustainability. Exhibitors will be presenting new solutions to help retailers adapt to changing customer habits and needs in order to optimise customer loyalty.

EuroShop 2023 will also be focusing on key topics such as Connected Retail, Smart Store, Energy Management, Third Places, Customer Centricity, Experience and Lively City Centres. These topics will be explored on the 100,000 m² net exhibition space in 16 exhibition halls, giving retailers and industry professionals the opportunity to learn about the latest trends and future-oriented solutions.

In the wake of two years of tough restrictions, EuroShop 2023 provides the perfect opportunity for the retail industry to come together and discuss the challenges it has faced, and to explore the new solutions that will help it to recover and thrive in the future.

The fair will focus on key topics such as Connected Retail, Sustainability, Smart Store, Energy Management, Third Places, Customer Centricity, Experience, and Lively City Centres.

To meet the needs of the industry, EuroShop 2023 has been structured into eight clear experience dimensions, providing an even more visitor-oriented offering, synergies between different dimensions, and more hall space for strongly growing

areas such as retail technology or refrigeration.

One of the key dimensions of EuroShop 2023 is Shop Fitting, Store Design & Visual Merchandising, which is the heart of EuroShop and its largest dimension. Visitors will be able to find answers to current questions from retailers, such as what a shop or store should be today, and be inspired by temporary design or modular concepts, as well as tangible solutions for sustainability.

Another important dimension is Lighting, which will showcase the complete range of modern illumination and store lighting, including LED technologies, which provide completely new possibilities for setting the emotional stage for products. The focus will be on sustainable energy solutions and intelligent lighting management.

Seamless Store, Analytics, AI, Mobile Payment, Connected Retail are just some of the dominant topics in the Dimension Retail Technology. It may read like a list of digital buzzwords, but these are the current and future customer relationship challenges. Digitalized and omnichannel communication as well as big data are revolutionizing relations between buyer and seller, customer and brand. The consequence? Shopping becomes an interactive high-tech experience. But classic retail technology is also developing rapidly. The exhibitors in the Retail Technology dimension help to shape perspectives and future fields of retail through the driving force of intelligent technology.

Materials & Surfaces, Retail Marketing, Expo & Event Marketing, Food Service Equipment, Refrigeration & Energy Management are other dimensions that will be covered in the EuroShop 2023. >>>

One Show, EIGHT Experience Dimensions

SHOPFITTING, STORE DESIGN & VISUAL MERCHANDISING

(Halls 1 0, 11 & 12)

Lighting (Hall 9)

Materials & Surfaces (Hall 13)

RETAIL TECHNOLOGY (Halls 4,5,6 & 7A)

Retail Marketing (Hall 3 &4)

Expo & Event Marketing(Halls 10-14)

Food Service Equipment (Halls 14)

Refrigeration & Energy Management (Halls 14-17)

LOOKING BACK...

1966 EuroShop launches in Düsseldorf, in association with EHI Retail Institute, with 331 exhibitors taking part.

1966-1972 EuroShop held every two years.

1975 Initial logo depicting a shop and a window is succeeded by the two-tone EuroShop star, which still serves as a hallmark for the show today.

2002 EuroShop divides into four independently themed zones, namely EuroConcept, EuroSales, EuroExpo and EuroCIS.

2005 EuroShop debuts Designer Village.

2014 EuroConcept hosts new Lighting Designers zone.

2017 EuroShop segments into seven ‘experience dimensions’, namely POP Marketing, Expo & Event Marketing, Retail Technology, Lighting, Visual Merchandising, Shopfitting & Store Design, and Food Tech & Energy Management.

FEATURED STAGES

RETAIL TECHNOLOGY STAGE

On the Retail Technology Stage developments, innovations and trends in retail technology will be presented by means of current case studies.

Connected Retail Stage

This stage will focus on success strategies, trends in connected retail, and the opportunities offered by new technologies for seamlessly linking digital and stationary channels.

Store Design Stage

The Store Design Stage will feature exciting presentations on all topics related to design, planning, experience and emotion for the store, as well as ideas for exciting store design.

RETAIL DESIGNERS STAGE

At the Retail Designers´Stage, the designers who transform retail stores into true places of experience every day will have their say. How should the store be designed for an optimal customer journey, what small details such as shopping baskets or hangers round off the shopping experience?

START-UP STAGE

The Start-up Hub offers young and innovative companies a platform to present their ideas, products and future visions to the retail audience and create new opportunities for collaboration and further development.

Special areas

START-UP HUB

Various start-ups are given an attractive presentation area at EuroShop. Stroll through the start-up hub, find out about the latest ideas and prospects, take a look into the future and talk to young entrepreneurs

Designers Village

In the EuroShop Designers’ Village, architect offices and design studios present the latest trends and use cases concerning interior designs and pioneering retail design concepts.

Retail Ball Game

A completely new way of experiencing a trade fair stand. Students from the Design Department of the Düsseldorf University of Applied Sciences have developed a game that creates a combination of conference and game mode.

Features..

Awards at EuroShop

Since 2008, the best store concepts worldwide are awarded the EuroShop RetailDesign Award for the perfect mix of architecture, colours, materials, lighting and visual merchandising. In 2023, the award will feature five categories: Food, Fashion & Lifestyle, Digital, Hospitality and Sustainability.

RETA

The Retail Technology Awards – reta for short – are entering their 16th round this year. Once again, the focus is on retail companies that are being honored for their outstanding technology projects. Three equally ranked award winners will be chosen in five categories: Best AI & Robotics Application, Best Customer Experience, Best Instore Solution, Best Enterprise Solution, Best Connected Retail Solution.

INNOVATION AWARD ARCHITECTURE+ PRESENTATION

For the 8th time the architectural journal AIT in cooperation with AITDialog and Messe Düsseldorf, initiates the Innovation Award Architecture+ Presentation during the EuroShop 2023.

CCD

CCD Ost – Congress Center Düsseldorf / CCD Ost – Congress Center Düsseldorf

Zoll, Spediteure / Customs, Forwarders

When in Düsseldorf...

Known for its fashion industry and art scene, Düsseldorf is divided by the Rhine River and has plenty of places to explore.

Shop down Königsallee, lovingly called ‘Kö’, a boulevard with shopping malls and arcades.

Take in the post-modern architecture of MedienHafen harbour.

Visit the Rhine embankment promenade lined by cafés and bars.

Experience the bars and social life in Aldstadt (Old Town).

When and where

Messe Dusseldorf, Germany

26 FEBRUARY - 2 MARCH 2023 10am to 6pm daily

www.euroshop-tradefair.com

@EuroShop Download the EuroShop App

All information correct at time of going to press

Eye Candy: how “beautification” becomes the new retail currency.

Ghalia BOUSTANI. Senior retail consultant at Univers Retail

Ownership has become a burden of the current society. Having come to the realization that customers will be less able to purchase and that production itself is endangered, the concept of ownership is shifting towards sharing. It comes down to partially owning, even, experiencing ownership for a limited period.

Some brands have come across the realization that a product orientation is not in the long run. They gradually invested in complementary services, experiences, and events. Most importantly, they rekindled their faith in aesthetics and design. A comprehensive brand experience is promoted from the outside and into the physical space as well as other brand touchpoints. A special way of getting clients into the journey is through embellished storefronts and physical spaces.

Creating exceptional pop-up shops is not an exception. Whether it’s designing an attractive format, an attractive exterior or an unconventional space, visual attraction is a game changer for successful brands. Pop-up stores are giving brands the opportunity to explore different formats, different styles and experiment with a variety of forms. It is essential to preserve a clear reference to

the brand’s identity. As much as brands experiment with pop-up store formats, concepts, or themes, they should resonate with consumers as much as they do with their identity.

Is brand identity important in designing exceptional popup stores?

A pop-up store is a temporary retail location that is meant to create a sense of excitement and engagement with the brand; a strong brand identity can help to achieve this goal. It is important in designing exceptional popup stores because it helps to create a cohesive look and feel, communicates the brand’s message, differentiates the brand from competitors, and enhances the customer experience.

A strong brand identity helps to create a cohesive look and feel for the pop-up store, which can help to establish the brand’s image and values in the minds of customers. This generally includes elements such as signage, colour palette, lighting, and overall store layout. A pop-up store is a great opportunity for a brand to communicate its message to customers. Therefore, a strong brand identity helps to create a clear and consistent message that resonates with customers. >>>

Brand identity also helps differentiate the brand from competitors and make it stand out in a crowded market. This is especially important for pop-up stores, which may have a limited window of opportunity to capture the attention of potential customers. A strong brand identity can enhance the customer experience by creating a cohesive and visually appealing store that reflects the brand’s image and values. This can help to build customer loyalty and satisfaction.

Why is it important to create visually appealing stores?

A visually appealing store is more likely to attract customers and draw them into the store. This is especially important for pop-up stores, which may have a limited window of opportunity to capture the attention of potential customers. It can create a more enjoyable and engaging shopping experience for customers. This helps to keep them in the store longer and encourage them to make purchases.

A store’s appearance is often the first thing that customers notice, and it can be a powerful way to communicate the brand’s image and values. Therefore, a visually appealing store can help to establish the brand’s identity and create a positive impression on customers. Moreover, a visually appealing store can increase sales by creating a more inviting and pleasant shopping environment. This can be especially important for retailers who rely on impulse purchases or who are selling products that require a longer consideration period, as it can help to keep customers in the store longer and encourage them to make a purchase.

In the case of pop-up stores, the visual appeal store can help to differentiate the brand from competitors and make it stand out in a crowded market. All store design elements work together to create a cohesive and visually striking look. It is more common that pop-up stores use eye-catching displays to showcase the offering and draw customers to an appealing environment. As pop-up stores have a limited amount of space, it is important to make the most of it. Brands can use visual merchandising techniques, such as using vertical space and creating focal points, to create a visually appealing store that feels spacious and inviting.

How pop-up stores change the neighbouring retail environments?

Pop-up stores can have a variety of impacts on the neighbouring retail environment, depending on the specific circumstances and the nature of the pop-up store. They can attract additional foot traffic to the area, which can be beneficial for neighbouring businesses. This is especially true if the pop-up store is offering a unique or sought-after

product or experience, as it can draw in customers who may not have otherwise visited the area.

Pop-up stores have the power to influence consumer behavior in the area by introducing new products, services, or experiences that may not have been available previously. This can alter the way that consumers shop and interact with the retail environment. Their presence can potentially have an impact on the real estate market in the area, depending on the length of the store’s stay and the level of demand for the products or services it is offering.

As soon as they appear in an area, pop-up store could have the potential to change the overall retail mix in the area, depending on the products or services it is offering and the demand for those products or services.

So, how can “beautification” become the new retail currency?

Designing retail environments is not new; this variable has long been identified as a principal element of a brand’s marketing mix. Yet, visually appealing designs are the gateway to customer’s souls. When brands execute an appealing concept and present it for a limited period, they succeed in capturing the customer’s attention. Welldesigned pop-up shops help embellish the environment in which they appear. Their physical expression reflects the story they want to tell and the message they want to communicate: If cooking was a way to reach someone’s heart, then beautiful pop-up stores are the way to the customer’s heart.

This is achieved by providing emotional gratification that does not require the acquisition of a physical product. “Beautiful” pop-up stores could be easily recognized because they are very different from other environments, “more conventional” formats. Bedazzled customers would be keen to discover these unique and beautiful places or spaces, and dive into their story.

Sharing one’s experience with the brand’s manifest is very important: it means that a brand has managed to have a positive return on the investment it made in the popup store. On the one hand, sharing a customer might be partial and limited to having a brief superficial contact with the format presented. On the other hand, customers that penetrate the space will have a closer link with the brand. they will also have a higher level of immersion in space and the people in that space. This is done through word of mouth, photos, videos, social media posts, etc.

Finally, engaged customers would feel more concerned about the brand. If the latter suggest an offering, in the form of products or services, customers would be more inclined to respond positively and take immediate action. If the brand decided to embark on a journey of recurring pop-up blinds, it could forge close ties with its community.

By Jordan Richards, Founder and CEO of RCCO

Viva Magenta!

How the Pantone Colour of the Year, Viva Magenta, can Impact Retail Businesses

The announcement of the Pantone Colour of the Year is much anticipated and has become increasingly influential in the world of business, design, and brand marketing. But why is Pantone so influential? Why should a colour matter? And how can you use colours to positively impact your business?

Four weeks ago, if you’d uttered the phrase ‘viva magenta’, people probably would have looked at you strangely. Today, if you work in fashion, design, or in fact almost any area of business, your colleagues would nod sagely. Safe in the knowledge that you’re discussing the Pantone Colour of the year. It’s a vibrant shade of pinky red and in 2023, Viva Magenta 18-750 is being touted as ‘an unconventional shade for an unconventional time’. And somehow, we all get it. We go along with it. Because Pantone says so. But why?

Why is Pantone so influential?

Created in 1963, the Pantone company has become the world’s primary source of standardised colour. The company enables the exact communication of colour across industries, countries, and languages. This means that when your Londonbased designer asks your Bangladesh manufacturer and American packaging producer to create products in Viva Magenta 18-750, you can guarantee that the results will match. A remarkable feat, given that as individuals, we all distinguish the different facets of the colour spectrum in our own unique ways.

By coding each colour, Pantone was able to not only standardise colour globally. But corner every market as an industry reference point. Whether for physical production or digital design. And, like most other influential events, the Pantone Colour of the Year campaign was a cynical marketing ploy! It just so happened to capture the public imagination, becoming a cross-category trend-setter.

How does the Pantone Colour of the Year impact retail businesses?

The Pantone Colour of the Year only becomes a trend when people in the creative industries and influencers start using it. But they start using it because Pantone has become such an authority. Creating a cyclical relationship that has an impact across the board. Perhaps nowhere more so than in retail.

When Pantone makes its annual announcement, a tranche of products appears in the new colourway. Clothing, homewares, and even devices. But it doesn’t stop there. With colour leaching into the public consciousness, it begins to carry meaning.

Viva Magenta has already been described as ‘unconventional’, which is always hugely appealing. But its

description goes much deeper than that. It ‘welcomes anyone and everyone with the same verve for life and rebellious spirit. It is a colour that is audacious, full of wit and inclusive of all.’ And while these are just words on a page, colour has never been just a hex code. It is emotion. People use colour for a reason – whether to make you feel powerful, scared or to desire something. There is a huge amount of emotion behind the different shades of colours and what they represent. And savvy retailers will buy into that emotion with their marketing materials.

How can you use the Pantone Colour of the Year in your business?

For retailers, one of the most valuable features of the Pantone campaign is that it gets you thinking about the meaning of colour. And this is really important in business because colour is a huge part of your branding. In terms of retail, if your product is a certain colour, that’s going to align with a certain emotion or audience. Understanding this, enables you to consider how you can use colour to connect with people.

You can work with the trend and feed the zeitgeist if your products and services align with it. Or you can go with the counterculture. If Viva Magenta represents unconventionality, maybe your customers would appreciate the steadiness of Illuminating and Ultimate Gray (Pantone 17-5104 TXC), or the lasting thoughtfulness of Classic Blue (Pantone 19-4052 TXC).

Colour matters in business. And that’s why Pantone matters. It’s not perhaps the most important decision a business needs to make. But it should play a part in your fundamental strategy. Because if you fail to lean into a trend, or misjudge the emotional alignment of your customers, your business may not reach its full potential.