Retail Focus March 2016

.co.uk

33-34

Features Regulars Made to measure

The interior of the new Joseph menswear store on Savile Row draws on the building’s architectural details while respecting the contrasts that lie at the core of the brand’s DNA.

11 Surface story

37 Jewellery stores 7

8

Leader

47

43 Bank branch design

27-34 P roject Focus

J&M Davidson : Diesel NYC : Joseph Menswear

Diary

13-16 N ews

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Inspiring window displays from around the globe.

Top of the POPS

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Karl McKeever If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, goes the saying. There is no single nation where the evidence of this is more apparent than in the USA, argues Karl.

60 Focus on: Surfaces & Finishes

brand, why the company decided to move offline with physical stores, and what he’s working on at the moment.

Opinion

Mark Fanthorpe, owner of Umbrella Design, discusses how brands can use designers to deliver their retail vision.

19-20 W indow shopping 22

VM & Display Show preview

50-58 Products Products and services for the retail industry.

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Q&A Dan Bunyan, creative director at Watchfinder, tells us what drew him to the

www.retail-focus.co.uk

WINNER2015

leader

March ‘16 This month saw the return of Retail Design Expo at Olympia London, which took place alongside Retail Business Technology Expo and Retail Digital Signage Expo. The two-day event was almost double the size of the inaugural show in 2015 and featured creative solutions from some of the UK’s leading design agencies, architects, visual merchandising consultancies and suppliers. It also hosted a free - and packed - seminar programme, covering a range of topics from colour and material trends, multisensory design and pop-up retail to storytelling, lighting and store refits on a budget. For highlights of the event, check out the Retail Focus blog.

No sooner have we returned from one show than we’re preparing for the next. In April, the visual merchandising sector will once again descend upon the Business Design Centre in Islington, London for the VM & Display Show. In this issue we find out what this year’s edition has in store (pages 47-48).

Also in this issue, Alasdair Lennox of FITCH looks back on February’s Surface Design Show and explains why now is the time for real and hyper-tactile shopping (page 11). We also explore a variety of materials and finishes for the in-store environment, from an all-natural interior wood veneer to silky smooth plaster (pages 60-61).

On top of all that, we scan the latest store concepts for J&M Davidson, Joseph Menswear and Diesel in New York City.

For a more regular fix of new store design concepts launching in the UK and around the globe, log on to www.retail-focus.co.uk/projects Enjoy!

Gemma Balmford Editor

Managing Editor

Display Sales

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

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

Editor

Production & Web

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

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

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diary

World Retail Congress Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai 12-14 April 2016 ‘Attracting and engaging with tomorrow’s consumers’ will be the main focus for the 2016 World Retail Congress, which is being held in Dubai for the first time.

Visitors to the event can hear from more than 150 retail leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs. World Retail Congress offers a three-day delegate pass and the option to enhance your package by purchasing a seat at the World Retail Awards and Retail Study Tour. Co-located events during the Congress include the Future Retail Challenge, Hall of Fame inductee ceremony, World Retail Awards and Retail Study Tour. A Congress Closing Party takes place on the final evening.

WorldRetail

www.worldretailcongress.com

Sign & Digital UK NEC Birmingham 19-21 April 2016

VM & Display Show BDC, London 20-21 April 2016

Kesslers Innovation Seminar Stratford, London 27 April 2016

Sign & Digital UK is the annual event for the sign making, display solutions and digital printing industries. The 2016 event will see 200-plus leading suppliers showcasing wide format printers, sign and print consumables, display systems and soft signage through to inks, promotional products, print finishing equipment and new for this year, digital signage.

The visual merchandising and display industry will come together at the 26th edition of the VM & Display Show. The event covers everything within VM and display from mannequins, print, Christmas decorations, display services and props to design, graphics, bust forms, turnkey service, POP, lighting, fabrics and everything in between.

Kesslers’ 15th Innovation Seminar will feature guest speaker Sue Webster, consumer insight expert and marketing manager of Launchpad Research, as well as 2016 consumer behaviour findings by Charles Kessler, executive director of Kesslers. After lunch, visitors can look around Kesslers’ galleries, design studios and manufacturing area.

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Photographer: Melvyn Vincent

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Feature Areas include the Underground Network, Designer Network, Graduate Challenge and Graduate Showcase. We look forward to seeing you there.

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show review

Surface

story Now is the time for real and hyper-tactile shopping, says Alasdair Lennox, executive creative director at FITCH, as he returns from this year’s Surface Design Show.

For more than 15 years, the focus for retailers has been getting their online experiences right, swiftly followed by mobile. This is obviously a good thing, but don’t forget that in-store experience is still the favourite option for about 63 per cent of women and 52 per cent of men, according to the Office of National Statistics.

This opens up great opportunities for retailers to create truly stand-out experiences.

In-store materials play a major role in creating immersive experiences, and omnichannel is now the macro influencer in retail store material specification. Now is the time of real and hyper-tactile shopping.

We need to play with tactility, creating experiences that are multisensorial and the opposite of their sister digital experiences.

The physical shopping experience needs to shift from augmented to authentic, and for this we need to design stores that have exaggerated material juxtapositions.

The simplest of materials can create an emotional response. A velvet curtain in a fitting room, for example, can trigger feelings of luxury and treating oneself — Primark doesn’t do this by accident!

Materials can trigger behavioural change in shoppers, from artificial turf in a NIKE store to the glass staircase in an Apple store. Choice of materials can also influence price and quality perception in store, even more so in an omnichannel context.

Over the last few years innovation and technological developments have led to an evolution in material products and finishes. There has never been a better time for brands to define ‘who they are’ through their materials choice. All adult brands have their own primary colour and supporting colour palette, however today, in an ever-competitive time, brands are moving to signature materials.

Some brands are experimenting with using their own product design materials as store materials; an example is the Apple store in San Francisco, using the aluminum paneling of the MacBook.

As there is rarely enough budget to stretch to all our design intentions, tough decisions need to be made on where best to invest our clients money. At FITCH, we increasingly feel that we should invest in quality, tactile materials where customers physically interact with the store, mostly with their hands. We believe that a buy line is a touch line.

Innovation and technological development have led to exciting new material products and finishes. So much so that we are starting to see the rise of ‘fake authentic’ — materials that are technically fake, however their visual appeal and operational

benefits are actually better than the real thing. As a result, it may be that the flooring is specified to be a ceramic wooden-effect tile as opposed to a real wood floor finish. And with the retail realities of cleaning and durability, it will do a better job for the life of the store. We don’t need high-quality, durable materials that will last for the next six to 10 years when the store may get fully rebuilt in the next three to four years.

An agile retail approach is increasingly becoming the norm, with retailers investing in platform material that may have a five-year lifespan, while campaign content fabric may only have a three to six month life span, as designs are constantly evolving and changing.

The Surface Design Show in February presented innovative materials responding to these new demands, such as: • Corian charging surface, integrating wireless recharging functionality for smartphones and tablets. The system uses induction technology to deliver the charge directly through the material and is compatible with a variety of devices.

• An interactive sensory design, combining traditional craftsmanship, innovative technology and contemporary concepts by Evan James Design, to engage on another level. The material reacts to movement through its light changes.

• Graphic Relief combines design, engineering and manufacturing to provide luxurious, beautiful and bespoke surfaces. Created from digital files, the final product can be textured or display photographic levels of detail and on concrete, metals and other castable materials.

• Optelma Lighting designs completely bespoke luminaires that fit any environment.

The annual Surface Design Show has become the destination for visitors to see, touch and explore the latest materials for the built environment. The next event takes place from 7-9 February 2017.

Top: Left:

Graphic Relief Evan James Design

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news

Cadbury Creme Egg pops up in London Cadbury opened the doors to its Creme Egg Café on London’s Greek Street in January, dedicated to all things Creme Egg. The café, designed by Elvis Communications and installed by Jackanory, opened for seven weeks and indulged fans in a variety of chocolate treats and experiences.

The store included a takeaway area for chocolate fans who were short on time and wished to grab a Creme Egg Toastie to go. For those with more time, visitors could enjoy dining in the intimate sit down café area, complete with four dishes on offer and a mini interactive ball pool.

‘Every year fans tell us how excited they are that Creme Eggs are back on shelves — so we wanted to celebrate the nation’s love for the product in a fun and cheeky way that only Creme Egg can. The launch of the café was the perfect place to do this,’ says Laura Mimoun, brand manager for Cadbury Creme Egg.

Appear Here starts global expansion Appear Here, the UK marketplace for short-term retail, launched in Paris with a pop-up store for Paris Fashion Week called The Appear Here Collection. The space allowed visitors to discover and explore some of Appear Here’s favourite brands

and the stories behind them.

Appear Here plans to grow in Paris by mirroring the success in London, where the company has played a significant role in driving the pop-up retail industry, which is now valued at £2.3 billion. Through

partnerships with some of the UK’s biggest landlords, including Land Securities, Hammerson and Grosvenor, it gives brands access to more than 1,500 spaces in some of London’s best locations from Mayfair to Covent Garden.

‘Paris has always been one of my favourite cities,’ says Ross Bailey, CEO of Appear Here. ‘I was surprised to learn how hard it is for young brands and designers to get access to space in this city. We’ve even had Parisian brands launch ideas with us in London because they couldn’t in Paris. That’s when I realised Appear Here could really make a difference.’

In Paris, almost 1,000 brands and retailers have signed up to Appear Here’s French website.

‘To build our community in Paris, we’ve created a place where people can come to shop, eat, drink and discover more about Appear Here and the amazing brands that use us,’ says Bailey. ‘We’re so excited to bring together some of our favourite brands from these two cities under one roof.’

The pop-up shop opened from 3-12 March in Le Marais, Paris.

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news

In brief...

2016 will be a year of celebrations for Portview Fit-Out, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The company is still based in its Belfast home, but in 2016 will look very different from the original ‘one man and his van’ general building firm that hit the road in the winter of 1975.

Specialist retail design agency arken P-O-P has opened a new factory in Sandy, Bedfordshire, reinforcing its commitment to UK manufacturing. The 1,858 sq m factory adds to the company’s current manufacturing site located at its head office in Newmark, Suffolk.

Retail design company, officeTwelve has opened its new European headquarters in the bohemian heart of Amsterdam, De Pijp.

Caroline Wood, European client director, is heading up officeTwelve BV. ‘We’re very excited to be moving into such a great space. It’s a perfect fit for our design ethos and a great location for our European partners. Amsterdam thinks globally but feels like a village, which is very much the way we work,’ says Wood. This latest move comes as officeTwelve is putting the finishing touches to the blueprints for its new UK design hub.

House of Vans celebrates 50 years Established in 1966, House of Vans celebrates its 50th anniversary this month with an array of global events.

The company will celebrate 50 years of milestones in the brand’s origins in action sports, art, music and fashion.

Vans’ legacy will be brought to life in 10 cities across the globe to celebrate the 50th anniversary, from New York to London and Hong Kong. Guests at every location will be able to participate in a range of workshops for a hands-on experience that is truly Vans.

The House of Vans experience showcases Vans’ unique culture through multifaceted activations including DIY workshops, shoe personalisation, a retrospective look at the brand’s history, musical performances and an interactive 3D display of Vans’ 2016 brand campaign.

Upon entering the House of Vans, patrons will take a walk through the brand’s history for an intimate look at memorabilia installations highlighting 50 years of iconic moments from the fashion line.

Mint Velvet has signed a 10-year lease to bring its luxury women’s clothing and accessories brand to the market town of Stratford-Upon-Avon. Mint Velvet will occupy the ground floor of 44 Wood Street in EPF Group’s Central Chambers development — a prominent retail space within the main high street.

Gap partners with Lion Coffee + Records Apparel and accessories brand Gap has teamed up with East London’s Lion Coffee + Records to open a pop-up space at its Oxford Street flagship. Located on the ground floor, Gap + Lion offers customers a place to relax, drink coffee, buy records and enjoy music from some of London’s emerging talent.

Opened in Hackney in 2014, Lion Coffee + Records is the brainchild of music manager and record label owner, Mairead Nash and Florence & The Machine drummer, Christopher L Hayden.

Commenting on the partnership, Nash

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says: ‘We are thrilled to be collaborating with a like-minded brand such as Gap. This is a great opportunity for us to bring our culture of coffee and music to their flagship store, and create a social environment where customers can engage with some of the new music around.’

Ben Wittmann, senior director, marketing and store experience of Gap Europe, adds: ‘We are putting music back

into the heart of Gap with this partnership.

It was in 1969 that Gap first opened in San Francisco selling denim and records. This cult store in California grew into the Gap we know today; a global name in providing American casual style.’

Gap + Lion is open until 16 April and will play host to a programme of weekly performances by DJs, exhibitions, and unplugged sessions.

news

Crabtree & Evelyn opens botanist-inspired retail space Crabtree & Evelyn has opened a new concept store in its King’s Road pop-up space in London, using it as a test space to develop new ideas ahead of future store openings. Inspired by the brand’s English heritage with a contemporary twist, the concept has an inviting domestic feel and an enhanced focus on product storytelling and exploration.

Designed by Dalziel & Pow, the new store represents the ‘Botanist’s Home’, with a welcoming and residential feel. ‘The goal is to provide a retail experience that appeals to, and engages with, the contemporary lifestyle of the new target consumer,’ says a spokesperson for Dalziel & Pow. The temporary retail space features a fragrance garden and music to create a sensorial experience, inspired by nature. It also includes curated product stories and product testing counters to encourage customers to sample products.

‘Crabtree & Evelyn’s aim is to create a place that evokes moments of exploration and discovery, increasing time spent with the customer while showcasing artistic nature,’ says the spokesperson. ‘The new store concept represents a modern disposition that will attract both female and male consumers alike and encourage gifting as well as personal indulgence.’

New development plans for Angel Central in Islington CBRE Global Investors has announced the appointment of CBRE and Restaurant Property as joint agents on Angel Central retail and leisure centre in Islington. Plans are in place to enhance the centre’s retail and dining offer to create Islington’s most compelling mix of leading multiple and independent operators.

The new team will focus specifically on securing flagship stores and restaurants in prominent locations within the centre.

In addition to enhancing the tenant mix, CBRE Global Investors has appointed architects and designers, Haskoll, the practice responsible for the design of Grand Central Brimingham. Haskoll will work on plans to enhance the physical environment, in particular the public realm spaces such as the main piazza.

The 13,935 sq m centre is currently anchored by H&M and also includes Gap, French Connection, Monsoon and Oasis, with the latter currently undergoing major refurbishment. There is also a 10-screen Vue cinema, the O2 Academy and a range of eateries such as Wagamama and Gourmet Burger Kitchen.

Benetton on Canvas debuts in Dubai United Colors of Benetton has reopened its flagship at The Dubai Mall with a new retail concept, On Canvas. The new layout presents an evolution of the Benetton store, conceived as an encounter between its history and modernity, between equality and customer care — which is central to an authentic design — between technology and emotional experience.

The central element of the store is the loom, serving as a light, simple yet solid and almost invisible structure, around which seasons, collections, colours and materials are created. Symbolising tradition and craftsmanship, the loom enables all kinds of transformation within the store — materials, cavases and spaces alter and change, creating infinite solutions for an ever-evolving brand.

Located on Level 1 of The Dubai Mall, Benetton’s redesigned space boasts the most modernised store architecture.

Measuring 400 sq m, the floor space offers

an enhanced shopping experience with an extended open floor environment, as well as a mix of stimulating visuals, expressive fixtures and stylish props.

‘As we celebrate the opening of this flagship store, we look forward to offering customers a unique shopping experience.

As consumer expectations continue to rise, innovation is key. We now add a new element in fashion retail within Dubai, perfectly in line with the ever-evolving brand essence of Benetton,’ says Abdulla

Al Gurg, group general manager at United Colors of Benetton.

The retailer chose Dubai as the first stage of its relaunch in the UAE because it is a city of international significance, and from here it will start to strengthen its presence in other countries. Having already made its debut in Milan, Moscow, Lisbon and Paris, the On Canvas concept is a new ambassador for the United Colors of Benetton identity.

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news

Brands increase consumer interaction between catwalks and in store There have been increasing talks surrounding the idea of connecting fashion weeks with consumers. Several high profile LFW designers staged consumer-facing catwalk shows at London Fashion Week AW16 in February, including Holly Fulton, Mary Katrantzou, Emilia Wickstead and Temperley London.

AW16 London Fashion Week footage was shown on 60 outdoor screens around the UK in a move to increase consumer engagement with the event.

In collaboration with Ocean, the British Fashion Council decided to screen LFW in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and around London at Canary Wharf, Holland Park roundabout, Two Towers West and Westfield.

Saks Fifth Avenue debuts in Canada

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Carnaby streamed the LFW catwalk shows on its website, and launched its Snapchat to give consumers the chance to see LFW events in Carnaby and surrounding areas.

Burberry has announced plans to change its runway and retail calendar.

From 2016 the brand will replace its current four show calendar with two shows.

Seasonless, immediate and personal, the new format and calendar have been designed with a global audience in mind.

The February show and the September show will feature both womenswear and menswear lines. The collections will be available to purchase both in-store and online immediately following the show in a move that significantly shortens the traditional gap between the runway

show and retail availability.

‘The changes we are making will allow us to build a closer connection between the experience that we create with our runway shows and the moment when people can physically explore the collections for themselves. Our shows have been evolving to close this gap for some time. From livestreams, to ordering straight from the runway to live social media campaigns, this is the latest step in a creative process that will continue to evolve,’ says Christopher Bailey, Burberry chief creative and chief executive officer.

As part of the new calendar, all Burberry store windows and point of sale material will also display the new collections immediately following the fashion shows.

Saks Fifth Avenue has unveiled its first stores in Canada. CF Toronto Eaton Centre and CF Sherway Gardens opened their doors in February.

Both Saks Fifth Avenue stores will offer extraordinary top-tier brands, including women’s advanced and emerging designer ready-to-wear, men’s sportswear, tailored clothing and contemporary sportswear, along with designer handbag shops, a 10022-SHOE salon and extensive jewellery and beauty selections. Select brand offerings include Dior, Valentino, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Chloé , Céline, Prada, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Givenchy and Alaïa.

Saks Fifth Avenue is launching a major service initiative debuting in Canada.

This will include Saks at Your Service, a

shopping service that brings the best of Saks directly to a customer’s home, office or hotel, anytime and anywhere. The retailer will also introduce Toronto to the Fifth Avenue Club, a private shopping destination for men and women featuring trained consultants for personalised styling.

Customers can also enjoy a makeover with a Saks expert — every cosmetics station will be staffed with artists to help prepare for a night out or give a make-up master class. Customers can take advantage of on-the-go facials, fragrance personalisation, red carpet treatments and more at every beauty counter. Both stores will have a calendar of special events such as fashion shows, personal appearances by designers and trunk shows.

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visual merchandising

Window shopping Inspiring window displays from around the globe

Adidas Originals Adidas Originals worked with StudioXAG to create this window display at Foubert’s Place, London for the launch of the new Tubular footwear range. One campaign graphic is scaled, layered and repeated three times, enhancing the centre point perspective of the image. Each layer is edge-lit in a cool blue light, creating a striking composition, pulling the viewer right into the centre, where the new product is suspended. 3D white letters spelling ‘Tubular’ appear to float in front and span the width of the windows.

Harrods Harrods worked with SFD on this London Calling window scheme for London Fashion Week. The display incorporates phone boxes made and finished in monochrome to accent the clothing and contrast against the backdrop. Bold monochrome graphics also feature in playful and sculptural formats, helping to highlight the mannequins and reiterate the London Calling campaign.

Fenwick Dominating the Fenwick Bond Street fashion store windows for London Fashion Week was an elegant display of Vilshenko’s latest collection. Inspired by a pattern on one of the Vilshenko dresses, the window featured flower motifs covered with almost 4,000 individual flower heads. The mannequins were also dressed in masks covered with flowers. The spring-like display was created in collaboration with Propability.

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visual merchandising

Nicholas Kirkwood

Charles Tyrwhitt

Luxury footwear brand Nicholas Kirkwood collaborated with Storey Studio on this London window display. The scheme is a creative interpretation of the Spring/Summer 2016 collection, entitled Spaces in Between. The collection is inspired by the concept of negative space and features bold outlines and sculpted shapes.

Bright neon signage and bold graphics fill the windows at the new Charles Tyrwhitt store on London’s Tooley Street. The scheme was produced in collaboration with Harlequin Design.

Photography: Robert Harper

See more window installations online:

www.retail-focus.co.uk/vm

Karen Millen At Karen Millen, 3D sculptures extend out from the exaggerated perspectives seen in the seasonal campaign imagery, creating raked floor platforms upon which mannequins are displayed alongside props borrowed from the look book scenes. The windows were created in collaboration with StudioXAG and are on display in the London flagship stores until mid-April.

Coach Coach’s Bloom window takes inspiration from the tea rose, a flower featured on the brand’s jewellery and bag charms this season. ‘The design is bold, yet delicate; it’s artful, yet story telling and aims to strike a delicate balance between hard and precious, to serve as the perfect backdrop for our SS16 collection,’ says Samar Younes, global design director, creative development at Coach. ‘We subtly juxtaposed materials and textures with various colour combinations for women’s and men’s windows.’

Photography: Brian T Silak

Oliver Sweeney Inspired by vintage locker rooms, the Oliver Sweeney SS16 window display features products set against mesh backdrops and presented on bespoke benches and shoe containers.

The concept, developed in collaboration with Prop Studios, is designed to reflect classic British heritage and gives particular emphasis to the SS16 footwear range.

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e v o l u t i o n inspiration revolution innovation

London VM & Display Show

come and see our latest collections at the VM & Display Show 20 - 21 April 2016 Business Design Centre, London. STAND D1

POP

p o t POPS e h t f o

Companies: Creative concept: Chameleon Visual Production and installation: Harlequin Design

Client: Marc Jacobs Beauty

Display title: Marc Jacobs Beauty x Harrods

Sector: Beauty

Location: Harrods, London

The brief: To produce a pop-up space in the Harrods Brompton Road exhibition windows to promote the new Marc Jabobs Beauty range, while reflecting the fashion designer’s rule-breaking creativity at the heart of of his make-up vision. Chameleon Visual was asked to design the creative concept for the pop-up space, which ran throughout February, and Harlequin Design oversaw the production and installation of the space.

The solution:

Photography: Melvyn Vincent

The black and white space was decorated with Hollywood mirrors and statues of Jacobs’ beloved dog Neville, displaying the luxurious make-up collection on white pillars. Chameleon Visual zoned the windows and pop-up space into Lips, Eyes and Face and took inspiration from the design of the Marc Jacobs Beauty packaging, creating make-up stations from contour compacts and Style-Eye Con No. 7 palettes. Interactive stations allowed customers to view and listen to Marc Jacobs Beauty tutorials. The windows featured oversized sculptures of new product launches such as the Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara and Le Marc Lip Crème in Charlotte — a Harrods exclusive.

www.chameleonvisual.co.uk www.harlequin-design.com

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

Q&A column

Karl McKeever Reinventing the American retail dream ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ is a phrase that I imagine has been repeated in the boardrooms of businesses countless times over.

My work takes me to many countries around the world, visiting hundreds of retailers, and there is no single nation where the evidence of the above phrase is more apparent than in the USA. As you visit the likes of Gap, Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger or Ralph Lauren, in terms of retail design, visual merchandising and customer engagement, you wouldn’t for a second think you were in a modern fashion powerhouse. Their product collections have of course moved on over the years, but how these brands present their brand proposition through the delivery of their retail experience, often falls well short of the expected modern standard.

It’s not that these brands have not evolved their retail delivery in recent years. The problem is that the majority of changes made have been incremental and derivative, when what was needed was a bigger shift, in look, feel and culture from the top of the business down. Failure to do so comprehensively has left several at risk of becoming irrelevant bit players in a fast changing arena.

In the main, US retailers have got comfy; happy to sit back and ‘evolve’ their way towards growth with short-term solutions. This is summed up perfectly with their recruitment strategy. The US rarely hires talent from outside its own borders, and when it does there is a history of ‘short termism’ with many individuals not lasting their full term in post. In 2014, struggling Abercrombie & Fitch recruited the hugely respected Christos Angelides, group product director at Next, but he didn’t last two seasons. This was not the first time that genuine talent was not given the time or opportunity to flourish and make the difference required. Last year, Gap’s creative director Rebekka Bay departed just two years after the Danish designer arrived from H&M to a resounding fashion-world fanfare, having managed the remarkably successful launch of its sister label COS. This time, rather than just putting a big name at the top of the organisation, it demonstrates the need for new talent to trickle right down to the point of delivery in store, in order to make the changes required. Nothing short of a fundamental paradigm shift.

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

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

H&M has recently been the default go-to for US retailers hoping to inject a touch of European in-store and cultural ‘magic’ into their brand. The latest recruit is Ralph Lauren’s new CEO, Stefan Larsson, who worked for the budget retailer for 15 years. It clearly realises that its image has stagnated internationally. At the time of writing you can pick up its signature polo shirts for under £40 in any TK Maxx store — how has guardianship of their brand slipped so far?

Replacing the ‘all American’ company founder, who put his own name on the label, with a 41 year-old from Finland is a bold move. I only hope that this time we see an American retailer give someone the time and freedom to not just make superficial changes to the brand, but also embed the kind of seismic cultural change that will have a positive impact on every aspect of the business.

The bullish, and I dare say, arrogant mentality at the top of among some of the big US brands harks back to a time when ‘America ruled the world’, and created the benchmark to which others strived to achieve. This is no longer the case, and more need to take off their star-spangled glasses and look beyond their borders for inspiration.

UK and EU brands regularly re-write the handbook on how to successfully deliver a retail brand to bring us concepts that are genuinely new. It creates excitement and engagement among shoppers, presents opportunities for investors, and reinvigorates all parts of the business. This all works together to deliver an environment that rewards continuous self-improvement and creates momentum — a culture that is far better suited to building a brand that attracts the millennial generation’s disposable income.

Burberry and Gucci both show how investment in innovation and end-to-end retail transformation can successfully extend the reach of their brands to a wide international audience and increase brand performance.

That’s not to say that American retailers are unable to ‘get it’. Urban Outfitters demonstrates an approach to store that is both courageous and visionary. This is a company that grew internationally at a time when the American dream was no longer the envy of the world — the second Iraq War, Guantanamo Bay, George Bush and the financial crisis were international PR disasters that put pay to that. Urban Outfitters knew it had to do something different to attract customers abroad, and it wasn’t afraid to deliver it. It resulted in the company having a very different internal culture.

Its sister company, Anthropologie understands the philosophy well too, with a clearly differentiated and instinctively tuned concept that avoids ‘me too’ mediocre ideas and falling into the trap of aping other brands. At its inception, West Elm was daring and brought newness, now it’s the likes of Kate Spade, Coach and Club Monaco that are setting the pace.

US fashion giants in the late eighties and early nineties rode a wave of enthusiasm for American culture. It bestowed them with international power brands and mountains of cash. Two decades on, it has resulted in a culture of entitlement that the old guard of retailing need to shake off if they are to truly engage with a new audience and again sell well all over the world.

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project focus

J+M Davidson Mount Street, London

Photography: Charles Hosea

Design: Universal Design Studio Opening date: February 2016 Store size: 80 sq m

Modern luxury was the key theme in the design brief for the new J&M Davidson flagship store, which opened on London’s Mount Street in February. Created by Universal Design Studio, it is the second London boutique for the British accessories and ready-to-wear label, and the third worldwide.

Spread across two levels, the small but charming boutique is part of a Grade II listed building on the border of Carlos Place and features clean lines and calming, neutral tones of dusty taupes and soft pinks.

‘The store had to look elegant and sit harmoniously within the traditional Mayfair neighbourhood,’ says Jason Holley, co-director at Universal Design Studio. ‘At the same time, the clients were looking to create a fresh and contemporary look for the store that would be relevant to the

younger and international customer.’

The focal point of the store is the impressive, cantilevered staircase in solid terrazzo marble with a leather-wrapped handrail, set into a series of vertical panels finished in Armuralia polished plaster. ‘We chose polished plaster (by Armourcoat) for its tactile qualities and its ability to create an exact colour match to the exterior facade,’ explains Holley. ‘With this match we were able to create the dusty pink tone for the feature wall, which gave a dramatic backdrop to the cantilevered staircase.

It was also important for us to use only natural, high-quality materials with a long life span; we chose the polished plaster made from aged lime putty and crushed Bianco Carrara marble.’

The facade details are also referenced in the terracotta and cast glass display plinths, which were handmade in London.

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On the ground floor, artist Rebecca Law has created a beautiful floral installation that spans the entire ceiling and complements the subtle architectural shell created by Universal. The installation, entitled ‘sky’, is a reference to the Mount Street gardens that are located directly behind the building.

‘We were keen that the space had a strong dialogue with its place whilst reflecting the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail, expressing the timeless and understated nature of the brand,’ continues Holley.

The lower ground floor of the store houses the brand’s clothing collection as well as a spacious fitting room that helps to create a seamless and considered customer experience, from the fabriclined walls and carpets to the soft glowing lighting. Every detail in the fitting room, including the three-way, back-illuminated mirror, solid brass clothing rail, hooks and accessory shelves has been designed and custom-made for the project.

Universal also sourced vintage furniture pieces for the store, in collaboration with interior designer Nicholas Chandor.

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project focus

Diesel Madison Avenue, New York City Design: Wonderwall Opening date: December 2015 Store size: 260 sq m

Some 20 years after opening its first ever store on Lexington Avenue in New York City, Italian fashion and lifestyle brand Diesel has once again chosen Manhattan to introduce its new retail design concept.

The interior of the new 260 sq m store on Madison Avenue is the work of artistic director Nicola Formichetti and Tokyo-based design firm Wonderwall, and is based on an apartment space, creating a symbolic new house for the brand.

The facade of the building, between East 58th and East 59th Streets, is a tribute to denim and uses photocatalytic cement,

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which eliminates air pollutants and has self-cleaning properties. It has a striking three dimensional pattern that is inspired by the ‘V’ stitch of Diesel’s iconic 5-pocket back pocket.

The store interior is divided into different zones, including the ‘foyer’, which houses the Diesel Black Gold line, and the ‘living room’, which displays the Diesel collection.

The space towards the rear of the store is referred to as the ‘denim temple’ and features a beautiful stainless steel and glass installation inspired by a wine cellar.

For the material palette, the designers

have paired steel fixtures with Persian rugs, and concrete flooring with wooden ceilings.

The store also incorporates antique furniture and high-definition screens, which are used to display custom digital artwork from renowned art collective Field.

‘I’m enthusiastic about the future-forward change the brand is spearheading in retail,’ says Renzo Rosso, Diesel’s founder.

Diesel will now roll out the new design concept to several locations around the world over the next three years.

project focus

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project focus

Joseph Savile Row, London Design: Sybarite Architects Opening date: February 2016 Store size: 100 sq m

Luxury retailer and fashion label Joseph opened its first standalone menswear store in February, on London’s historic Savile Row. Designed by Joseph creative director Louise Trotter and Sybarite, the 100 sq m interior draws on the building’s architectural details

while respecting the contrasts that lie at the core of the brand’s DNA. The store’s design is based on the concept of a gallery space, showcasing the product and development of the collection across three different areas. Each of these

rooms is designed to offer and complement different aspects of the collection, with a common thread of mixing opposing texture and colour.

‘Each gallery space has its own focus,’ explains Lottie Archer, architectural

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project focus

designer at Sybarite. ‘The first space is “the edit”, a controlled selection of furniture and clothing pieces. The second space is the overall “collection”, allowing you to browse and discover the product more freely. The third space is “the atrium”. This channels an ethereal feeling and acts as a final destination. Each room is designed to feel uplifting and hold its own character through its design.’

The transition to and from each space is emphasised through changing light levels, alternating colours and finishes, and changes in geometry. ‘The material and colour palette are inspired by our desire to evoke the unexpected and to create textural contrasts as a backdrop for the collection,’ says Archer.

Marble, corten steel and vulcanised rubber work alongside the building’s original parquet flooring, indicative of the contrasts at play in the Joseph collections.

‘There was also a desire to play with opposites for the ceiling feature as a response to the Joseph brand DNA,’ continues Archer. ‘For example, the bright white barrisol in the first room is then flipped into a high gloss black glass ceiling in the second room.

‘By using highly reflective surfaces, the ceiling feature ultimately provides an additional depth and sense of infinity to the space,’ says Archer. ‘The walls become extended and the furniture elements become connected to the ceiling.’

The display rails and shelves again play on the theme of opposites through the use of black and white lines. The fixtures incorporate LED lighting and are inspired by the idea of a brush stroke, sculpting and outlining the product in the space.

Sybarite is now working with Joseph on new projects in Europe, Asia and North America.

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jewellery stores

Jewels in the crown A look at the UK’s luxury jewellery scene Text: Gemma Balmford

Cartier, De Beers, Piaget, Tiffany & Co...

Bond Street in London is home to some of the finest jewellery stores in the world.

And with the area set to receive its biggest makeover in more than 30 years as part of the Bond Street Development Plan, several brands are transforming their outlets to enhance the retail experience and stand apart from the competition.

Towards the end of 2015, British luxury jeweller Boodles unveiled its newly expanded London flagship, which can now be accessed from both New Bond Street and Albemarle Street. Designed by Eva Jiricna Architects, the store has doubled in size and is spread across a number of levels, connected by a dramatic curved glass staircase and glass bridge.

‘The design is modern yet welcoming, which we think reflects our brand, and the use of space, glass and mirrors has created a really interesting aesthetic,’ says James Amos, director at Boodles. ‘Along with our private VIP room and downstairs consultation area, we have also created a “Boodles Apartment” upstairs in Albemarle Street. With a relaxed interior, this is the perfect place for us to entertain clients and friends of the brand, for events and private collection viewings. It feels a bit like welcoming them into the Boodles home.’

Chanel also reopened its Fine Jewellery and Watch boutique on New Bond Street following an extensive redesign by architect

Peter Marino. Inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s Parisian apartment, the store has more than doubled in size with a VIP area located on the upper floor.

More recently, Swiss luxury jeweller de Grisogono moved next door to larger premises on New Bond Street, with an interiors concept by design firm David Collins Studio. ‘de Grisogono stands apart from its contemporaries with its innovative jewellery art-pieces,’ says Lewis Taylor, design director at David Collins Studio.

‘The creative use of volume, density, interlacing and chiaroscuro are some of the reoccurring characteristics that [de Grisogono founder] Fawaz Gruosi uses in his work. We worked with Fawaz Gruosi to translate these concepts into interior architectural elements without merely replicating the jewellery pieces, but creating a space that synergises and showcases them.’

The store spans 85 sq m and is divided into three separate rooms, with a design inspired by a traditional Florentine villa.

‘Many brands are opening flagship stores in London and especially around Old Bond Street,’ continues Taylor. ‘With the opening of Chanel’s jewellery boutique, the new Bulgari store and our own de Grisogono boutique all in close proximity, London really does have the pulling power to rival Geneva and

Above: Carefully selected materials used throughout the newly expanded Boodles store create a subtle but appropriate backdrop for the jewellery displayed.

Place Vendôme as the prime location for luxury jewellery.’

Behind Bond Street, in Mayfair’s Burlington Arcade, CARAT* London has opened a new boutique with a fresh store design. It marks the fourth standalone UK store for the brand and introduces a new personal shopping experience.

‘Mayfair, Piccadilly and St James’s remains one of the top destinations for new international brand entrants to the UK thanks to its position as a global epicentre for luxury, attracting a global audience of discerning shoppers,’ says Mark Henderson, chairman of London Luxury Quarter. More than 15 brands opened their first London store in the area last year and a further 11 are in the pipeline for 2016, including luxury jewellery brand Nirav Modi.

Away from London, family-owned jeweller Hugh Rice has launched into the luxury lifestyle jewellery sector with Luxe by Hugh Rice. Designed by Innovare (which has also worked with the likes of TH Baker, Green + Benz, and Tach), the Grade II listed building in Beverley, East Yorkshire features soft warm grey tones, complemented by burnished bronze details

37

jewellery stores

and a light oak floor.

‘We needed to establish a clear authority and tone of voice for Luxe by Hugh Rice within a strong multibranded environment,’ says Lloyd Blakey, creative director at Innovare Design. ‘The focus was therefore to create an aspirational space in its own right; a warm, engaging and welcoming place for customers to explore new and familiar luxury fashion brands.’

Katie Baron, head of retail at Stylus, believes that a growing appetite for insider access is having a significant impact on the luxury jewellery sector. ‘[This desire is] driven very specifically by the increased levels of access to brands (or at least the perception of it) afforded by social media,’ she says. ‘Subsequently, atelier-like design concepts are allowing consumers to witness the artistry (and sometimes science) of craftsmanship at close hand, giving them

a sense of inclusivity as reward for their investment. Take a look at spaces from brands such as Richard Mille, de Grisogono and Louis Vuitton. [These are] all stores that illustrate the impact of internet culture/ social media on the role and style of the physical space.’

A recent report by market research company Euromonitor International shows that 2015 was another challenging year for the personal luxury goods industry, although sales did manage to exceed US$317 billion worldwide. The findings indicate that the luxury goods market is

38

hugely dependent on female consumers, with men’s luxury remaining relatively underdeveloped. Targeting men therefore presents one of the biggest opportunities in the industry.

A separate report on jewellery retailing, published by market research firm Mintel in 2015, also suggests that men’s jewellery will continue to drive growth in the market. ‘Men

Top: Family-owned jeweller Hugh Rice has launched into the luxury lifestyle jewellery sector with Luxe by Hugh Rice.

Above & right: de Grisogono’s new London store in Mayfair is designed to convey the ‘energy, craftsmanship and detailing’ of the brand’s luxury jewellery and watch collections. The Swiss company has moved next door to larger premises at 15a New Bond Street, with an interiors concept by design firm, David Collins Studio.

aged 16-24 will drive the trend, as currently 28 per cent of these men have bought precious metal,’ says the report. ‘These young men are generally taking a greater interest in fashion and their appearance, and are already keen watch buyers. The task is for retailers and brands to promote their jewellery ranges as having the same aspirational and status-symbol associations as watches do.’

While consumer shopping behaviour is now heavily influenced by the internet and social media, physical stores will continue to play a significant role in luxury retail. ‘No matter how much technology advances and how many ultra high resolution images you see, the physical process of trying on and seeing the pieces in reality can’t be matched,’ claims Taylor. ‘Watching the way the light reflects off the pieces, how the jewels sparkle and the stones glow cannot be replicated in digital or in print.’

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opinion

The power of partnerships Mark Fanthorpe, owner of Umbrella Design, discusses how brands can use designers to deliver their retail vision.

In preparation for our talk at this year’s Retail Shopfitting & Display Summit, I sat down with David Elliott, the business development director at Voisins, Jersey, (one of Britain’s oldest family run department stores) to discuss content.

We’ve recently helped him to invigorate the beauty hall and womenswear departments, and I was interested in what he felt the essential elements for a successful relationship between design agency and retail brand were.

Having held senior creative positions at some of the UK’s leading department store groups, including Debenhams, Bentalls and Selfridges, I knew he’d provide some excellent food for thought.

He said, ‘While experience, ability and cost are all important, I’d put trust first. When there’s trust, the process is smooth, enjoyable and fulfilling. Most importantly, it delivers a real commercial result.’

Conversely, when there’s a lack of trust, he felt the road was bumpy and uncomfortable, and often fraught with disagreement. The result is typically less than satisfactory for both brand and agency.

And he should know. He worked with Vittorio Radice during the modernisation of Selfridges in the late 90s and was part of the team that made the store the retail giant it is today.

David has used designers his whole career and found with the right bond, they can become an invaluable tool for selling your vision to both internal and external stakeholders.

One story he recalled was during the development of Selfridges’ House of Brands concept. He’d identified Calvin Klein as a must-have and was going out to New York to meet him.

This was at a time when Selfridges didn’t have the international reputation it has today, and he knew he’d have a tough job persuading the brand, which in those days was very exclusive.

He needed to show the CK team what their brand could look like in store. So, he took a designer with him. Having worked together on the concepts, they presented their ideas. The plan worked and after some tweaking, the deal was done.

A deal that would deliver great revenues for CK and start to put Selfridges on the map. For David, this kind of close working relationship with agency designers has become the norm.

David says, ‘When you form a strong bond with a designer, they can translate what you have in your head and bring it to life in a way you’re not capable of doing. Isn’t that the reason we bring on designers in the first place? For the creative value they add to your own ideas.’

David has used this approach throughout his career and it was a vital part for persuading numerous brands, including Jo Malone, Bobbi Brown and The White Company to come to Jersey.

He says, ‘Once I’ve got my vision on paper, I’ve got a persuasive tool I can use to inspire brand partners to come on board. Just as important, I can convince internal decision makers who sign off on my budget that I’ve got the right direction.’

Since its modernisation, revenues from the beauty hall

have substantially increased. This led David to use Umbrella for the womenswear department, despite us having worked predominantly in the cosmetics field. For him, the important thing was our knowledge of Voisins and our ability to translate the store’s ideas.

Of course, this kind of trusting partnership doesn’t happen overnight. It has to be earned. For me, this is where brands and agencies go wrong.

All too often things happen too quickly. The brand wants ideas and the agency wants to prove their worth. So there’s a mad scramble to put pen to paper. Usually in isolation.

In my experience, this misses three important steps. First and foremost the agency needs time to get to know your store. The better they understand your values and vision, the better their response to what you need.

These things are rarely communicated well in a brief. They are best evolved through collaboration. Some of our best work started life as a scribble on the back of a tablecloth.

Second, we should be introduced to all key stakeholders.

Everyone in your organisation needs to buy into us and what we do, or someone will likely become a major obstacle down the road.

Finally, the agency should understand your systems and processes. They’ll need to navigate them if they are to successfully take an idea from concept to completion.

Ultimately, retail brands don’t have the luxury of standing still. Your customers are constantly evolving and so must you.

To achieve the kind of consistent change needed to maintain excitement, I’d recommend embracing your design team and using them to their fullest potential.

www.umbrelladesign.co.uk 41

bank branch design

Text: Lyndsey Dennis

Left: The first pilot site of Santander’s branch of the future in Madrid, designed by allen international, provides a relaxed yet engaging space for customers to interact with relationship managers.

BANK OF THE FUTURE Despite more services moving to digital, banks are redesigning their branches to utilise developments in technology and improve the customer experience, providing a more personable environment between customer and advisor.

‘Bank of the future’ is a phrase that has been circulating for years, as bank branches redesign their interiors to make the banking experience a more relaxed, enriching experience for customers.

Many new bank formats are breaking down the barriers between teller and customer. David Martin, joint managing director of M Worldwide, says automated services have completely changed the design of banks in recent years. Instead of desk-bound staff behind an imposing counter, staff are now more mobile. ‘Over the past 10 years or so, a more customer centric retail focus has emerged, providing a better experience, retail savvy staff, better environments and more staff on hand to provide guidance, support and help,’ says Martin.

‘Many customers want to talk to someone face to face, and branches still provide most new business leads for bank brands compared to the other channels they use. Branches are also important from a community perspective, plus I believe they have a big role to play in terms of education around finance,’ says Martin.

He believes there will be fewer

branches in the future, but more formats.

‘Some will be about proximity, some about destination. Usage and content will be partly sourced from, driven and provided by customers. Branch and format look and feel will be locally relevant, rather than the rigid design approach adopted by many banks today. Metro Bank is the only one growing and opening branches as a challenger. Despite a rather dated design, Metro’s ethos, service experience and offer are combining to turn heads.’ He notes seamless integration with other channels is key — enabling the conversation to start at home, continue in branch and finish elsewhere out of branch.

‘Branches have evolved in three ways: more transparency, two-way relationship building and a place to trial and test,’ believes Michelle Du-Prât, experience strategy director at Household Design. ‘Just like the direction retailers are heading in, branches are placing customer service experience high on the agenda by focusing on missions and needs. They are connecting digital banking into branches to give customers more choice, and are leveraging their physical estate as a place to learn what customers need and want more of in real time.’

Household’s design of TSB’s store of the future focuses on human interaction, where the branch has local value supporting people in the community and customers are encouraged to explore their personal financial options in a more informal way.

Digital windows and in-store interactive screens suggest good ideas for customers’

money as well as local weather updates.

‘Whilst branch numbers may be falling, banks are making sure that branches that stay open are working hard, [such as] Barclays’ high-tech and digitalfocused branch experiences mirroring digital innovation like Pingit and BPay wearables. Alternatively, the Bank of Ireland has experimented with targeted formats, the first at Dublin City University that feels more like a student union, with bolder communications and an edgier environment,’ continues Du-Prât.

She also notes the success of Umpqua, originally from Portland, which has stores (they don’t call them branches) that are part hangout, part café, part bank. They feature community conference rooms available to hire for free, and the entire bank is also used for events. There is a library and ‘Local Spotlight’ showcasing products from local businesses, giving them a platform to connect with customers.

Household anticipates that Fintechs (financial technology) and legacy banks will come together as partners; integrating services and providing superior solutions in terms of cost, performance, speed and convenience. The term being used for this is the ‘platformification’ of banking, where branches will be in the mix alongside a host of exciting innovations, including mobile wallets and payments, peer-to-peer lending, ticketing, crowd funding and so on offered by Fintech firms, ‘Fintechs will have the advantage of being more agile and less constrained by legacy systems and so will move faster to offer new services and opportunities for customers beyond traditional banking services but will need the partnership and reach of the traditional banks. The investment of BBVA into Atom is an example of this. Atom has created 1.4 million logos in a bid to tailor the customer experience; customers will have their own personal colour palette to customise how ‘their’ bank will look, and with facial and voice recognition built in, taking a selfie will authorise any transaction!’

The smart bank is here to stay. A new survey by marketing solutions company APS Group has shown that high street

43

bank branch design

Above: For TSB’s blueprint branch, Household Design created a bank experience that heroes warmth, service, human interaction and relationships.

banks can have a brighter future by embracing digital technology. By using eyetracking technology to measure the reaction of more than 1.6m retail banking customers, APS Group found that double the number of people looked at and engaged with shop window displays if the retail bank used animated, digital content instead of traditional print. The four-month research project carried out by APS Group surveyed the viewing habits of 1,636,935 people as they walked past the window of a wellknown UK retail bank at two UK locations.

‘Industry figures show a clear preference for online services within the banking sector and with high street branches continuing to close, the value of a customer’s experience at the physical in branch level has never been more important,’ says Darren Jackson, retail solutions director at APS Group.

Above: Designed by allen international, Virgin Haymarket offers customers the chance to lounge, watch TV or browse through a range of information on a huge interactive touch screen display.

44

‘In-branch experiences are the only way in which banks can develop trust with their customers and the way they communicate with them is extremely important. Retail banks need to show they understand their customers’ needs and can offer them the best, most trusted solutions to meet them.’ allen international created the first pilot branch of Santander’s branch of the future in Madrid last year. Key to the concept is the delivery of a full financial service offering with a strong promotion of self-service and online/mobile banking channels. The space was designed upon the Santander values of ‘simple, personal and fair’ and provides a relaxed yet engaging space for customers to interact with relationship managers.

‘We really wanted to deliver a space that from a technology perspective utilises digital communications to engage more with the customer. That is not to utilise digital technology for the sake of ticking a “digital innovations” checkbox, but to develop a communications channel that connects the brand, it’s products and service with the consumer,’ explains Richard Benson, innovations director at allen international.

The space is designed to orientate the customer towards the digital touch points and present them in an engaging and easily accessible way. Above all else, the design strategically integrates digital to the customer journey to ensure it engages and enriches their overall in-branch experience.

These digital engagements complement the improved one-to-one interactions with staff — not replace them — and engages the customer even more with the brand.

The design helps project a sense of openness and transparency. This was

created by stripping away the traditional blinds, curtains and overpowering graphic promotions cluttering the branch windows.

Also designed by allen international, the Virgin Money Lounge on Haymarket in London takes the brand’s customer experience to a new level. Customers can lounge, watch TV or browse through information on a huge interactive touch screen. Full banking facilities are housed in a strikingly designed banking area.

When customers descend to the lower ground, they may forget they’re in a bank altogether. This floor has been designed in the style of an airliner interior with real airliner seats, overhead lockers and guiding floor lighting. The generously-spaced seats can be arranged in cinema-style to face a big screen or swivelled to face each other for informal meetings. In addition to the traditional banking facilities, the Haymarket Lounge plans to use technology to enable customers to hold real-time video conferences with specialist advisers in other Virgin Money locations. All Virgin Money Lounges offer free refreshments and snacks, use of iPads, free wi-fi access, televisions to catch up on the latest news, daily newspapers and children’s play area.

Today’s bank branches are customer focused and relaxed, providing an important service at the heart of the community. ‘In an era when traditional banks are not trusted, an enhanced branch design that puts customers first is critical to building trust and demonstrating the bank’s values tangibly as well as providing helpful services to customers,’ concludes Du-Prât.

Above: For the Lloyds Bank flagship in London’s Marylebone High Street, M Worldwide specified screenless counters, a self service zone, new welcome desks and meeting rooms.

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24/02/2016 15:45

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BE INSPIRED The annual event for the visual merchandising and display industry.

Whether you wish to meet with existing suppliers or find inspiration from new ones, the VM & Display Show next month is the ideal event for networking and gaining ideas for display schemes.

The Business Design Centre in Islington will once again welcome back the exhibition, which has expanded even further for 2016 with more new companies in the Upper Gallery.

The 2016 show is set for record visitor and exhibitor numbers, with many countries from across the world represented and even more stand space allocated.

Launched last year, the Underground Network returns, offering visitors the opportunity to discover unknown talents that have remained under the radar.

The Designer Network will be located in the Upper Gallery by the cafe area and

will include the likes of Barber Design, StudioXAG, Planarama and Tait. Students from various universities will again compete in the Graduate Challenge, sponsored by Harrods, and will have their work displayed at the show.

Opening hours have been extended this year, with the first day of the show open until 8pm. Visit www.vmanddisplayshow.com to plan your visit.

Barber Design – stand

H7-8

Multidisciplinary agency Barber Design is one of the companies exhibiting in The Designer Network. The agency will present its latest award-winning projects and those with finalist nominations.

In 2015, the company was shortlisted for a number of retail design awards.

www.barberdesign.co.uk Window France – stand

D1

Window France will present two of its latest collections, which take the company’s roots from the classic tailored mannequins of the past but with a chic contemporary twist with the latest fashionable attitudes. Absolute Tailor Made is a line of tailored busts in classy colours, both elegant and forceful with a chic tribal beauty.

Absolute Vintage is a contemporary high tech version of the classic articulated mannequin with beautifully detailed components. Also on show will be Absolute Cameleon, a mannequin with removable faces, eyes and lips that offers more than 70,000 different looks from one mannequin.

www.window-mannequins.com 47

Text: Lyndsey Dennis

VM + DISPLAY SHOW 2016:

show preview Harlequin Design – stand

Panache Display – stand

E3

Visitors to the Panache Display stand will experience LDN (London Girls), the company’s new mannequin collection. Each of the girls has a strong sense of movement character, moving away from the straight mannequin poses of recent years. Five striking walking poses are available, each pose interacting beautifully with the next. The mannequins make a strong statement in a group or used individually. Panache Display will also introduce Little Cat, following on from the launch of Little Dog last year. Inspired by ceramics of the 1950s, two feline friends will weave around the mannequins on the company’s stand.

B2a

Harlequin Design is building up for this year’s VM & Display Show, with its stand itself as the focal point representing the company’s capabilities. The in-house team is creating the concepts and designs for the stand, which this year will have a primary focus on textures. The company is also making full use of its new machinery to demonstrate enhanced production and fabrication skills as well as finish and quality of work. The stand will also include a host of 3D and acrylic work to give visitors a full range of Harlequin Design’s services, alongside digital content promoting some of its more recent window displays.

www.panachedisplay.co.uk Matt Wingfield Studio – stand

Making Noise Quietly – stand

H45

Making Noise Quietly is a visionary creative studio specialising in designing and delivering engaging window displays, press shows, events and exhibitions. Based in London, founders James Shouli and Sarah Sheehan bring an infectious enthusiasm for retail design and visual merchandising that permeates into every aspect of the business. With more than 20 years experience combined in creative design and production, the duo have worked for a portfolio of brands across the luxury sector.

www.makingnoisequietly.com

G6

Matt Wingfield Studio will once again return to the show. The team worked with Habitat to develop a Memphis-inspired Christmas scheme. It made more than 180 wooden dowel Christmas trees as POS in store to sell decorations. MWS handled more than 600 jumbo tubes to make POS for garlands in store and also made all the window fixtures, which were black and white arch structures and free standing, creating a ‘frame’ in the window to dress off.

The team also made a ‘gift tower’ of painted and imaged boxes to merchandise gifts in the window.

www.mattwingfieldstudio.com

When and where Business Design Centre, London Wednesday 20 April 2016 9am-8pm Thursday 21 April 2016 9am-5pm

VMDisplayShow #VMDS2016

www.vmanddisplayshow.com Blacks VM – stand

F6

The Blacks VM stand is designed around the exploration of new possibilities. Because every project the team is involved with is different to the next, the company tries to design its stand in a way that shows its production capabilities in an interesting and thought-provoking way. The idea being that clients are intrigued and interested by what they see and are engaged in understanding how Blacks’ design and manufacturing expertise can be applied to any retail brief or concept.

Global Display – stand

www.blacks-vm.com

D3

Global Display will showcase its expertise in visual merchandising, mannequins and retail display with a new collection of mannequins featuring unique finishes, wigs and make-up. Complementing this display will be visual props and VM inspiration for brands looking to implement eye-catching installations within their windows and store interiors. Also on show will be the company’s patent pending Eco mannequin alongside its VM services, including design, shopfit and fixtures for local and international brands, from roll-out to one-off feature displays.

www.global-display.co 48

Photographer: Melvyn Vinecent

NEW RESOURCES FOR RETAILERS

RETAIL & VISUAL MERCHANDISING PRODUCTS Bespoke display commissions•Period shop fittings•Vintage props

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AT-RetailFocus-2016.indd 1

07/03/2016 09:11

products

VM + DISPLAY SHOW Panache Display - stand E3 LDN (London) Girls is the exciting new mannequin collection from Panache Display. This fresh range is a departure from the straight mannequin poses that have been so popular over the past few years.

Each of these girls has a strong sense of movement and character.

The LDN Girls have been designed and sculpted in five striking walking poses, and each pose interacts beautifully with the next. They can be used to create an energetic, animated group of girls or used individually to create a strong statement.

T. +44 (0)20 8752 2520 E. info@panachedisplay.co.uk www.panachedisplay.co.uk Twitter: PANACHEDISPLAY

Magical Display/Alpas stand F1 Magical Display, in partnership with Alpas, is a designer, producer and distributor of Aisle Fin Holders, developed to improve category and in-store promotions. The challenges of misaligned, slipped or fallen graphics has led to various adhoc solutions. The company’s solution is the Printlock, a simple, easy-to-use pole gripper to secure in-store print.

Printlock ‘locks’ the graphic in place, making it the ideal solution for thinner, lower cost substrates.

Printlock allows through-the-pole graphics, opening up completely new creative above the pole graphic opportunities.

T. +44 (0)1702 541 000 E. aislefinholder@alplas.com www.aislefinholder.com

arken POP - stand G7 Showcasing its attractive range of LED lightboxes and other poster display products, arken POP is once again exhibiting at the VM & Display show. This year, the company is celebrating the launch of four new products to add to its already extensive range: FABLITE – a fabric LED lightbox in superb quality and manufactured to your exact needs; SUPERLITE – a six-sheet exterior lightbox for large scale postering; MAGBOARD – an innovative new design to add to arken’s pavement sign range; and MOVE-IT LOCKABLE – a new secure version of its existing moveable forecourt sign.

Visit arken POP to see how its range of quality poster display products can enhance your poster message.

T. +44 (0)1638 565 656 E: info@arken-pop.com www.arken-pop.com Twitter: arkenPOP

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Spray Chrome UK - stand H46 Spray Chrome UK’s mirror plating system is the most advanced spray chrome system available. The company can apply a flawless metallic surface to metals, plastic, wood, ceramics and most other materials — the only limits are your imagination.

Choose mirror shine, a matt or brushed appearance in metallic hues or a wide range of fashion colours including stunning ombre effects. Pictured is a tree designed

by Elemental Design and spray finished by Spray Chrome UK. T. +44 (0)7921 228 967 E. kevin@spraychromeuk.co.uk www.spraychromeuk.uk

products

Display Logic/3D IMPACT - stand B9 Display Logic with 3D IMPACT are at the cutting edge of display technology and can’t wait to share their knowledge and digital technology. Visitors to the stand will see how the 3D evolution can really begin for their potential customers. With its 3D sculpting and modelling technology mixed with over 20 years experience in the display industry, the team can deliver fast, innovative and cost effective solutions, developing display concepts into full manufacturing and installations, from joinery to CNC routing, acrylic fabrication, large format printing, vinyl graphic and cardboard engineering.

T. +44 (0)1422 381 131 E. sales@displaylogic.co.uk www.displaylogic.co.uk Twitter: displaylogicltd

Graphica Display - stand F21 The team at Graphica Display return to the show with yet another great stand design to demonstrate the company’s skills, this time with a space theme. The firm is a specialist in design-led large format printing and display based in SW London, servicing the retail, commercial, event and exhibition markets producing retail displays, promotional point of sale, brand roll outs, window vinyls and much more.

T. +44 (0)845 373 0073 E. info@graphicadisplay.co.uk www.graphicadisplay.co.uk Twitter: graphicatweet

VCG Colourlink - stand F9 Colourlink returns to the show this year and will be showcasing a wide range of new materials and print techniques. The company prides itself in creating imaginative, inspirational and unique displays that captivate and entice your audience.

With more than 30 years experience in producing creative displays for the retail industry, Colourlink can offer a seamless creative process from its highly skilled in-house team. The team works closely with its clients to understand their brand and ensure their vision translates into reality.

T. +44 (0)845 676 0747 E: enquiries@vcg-colourlink.com www.vcg-colourlink.com Twitter: VCGColourlink

Andy Thornton - stand E11 Andy Thornton offers an extensive range of retail display and visual merchandising products and even original pieces like this vintage joiner’s workbench, which would make an ideal product display prop. Its standard range includes industrialstyle shelving units, display tables, cabinets, drawers, trolleys, carts and garment rails. The company also supplies decorative lighting, period shop fittings and vintage props. New at the show will be a complete collection of display products in a concrete finish, including plinths, tables and console tables.

As well as offering its range of standard products to an ever-growing list of high street brands, Andy Thornton is also regularly commissioned by retail designers to develop bespoke pieces that are exclusive to each customer. It has a team of talented in-house product designers and CAD technicians, plus extensive workshops and finishing facilities.

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

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products

DISPLAY SOLUTIONS Artillus - Ways2display 8mm deep Garnet light panels/light sheet and 20mm deep Diamond LED light boxes manufactured to any dimensions you require — ideal all over illumination from a quality engraved graduated grid acrylic.

One-off prototypes or large volumes are offered at competitive pricing. LEDs can substantially reduce power costs by around 70-80 per cent over traditional lamps and provide a maintenance-free long life. Custom sizes are available from 100mm sq up to 2,500mm x 1500mm with a short lead time. They provide shadow free backlighting for a range of internal decoration and displays.

T. +44 (0)333 123 0345 E: sales@artillus.com www.artillus.com

Horizon Retail Marketing Solutions Horizon helps brands and retailers increase sales by designing intelligent marketing solutions. These include permanent and promotional in-store displays, packaging, branded incentives, exhibition and event solutions. Significant in-house resources include design, development, production, distribution, installation and field marketing. The company works across a wide range of retail sectors and brand categories.

T. +44 (0)1353 666 110 E: info@horizon-rms.com www.horizon-rms.com Twitter: HORIZON_RMS

Wrights Plastics Crystal Display Systems CDS has published a one-stop brochure for Transparent Display Showcases. The company now has the largest range of Transparent (Translucent) showcase products in the world all in one place. The technology allows you to put a product inside a showcase box and then run digital advertising content on the high resolution transparent LCD in front to grab attention and help promote and ultimately sell the product.

The brochure includes standard solutions with many options including non-touch, touch interactive, easy USB only update, built in Android player on some versions, plus custom options with corporate colours and branding.

T. +44 (0)1634 327 420 E. info@crystal-display.com www.crystal-display.com Twitter: CrystalDisplays

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Retail display specialist Wrights Plastics has launched a solid surface lightbox that offers a ‘high end look without a high end cost’. The seamless design and slim profile of the lightbox achieves a contemporary look that can be used across a number of locations to create eye-catching displays. The LED lit unit offers a low maintenance, low running cost display solution.

Using solid surface for the frame enables customers to achieve a contemporary look, and they can take advantage of the almost endless range of colours, hues and opacity that solid surface offers. Ceiling hanging and wall-mounted versions are available.

T. +44 (0)121 580 3080 E. gpx.sales@wrightsplastics.co.uk www.wrightsplastics.co.uk Twitter: WrightsGPX

new for 2016

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products

LIGHTING Helvar Helvar previewed ILLUSTRIS at Light + Building in Frankfurt this month, a bluetooth connected, touch sensitive panel designed to provide stylish, easyto-use control of Helvar lighting control systems and DALI Type 8 colour devices.

Named after the Latin word meaning ‘bright’ or ‘shining’, ILLUSTRIS can be touch controlled in the space or remotely accessed via an app from anywhere for complete convenience. There’s a choice of different fascia graphic layouts, including a scene control panel, an RGB colour control panel with a colour wheel, and a tuneable white layout, complete with colour temperature and intensity controls, and pre-set scenes.

T. +44 (0)1322 617 200 www.helvar.com Twitter: Helvar_UK

Megaman UK Megaman UK’s 3W Gold Filament ST58 LED lamps have been used to great effect at the new John Lewis store in Birmingham.

There’s a real focus on visual merchandising, designed to delight shoppers and draw them towards particular parts of the store, and Megaman’s Gold Filament lamps are being used very successfully to provide the right atmosphere to entice customers towards ladies shoes and accessories. Part of the company’s Economy Series, the new Gold Filament range includes classic, globe and ST58 shaped lamps and are ideal for use in decorative retail applications, as well as restaurants, bars and other hospitality areas.

T. +44 (0)845 408 4625 E. sales@megamanuk.com www.megamanuk.com Twitter: MegamanUKLtd

Progress Lighting The Masterspot 2 Track from Progress Lighting offers lighting without compromise, ideal for professional display applications. The LED fixture is designed to offer high quality, high CRI (>95) light, packing a powerful 4,000 lumen at 3,000 kelvin. Features include dynamic tunable white from 1,000 through to 25,000 kelvin; built-in wireless control; full blackbody dimming; static and dynamic fade control; and on-board focusing ring from 12o-24o beam angle.

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

Reggiani Luminaires from Reggiani have been installed in Madrid’s new Primark flagship store, designed by Dalziel & Pow. The iconic 12,356 sq m building has been sympathetically refurbished to complement and highlight the existing architectural features whilst offering the very latest in lighting design from LAPD along with luminaires supplied by Reggiani. LAPD worked closely with Dalziel & Pow to specify several different variations of Reggiani’s YORI fittings throughout the store. Mounted on Reggiani’s 3-circuit track, white YORI Maxi incorporating 35W metal halide lamps were used for mid-floor areas with narrow and medium beam optics with perimeters using 50W metal halide with the same narrow and medium beam optics. For darker environments in the store, such as menswear, black 3-circuit track incorporating black YORI fittings with 35W lamps were used. The same fittings were also installed along the main walkways incorporated into recessed channels. With limited atrium space on the ground floor, it wasn’t possible to suspend track lighting so specially designed ‘pergola’ structures at the base of the atrium were created. Track lighting was then surface-mounted to outrigger arms at the tops of the structures.

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

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products

selection Style Partitions Bringing convenience and flexibility to retail outlets, DORMA’S Varitrans range of glass moveable walls not only encourages customers into the shop, thanks to clear and open access, but also allows the visual potential of the store front to be maximised with eye-catching displays. Reflecting the needs of different locations, a glass partitioning wall system can be either manual or fully automatic, allowing shop staff to quickly adapt the space to meet changing requirements throughout the day. Installed in retail units across the world, DORMA Varitrans moveable glass walls are available through partitioning expert and sole UK distributor, Style. With the Varitrans moveable wall system, staff can easily change the size and positioning of the entrance and exit points for shoppers, widening or reducing them as necessary to accommodate increasing levels of foot traffic or shifts in weather conditions.

Where appropriate, the glass partitioning wall can even be entirely removed, with the individual panels being stacked neatly to one side to create a welcoming open side to the retail outlet. Where necessary, corner and angled elements can be incorporated.

Although designed for effortless manual operation, for increased ease of use the Varitrans system is available with the fully automatic DORMA ComfortDrive solution, allowing the panels to be moved into place at the press of a button. Different programming modes allow infinitely variable partial and personnel openings as well as the ‘louvered’ through passage position. Single and double pass doors can be incorporated to allow pedestrian access routes without the need of breaking down the wall. For any retail outlet, security is of paramount importance. The rear of the fitting takes the form of a smooth surface and the system features unlocking protection to prevent unauthorised opening.

T. +44 (0)1202 874 044 E: sales@style-partitions.co.uk www.style-partitions.co.uk Twitter: StylePartitions

Polyflor Expona Design luxury vinyl tiles from vinyl flooring manufacturer Polyflor were chosen to create a unique design floor at The Balloon Tree Farm Shop and Café in York. Natural Brushed Oak and Silvered Driftwood luxury vinyl tiles from the Expona Design collection were installed by Elvington Floorcraft flooring contractors from York, with the grey-toned Silvered Driftwood shade creating a large circle in the middle of the shop floor. There are 28 wood, stone and effect design options available in the range. Individual designs and patterns can be easily created by simply laying different designs next to each other, or Polyflor’s in-house design team can create more complex bespoke flooring designs such as logos and motifs using water jet cutting technology.

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

Futura Retail Solutions At RBTE, Futura Retail Solutions put the focus squarely on boosting the customer experience in store and online. Futura showcased its suite of web service based API’s, supporting real time live data feeds for product and stock information, order processing and customer data, with click and collect, gift card redemption and other features to provide a seamless customer experience, whether online or in store. Futura also demonstrated its cutting edge EPOS solutions on mobile devices, like the Toshiba tablet currently being piloted in-store

by Oliver Bonas, to give faster look-up and better customer service.

T. +44 (0)1189 841 925 E. sales@futurauk.com www.futura4retail.co.uk Twitter: Futura_retail

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products

flooring + surfaces Polyflor Wood effect luxury vinyl tiles from UK manufacturer Polyflor have been chosen for the refurbishment of The World’s Biggest Cadbury Shop at Cadbury World in Birmingham. Expona Design luxury vinyl tiles in the American Oak wood effect design were installed by Alpha UK Ltd flooring contractors of Walsall in the gift shop. This classic and subtle wood design perfectly complements Cadbury’s signature purple shade and the store’s big and bright display units which feature some of the chocolate manufacturer’s best known brands.

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

Armourcoat Armourcoat’s decorative wall panel system ArmourFX has been used to great effect throughout True Religion stores in the USA and Canada. Originally specified by Checkland Kindleysides in London, the multi-faceted project detailed a store front facade in dark blue Venetian plaster on fire-rated MDF and fibre cement panels, both as a thin surface veneer. ArmourFX includes finishes and substrates suitable for all applications; from retail to residential, hotel to healthcare. The company’s specialist designers and artisan plasterers can create integrated custom wall panel systems or design statement single artwork pieces. A wide range of standard or custom finish options are available.

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

Junckers More than 6,500 sq m of Junckers Oak Boulevard has been installed in the Aeroville shopping centre near Charles de Gaulle Airport outside of Paris. With an expected footfall of up to 12 million people per year, a hardwearing, extremely durable floor was a non-negotiable requirement. Junckers’ Whalebone Staves, a premium, solid hardwood floor with a stave width of 140mm, was laid in alternating patterns originally inspired by an African design, as an over-sized parquet floor to stunning effect. Glued down to concrete, sanded and finished on site with a UV-resistant lacquer, the floor adds warmth and elegance to the expansive atrium-style walkways at the same time as offering the required durability.

Amtico Amtico has supplied flooring for Nobu Restaurant on Berkeley Street in Mayfair. Paulo Pegoraro, facilities manager of Nobu Berkeley Street, came across Amtico Limed Grey Wood from the premium Signature collection and proposed to use it. Style and quality were expected as a standed requisite for the Japanese restaurant. Being a busy space, durability and maintenance were also key factors, as well as safety of guests and staff. The unique nature of Amtico’s Signature range allowed Pegoraro to create a design that could be easily cut and combined with other products and existing areas of flooring.

T. +44 (0)121 514 6969

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

E: info@amtico.com www.amtico.com/commercial Twitter: AmticoFlooring

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www.armourfx.com

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surfaces & finishes

focus on: surfaces + finishes Sweet treat Perspex is launching a range of acrylic colours called Perspex Sweet Pastels. This collection of eight pastel colours has been designed in the company’s own colour lab and represents the latest colour trends for 2016. The fun shades, including Bubblegum Blue and Parma Violet, are sure to have an impact in point-of-sale and shopfitting projects looking to create a fresh buzz. Sheets are available in a 3mm thickness with a double-sided textured finish in gloss and satin.

Materials and finishes play an important role in reflecting the look and feel of a brand, as well as keeping up appearances. They need to withstand high levels of footfall and wear and tear, so must be able to keep up their appearance day in, day out. Here we bring you a mix of surfacing options, from wood and polished plaster to perspex and Corian for use as flooring, work surfaces and POP displays.

www.perspex.co.uk

Back to nature Plexwood is an all-natural and sustainable interior wood veneer composed of end grain wood and long grain, glued crosswise.

Because end grain wood is harder than regular cut wood, Plexwood is ideal for heavy traffic (flooring) applications. The veneer is available in a variety of geometric patterns, suitable for creating modern geometric effects on large wall or flooring surfaces, on every scale and in every direction. Plexwood is modern but the geometric patterns also retain a certain traditional character. Plexwood uses no added formaldehyde or VOCs during production, creating a completely safe and eco-friendly product.

www.plexwood.com

Luxury finish Armourcoat polished plaster has been used throughout the latest J&M Davidson boutique in London’s Mayfair, created

by Universal Design Studio in association with Nicholas Chandor. Armuralia is a silky smooth plaster finish with subtle tonal variations. It’s an entirely natural product made from aged lime putty and crushed Bianco Carrara marble and contains almost no VOCs. Armuralia is available in 24 colours, and shades and special effects can be developed for custom projects.

www.armourcoat.com

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surfaces & finishes Alternative option With the trend for painted timber remaining as popular as ever, EGGER is encouraging more designers to try its ST27 MFC decor range of boards that are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. The collection comprises 10 designs in neutral, solid colours as well as a painting-grade option — effectively a board that can be painted in any choice of colour. EGGER ST27 has an underlying oak grain design and comes with matching 0.8mm edging for each dÊcor and a 2mm painting-grade option. It is ideal for use in retail spaces, bars, restaurants and hotel rooms.

www.egger.co.uk

Feel the difference CD UK now offers Corian Textura Panels in two designs — Ripples and Eyelet, expanding the range of surface choices to inspire designers and fabricators in the retail sector. Textura Panels is a range of patterns and textures that can transform projects into high-impact architecture, indoors and outdoors. Textura Panels have all the desirable features of Corian, being thermoformable, translucent and available in patterned colours, setting them apart from other solid surface materials in the market. They have unlimited design potential and outstanding durability for high footfall commercial environments.

Bespoke patterns are also available.

Premium touch Exclusive to James Latham, Xylocleaf is a highly textured collection of more than 50 premium decors including wood grains and linens. The collection is ideally suited to premium design schemes within the retail sector and is ideal for furniture, fixtures and wall panelling. In addition, it is also popular for high-end commercial, leisure and hotel specifications. The range comes complete with matching ABS edgings as standard and is also available as HPL in a choice of 16 decors.

www.cdukltd.co.uk

www.lathamtimber.co.uk

New kid on the block International Decorative Surfaces (IDS) has launched Fenix NTM, a supermatt surfacing material that harnesses nanotechnology, enabling micro-scratches from wear and tear to be thermally healed. Available in 15 colours, Fenix NTM is one for the style hunters with its on-trend supermatt surface, low light reflectivity, soft touch, anti-fingerprint and anti-bacterial properties. It is also resistant to scratches, abrasion, dry heat, acid solvents and household reagents.

www.idsurfaces.co.uk

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Directory

Retail Supplier Directory, find the specialist retail products and services you are looking for from leading suppliers around the world.

Retail Supplier Directory Visit the Retail Focus online directory at www.retail-focus.co.uk to discover a comprehensive list of the UK’s leading retail suppliers. Each listing contains indepth company information together with inspirational images, video footage and informative press material. You can also link through to company websites and connect with suppliers through Twitter and Facebook.

The Retail Supplier Directory is divided into a number of categories, such as design agencies, point-of-purchase, lighting, props and surfaces, to make the site easy to navigate.

To feature in the online directory, contact Terry Clark on 0845 6807405 or email terry@retailfocus.co

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Directory

Aluminium Fittings

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

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

T: 01273 582241 E: info@d-i-a.net W: www.d-i-a.net S. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin

Bespoke Display

Bespoke Display

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

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

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

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

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

Design Consultancies

H Squared Limited are display specialists in creating brand presence at the point of purchase.

Through a holistic approach to the development of display... strategic led creative design and cost effective manufacture, supply and installation, H Squared are able to offer clients an experience to nurture an idea as well as the capability to realise and deliver these ideas.

T: 01530 814200 E: studio@hsquared.co.uk W: www.hsquaredltd.co.uk S: www.twitter.com/HSquaredLtd

Aluminium Fittings

Bespoke Display

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aluminium Fittings

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

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

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

Bespoke Display

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

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

Bespoke Display

Brochure Holders

Design Consultancies

Design Consultancies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Balloons & Bunting

Bespoke Display

Climate Control

Display

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

KSF provides retail merchandising display solutions to retailers, brands and trade customers from CONCEPT to COMPLETION via our global supply chain (China/UK/East EU) to deliver LOWER total cost of ownership. YOU’VE TRIED THE REST; NOW PUT US TO THE TEST.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Directory

Display

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

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

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

Display

Internationally acclaimed, award winning unique magnetic wall system offers instant flexibility & creative choice to architects, interiors & store designers.

Since launching the magnIQ system in 2006 the response has been quite phenomenal. To date the system has won 13 prestigious awards and is now internationally recognised justifying the many years Rare Basic spent on research and development.

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

Display - Digital

Furniture

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

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

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

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

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

Furniture

Display

Display

Display - Digital

GDP display, manufactures, delivers and installs world-class retail environments, store fixtures, displays and visual merchandising equipment.

GDP is truly Global, through its activities in many parts of the world.

We have supplied high-end displays and furniture to successful retail brands throughout Europe, North America, South Africa and South East Asia.

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

We provide total end to end solutions encompassing all aspects of designing, implementing, managing and supporting multi-faceted marketing technology concepts and Digital Screen Media networks.

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

T: +44 (0)1582 433 771 E: info@gdprojects.eu W: www.gdprojects.eu S. www.twitter.com/GDProjects

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

T, +44 (0)845 481 8020 E. info@screenmediatechnology.com W.screenmediatechnology.com S. www.twitter.com/ScreenMediaTech

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

Display

Display

We are IPOS. A creative design agency whose extensive and impressive client list speaks volumes for the professional services we offer.

We design, produce and install all aspects of our client’s POS. From instore graphics, window vinyls and 3D bespoke window displays to full multi location campaign roll outs.

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

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

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

EPOS

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

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

Finishes

Display

Display

Impulse POP specialises in Point of Purchase display systems for the Retail sector.

We offer many years of experience in all aspects of retail design, with in house manufacture - including quick turnaround prototypes, or overseas manufacture, delivery, installation and retail merchandising.

Woodwood Group –Tx Frame UK are a specialist in tension fabric display systems and LED light boxes. We are able to deliver the highest quality service with a friendly but professional approach to ensure you receive the spectacular results you deserve.

Armourcoat is the world’s foremost supplier of polished plasters, sculptural effects and innovative surface finishes.

T, 01767 682756 E. sales@impulsepop.co.uk W.www.impulsepop.co.uk S. www.twitter.com/impulsepop

T, 01376 295 016 E. sales@txframe.co.uk W. www.txframe.co.uk

T. +44 (0)1732 460 668 E. sales@armourcoat.co.uk W. www.armourcoat.com S. www.twitter.com/Armourcoat

64

Graphics

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

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

Graphics

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

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

Directory

Slatwall

Interactive Displays

Permanent POS

POP/POS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lighting

POP/POS

LED Solutions are a specialist LED lighting supplier who can offer you a wide variety of bespoke lighting solutions for the sign, shop fitting and display industries.

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

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

Literature Display Solutions

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

POP/POS

POP UP

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

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

Retail Consultancy

VM

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

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

VM

Panache revised logo 1

DISPLAY

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

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

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

We specialise in Point of Sale (POS) and Point of Purchase (POP). We design, manufacture and fit retail fixtures and store displays and we’re good at it. For over 55 years Axiom has been designing and producing exciting and innovative retail displays for well known brands and retail groups.

T: +44 (0)161 681 1371 E: info@axiom-displays.co.uk W: www.axiom-displays.co.uk

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

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

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

Maintenance

POP/POS

Slatwall

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

We are IPOS. A creative design agency whose extensive and impressive client list speaks volumes for the professional services we offer.

We design, produce and install all aspects of our client’s POS. From instore graphics, window vinyls and 3D bespoke window displays to full multi location campaign roll outs.

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

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

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

DISPLAY

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

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

T: 01273 582241 E: info@d-i-a.net W: www.d-i-a.net S. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin

VM - Training & Tools

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

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

65

Q&A

Dan Bunyan began his career at Dorling Publishers, working with brands like Disney, Marvel and Hasbro before setting up on his own and later joining pre-owned luxury watch retailer Watchfinder as full-time creative director. This month, Bunyan tells us what drew him to Watchfinder and why the company decided to move offline with physical stores.

RF. What attracted you to Watchfinder?

DB. I was involved from the early stages of Watchfinder’s genesis.

The energy and innovation of the directors made it an exciting business to be involved in. They had an extremely strong online proposition and were incredibly forward-thinking, making it an easy decision to get involved, plus I was smitten by all the fantastic watches!

RF. What does your role as creative director entail?

DB. My role is very diverse within the marketing department.

Alongside the head of communications, I oversee a lot of the team and the development of projects, which range from large multichannel campaigns to the weekly emails that go out to our database of over 250k. I’m also responsible for making sure that the brand’s message, look and tone remains consistent and relevant. It’s important to keep abreast with design trends, theories and new technologies to push the company forward creatively, and ensure a consistent and happy customer journey.

RF. What’s your favourite aspect of the job?

DB. My role is so diverse and the aspects vary so much that it’s hard to definitively pick a favourite, but I like the rare opportunities I get to actually sit down and design. I also enjoy working with the team on projects from concept to fruition, and I really enjoy working on the boutique design and fits.

implemented changes as we rolled out each new proposition.

We feel that the design we have now is the right balance of ambience, functionality and technology.

RF. Does the company have plans to open any new stores?

DB. We are always looking for new locations, and there are a few opportunities in the pipeline but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. I’m looking forward to starting the next one and I’m sure I wont have to wait too long. Hopefully I’ll be needing my passport!

RF. What sets Watchfinder apart from other luxury watch retailers?

DB. One of the first tasks I undertook when joining Watchfinder was to create the ‘brand bible’; guidelines for the company’s core values and key messages, at the heart of which is trust. Moving into a physical store was a huge step in this direction, giving a face to the brand and allowing our customers an opportunity to see the quality of our watches up close and to interact with our knowledgeable staff face-to-face.

DB. There are a few things that we love shouting about in the marketing department and try very hard to make all our customers aware of. First is our 185 sq m (soon to be expanded further) manufacturer-certified service centre. With eight watchmakers and over 26 supporting staff, the process our watches go through to make sure our product is as near to perfect as possible is on a very large and complex scale. Then there’s choice; no other pre-owned watch retailer offers the same choice we do, with over 3,000 watches across 50-plus brands available. Finally, service; we pride ourselves on the customer journey and the high level of service our customers can expect from picking up the phone, browsing the website, visiting one of our boutiques and after-sales care.

RF. Do the four existing stores share a similar aesthetic?

RF. What are you working on at the moment?

DB. Three of the four are aesthetically uniform; the exception to this is the first store we opened at The Royal Exchange. It’s similar, but has a different colour palette and finish to the cabinetry. Myself and brand director Lloyd Amsdon, who I work closely with on the stores, learnt a lot with the first one, and

DB. We are constantly working on all manner of projects and experimenting with new technologies, but the biggest internal project for our department at the moment is a multichannel campaign focusing on the expertise and quality of our servicing department.

RF. Watchfinder was established in 2002 as an online business.

Why did the company decide to open physical stores?

66

COME & VISIT US AT THE

VM & DISPLAY SHOW BUSINESS DESIGN CENTRE LONDON

20TH & 21ST APRIL 2016

STAND F6

WINDOW DISPLAY / IN STORE FIXTURES / PROTOTYPE & DEVELOPMENT / ALL STORE ROLL-OUT / PROJECT MANAGEMENT / PRINT & GRAPHICS / SIGNAGE / INSTALLATION

0207 377 1776

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