Retail Focus March 2017

#80

retail focus

March 2017 : £6.75 #85

MARCH 2017/issue 85

retail focus WWW.RETAIL-FOCUS.CO.UK

VM & Display Show Preview : Window Shopping : Kusmi Tea : Joseph Cheaney : Yeti : Technology Supplement : In & Around Albemarle Street : Checkouts : Surfaces & Finishes : Q&A with Gillian Drakeford, IKEA

Sweet

harmony Fashion, music and retail

VM & Display Show Preview : Window Shopping : Kusmi Tea : Joseph Cheaney : Yeti : Technology Supplement In & Around Albemarle Street : Checkouts : Surfaces & Finishes : Q&A with Gillian Drakeford, IKEA

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At Harlequin, we design, produce & install retail window displays.

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contents

CONTENTS Sweet harmony: Music, fashion & retail

41-43

Exploring the strong connection between merchandising and music.

45 Technology focus

11 7 8

Leader Diary

12-18 News 20-22 Window shopping Inspiring window displays from around the globe.

24

Top of the POPS

27

Karl McKeever

Retail is known for being fast-paced but it seems that the time might have come to coin the phrase ‘slow retail’, says Karl.

on Surfaces 88 Focus & Finishes

71 Checkouts

VM & Display Show preview

28-38 P roject Focus

Kusmi Tea NYC : Joseph Cheaney & Sons : Yeti, Austin, Texas

66-67 In and Around...

Albemarle Street in Mayfair, London.

69

O pinion

With the likes of online giants Amazon and Alibaba muscling into physical retail, how can other ecommerce brands find a home in bricks ‘n’ mortar, asks Jocelyn Deborne at FITCH EMEA.

76-86 P roducts Products and services for the retail industry.

94

Q&A

As IKEA prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary, we talk

to UK and Ireland country

retail manager, Gillian Drakeford.

www.retail-focus.co.uk 1

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

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

Scott Morris, Managing Director, DisplayPlan

Don’t wait. Secure the stand you want.

Call Michelle on +44 (0) 208 874 2728 or email michelle@retaildesignexpo.com New fe

2017 atures

www.retaildesignexpo.com

for

VM C hr VM C istmas Mar hristm k as Aw et ards

Co-located with

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Supported by

18/11/2016 19:55

leader

welcome March ‘17 At EuroShop this month, Alasdair Lennox, executive creative director at FITCH EMEA, took to the stage to discuss what retailers can learn from emotion-fuelled music festivals. Stores need to start thinking of themselves as a performance space, argued Lennox, with more modulated and fluctuating energy levels to drive tempo and pace.

Merchandising and music have long had a strong connection and in this issue, we explore how the boundaries between artists and retailers continue to blur (pages 41-43).

When American premium cooler and drinkware brand Yeti opened its first physical store earlier this year in Austin, Texas, it was less concerned with density of merchandise and more interested in creating a community event space.

Designed to immerse visitors in the outdoors, the store offers live entertainment, an expansive bar, outdoor-themed installations and an array of historical artefacts. It’s a prime example of a store that thinks of itself as more of an entertainment venue than transactional space, enabling visitors the chance to become immersed and engaged in the moment (pages 37-38).

Elsewhere in this bumper issue, we explore the new Kusmi Tea retail space in New York, designed by UK-based Christopher Jenner (pages 28-30), and the Joseph Cheaney store on London’s Henrietta Street, which is quickly becoming a unique destination, focused on offering informal and stylish menswear (pages 32-34).

And with Retail Business Technology Expo just around the corner, we take a look at what visitors can expect from this year’s event in a special technology supplement (pages 57-59).

Hopefully we’ll see some of you there.

Gemma Balmford Editor

Managing Editor

Editor

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

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

Display Sales

Production & Web

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

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

Get more from Retail Focus online!

www.retail-focus.co.uk

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

Industry associations

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

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information contained in these pages. We will assume permission to publish any unsolicited material unless otherwise stated. ©Retail Focus Promotions Ltd 2017.

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7

diary

DIARY

VM & Display Show Business Design Centre, Islington 5-6 April 2017 The VM & Display Show returns to the Business Design Centre in Islington this April, providing plenty of visual merchandising inspiration. Visitors can meet with an array of industry experts who can help make displays a reality, from concept to installation. The VM & Display Show is the only UK exhibition dedicated to this creative industry, bringing together everything from mannequins, print and props to POP, lighting and fabrics.

The show will also include its regular Underground Network and Designer Network feature areas, as well as welcome several first-time exhibitors.

VMDisplayShow

www.vmanddisplayshow.com

WWD Retail 20/20 – The New Store Experience London 25 April 2017 Given the convergence of physical and digital retail, WWD is expanding the footprint of its one-day forum in London.

The event will explore new ways to attract and engage consumers and inspire their loyalty across channels. It will highlight innovations that can transform shopping for fashion, footwear and beauty. wwd summits.wwd.com/event/retail2020-london/

Retail Design Expo Olympia London 8-9 May 2017

Retail Business Technology Expo

Co-located with RBTE and Retail Digital Signage Expo, Retail Design Expo returns to Olympia with the addition of the VM Christmas Market and Awards. The show is an annual source of innovation and inspiration in retail design, marketing, visual merchandising and shopfitting from around the world, and includes two days of conferences.

RBTE is the ideal event for those looking for products and services that will help them increase productivity, reduce costs, attract more customers, improve the customer experience, enhance security and sell more. The show will include a comprehensive two-day seminar, as well as the RBTE Innovation Awards & Trail sponsored by Aptos.

RtlDesignExpo

www.retaildesignexpo.com

Olympia London 8-9 May 2017

rbtexpo www.retailbusinesstechnologyexpo.com

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

Photo: Messe Dusseldorf / ctillmann

8

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preview

Top: Tam Walsh will present a bespoke set of wigs and props under the title of ‘Angels On Sabbatical’ Far left: Mirror Wall by Shimmerwalls Left: Forming Reality will make its debut at the VM & Display Show 2017 Below: Universal Display will showcase the Harper mannequin collection

VM & Display Show 2017 In the fast-moving and ever-evolving world of retail, stay inspired and network with world-class creatives at the VM & Display Show, which returns to London in April.

Bold, self-assured mannequins, tailor-made wigs and sequin walls. These are just some of the products that will be presented at the VM & Display Show in London next month.

Returning to the Business Design Centre from 5-6 April, the event will bring together more than 100 UK and international exhibitors, offering the latest products, ideas and services for the visual merchandising and retail display sector.

Surfaces, finishes and materials are set to be an exciting area for the show this year.

VMG will return with its visual perception of ‘nature’s neutral’. The graphics company is going back to nature with its creative take on this year’s pantone colour, greenery, showing its ability to create an organic interior landscape using a consistent set of materials and colours. Meanwhile, newcomer Prompt Side will display its bespoke printed magnetic wallpaper, underside printed translucent vinyl flooring, bespoke printed plywood and MDF, and an array of beautifully soft, printed textiles.

Other companies making their debut at the show include sequin art specialist Shimmerwalls, graphics company Echo House and creative consultancy Hello Flamingo, which will be located in the Designer Network, alongside the likes of The Beep Studio and DOV. Mannequins will also be out in force along with bespoke wig creations from Arty Wigs Display and Tam Walsh.

Returning for a second year, Tam Walsh will present a bespoke set of wigs and props under the title ‘Angels On Sabbatical’. The idea behind the stand concept is to blend and showcase both the design element and the technical skills that the studio values in equal measure. Walsh is collaborating this year with clothing designer William Wilde, who has dressed celebrities such as Kylie Minogue, Rita Ora and Paloma Faith.

The VM & Display Show provides the perfect opportunity to be inspired by world-class creatives, as well as share ideas and network with like-minded individuals. The event is free to attend and open for registration at www.vmanddisplayshow.com

When and where Business Design Centre, Islington Wednesday 5 April - 09:30-18:00 Thursday 6 April - 09:30-17:00

www.vmanddisplayshow.com VMDisplayShow #VMDS2017

11

news

Frenchgate Shopping Centre to welcome New Look Men New Look Men is opening a new store at Frenchgate Shopping Centre in Doncaster. The 325 sq m store is due to open this month and will complement the existing 1,486 sq m womenswear store.

This store launch marks the 21st site for the retailer’s standalone menswear brand across the UK, with growth continuing at key locations. The Frenchgate store has been designed by an in-house agency to create a bespoke menswear focused store.

‘We are thrilled to welcome New Look Men to Frenchgate, where they will enhance and greatly strengthen the current menswear retail offer. It is a rapidly growing brand and their decision to launch at Frenchgate highlights its appeal as retail and leisure destination,’ says Paul Devlin, asset manager of The Frenchgate Limited Partnership.

Roger Wightman, chief creative officer at New Look, adds: ‘Menswear is a key strategic priority for New Look, and the opening of menswear standalone stores represents a natural next step for us. We are very proud of the improvements made to our offer over the past two years; the opening of menswear standalone stores will allow us to more fully showcase the enhanced quality of our product ranges. Our menswear director, Christopher Englinde, joined us from H&M at the end of 2015, and as a business we are very excited about the prospects of future growth.’

Installations and feature areas announced for Clerkenwell Design Week Clerkenwell Design Week returns to London from 23-25 May 2017 with a host of showrooms, features, installations and live events to whet your design appetite.

The Beacon, supported by Perspex, is possibly one of CDW’s most ambitious installations yet, towering 7.5m high over Design Fields. Inspired by the Tower of Babel, visitors will be able to climb up the internal staircase for a rather different view of CDW. Multidisciplinary design group Aldworth James & Bond will be designing an installation for the Arch of St John. Working with

Models Own to open beauty playground at Trinity Leeds Cosmetics brand Models Own has announced plans to open its first flagship store outside London at Trinity Leeds. The Models Own Boxshop will be a beauty playground, stocking all 650 of the brand’s own sought-after lines of products.

As part of its growing portfolio objectives, Models Own is expanding its in-mall commercialisation portfolio by signing a 10-year lease for a 154 sq m unit in Trinity Leeds.

The Boxshop, located on the Commercial Street section of Trinity Leeds between New Look and Next, centres around a userfriendly experience. The store will include the nation’s first ‘Play Table’ outside of London, a central area of the store for customers to experiment with products and styles, as well as watch live makeup tutorials.

‘Models Own perfectly aligns with the vibrant tenant mix at Trinity Leeds. We have introduced more than 65 new brands to the city centre and, as the only Models Own store outside of London, the decision to open in Trinity Leeds demonstrates the brands’ enthusiasm and confidence in the Leeds market. Supporting Models Own’s early portfolio strategies reinforces our commitment to providing our customers with the most sought-after and progressive brand experiences,’ says Rob Jewell, portfolio director at Land Securities.

material producer Corian, ‘Order’ will feature 145 700m-long interconnecting octagonal Corian forms inspired by the Cross of St John.

Design Undefined will feature some of the most exciting creative talents across design, technology, woodblock printing, and graphics. Within the 1,207 sq m space, you’ll find everything from fashion, stationery and literature to homeware and music.

Relax in the Vinyl lounge where research agency Ma-tt-er will be exploring the relationship between materials and acoustics.

New for 2017, Design Fields will play host to a temporary talks space for CDW’s talks series Conversations at Clerkenwell, overflowing with high-calibre speakers exploring current industry topics.

Pentagon Tiles will present a brand new build space on Leather Lane. Designed by architect Simon Astridge, the new space features stacked red and yellow containers and carefully considered materials.

Festival events will take place across Clerkenwell and registration is free. For more information visit www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com

13

news

Gap opens new UK concept store at Bluewater Gap has opened its new UK concept store at Bluewater in Kent. Spanning 929 sq m, the store has been designed by the in-house team and is the first of a new breed of concept design in the UK. It includes women’s, men’s, kids and baby, as well as GapFit and GapBody alongside the brand’s regular apparel and icons.

The store also contains Denim Addict, which allows Bluewater’s guests to personalise their denim with distressing, studs and patches. In addition, other products can be embroidered with names and initials as an extension of Gap’s customisation service.

The new space is situated on Lower Rose Gallery next to the forthcoming Missguided store, which is set to launch this summer.

‘Gap’s decision to open their new concept store for the UK at Bluewater

reaffirms its position as Europe’s leading retail and leisure destination. Gap’s store, which brings a number of innovations to the guest experience, is part of our strategy to create a select series of

Research reveals bricks-and-mortar stores still matter to millennials

14

statement stores at Bluewater, where the emphasis is on providing something unique,’ says Russell Loveland, portfolio director at Land Securities, co-owner and asset manager of Bluewater.

A recent report by marketing agency The Market Creative has found that despite their affinity for online shopping, the majority of millennials haven’t completely abandoned the high street and still value physical stores.

The Future of Marketing report aims to capture some of the directions, trends and possibilities shaping marketing today and in the future. As well as views from experts in ecommerce social media and advertising, it delves into the wider context, including media landscape and audience.

‘As millennials mature and move into their prime spending years, they are becoming the most important group for many retailers and brands. It’s important that we grasp the behavioural and attitudinal differences compared to previous generations, so we can shape and deliver shopping experiences that meet them on their terms,’ says Sue Benson, managing director at The Market Creative. ‘Despite being digital natives, the high street is still important to them, but to survive retailers must acknowledge the importance of cost and convenience.

Giving people a reason to hit the high street, making it an enjoyable and easy experience and offering a price matching service are must-haves.’

The Future of Marketing report is available to download at www.themarketcreative.com

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news

Yves Delorme to open new London store Luxury designer homeware brand Yves Delorme will open a new flagship store, along with the relocation of the Monogrammed Linen Shop in South West London at the end of March. Designed

by Jérôme Delmas, architect and art designer at Yves Delorme Couture, the store is the second location in London for the brand, after Harrods.

Spread across two floors, the store will bring together Yves Delorme, Yves Delorme Couture and the Monogrammed Linen Shop in one luxurious location. The interior will feature Yves Delorme’s new signature style; combining contemporary walnut and cherry wood, encompassing subtle lighting, brushed chrome details and a fresh off-white backdrop.

‘With the new store, we really wanted to create a space which equally focuses on the customer experience as well as the aesthetics, while showcasing the brand and products in an exciting way,’ says Richard Boyle, CEO of The French Linen Company.

The store will benefit from plenty of natural daylight, with a double-height lower ground floor offering an additional area for client meetings, events, changing room facilities and seating area.

Coach to open at Canary Wharf Coach has announced plans to open a store in Cabot Place at Canary Wharf this Spring. Coach joins a diverse collection of new tenants on the Estate for 2017, further enhancing the evolution of Canary Wharf as it grows as a destination to work, live and enjoy.

‘Creating and designing this store was a fascinating adventure,’ says Delmas. ‘Mixing the Monogrammed Linen Shop spirit from Anne Singer with its British touch to inspire the store with serenity and modernity in such an amazing city, this store is an ambitious space to show Yves Delorme’s know-how, hand-made, tailor-made, monogramming and bespoke opportunities.’

The new store on Walton Street follows openings in Paris, Monaco, Geneva and New York.

‘We have been working with Coach for a number of years on their opening at Canary Wharf. They are a modern luxury brand well aligned to our shoppers and tenant mix and a fantastic addition to our malls. It’s wonderful to welcome Coach as part of the continued growth and evolution of the estate,’ says Camille Waxer, managing director, retail and chief administrative officer, Canary Wharf Group.

Major retailers announced for Elliott’s Field Shopping Park extension Property development and investment company Hammerson has announced a number of homeware brands that will occupy the first four units of the nine-unit Elliott’s Field Shopping Park extension in Rugby.

DFS and Dwell will occupy 1393 sq m; Oak Furniture Land and Sofology have each taken 929 sq m, and Tapi will have an 743 sq m store all on 10-year leases. The new shops on the former Tribune Trading Estate site are scheduled to open before Christmas 2017, with other names set to be announced shortly.

The £20 million investment in the shopping park extension follows Hammerson’s recent £35 million investment in revitalising Elliott’s Field, which reopened in 2015.

Image: Zach Hyman

16

international news

international

NEWS Starbucks to open first Reserve Roastery in Europe Starbucks has announced plans to open its first Reserve Roastery in Europe. Set to open in late 2018, the Milan Reserve Roastery on Piazza Cordusio will be the first Starbucks Roastery to open in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, and the fifth globally.

The 2,369 sq m space will feature the company’s premium, small-batch Reserve coffees served in a variety of brewing methods in a beautiful environment.

At its recent Investor Day, Starbucks announced its ongoing investment in the premium Reserve brand, including opening 20-30 Roastery locations around the world, over time. This new location will be designed specifically for the Milanese customer, integrating the world-famous theatre of coffee in Italy and will offer freshly baked food on site from Italian artisan baker Rocco Princi, the exclusive food provider for all of the retailer’s new global Roastery locations.

Following the Roastery opening, Italian licensee and business partner Percassi will open a small number of Starbucks stores in Milan next year. Each new store will be carefully designed and curated to respect the local community and unique Milanese context.

Lidl announces American expansion plans German discount supermarket chain Lidl has announced its expansion plans into the USA ahead of schedule, and will open 20 stores in the summer of 2017. The first stores will open in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Within one year of opening, Lidl will establish up to 100 stores across the East Coast.

‘Thanks to the efficient work of our team, we are excited to announce that Lidl will open its first stores in the United States ahead of schedule. We are thrilled to introduce residents across the East Coast to a unique shopping experience,’ says Brendan Proctor, president and CEO of Lidl US. ‘Grocery shopping involves too much compromise. Customers are being forced to choose between quality, price and convenience, and this is a compromise they shouldn’t have to make. At Lidl, we are committed to delivering outstanding quality goods to our customers at market leading prices. We are carefully curating our selection to ensure every choice in our stores is a great choice for our customers.’

The Lidl portfolio currently comprises around 10,000 stores in 27 countries throughout Europe.

ZARA Milan unveils striking entrance feature The ZARA flagship store in Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Milan has unveiled a striking entrance feature, designed in collaboration with architect, Matteo Thun.

The inviting double staircase entrance features marble, historical brass mosaics and a gold cupola presenting an impressive Murano chandelier on the ceiling, providing the scenery for the new installation.

Thun’s installation uses the history of the 1930s building (a former theatre and cinema) and the culture of Milan, using the theme of theatre as the basis of the concept.

The modular structure acts as a kind of Arc de Triomphe, inviting the customer to pass through into the main store. The mannequins (from Bonaveri) are the actors and visitors become the audience.

Photography: © Fabio Tempestini

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INSPIRING WINDOW DISPLAYS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

Browns Fashion Browns Fashion launched a year-long campaign in February called #cooltobekind that places the spotlight on kindness. To kick off the campaign, London-based street artist and creative behind ‘Notes to Strangers’, Andy Leek hand-painted big, bold notes of positivity directly onto the windows of the South Molton Street and Sloane Street stores. The artworks were refreshed on each window and in the changing room mirrors throughout a week-long collaboration.

Harvey Nichols The VM team at Harvey Nichols has stripped things right back for its ‘craftwork’ windows.

The display explores textures and colours, using different woods, metal highlights, coloured light strips and graduated colour. The neutral back walls have been abstractly painted in rich tones of blue and green, punctuated with luxurious silver and gold leaf accents, while the floors are given a geometric twist. Mannequins are interspersed among a variety of wooden shapes and structures, highlighting the best of the Spring/Summer 2017 collections.

See more window schemes at

www.retail-focus.co.uk/vm

20

visual merchandising Diane Von Furstenberg Diane Von Furstenberg unveiled two window displays at Selfridges at the beginning of London Fashion Week as part of the department store’s ‘Material World’ campaign. Produced in collaboration with Millington Associates, the aim of the display was to take a closer look at the materiality behind collections sold in Selfridges. The creative team applied the same screen printing process that Diane Von Furstenberg uses to create the dynamic floral garments, producing 40 panels in each window, which are broken down into the 10 stages that make up the final print. The walls, floors and curved plinths are made from cork to support the use of sustainable materials.

Fortnum & Mason The ‘Every Cup Tells a Story’ window campaign at Fortnum & Mason encourages visitors to discover the range of tea products available in store. The displays inspire people to delve into their imagination and consider stories or memories with tea at their heart. The windows feature gold artwork, including swarms of butterflies, an elephant’s trunk and a tree emerging from teacups, in Fortnum’s signature eau de nil colour. As with Fortnum’s Christmas windows, ‘Together We’re Merrier’, these windows feature absolutely no products, focusing instead on beautiful stories.

Lacoste The L.12.12 window display at Lacoste is designed around the brand’s signature L12 polo shirt. The free-standing scheme uses dufaylite, print and wood, and has been produced in four different colour palettes — blue, green, yellow and red — incorporating more than 15 Pantones in which the polo shirts are available. The sharp, simplistic display is designed to echo the message that Lacoste associates with its L12 collection: ‘A chic, minimalist essential’. The scheme was produced in collaboration with SFD.

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visual merchandising

Hackett The SS17 windows at Hackett are inspired by the unpredictable nature of the Great British weather. Illuminated neon weather symbols bring energy and impact to the scheme, which was created in collaboration with Harlequin Design. Styled in new season merchandise, the mannequins are well equipped to handle the animated flashing lightning bolts and falling raindrops.

Joseph The London Fashion Week windows at Joseph featured glossy RSJ beams and duct pipe detail, inspired by the industrial venue for the SS17 fashion show. Mannequins wearing pieces from the new collection sit perfectly among the scheme, which was produced and installed by Harlequin Design.

Tommy x Gigi This Tommy Hilfiger window display at Selfridges showcases the second Tommy x Gigi collection, which is heavily based around emoji patches and badge motifs, combined with that all-American preppy style. The scheme incorporates a main backdrop grid produced from natural fibre primary coloured rope, which is checkwoven using the brand’s core colours. The display was produced in collaboration with Elemental Design and complies with the theme of ‘sustainability’ running across the Selfridges windows.

See more window schemes at

www.retail-focus.co.uk/vm

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020 7388 7488

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pop

TOP pops of the

Company Cirka

Client McCulloch

Display title ‘Meet Rob’ Robotic Mower and Power~LiNK Battery Hand Held Tool displays

Sector DIY

Location European-wide in more than 16 countries

The brief Evolve a top level communications idea into an engaging and educating retail comms package for the launch of McCulloch’s new robotic mower (ROB) and Power~LiNK battery hand held tool range, allowing a consistent messaging to be communicated across a range of POS equipment of varying budgets, in multiple languages.

The solution A tiered suite of units were produced varying from flagship 3m x 3m live demo units (complete with clever use of artificial grass and real wood fencing all while remaining flat packable and compact for European shipping and self assembly) to the other end of the spectrum with cost-effective, small footprint FSDUs. Cirka’s extensive and wide range of manufacturing materials base allowed the team to tailor material to each unit. Dibond double-sided direct printed back panels were used to achieve the structural integrity on one unit to hold the product without the need for metal back panels and cross bars, increasing impact and reducing costs.

The end result was an impressive range of POS to match the brand’s tiered launch strategy to more than 16 countries, designed, developed and manufactured in house on time and on budget.

www.cirka.co.uk

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15.09.16 12:37

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Karl McKeever

Retail transformation can be slow Retail is known for being fast-paced. Those in the sector are highly adept at delivering products in line with evolving trends and shopper demands — ‘fast fashion’ says it all. When it comes to in-store transformation, slow is also usually seen as negative.

Throughout my 25-year career, I have seen for myself the desire that exists among retailers to be able to accelerate the pace of change and improve retail performance, in a way that has an immediate impact.

But now, an interesting transformation is starting to take place in our stores that is altogether slower. Most people are now familiar with the Danish concept of ‘hygge’. It is all about taking a step back and enjoying the simple pleasures, and as our lives become more frantic, it’s easy to understand the appeal.

Before hygge came slow journalism, food and fashion movements, and it seems that the time might have come to coin the phrase ‘slow retail’. All of these ideas involve taking a more considered approach, with a focus on quality rather than speed. It is something that has certainly been strengthened by the popularity of mindfulness, which teaches the importance of living in the moment and being conscious of our thoughts and actions.

There are some good examples of retailers already putting these ideas into practice, and it should come as no surprise that two of these, the homeware brands Tiger and Søstrene Grene, come from Denmark. Unlike most retailers, neither sell online, focusing instead on enticing people into store with the regular arrival of interesting and reasonably-priced products. The shop floors are designed so that customers are guided logically from one range to another, and by slowing down the pace, they are invited to immerse themselves in a distinctly Scandinavian way of living.

Finland also has its own take on hygge and my recent visit to Helsinki shone a light on how its retail landscape differs to our own.

As you would expect, the city is home to major brands like Zara and H&M, but they are a relatively recent addition. In fact, the city is alive with home-grown talent and stores that celebrate the Nordic aesthetic, for instance, the iconic ceramic brand Iittala. Here, the minimal layout and use of natural materials create a feeling of space and timelessness, and is the ideal way to showcase the Karl McKeever is founder and managing director of visual merchandising and brand delivery consultancy Visual Thinking.

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

products on sale.

It is interesting to see that shops in Helsinki do not open until 11am and close at 3pm on a Saturday, with just a handful opening on Sundays. Once again, this aligns nicely with hygge, and perhaps underlines the value Finns place on spending time with their friends and family rather than shopping. Naturally, it is very different to the UK where shopping is a favourite weekend past-time.

Nevertheless, there are signs that UK retailers may be starting to adopt a slower way of shopping. Aside from the popularity of hygge, which could well wane in the not-too-distant future, there are more practical concerns such as an ageing population.

Tesco, for instance, recently introduced a pilot scheme in Scotland for vulnerable customers, like the elderly, who may need more time at the checkout. It follows other initiatives like the one at Toys R Us, where families will find autism-friendly events for children who prefer a calm setting, and Asda, which has trialled ‘quiet nights’ aimed at anyone who feels unsettled by background noise or sudden loud announcements. Working in partnership with well-known charities, these retailers are promoting the kind of empathy seen in Finland and also helping to improve people’s perceptions of the brand.

However, it is not just those who are vulnerable who benefit from this slower pace: sometimes we all appreciate a little more time to look around without pressure. There are also clear commercial benefits to creating a more sedate shopping experience, as casual browsers are converted to buyers. It is interesting to note that, as with driving, fast or slow music can affect a shopper’s mood and also speed up, or slow down, their experience in store. A simple change in music genre could be one of the most effective ways of encouraging people to linger for longer.

As a shopper, if you want an experience that is all about the functional and the fast transaction, online is the place. The physical space provides retailers with an opportunity to let shoppers experience something different. Hygge may be the word of the moment, but brands have been experimenting with ‘retail theatre’ for many years now. Even eBay now has regular pop-ups, and last Christmas its central London store was created around the theme of thoughtful giving. A key feature was the use of facial coding technology and ambient biometric sensors to help shoppers find the gifts they connected to emotionally.

If the slow food and journalism movements are anything to go by, the number of shoppers who may warm to the idea of slow retail could soon grow, increasing the need for retailers to explore ways to make their in-store experiences less hurried. Those that are quick to respond, however, should remember one thing: doing so should not come at the expense of convenience and efficiency.

If the store layout and navigation are illogical, products are not on the shelves, waiting times are long and staff members are not on hand to deal with enquiries, even slow retail will fast become frustrating and stressful.

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Kusmi Tea

World Trade Centre, New York Design: Christopher Jenner Opening date: January 2017 Store size: 67 sq m Photography: Michael Franke

Luxury tea brand Kusmi Paris has opened a store in the Calatrava station at the World Trade Centre in New York with an interior that balances the company’s baroque Russian heritage with its French provenance (the company launched in Saint Petersburg in 1867 before moving to Paris in 1917).

Created in collaboration with UK-based designer Christopher Jenner, the store concept is inspired by French savoir-faire and the exceptional craftsmanship of the Church of the Savior in Saint Petersburg, with its mosaics, Orthodox brass chandeliers, marble flooring and onion domes.

‘The brief from Kusmi Tea was to create a bespoke environment that would communicate their heritage and values through the medium of design,’ says Jenner.

‘They were looking for unique design assets which would help to define their brand in an ever-competitive market place.’

Kusmi’s own packaging also created a starting point for the store design, leading to a special collaboration with Italian glass mosaic brand Bisazza. For the first time, the interior concept uses matt white mosaic glass tiles, set within an abstract pattern of primary and secondary colours.

In addition, two large stylised illustrations inspired by Camellia Senensis — a small shrub whose leaves and buds are used in tea making — are realised in marquetry using more than 30 coloured veneers and mother-of-pearl, paying tribute to the art of tea blending.

‘Key to our objective was to draw new clients into the space,’ continues Jenner. ‘To achieve this, while creating a focal point, we designed and made a custom, three-tier chandelier in stainless steel.’

The 30 interlaced, organic arms of the chandelier connect to a central shaft of multiple turned components that disappear into a multicoloured, stained-glass onion dome set within the ceiling, evoking the Russian heritage of the brand.

Meanwhile, the eye-catching single sweep showcase is composed in a series of sections that are cantilevered off the walls and joined by stainless steel connectors.

Here, floating glass shelves mirror the

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‘The space reflects a meticulous commitment to craft and technology’

contour of the space, stepping back as they gain height to allow for even light dispersal along the vertical height.

‘A moulding in French Oak frames the display surface of Carrara Marble, each section terminating in push-catch drawers used to replenish stock,’ adds Jenner.

A tasting station in the centre of the store is designed to reflect the pattern in the oak and marble parquet floor and features four hand-made stainless steel samovars, placed at right angles, offering a selection of blended teas throughout the day.

‘The space reflects a meticulous commitment to craft and technology, where traditional techniques are amplified through computer added design,’ concludes Jenner.

The new interior concept will be used in Kusmi Tea stores across the United States as well as emerging markets.

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Joseph Cheaney & Sons Henrietta Street, Covent Garden Design: Checkland Kindleysides Opening date: February 2016 Store size: 50 sq m

Once home to a number of artists and, later, the location of many publishing firms, Henrietta Street in Covent Garden is now a unique shopping destination, focused on offering informal and stylish menswear. It’s latest tenant comes in the form of British footwear brand Joseph Cheaney & Sons, which opened a 50 sq m store in February adjacent to Japanese denim brand Edwin and British heritage label Nigel Cabourn.

Designed by Checkland Kindleysides, the new store marks the fifth opening for Joseph Cheaney in London, following on from Jermyn Street, Lime Street, Bow Lane and Spitalfields. And, just as the character of each neighbourhood differs, so too do the Cheaney stores.

For Henrietta Street, the design brief called for the store to retain the focus on the heritage and craft of shoemaking, while offering a more relaxed feel in keeping with the vibe and character of the area.

The tall arched windows of the shopfront feature large ‘drawing board’ displays as well as a polishing station to promote the store’s complimentary shoe-care service.

Inside, the store is divided into two separate zones; a gallery at the front of the space to present the footwear collections, and a lounge area towards the rear of the store where customers are fitted with their shoes.

The elegance and proportions of the Grade II listed interior, with its high ceilings and large sash windows, are complemented by a pared back concept, with exquisite detailing that tells Cheaney’s story.

‘The store is a contemporary interpretation of our craftsmanship and heritage, championing our skills and values through innovative displays and beautiful detailing,’ says William Church, joint managing director at Joseph Cheaney.

A white cantilevered Corian table in the centre of the store is used to display footwear collections and accessories, as well as provide additional seating for customers trying on shoes. Meanwhile, to the left of the store, ‘drawing board’

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‘The store is a contemporary interpretation of our craftsmanship and heritage’

displays are backlit and cantilevered from the walls making them appear to float in the space. The units incorporate subtle details that become part of the graphic language of the store. Silhouetted forms, for example, are cut out of the boards to reveal assorted grains and colours of burnished Cheaney leathers, as well as examples of the company’s decorative broguing, gimping, sole and heal patterns.

To the right of the store, the wall features brass bound patterns for the brand’s Oxford brogue ‘Arthur III’ and double-buckle monk ‘Edmund’.

Overhead, a canopy of pendant lights with lampshades made of leather brings a sense of drama to the space, making a feature of the height of the store. The fittings have been burnished and polished

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at the company’s factory in Desborough to reflect the footwear collections on display.

At the rear of the store, a portrait of Joseph Cheaney looks out from the wall of the inky blue lounge area, which features a mix of contemporary British and European furniture, as well as a discrete cash desk.

As well as London, Joseph Cheaney & Sons also has stores in Cambridge and Leeds.

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Yeti

Austin, Texas Design: Lauckgroup; Lake Flato; McGarrah Jessee Opening date: February 2017 Store size: 740 sq m Despite it’s urban setting, the new Yeti store in Austin, Texas is designed to immerse visitors in the outdoors. The American premium cooler and drinkware brand opened its first physical retail space on South Congress Avenue in February, offering live entertainment, an expansive indoor/outdoor bar, production customisation zone, outdoor-themed installations and an array of historical artefacts.

‘The Yeti flagship store is a convergence of the lifestyle we stand for, the products we offer and the community we live in,’ says Yeti CEO, Matt Reintjes. ‘It’s a gathering spot for locals and out-of-towners to enjoy

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a cold beer, listen to music, watch a film or learn from a pro.’

Working with design firm, Lauckgroup, architecture firm, Lake Flato, and brand agency, McGarrah Jessee, Yeti has created a retail and community event space that feels more like a museum than a shop.

‘It’s meant to be much more of an immersive Yeti experience than it is to be a transactional space,’ Yeti’s vice president of marketing, Corey Maynard told Fast Company’s Co.Create ahead of the launch.

‘Yes, we’re selling coolers, and you can get drinkware and shirts and hats and stuff, but it was much more important to us that people could have fun with the Yeti brand and see it brought to life in the threedimensional world than just be a place that’s driven by transaction.’

The store takes customers on a journey where they can learn more about the brand and the products they offer. ‘The flagship is different from traditional retail spaces and intended to inspire people to go out and enjoy the wild through experiential installations,’ says a spokesperson for Lauckgroup. The design team has fused everything from the founding family’s story, to the city of Austin’s rich roots, to the building’s history (it was one of the only building’s in the area to survive the 1930s flood).

From the front porch, the lines between indoors and outdoors are blurred. Inside, numerous eye-catching showpieces, such as a 750-pound stuffed bear, a grill once owned by the founder of Franklin Barbecue, and several decorative sharks suspended from the ceiling, showcase the brand as a go-to for outdoor enthusiasts.

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02/03/2017 16:10

fashion, music & retail

SWEET HARMONY: Text: Lyndsey Dennis

Retailers can take a lot from the music industry as boundaries between artists and retailers blur, finds Retail Focus.

‘Bricks ‘n’ mortar retailers can up their game in terms of experience by being a little more rock ‘n’ roll,’ says Alasdair Lennox, executive creative director, EMEA at FITCH. Lennox held a seminar at EuroShop earlier this month, discussing ‘Shopkeeping to Thrill Seeking: What Retailers Can Learn From Music Festivals.’

‘If you think about music festivals, they hold the power of visceral experience. Live gigs are about more than just listening to the music as you would from your living room; they are multisensorial and give the audience the chance to become immersed and engaged in the moment,’ he says.

Lennox says stores need to start thinking of themselves as a performance space too. ‘Rather than obsess about space metre-age and density of merchandise, metrics should be more about the time spent within the environment and frequency of customer return. Live music festivals have personalities that breed excitement and emotion. Why shouldn’t retailers offer that similar experience? If they offer an experience that makes for lasting memories then this will undoubtedly leave customers coming back for more.

‘Our founder, the late Rodney Fitch, was

quoted saying: “Retail is at the crossroads of culture and commerce”. This quote nails it for me, as in I do not see any reason for a boundary or division between the music industry and retail industry. All artists need a stage; a podium, and what better way to showcase your talent, to perform and connect with your fans than by becoming part of their everyday lives? Merchandising and music have long had a connection.

Think of live gigs, where you can pick up anything from branded t-shirts to mugs and even CDs. With so many artists now becoming household brand names, it makes perfect sense for them to move their brand into the retail space. It’s the optimum showground for artists and can offer customers something close to a theatrical event on the high street. Brands and retailers can and should capitalise on the collective power of their customers – and this is what artists like Kanye West, The 1975 and Avenged Sevenfold have done with their pop-up stores. They’ve quite cleverly mobilised people and driven their desire to experience and interact with their products in-store,’ says Lennox.

He cites Topshop Oxford Street as a great example of how fashion, music and

Above: House of Vans is purely an experiential space — you can’t buy a pair of Vans but you can see intimate gigs there.

retail merge more within the physical space, with its live-streamed catwalk shows during London Fashion Week.

‘As this starts to happen, mind sets will evolve and retailers will feel they have the right to become thrill seekers, brands will act more like rock bands and designers will facilitate it all. The future of bricks ‘n’ mortar will become the heartland for stirring emotions — much like the multisensorial music festivals we’ve come to cherish.’

A study by Harris Group found that 72 per cent of millennials prefer to spend more money on experiences than on material things. ‘If retailers can offer something bigger than just a place to transact, they’ll be able to pull in much bigger audiences,’ says Ross bailey, founder of Appear Here, which specialises in finding temporary spaces for brands.

‘Already we’re seeing the boundaries blur between artists and retailers, with singers like Justin Bieber partnering with fashion retailers to design exclusive tour merchandise and stores beginning to hold their own gigs in store. The success of these early projects suggests that we haven’t seen the last of it.’

In February, grime artist Stormzy took over one of the retail spaces listed on Appear Here to host a secret gig, and there’s another major artist currently looking for a store for his latest project.

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fashion, music & retail

Bailey says there are three key actions that brands and retailers can take from the music scene when considering pop-ups:

1. Collaborate with like-minded brands.

Not only does this help increase footfall, but it also turns the pop-up into more of an ‘event.’ The increasing popularity of music festivals over solo gigs is a great example of this.

2. Make it exclusive. The pop-up doesn’t have to last for a long time. If anything, a shorter pop-up creates more hype and uses the idea of scarcity to encourage people to come into the shop before it’s gone.

3. Connect with a key moment. In the music scene, artists will build the hype around an album launch, festival or upcoming anniversary. By attaching yourself to a big moment you can capitalise on the hype that’s already built up around it and create a bigger experience as a result.

Pop-ups work well for artists, and are usually timed around an album launch and tour. ‘The music industry has found a new fan experience. By making merch a bigger part of the whole experience they’ve created a new, more accessible way for artists and bands to connect with their fans.

Physical stores are another outlet for them to explore their creativity and bring their inspiration behind their music to life. These physical spaces give fans another glimpse into their world and what they stand for,’ says Bailey.

Stores are also a more accessible way for fans to reach them than concert tickets.

Kanye West’s Life of Pablo pop-ups only lasted for 24 hours, but they launched in prime shopping destinations in 21 cities around the world. It took the Life of Pablo tour, quite literally, to the streets.

The pop-up Jamie XX launched to promote his hit single ‘Good Times’ is also a good example of how a retail experience can work well for artists. The team turned a small boutique on the Kingsland Road into a kaleidoscopic record store to promote Good Times. The success of the store was helped by collaborations with local businesses, as well as the launch of an in-house pop-up radio station featuring some of Jamie’s popular contemporaries.

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By partnering with other brands and creatives, Jamie XX was able to create a bigger story around the launch of his single and give fans a bigger experience of it.

American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold held pop-ups in New York, Los Angeles and The Vlauder Lauder General Store in Camden Market to coincide with The Stage World Tour and its two concerts at The O2. The pop-ups stocked a variety of merchandise and limited-edition items, as well as offering fans a meet and greet with the band.

Several artists have their own fashion lines — artist Paul Weller and retailer Phil Bickley have collaborated on Real Stars Are Rare; Beyonce’s Ivy Park and Liam Gallagher’s Pretty Green to name a few.

The latter is a great example of fashion and music collaboration. Founded in 2009 by former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher, the brand unites people through a love of music and fashion. The three-storey Carnaby Street store is named after a track

by The Jam, and includes a vinyl section and events space.

Carnaby Street has its roots firmly in the music world, including the Swinging 60s and the punk movement in the 80s, home to Mods, Skinheads, Punks and New Romantics. Music stars including Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks and style icons Brigitte Bardot and Elizabeth Taylor were all Carnaby Street regulars in the 60s.

Legendary hip-hop record store Deal Real opened its doors in 2002 on Marlborough Court. The venue hosted the likes of Amy Winehouse, Kanye West, Mark Ronson, John Legend, Mos Def and Lupe Fiasco. It became London’s epicentre for hip-hop and urban youth-culture, responsible for showcasing, supporting and nurturing a wealth of burgeoning talent, many of whom went on to attain mainstream success. Deal Real was brought back to life in 2015 with the Deal Real Legacy pop-up shop at 14 Newburgh Street.

In 2012 Carnaby London collaborated with The Rolling Stones to celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary. Today, Carnaby Echoes, a walking tour app, traces the vibrant music history from the opening of Jazz club Murray’s on Beak Street in 1913 through to the present day.

Adidas Originals on Foubert’s Place had a signing with Stormzy in February and has strong ties to Kayne West, launching his

fashion, music & retail

Yeezy boosts in the flagship store in person.

It has also collaborated with Rita Ora and Pharrell Williams.

Meanwhile, Dr. Martens is opening a new store in Camden Market in April. The brand’s designs were first sold in the area at The British Boot Company shop, which became a favourite haunt of bands such as the Sex Pistols and Madness. The new 371 sq m space will house its European flagship store, a virtual footwear experience, a mini museum with rare pieces from music legends, and a live music lounge.

Dr. Martens has partnered with speaker maestros Marshalls on a custom-designed space for a constantly changing series of gigs and events.

For Dr. Martens’ latest windows, Harlequin Design drew inspiration from the new Bandana collection along with authentic speakers, amps and electrical equipment from Marshall paying homage to the long-standing history between the brand and the music industry.

House of Vans under Waterloo Station is a noteworthy experiential space with strong music links. The venue is purely an experiential space — you can’t buy a pair of Vans there but you can see intimate gigs and watch films.

‘There is a need to give our consumers a physical touch point to our brand. An experience that enables them to truly feel part of something which is incredibly important to an inclusive brand like Vans.

Music is incredibly important to the brand and is deeply rooted into our DNA,’ says Janine Hearn, senior brand marketing manager at Vans.

Topshop and Topman embraced the music festival scene by opening a sensory balloon room inspired pop-up for the Wanderland Music and Arts Festival in the Philippines. The pop-up was designed in house in collaboration with SFD, subsequently working with manufacturers in the Philippines to produce and install on site at the festival. Visitors were encouraged to take selfies with the balloons and share on Instagram. Freebies at the booth included tote bags with five limited-edition designs, sweet treats, refreshments and a Topshop and Topman magazine.

The future of fashion, music and retail is an exciting one, bringing fans closer to their idols in a more accessible, experiential and memorable environment on the high street.

Left from top: Harlequin’s latest collaboration with Dr. Martens draws inspiration from the new Bandana range along with authentic speakers, amps and electrical equipment from Marshall paying homage to the longstanding history between the brand and the music industry.

Avenged Sevenfold held pop-ups in New York, Los Angeles and London to coincide with The Stage World Tour and its two concerts at The O2.

Carnaby Street has its roots firmly in the music world, spanning as far back as the 1950s.

Below: Pretty Green on Carnaby Street is named after a track by The Jam and includes a vinyl section and events space for live music.

Topshop and Topman opened a sensory balloon room-inspired pop-up for the Wanderland Music and Arts Festival in the Philippines.

Jamie XX’s pop-up on Kingsland Road, London launched to promote his hit single ‘Good Times’, and collaborated with local businesses as well as launching an in-house pop-up radio station featuring some of Jamie’s popular contemporaries.

Kanye West’s Life of Pablo pop-ups only lasted for 24 hours, in 21 cities around the world.

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2015-02-10 Mix.indd 1

10/02/2015 15:48:41

TECHNOLOGY Focus

Rise of the machines

The robots are coming

News : RBTE preview Opinion : Product showcase

Flash to go here

Welcome It is now six years since Retail Business Technology Expo first launched in London. In that time, it has grown to become one of Europe’s biggest annual events for retail and hospitality, with May’s edition (along with Retail Design Expo and Retail Digital Signage Expo) expected to attract more than 17,000 visitors. With so much to see and discover, we’ve put together a preview with key features and conference highlights (pages 57-59).

In this special technology supplement, we also bring you the latest news from the sector and discuss the rise of robots on the shop floor.

Enjoy!

Gemma Balmford

49 News technology

focus www.retail-focus.co.uk

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

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

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

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

rise of 51 The the machines

55 Opinion 57-59 RBTE: Immerse yourself 49 News The latest from the retail technology sector.

51 The rise of the machines Are robots set to revolutionise the in-store shopping experience?

55 Opinion Jason Burrell, sales director for retail EMEA, Honeywell, discusses what we should take away from NRF’s Big Show in January.

57-59 RBTE: Immerse yourself 47Log on to the latest technology developments at Retail Business Technology Expo 2017.

60-62 Products Products and services for the retail technology industry.

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

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tech news

TECH NEWS Gap tests new virtual dressing room app

Philips Lighting installs first supermarket with indoor positioning

Image courtesy of Cityscape

A new app that gives customers a fresh way to try on their favourite Gap styles anywhere they want was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January. The DressingRoom app by Gap was created to help customers virtually ‘try on’ clothing through a smartphone augmented reality experience.

Shoppers simply choose a Gap style they might be interested in purchasing, then they select one of five body types featured in the app so they can ‘try on’ the item of clothing from anywhere on a Google Tango-enabled device, and if they like it can buy it online.

The DressingRoom by Gap app was created in collaboration with Avametric, an SF-based app developer, and Google.

‘Technology gives customers incredible autonomy around the shopping experience and it’s our responsibility to constantly explore new ways to make the shopping experience effortless and pursue solutions that will add value to the customer experience.

The DressingRoom by Gap pilot app is just one element of our longer-term strategic plan in this space,’ says Gil Krakowsky, VP global strategy and business development at Gap.

Immerse yourself in VR and AR AR & VR World returns for a second year at ExCel London on 13-15 June 2017, providing a great source of understanding regarding augmented and virtual reality.

Featuring keynote presentations, demos and debates from a wide range of leading industry speakers, VR & AR World unites the entire VR and AR industry to meet, network and do business under one roof. The show takes place as part of London Tech Week’s expo, TechXLR8, so visitors can also take advantage of enhanced business opportunities, meeting and networking with 15,000 professionals at the forefront of technological advancement across IoT, 5G, DevOps, cloud, apps, connected cars, AI and robotics. Visit tmt.knect365.com/vr-ar-world to find out more.

EDEKA Paschmann supermarket in Düsseldorf is the first to pioneer Philips Lighting’s indoor positioning. In collaboration with its Location Lab partner Favendo, Philips Lighting delivered a new app for smartphones that gives shoppers access to location-based services, such as finding items at the EDEKA Paschmann’s 2,400 sq m shop area, with an accuracy of 30cm.

EDEKA Paschmann is also the first retailer to benefit from the newly introduced downlights and spotlights that are compatible with Philips’ indoor positioning system.

‘Philips’ indoor positioning system delivers real value and easy navigation for both the customer and the retailer,’ says Falk W. Paschmann, managing director at EDEKA. ‘We are convinced that this system is future proof, especially for larger stores and not only targeted for the younger clientele. Customers without smartphones will also benefit from the service, as our staff can use the app to search for goods faster and more reliably. Restocking the shelves is also much simpler with this navigation system.’

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@retailfocus

+ +

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robots

rise

The of the machines Text: Gemma Balmford

Are robots set to revolutionise the in-store shopping experience?

The current Robots exhibition at the Science Museum in London explores humanity’s 500-year quest to reimagine ourselves as machines. With more than 100 robots on display, including 12 working models, the exhibition encourages visitors to imagine what a shared future with robots would be like. In retail, robots are already helping to improve processes, management and the customer experience, but it seems there is much more yet to come, at least if the National Retail Federation’s Big Show 2017 in New York and EuroShop in Düsseldorf is anything to go by.

‘In 2017, robotics is poised to truly transform the retail landscape, for shoppers and retailers alike,’ says Steve Carlin, vice president and general manager of Softbank Robotics America, which makes and markets humanoid and programmable robots. At NRF’s Big Show in January, the company demonstrated new applications for Pepper, the humanoid robot, in retail to increase sales, innovate the customer experience and provide real-time business analytics.

‘Pepper has the functionality and form factor to serve customers with the information and brand interaction they need to make smart and informed decisions, while allowing the retailer to monitor engagement and collect new customer insights that can be critical for growing a business in a crowded market place,’ explains Carlin.

Pepper — one of the working robots currently on display at the Science Museum — has been used in stores in Japan for several years and in 2016, was introduced at two Westfield shopping centres in California to welcome shoppers. The humanoid is also being used in a number of Carrefour stores across France and Spain to welcome, advise, inform and entertain shoppers.

As well as NRF’s Big Show, Pepper has also made an

appearance at this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and EuroShop in Düsseldorf.

‘Offering a form factor that is approachable and friendly, Pepper can proactively provide a personalised message to customers,’ says Softbank Robotics America. ‘With large expressive eyes and lifelike movements and gestures, the four-foot-tall humanoid robot was designed to interact and communicate with customers. When integrated into an in-store marketing mix, Pepper becomes a relationship management platform and an extension of the company’s on-going targeted communication strategy.’

In San Francisco earlier this year, Cafe X Technologies opened its first fully automated robotic cafe, which aims to ‘eliminate the variabilities that bog down today’s coffee experience’. Working closely with local coffee roaster partners, the cafe sets itself apart by removing on-site wait times and the potential for preparation error. ‘I’ve long been a big coffee consumer and there’s never a guaranteed seamless experience,’ says founder and CEO, Henry Hu. ‘In today’s world, you have two options for getting a cup of coffee: you’re either in and out with something subpar, or you’re waiting in a 15-minute line for a great cappuccino. I started Cafe X to eliminate that inherent compromise and give people access to a tasty cup of coffee consistently and conveniently.’

Customers can order customised espresso-based beverages on the spot at the ordering kiosk or they can download the Cafe X app onto their mobile device to order in advance. Once the beverage is ready, customers use the touch screens on the robotic cafe to type in a four-digit order number, which is either sent via text message or displayed on the Cafe X mobile app for iOS and Android.

Image: Cafe X Technologies opened its first fully automated robotic cafe in San Francisco earlier this year.

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robots

Above: Paul the robot greets customers at the Saturn store in Ingolstadt, Germany.

Bottom left: The Dream section of the Robots exhibition at the Science Museum in London. The exhibition is open until 3 September 2017 (Image: Plastiques Photography).

Bottom right: Pepper the robot is designed to welcome, advise, inform and entertain shoppers.

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The Mitsubishi robot arm will then identify the customer’s drink from the waiting stations and deliver it within seconds.

‘This won’t replace baristas or the coffee shop experience that so many people have come to love —­­­ we don’t aim to do that,’ says Hu. ‘What we’re offering is the best possible experience for people who are looking for consistent specialty coffee to-go.’

According to Deloitte, robots are set to be one of the top five retail trends in 2017.

‘Robotic technology has long played a role in retail but in recent years we have seen the number and scope of user cases (moving from the back to the front office) increase dramatically, fuelled by the incorporation of ever more powerful AI,’ says the business advisory firm.

At EuroShop in Düsseldorf this month, K.U.L.T. Objekt presented its QRunning shoe shop concept, whereby pick and pack robots from Munich robotics company Magazino are used to collect shoes in the right size and style, and deliver them direct to customers on the shop floor. The Toru Cube robots, which are used to pick and stow shoe boxes, parcels and books in ecommerce warehouses, become visible to customers in this futuristic store concept as they locate, collect and deliver shoes to customers to try on.

At the Retail Technology Awards Europe ceremony held during EuroShop, Paul the Robot walked away with one of the three awards in the Best Customer Experience category. The robotic sales assistant, developed by Fraunhofer, is currently based at the electronics store Saturn in Ingolstadt,

Germany where it greets customers and shows them the way to the products they are looking for in store. Designed especially for use in the retail sector, Paul uses a semantic dialog system that enables context-aware speech interaction and he can also detect customers’ emotions, gender and age.

Bhavesh Unadkat, principal consultant in retail customer engagement design at Capgemini, believes that initially incorporating robotics in store may be a challenge, but only time will tell. ‘Provided in-store robotic technology is actually improving the customer experience and has relevance to them, as opposed to simply having the novelty factor, then customer reactions should be positive,’ he says.

‘The difficulty here will be the transition from having a conversation between a customer and a shop assistant, to having a conversation between a customer and a robot. This will only work if engaging with robots is at least as easy and convenient as engaging with a human shop assistant, and ideally offers some convenience that the customer could not get otherwise.’

Andrew Bowyer, digital director at Green Room Design, thinks that we can learn from self-service checkouts. ‘No customer asked for them but eventually, given little other option, we stopped moaning and started scanning,’ he says. ‘We can be convinced that they make for a quicker shopping experience, but there is the nagging feeling that they are the retailer’s subtle way of letting me know they don’t care about me. If robots are used to cut staff costs at the risk of eroding the shopping experience, is this a worthwhile cost saving?

‘Robots will make a real impact at the ends of the market: making premium products more unique, and getting commodity items off the shelf and into my cupboard at the lowest cost,’ continues Bowyer. ‘Finding a role for them that enhances the shopping experience in the mass middle is the big challenge.’

Show highlights include:

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opinion

INNOVATIONS, CONNECTIONS, SOLUTIONS Jason Burrell, sales director for retail EMEA, Honeywell, discusses what we should take away from Retail’s BIG Show held in New York City, in January.

For bricks-and-mortar stores, success is fundamentally about creating engaging experiences for customers. Following one of the biggest retail industry shows of the year, Retail’s BIG Show, which took place in January, it is clear that creating intimate and convenient shopping experiences will continue to be a focus for all companies.

There were two clear trends that came out of the NRF event that look certain to shape the retail sector in 2017: the idea that consumers are both empowered digitally, and at the same time, they expect retailers to meet their high expectations for an in-store shopping experience.

Empowered customers If these past few years have taught us anything, it is that the penetration of technology in retail is growing. It has not replaced the human element, but has boosted it, heightening the retailer’s connection with customers. eMarketer predicts that retail ecommerce sales will hit $4.058 trillion in 2020, making up 14.6 per cent of total retail spending. Indeed, the proportion of sales completed in store remains high at 90 per cent, demonstrating just how important the in-store experience is to sales.

However, in a merging of the best of both worlds, shoppers have started to connect their bricks-and-mortar experiences with several other channels.

For this reason, customers now possess more power than ever before, with increased product choice and information.

Additionally, with the use of digital communications, retailers can become even more efficient in the way they drive sales.

Through pushing recent promotions and discounts via devices, not only do customers benefit from more options, but

retailers will also see an impact on the bottom line. The use of mobile technology means the number of customer touch points has increased, giving shoppers more control and power over their shopping experience than ever before.

In-store experience expectations Now that customers have become digitally empowered, this has had a knock-on effect on overall expectations around customer experience. Indeed, shopping online has offered a rich user experience, but with this in mind, expectations for physical stores are beginning to change.

Customers are eager for retailers to improve every aspect of the store, all the way down to interactions with store associates. No longer can stores be a

space for merely buying products, but must also both entertain and engage customers in innovative and unique ways.

Personalising every touch point and contextualising experiences is essential.

An increase in in-store technology for sales associates will not only increase ROI but will in fact engender customer loyalty.

One example involves mobile technology, such as handheld computers, for workers.

Store associates can use the devices to quickly access inventory data to prevent unhappy customers from turning to online shopping if the item they are searching for is out of stock. As retailers start to build upon such consumer expectation to engage with stores in new ways, the sector will soon be transformed for the better.

www.honeywell.com

Retail’s BIG Show 2018 Taking place in New York City, NRF’s Annual Convention & EXPO earned the nickname ‘Retail’s BIG Show’ years ago and because the name was so appropriate, it stuck. Today, Retail’s BIG Show is NRF’s flagship event held annually in New York City. The next event takes place from 14-16 January 2018.

Photo courtesy of The National Retail Federation

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Europe’s BIGGEST, BEST and FASTEST GROWING annual event for retail and hospitality

SEE THE FUTURE OF RETAILING At RBTE, Europe’s largest retail event, you will find out how to boost sales, reduce costs, improve margins and enhance customer engagement.

RBTE IS YOUR EVENT! FREE conference programme featuring leading international retailers | Dedicated Payments Theatre Innovation Trail & Awards | Over 350 exhibitors Extensive Networking ALL UNDER ONE ROOF AND FREE TO ATTEND

“I was amazed to see the extent of the suppliers at RBTE and the offerings they have. It’s fantastic, actually.”

Steve Johnson, Head of Central Operations, Carpetright

“RBTE as one of the biggest of its kind in Europe, offers a great opportunity to catch up on all the innovation that is constantly happening in the retail business. Great event.”

Oliver Rist, Development Manager, Coop Estonia

8-9 May 2017 Olympia Grand, London

CO-LOCATED WITH

www.rbtexpo.com | +44 (0) 208 874 2728 RBTE 2017 A1 Retail 210x197.indd 1

18/11/2016 19:44

show preview

IMMERSE YOURSELF Text: Lyndsey Dennis

Discover the latest technology developments at Retail Business Technology Expo (RBTE) in May. With its biggest ever floorplan to date, Retail Business Technology Expo (RBTE) is gearing up to be a vital resource for those wishing to experience the latest technology developments for the retail and hospitality sectors. The show is co-located at Olympia London with sister exhibitions Retail Design Expo (RDE) and Retail Digital Signage Expo (RDSE).

In addition to 370-plus suppliers exhibiting, an extensive free conference programme will run over the two-day show across three theatres, featuring leading expert speakers in more than 130 sessions, covering the full customer experience including omnichannel solutions, payments, loyalty, supply chain, loss prevention, eCommerce, RFID and analytics. There are also numerous networking opportunities, innovation trails and awards.

Key show features The Innovation Awards & Trail, sponsored by Aptos Launched at RBTE 2015, the RBTE Innovation programme is now a hugely important part of the show. Exhibitors are invited to submit entries to take part in the Innovation Trail and Awards. The entries will be reviewed by a judging panel of experts, and shortlisted entries will be featured in the Innovation Trail at the show and highlighted on the ‘Winners Wall’, with the overall winner being announced on the first day at the Big Party.

Payments Theatre in association with Barclaycard In 2016 RBTE greatly increased the focus on payments. The dedicated Payments Theatre in partnership with Barclaycard will feature numerous retailers together with other payment industry experts to cover all the essential issues being faced in the current highly innovative and disruptive payments market.

K3 Retailer Lounge The perfect retreat for retailers to relax and network in a vendor free area. Drop in, grab a coffee and take some time to plan your visit.

PayPal CHILL & CHARGE LOUNGE The PayPal Chill & Charge Lounge provides the ideal spot to recharge your batteries (literally). Take advantage of free wifi, have a meeting over coffee or catch up on emails.

The gloodoo Champagne Bar The Champagne Bar, sponsored by gloodoo, takes centre stage at RBTE and is situated right in the heart of the show, offering the ideal venue for networking. The Big Party, hosted by DILAX, takes part in the Champagne Bar on the first evening of the show at 16:30-17:30.

Conference programme RBTE’s comprehensive free conference programme has been shaped by the industry, for the industry, via a committed steering committee, ensuring attendees are abreast of the latest innovations, key topics and case studies in the industry.

This informative and interactive programme will see more than 100 speakers deliver 130-plus independent presentations and discussions, across three conference theatres.

Covering the full customer experience from omnichannel solutions, payments, loyalty, supply chain, loss prevention, eCommerce, RFID and analytics, all the sessions are designed to inspire and provide valuable insights and practical plans of action for visitors to take away and implement.

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show preview

Conference highlights Monday 8 May

Tuesday 9 May

10:20

10:30

Keynote: Using iPads as a semi tool in the store to INCREASE

Keynote: How Tesco is investigating ways to use the

THE CUSTOMER EXPERiENCE (Conference Theatre 1)

Internet of Things to enhance the shopping experience

Frank Muzika, UK lead executive, Toys R Us

(Conference Theatre 2) Paul Wilkinson, head of technology research, Tesco Labs

11:00 From 6 to 21 tills – lessons learnt from a cashless store

10:30

(Payments Conference – in partnership with Barclaycard) Vincent McKevitt, founder of Tossed

Keynote: Changing room habits and tomorrow’s shoppers

11:40 Panel discussion: Innovation in retail (Conference Theatre 2) Martin Goldstein, head of purchasing, River Island; Alexander Allen, director of strategy and business development, Maplin; Steve Moore, director of connected home, Dixons Carphone; Gemma Jennings, senior manager of strategy, John Lewis and Spencer Izard, chief analyst, Ovum

stuck with today’s problems

(Payments Conference – in partnership with Barclaycard) Anita Liu Harvey, vice president of strategy and innovation, Barclaycard 12:40 RETAIl FUTUROLOGY - OVERVIEW (Payments Conference – in

partnership with Barclaycard) Natasha Toothhill, director of retail engagement, Visa Europe

13:35

14:00

How made.com reinvented commerce with conversational

How John Lewis enhances the shopping jourNey in store

shopping (Conference Theatre 2)

Rebecca Ruddle, head of showrooms, made.com and Adam Levene, founder and CEO, Hero

(Conference Theatre 2) Sean O’Connor, head of product for buy, mobile and customer experience, John Lewis

14:45

14:40

Panel discussion: In-store and remote mobile payments

Panel discussion: How virtual and augmented reality is

(Payments Conference – in partnership with Barclaycard) Mark Beresford, director - head of retail payments practice, Edgar, Dunn & Company; Janine Albrecht-Webb, GM digital & technical marketing integration, Shell Retail and Liam Spence, head of product, Pay By Bank App

impacting retail (Conference Theatre 1) Craig Crawford, IT strategist, Crawford IT; Lara Marrero, retail practice area leader, senior associate, Gensler and Cedric Guyot, CEO of Kantar Retail - Virtual Reality

14:40 14:45

Panel discussion: The Connected Store of the Future

Panel discussion: Reimagining retail stores for mobile

(Conference Theatre 2) Moderator: Caroline Baldwin, deputy editor, Essential Retail; Charles de Clerk, IT customer relations manager, Waitrose; Richard Hewitt, head of digital stores, Marks & Spencer; Alex MacPherson, director of solution consulting and account management, Manhattan Associates

shoppers (Conference Theatre 2)

Simon Blosse, director in retail, management consulting, Accenture UK; Karen Harris, managing director, Intu Digital; Dave Abbott, retail omnichannel manager, The Dune Group and Rupal Karia, managing director of retail and hospitality, Fujitsu.

15:40 Merging the physical and digital channels

(Payments Conference – in partnership with Barclaycard) Vicky Dring, senior omni-channel proposition owner of payments, Boots and Simon Curtis, head of retail and strategic accounts, WorldPay 16:15 Lola’s Cupcake: Focus on tech – automation and the human element (Conference Theatre 1)

Asher Budwig, managing director, Lola’s Cupcakes and Chris McCullough, CEO and co-founder, Rotageek

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For the full conference programme, visit www.retailbusinesstechnologyexpo.com

show preview

Retail Digital Signage Expo Introduced in 2016, Retail Digital Signage Expo (RDSE) will run alongside Retail Business Technology Expo and Retail Design Expo, and has become an official participant in London Digitial Signage Week as the exclusive industry event sponsor. RDSE will more than double in size for 2017.

RDSE is a dedicated event featuring the entire range of suppliers, from screens and kiosks, integrators and AV specialists to content management, media players, networking solutions and more. In addition to the huge range of vendors, the topic will be widely addressed in both the RBTE and RDE conference programmes, and the show’s own dedicated conference theatre.

To find out more, visit www.retaildigitalsignageexpo.com

When and where Olympia London Monday 8 May 2017

9.30am-5pm

Tuesday 9 May 2017

9.30am-5pm

rbtexpo #RBTE2017 www.retailbusinesstechnologyexpo.com All information correct at time of going to print

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products

RBTE CHD Europe - Stand 273 The All In One POS System CHD6800 (AndroidTM 5.0) is designed and built by professionals for retailers that demand reliability at the sales point.

Modern and stylish design includes 10in touch screen display, 58mm fast, reliable thermal printer and a customer display. Device is completely noise free, easy to maintenance and service. It is built for 24/7 operations with a life expectancy of 7+ years. For retailers, a CHD miniPOS sales software is available with additional cloud-based back office to expand features.

T. +37 167802812 E: info@chdeurope.com www.chdeurope.com

RetailStore powered by Cybertill - Stand 531 RetailStore is an advanced Cloud-based retail software management solution for intelligent and scalable multichannel retailing. Powered by Cybertill, the pioneer of Cloud EPoS, RetailStore enables retailers to go beyond transaction and become a holistic point of service and engagement at every touchpoint whether online, in store or mobile. As an intelligent Cloud data core, RetailStore provides a single and modular platform to drive every aspect of the operation from EPoS, promotions and loyalty through to warehousing and merchandising. Streaming real time data to every point, RetailStore optimises your profits and delivers great customer experiences.

T. +44 (0)151 545 2050 E: enquiries@ retailstore.co.uk www.retailstore.co.uk Twitter: cybertill

Futura Retail Solutions - Stand 556 Futura Retail Solutions will showcase a brand new real-time, points-based, loyalty card system at RBTE 2017, designed to encourage brand loyalty and give retailers a valid reason to contact their customers directly. It interfaces seamlessly with the company’s FuturaERS head office and EPOS technology, plus other third party systems. Squirrel Loyalty is a flexible loyalty solution, ensures incentives and rewards are consistent across channels, and up-to-date customer and purchase data is available in real-time, anywhere in the business, for analysis of customer shopping behaviour. Real-time integration with other web and e-commerce solutions plus live links to CRM and marketing systems drives email marketing and promotions based on customer preferences and purchasing data.

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

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SIX Payment Services - Stand 597 SIX Payment Services offers financial institutions and merchants secure, innovative services along the entire value chain of cashless payments. Its tailor-made solutions include settlement of domestic and international payments by credit, debit and pre-paid card. The cCredit software terminal brings all of your branches under one roof for your card payments. A standardised payment structure, centrally managed, and available in 22 countries across Europe. The software terminal can be integrated into your POS system easily and flexibly.

T. +41 58 399 2111 E: lead.ch@six-payment-services.com www.six-payment-services.com Twitter: sixgroup

products

RBTE & RDSE MRG Systems - Stand C40 in RDSE LiveSpace is a new and direct way of managing content on digital signage screens. Head office generate promotions that local stores choose to display on designated screens. The coffee shop manager may be keen to reduce stock close to its sell-by-date. Equally, the large department store might choose to promote its range of ladies raincoats on a rainy day. This localisation feature in LiveSpace is a fresh look at making digital signage more responsive and relevant at the coal face. Local managers become more engaged when given the opportunity to influence the success of their unit or department through tailored advertising.

T. +44 (0)1453 820 840 E: sales@mrgsystems.co.uk www.mrgsystems.co.uk Twitter: MRGsystems

StorIQ - Stand 895 in RBTE StorIQ is razor-focused on retail operations and store communication. Its cloud-based software-as-a-service helps retail operations stakeholders (store managers, area managers, visual merchandising and head office) improve the performance of the retail portfolio through better communication and task management. Since its inception, StorIQ’s vision has been to provide a global solution, ensuring cloud deployment and internationalisation capability. StorIQ is now available in 17 languages and deployed in 33 countries.

T. +44 (0)20 3290 6602 E: info@storiq.net www.storiq.net Twitter: StorIQnet

Retail Assist - Stand 235 in RBTE Want to save 30 per cent of your IT costs? Retail Assist implements and supports technology for leading global brands in the retail and hospitality sectors. Its outsourced service model is selected by brands with limited in-house IT resource or poor service providers, looking to improve business performance and save costs. From POS implementations to 24 x 7 IT support, data exchange to store openings, Retail Assist offers a scalable range of managed services to suit your requirements. With 10X better performance than industry average IT Support, we’re also the ‘Best Managed Service Desk’ globally. Get in touch with the team to arrange a meeting.

T. +44 (0)115 904 2777 E. info@retail-assist.co.uk www.retail-assist.co.uk Twitter: RetailAssist

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IBASE Europe - Stand B44 in RDSE IBASE Technology, a leading manufacturer in digital signage players, is introducing its flagship SI-60E video wall player at the show. With 12 HDMI outputs for 12 full HD screens, the SI-60E displays a video wall with a total resolution of 7680 x 3240 in a 4x3 landscape configuration. Unlike other video wall players that use plug-in graphic cards, the SI-60E is designed from the ground up, utilising an Intel i7 Quad Core CPU and AMD E8860 discrete GPU assembled to one single main board to offer the highest reliability.

T. +44 (0)1438 842 300 E: sales@ibase-europe.com www.ibase-europe.com Twitter: ibase_europe

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Flash albemarle to gostreet here

Albemarle Street

Text: Gemma Balmford

In London’s upmarket Mayfair district sits a street with extraordinary historic ties to British culture and leisure, balanced by the presence of some of the world’s top designers and restaurants.

In 1837, London’s first truly luxury hotel, Brown’s, opened on Albemarle Street and the influx of wealthy merchants, businessmen and visitors to the hotel started the area’s association with luxury boutiques, restaurants and antique shops, according to Mayfair estate agent Wetherell. Fast-forward to today and the street, which sits between Dover Street and Old Bond Street off Piccadilly, is home to some of the world’s top designers, restaurants and art galleries.

In the last decade particularly, there has been a marked rise in the number of luxury brands opening stores on Albemarle Street, which according to Savills, has been driven by a number of interacting factors. ‘The first has been the growth in luxury spend and with it, the demand for space from luxury brands,’ says Marie Hickey, director of Savills commercial research. ‘The improved availability and lower occupational costs also allowed brands to take larger units in order to create flagship brand “experiences”; something that would be more difficult to achieve on Bond Street.’

The nature of the street and the fact it is not a ‘typical’ retail location has also appealed to certain brands looking for something a bit different, claims Hickey.

The street’s transformation is being carefully curated by Trophaeum Asset Management, which aims to reimagine the area

Top : GlobeTrotter opened in 2014 with a frontage designed by Christopher Jenner.

Right : Alexander Wang

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albemarle Flash to gostreet here

as a retail-focused lifestyle destination as opposed to a purely retail street. ‘The idea is that people can come to Albemarle Street and spend all day here if they wanted to,’ says Matt Farrell, retail director at Trophaeum. ‘This has meant diversifying the mix of occupiers on the street to encompass a wider range of services, from hotels, restaurants and bars, to galleries, fashion stores and jewellery boutiques.’

In recent times, Italian footwear brands Aquazzura and Casadei have both opened their first UK stores on the street, and later this year US fashion brand Thom Brown is expected to join them with its debut UK store. In addition, Moncler will be expanding its Bond Street store to incorporate a new frontage and opening on Albemarle Street.

Isabel, the sister restaurant to the popular Notting Hill restaurant, Casa Cruz, is also opening on the street imminently.

‘The reimagined Albemarle Street manages to strike a delicate balance between old and new, high-end and creative; continuing to be a dynamic retail and cultural hub within London Luxury Quarter,’ says Mark Henderson, chairman of London Luxury Quarter.

‘Albemarle will continue to be an attractive location for luxury brands wanting something a bit different while still being in close proximity to Bond Street,’ adds Hickey. ‘[However], we’re unlikely to see the same rate of change in the profile of retailers that we have seen over the last five years. Any future change will be driven by trends seen in the wider global luxury market. With London ranking top in our retail destination index, the city’s and its luxury streets attractiveness to luxury brands will continue.’

Above : The Amanda Wakeley flagship store is elegant and simple.

Below : Italian footwear brand Casadei opened its debut UK store on Albemarle Street in November 2016, designed

by Cesare Casadei in collaboration with architect Marco Costanzi. Photography: Hufton+Crow

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opinion

E-tailers move back to physical retail With the likes of online giants Amazon and Alibaba muscling into the very market they disrupted – physical retail – how can other ecommerce brands find a home in bricks ‘n’ mortar, asks Jocelyn Deborne, executive producer at FITCH EMEA.

The growth of online retailing is seemingly gathering pace. Wal-Mart announced in February that it would buy out outdoor apparel specialist online retailer, Moosejaw, for $51 million in an attempt to challenge Amazon’s 43 per cent stranglehold on the online retailing market.

Meanwhile, Tesco announced 1,000 job losses in January as it sought to simplify its ‘behind the scene’ operations and adapt to an increasingly online world. This is only part of the story.

Some digital-first brands are shifting their focus away from purely online strategies. YouTube opened its first Creators Store in London last year, with international expansion plans on the cards. Dyson opened The Dyson Demo retail space in July 2016 on London’s Oxford Street, aiming to educate consumers about the scientific concepts behind products before they buy.

This 2016 trend is not expected to abate, with increased multichannel retail adoption and experimentation.

Online giant Amazon opened its first physical (and cashier-less) store in Seattle in January, and patented another in the UK. It also bid for US clothing retailer American Apparel. Even China’s Alibaba is muscling into the very market it disrupted by bidding for a department store on home soil, along with joining forces with China’s largest retailer, Bailian Group.

So, why are we seeing this return to bricks and mortar?

Multichannel retail presents huge opportunities for brands to make meaningful connections with customers in physical stores that simply aren’t achievable online. But, going omnichannel isn’t a simple process, bringing several challenges, from operations to branding and cost.

Here are three crucial points to

remember before taking the plunge into bricks and mortar.

Timing is everything Amazon waited 22 years to dip its toe into bricks and mortar. Biding your time enables you to build your brand, while keeping running costs as low as possible.

Physical stores are not as lean as online-only operations and your cash flow can take a hit at the outset. Make sure you have sufficient reserves and a sustainable business plan in place before investing in a physical space.

Running a successful online-only store for some time will pay dividends in awareness when you set up shop for the first time. This will give your physical store a reputation and credibility before you’ve even opened the doors. Another perfect example of this is House Of Hackney, which waited two years before taking their disruptive model to rework the tradition of luxury British interiors, fashion and lifestyle and open a store in Shoreditch, London.

Testing 1, 2, 3 A/B testing, supported by analytics tools, is integral to building and refining digital platforms. The principle will neatly inform your transition to physical retail, by answering crucial questions about how your customers experience your store.

Further insight on the most popular products, pricing, time spent browsing, browsing habits, customer contact and the like, will help to refine your physical store and the products you sell.

Physical retail is just as dynamic as online. Improving the in-store shopping experience requires the same constant evolution of the customer journey as digital to eke out existing and potential pain

points, such as long queues, store layout and payment methods — with the aid of continuous testing.

Amazon’s cashier-less stores are a great example of how to bring lessons learned from digital into physical retail.

Get personal in the physical world The end goal should be to provide the best possible customer experience. The most powerful tools for physical retail are immediacy and interactivity, and will turn your store into a shopping destination, not just a place to buy products. Bonobos’ Guideshops make a strong template for any aspiring multichannel retailer, as it successfully marries the best of online convenience with physical presence and personality.

Meanwhile, Apple’s Genius Bar dropped the word ‘store’, expanding to a more user-centric, immersive and creative remit. The Dyson Demo retail space is a great case in point: it goes beyond the product to educate consumers about the scientific concepts, taking a leaf out of Apple’s book.

You can’t underestimate the value of your staff to make this work. Emotional engagement is a key driver of in-store spending, as our recent ‘Peaks of Shopping’ report highlighted. As online retailers know all too well, ecommerce provides convenience and simplicity.

In-store is your chance to create an experience your customers won’t forget.

www.fitch.com

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checkouts

CHECKOUTS: TILL THE BITTER END

Retail Focus finds out how the need for speed of today’s consumer is shaping the future of checkouts.

Text: Lyndsey Dennis

Online giant Amazon shook up the retail industry in December when it introduced its checkout-free Amazon Go store. Customers simply walk in to the grocery store, scan their smartphone, take what items they need and walk out.

Brimming with sensors and hi-tech software, Amazon Go tracks a customer’s movements and when they lift an item off the shelf.

Once a person has finished shopping, the retailer charges their account and sends a receipt.

For many shoppers, convenience is key, and being able to just walk out without queuing is exactly what they want. Researchers at the University of London have found that people will wait for six minutes in a queue before giving up. Furthermore, they are unlikely to join a queue of more than six people and like to have at least six inches of space inbetween each other.

‘Consumer appetite for speed and the ability to channel-hop with fluidity and continuity of experience has led to innovation in every corner of the purchase cycle — not least the checkout,’ says Katie Baron, head of retail at innovation research and trends company, Stylus.

Self-serve checkouts have been around in one form or another since the 90s, although not as we know them today. Since then we’ve seen NFC-enabled till points, app-based payments, mobile wallets and wearable payment devices infiltrate the traditional

Above: Rebecca Minkoff has partnered with QueueHop to introduce a self-serve checkout at her Soho, New York store.

checkout format. ‘Fast forward to today and Alibaba is exploring a VR payment system, while Amazon Go hints at a future completely devoid of human-manned checkouts — the original bread and butter of the in-store experience,’ continues Baron.

Like all technology, she says there tends to be a lag between the first emergence of an innovative idea and the adoption of it. ‘Back in 2013, a WorldPay survey found that 49 per cent of UK consumers would like to see biometric scanners (such as fingerprint or iris) integrated in store. While it’s not a reality in the UK yet, Japan has hopes to have the entire country using fingerprint payments by 2020.’

Phil Whittle, retail director at Schuh, says: ‘Speed and convenience has become even more important than ever.

Customers don’t expect to stand in a queue to pay and to be honest why should they? It is the retailer’s job to make their journey through the store as fast and efficient as it can be. We have virtually eliminated all checkout queues from our stores.’

Schuh is now using portable, hand-held payment terminals mainly for speed and to free up space by removing cash desks. ‘We wanted to give customers the best experience possible so that they can get what they came in for and get on their way; the quicker we can get customers served and away, the faster we can fill that space with more customers! The other space consideration is that we have done away with traditional cash desks in our latest store design. This means we have more space to showcase product and allows us to stock an extended range in the stores.

‘Our customers have been telling us since we started how cool

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checkouts

‘Speed and convenience has become even more important than ever.’

Phil Whittle, retail dirEctor at Schuh they think it is that they can pay where they tried on their shoes. We are one of only a handful of retailers who are offering this service and customers notice the difference; they can see we have made an investment in technology to make their lives easier,’ says Whittle.

Fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff has partnered with QueueHop, a self-checkout technology system, to introduce a self-serve checkout at her Soho, New York store. This type of checkout is aimed at the retailer’s millennial consumer of which the brand is targeted at, putting them in complete control. Initially, the new self-checkout technology is available for customers who are buying handbags, scarves and small leather goods and will eventually be expanded to other Minkoff merchandise.

The QueueHop system comes with an RFID tag that brings the item up for payment on an iPad and an anti-theft device that only unlocks after that exchange is made. That means there is literally no need to speak to, or deal with, a sales associate, much like the online shopping experience feels. ‘The security tag unlocks upon payment, and this is not seen anywhere else. High ticketed items that are tagged in regular stores would require staff assistance for removal. QueueHop’s system automates the whole process with technology alone,’ says Lindon Gao, co-founder and ceo of QueueHop. The QueueHop system complements mobile self-checkout as well. ‘So you can use your phone, scan the QR code on the tag,

pay for the item and the tag would unlock. This removes the need for the self-checkout kiosk and allows customers to checkout anywhere on the sales floor,’ continues Gao. Self-checkout hasn’t really been adopted by fashion retail, as unlike supermarkets, if someone steals an item of clothing or handbag it is much more costly to the retailer. ‘However, self checkout is much needed in the retail industry as bricks and mortar struggles to stay relevant with millennials who are more used to interacting with technologies than humans. I’m truly excited about the prospects of this technology as it may fundamentally change the way people shop in physical retail and potentially bring shoppers back to bricks-and-mortar with this improved experience,’ believes Gao. Tesco continues to roll out its Scan as you Shop service to help customers save time at the checkout. ‘We want to make it as easy as possible for customers to shop with us,’ says a spokesperson for Tesco. ‘This new trial will mean more customers than ever before can benefit from the service and check out in a matter of seconds.’

The supermarket’s’ Forres store in Moray has introduced a relaxed checkout with the support of Alzheimer Scotland. It is hoped the pilot scheme will aid customers who need, or would like, a little extra time at the till.

Waitrose is the first major supermarket brand to operate a cashless store after opening its smallest store in Sky’s new flagship head office building at its campus in Osterley. Sky employees are only able to pay by card or their mobile devices in the ‘little Waitrose’ branded shop.

‘In the short term we will continue to see new systems that allow shoppers to choose whether or not to interact with sales staff, satisfying consumer appetite for more personal control within the retail environment. Looking longer term, the developments we are seeing in automation certainly indicate a future where self-service could be the only checkout option. Instead of managing the payment stage, shop assistants will become facilitators, assisting the browsing and decision-making process,’ concludes Baron.

Left: Schuh is moving away from cash desks in new store roll outs, instead arming sales assistants with portable, hand-held payment devices.

Below: Amazon shook up the retail industry in December when it introduced Amazon Go in Seattle without any checkouts.

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Retail Maximise the in-store experience with our range of inspirational luminaires, designed and manufactured in the UK by Hacel.

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products

VM & DisPLAY SHOW VGL - Stand D7 Family run since 1976, VGL is dedicated to print. From the celebration of the traditional art of screen print to its continued investment in innovation, this year the company is excited to introduce the Acuity Select HS. VGL’s latest flatbed printer that can print 50mm thick substrates up to 2.5m x 3.05m, but also boasts the unique ability to spot varnish and build up layers of inks to create textured, relief graphics. Visit VGL at stand D7 to see some examples for all your in-store and display graphic needs.

T. +44 (0)118 922 1300 E: sales@vgl.co.uk www.vgl.co.uk

PLANarama - Stand H5/6 With more than 15 years in the industry, experiential solutions design consultancy PLANarama delivers award-winning and awe-inspiring displays. It has an extensive library of knowledge throughout retail windows, interiors, POS, events and experiential displays or experiences. PLANarama’s client base is extensive and like its work the team creates and builds relationships which are long lasting as well as retentive.

Working with the likes of Penhaligon’s, The Shard, ZSL, Cartier, Ted Baker and Godiva, every project is completely different as well as a challenge in itself which the team loves.

T. +44 (0)20 7720 2221 E: heather@planarama.com www.planarama.com Twitter: PLANarama

Universal Display - Stand F5 Andy Thornton - Stand E11 Andy Thornton offers an extensive range of visual merchandising retail display products including cabinets, drawers, shelving units, display tables, garment rails and jewellery stands, all featured in the company’s latest Vintage Style catalogue. The company also supplies decorative lighting, period shop counters and display cabinets and vintage props. Andy Thornton will be launching its exclusive new ‘Manhattan Collection’ of period-style shopfittings at the show. This exciting new range includes haberdashery counters, jewellery display cases and this impressive Apothecary Shelving Unit pictured.

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

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The Elements collection of mixed medium bust forms and mannequins is a new concept developed using a mix and match formula, giving the option to create the perfect bust or mannequin for each individual brand. Select a torso painted or covered in natural calico raw or vintage style; add transparent fibreglass arms or legs. For an on-trend style mix in wooden arms and articulated hands, with a choice of different base options from raw steel to polished chrome.

T. +44 (0)20 8206 5010 E: info@universaldisplay.co.uk www.universaldisplay.co.uk Twitter: UDisplay

products

VM & DisPLAY SHOW Think Ambient - Stand C2 Think Ambient is showcasing its range of easy-to-apply, easy-to-remove, damage free printable materials at the VM & Display Show. In order to stay ahead of the competition, the company is constantly innovating new products to better meet the needs of its customers.

Think Ambient’s products are widely used for innovative visuals and point of sale. The company will be launching its new product — ZTAC-TOUCH — at the show. The high performance, low-tack film graphic can stick to a wide range of smooth indoor surfaces, including glass, metal and polished stone. It has an advanced coating which enables easy to apply, bubble-free installation that can be repositioned and reused.

T. +44 (0)1625 251 049 E: info@thinkambient.co.uk www.thinkambient.co.uk Twitter: Thinkambient

arken POP - Stand C7 arken POP will return to the VM & Display Show with its range of LED lightboxes and other poster display products. This year the company is celebrating the launch of some exciting new products to add to its already extensive range. FINELITE is an ultra-sleek and ultra-slim lightbox designed to take a slide-in graphic, which makes poster changing incredibly easy. The stylish and modern ENCAPLITE features simple slot-in clear acrylic fronts to hold your graphic in place and create a modern frameless finish. The versatile and lightweight FREESTANDING MAGNETIC DISPLAY (shown here) is a new style of freestanding retail display that is double-sided and holds posters easily and simply with magnetic tape for fast and speedy application.

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

Kosa Art Group - Stand C8 Graphica Display - Stand F7 Graphica Display specialises in the design, production and installation of retail and commercial interior graphics and signage. From roll-outs to promotional displays, branding to exhibition and event graphics, Graphica Display has the solution for you. Find out more about the company at its new and exciting website: www.graphicadisplay.co.uk T. +44 (0)845 373 0073 E: sales@graphicadisplay.co.uk www.graphicadisplay.co.uk Twitter: graphicatweet

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Kosa Art Group provides innovative decorations for specialist shops, events and boutique theatres in UK, Europe and Japan.

Kosa’s team are highly talented, enthusiastic fine artists, sculptors and set designers who understand that the company’s clients need creative bespoke decor to meet their unique and specific requirements. Their work is often interactive and highly conceptual; Kosa tries to engage with visitors though experiences and fresh visual language, inviting clients to dream together...

T. +44 (0)7921 389 721 E: info@kosa-artgroup.com www.kosa-artgroup.co.uk

products

TECHNOLOGY Mitubishi Electric Mitsubishi Electric has launched a new line-up of wall-mounted air conditioning units with a sophisticated, streamlined design and a comprehensive range of features to make stylish, energy efficient air conditioning available for countless small businesses. The M Series MSZ-LN range is the first product in the company’s UK line up to utilise R32 refrigerant — which has a low global warming potential (GWP).

Mitsubishi Electric will also launch further R32 air conditioning solutions throughout the coming year.

T. +44 (0)1707 282 880 E: air.conditioning@meuk.mee.com www.timeforr32.co.uk/pr1 Twitter: meuk_les

eyevis UK eyevis UK has launched its high quality LED video walls into the retail sector market to meet the demand for ultra-high resolution and extremely bright video walls. The eyevis ePANEL product range is the first to offer high precision LED modules for seamless indoor video walls, making it the ideal solution for the retail market. All ePANEL products are designed to be used indoors, where high resolution video walls with small pixel pitch are in high demand. The modules are ideally suited for applications that require a pin-sharp, seamless and high-quality display of videos and images as in retail applications and TV studios.

T. +44 (0)1282 606 525 E. enquiry@eyevis.co.uk www.eyevis.co.uk Twitter: EyevisUKLtd

NEC Display Solutions Europe NEC Display Solutions Europe launched the P and V Series, a range of professional MultiSync large format displays for digital signage as well as presentation use. The new displays support the NEC Open Modular intelligence (OMi) platform, enabling the creation of tailor-made solutions for signage.

Scalable computing power such as Raspberry Pi compute modules or Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) Slot-in PCs can be seamlessly embedded into the displays to create a fully integrated solution. The P and V Series line-ups each consist of three models, ranging in size from 40in to 55in (P404, P484, P554 and V404, V484, V554). With an elegant and slimline design, both new Series of displays allow for an unobtrusive integration. They are suitable for installations in retail, leisure and museum environments, for corporate signage solutions, passenger information, quick service restaurants and all other public spaces.

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

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Hanwha Techwin Hanwha Techwin continues to expand its Samsung Wisenet P series with the introduction of the IP network PNP-9200RH 4K PTZ dome which has built-in IR illumination. With outstanding 4K (8 megapixel) picture clarity, the H.265 Samsung Wisenet PNP9200RH dome features 20x optical zoom lens and IR viewable length up to 199m enabling users to closely monitor activity or far away objects. The ability to monitor is enhanced with the help of endless 360° pan rotation and 190° tilt control, as well as advanced Auto Tracking for smooth, anti-vibration monitoring.

T. +44 (0)1932 578 100 E. htesecurity@hanwha.com www.hanwha-security.eu Twitter: HanwhaTechEU

RETAIL

Clements Retail specialise in building exceptional retail environments and have a history of working with the UK’s top retailers, such as Aelia Duty Free and Christian Louboutin.

Clements POS are dedicated in creating exceptional Point of Sale, Point of Purchase and Permanent Merchandising solutions for UK’s premium FMCG brands, such as: KraftHeinz, Innocent and Samsung.

TURNING DESIGN CONCEPTS INTO A GLORIOUS REALITY Clements are a well-established, two-fold design, manufacture and installation company with a proven track record in creating award-winning environments, point-of-purchase, permanent merchandise solutions and in-store furniture.

T: 44(0)116 235 5000 W: www.clementsretail.com E: sarah@clementsretail.com

Flexible strip LEDs: made to measure

Our bespoke , tailor-made flexible strip LED kits make lighting your retail display roll out easy, saving your workshop time and money.

Our LED experts will design your kit so it arrives ready to plug in and play: • We’ll help you choose the right LED strip product • Products will be cut, soldered and connected to the desired • Power supplies can be added so it is ready to plug in and play All

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Find out more about our LED solutions, contact your nearest Perspex Distribution office BLACKBURN Email: sales.blackburn@perspex.co.uk Tel: 01254 272 800

TAMWORTH Email: sales.tamworth@perspex.co.uk Tel: 01827 263 900

CHELMSFORD Email: sales.chelmsford@perspex.co.uk Tel: 01245 232 800

WEYBRIDGE Email: sales.weybridge@perspex.co.uk Tel: 01932 356 900

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products

LIGHTING acdc acdc has played a major role in the recent lighting installation at the Louis Vuitton store in downtown Chicago. Various schemes were trialled by lighting designers Schuler Shook and the final decision was a linear uplight scheme that integrated well into the existing conditions using acdc’s IGLU recessed linear luminaires. The store is set at the base of the historic Palmolive Art Deco building in Downtown Chicago. Having previously completed the exterior lighting for upper floors of the building, Schuler Shook was engaged to work with Booth Hansen on the storefront lighting design. They opted for a primarily linear uplight scheme to reveal the beauty and rhythm in the architecture at street level, in a manner cohesive with the lighting design for the building facade as a whole.

T. +44 (0)845 862 6400 E: sales@acdclighting.co.uk www.acdclighting.co.uk Twitter: acdcled

Philips Lighting Philips Lighting has launched its new LED lighting trunking system for retail and industrial spaces, Philips Maxos fusion. This connected-ready system helps make buildings future-proof by providing high quality LED lighting combined with the freedom to adjust light effects and to scale the system with additional Internet of Things technologies. The trunking system can be complemented with sensors that allow integrating retail and warehouse technologies such as cameras, beacons, audio and scanners into one system.

T. +44 (0)845 601 1283 E. lighting.uk@philips.com www.philips.co.uk/lighting Twitter: PhilipsLightUK

Tridonic Tridonic has given its sixth generation SLE LED modules a chip upgrade as well as extending its colour palette range.

The ART, FOOD and FASHION colours, each tailored to suit a specific application, have now been joined by TINGE to make warm tones appear even more vibrant. All the versions benefit from greater efficiency in high-output mode and are now available with a 17mm light emission surface. The dimmable LED modules for spotlights and downlights are impressive not only for their greater efficiency of up to 30 per cent and better colour rendering but also for their improved robust 50mm package which is ZHAGA compliant. This allows for a more stable connection between the chip and improvement in thermal conductivity.

T. +44 (0)1256 374 300 E. enquiries@uk.tridonic.co.at www.tridonic.com Twitter: Tridonic

Megaman With a distinctive and contemporary design, the Estela range is available in a 30W square or rectangular version, which are both compliant with Part L of the Building Regulations. With Megaman’s heritage and knowledge in low energy lighting, the range has been developed and tested to provide L90 at 25,000 hours, 3,500 lumens and 50,000 hours of rated life.

Electrical contractors also benefit from ease of installation. The range is lightweight, yet the I-beam design ensures Estela is a robust option. Mountable on exposed and concealed T-bar ceilings, the recessed LED louvre panels feature an integrated driver and are ideal for retrofit scenarios. In addition, a simple and elegant design helps to minimise the build-up of dust to reduce long-term maintenance costs.

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

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Mats and Floors

products

FLOORING Moduleo Following the success of its popular Moduleo Moods room visualiser, Moduleo has rolled out the feature across its entire product range.

The online platform allows customers to get a better idea of what their new floor will look like, before committing to a purchase, and can be used to view flooring solutions from the Impress, Transform and Select collections. The room visualiser, available to use via the Moduleo website, also allows users to select a number of different shades and patterns from the collections in various settings.

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

Polyflor Polyflor has launched Silentflor PUR, a collection of heavy commercial sheet vinyl flooring with acoustic properties, available in a variety of high design wood, concrete and abstract effects. Silentflor is a robust, beautifully designed collection that achieves 19dB impact sound reduction and has been expertly created for a wide range of commercial interiors, such as installations in the healthcare, office, education, residential, retail and leisure sectors. Made in the UK, this flooring range includes 36 designs in a 3.7mm gauge and 0.65mm wear layer sheet format.

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

Junckers Junckers is launching two new grey solid hardwood floors, Twilight Grey and Oyster Grey. Made in beech, the new floors are pre-finished with grey colouring and finished in UltraMatt Lacquer. Twilight Grey is a deep, darker shade of grey that lends a contemporary look to an interior and its particularly effective when used alongside other strong, dark colours.

Oyster Grey is a lighter, more subtle shade with a hint of grey to enhance the natural grain structure of the wood. Solid beech is one of the most hardwearing timber species and ideal for flooring. The two new grey floors are available in Junckers’ Harmony grade with some colour and structural grade variation, 14mm or 22mm thick and 129mm wide boards.

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

Karndean Designflooring Karndean Designflooring is introducing its sophisticated Kaleidoscope Floorstyle tool for architects, interior designers and flooring contractors looking to create a bespoke floor design. karndean.com/kaleidoscopefloorstyle is a user-friendly interactive specification tool and features all six geometric Kaleidoscope designs — Apex, Cubix, Pyramid, Tripoint, Pennon and Hexa — with more than 100 colourways to choose from in its established wood and stone designs.

Empowering architects and interior designers at the point of specification, users can select from various commercial spaces including office, restaurant and retail, and try out different laying patterns, angles and colourways to create their Kaleidoscope floor design.

T. +44 (0)1386 820 104 E. commercial@karndean.co.uk www.karndean.com Twitter: KarndeanComm

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products

SURFACES & FINISHES Armourcoat Decorative specialist Armourcoat has introduced a new Acoustic Plaster system designed to optimise the acoutics of interior spaces. From large theatre halls, offices, classrooms, hotel receptions and private residences, the use of hard sound reflective surfaces such as glass, wood and stone can cause excessive sound reverberation which leads to unpleasant noise levels.

The Armourcoat Acoustic Plaster System offers a clean and smooth mineral surface that can be applied seamlessly over large expanses to both flat and curved surfaces. The correct control of sound can create a calmer and more pleasant environment. The Armourcoat Acoustic Plaster System offers an elegant marble-based plaster finish while allowing sound energy to pass through the surface.

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

Osmo Osmo Polyx®-Oil is a premium wood finish that guarantees to keep wooden surfaces in top condition. Unlike ordinary finishes, Osmo Polyx®-Oil’s natural components penetrate deeply into the wood to create a micro-porous finish. This allows the wood to breathe, moisture to evaporate and ensures a flawless finish for years to come. Quality assured, Osmo Polyx®-Oil guarantees hard-wearing protection, as well as offering resistance to stubborn stains such as coffee, red wine and cola.

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

Formica Formica Infiniti uses technology developed by Formica Group to deliver an anti-fingerprint and anti-marking surface with post-forming properties, and a colour palette that is unrivalled in the market. The post-formable properties of the product means Formica Infiniti will maintain its shape and integrity.

Architects and designers now have more freedom to create streamlined interiors and, with the option of curved matte surfacing, an additional tool to bring design concepts to life.

An evolution in surfacing, suitable for vertical and horizontal application, Formica Infiniti’s contemporary matte finish marks the introduction of a new generation of laminate, designed to add the sensorial dimension of touch to material.

T. +44 (0)191 259 3512 E. samples.uk@formica.com www.formica.com Twitter: FormicaGroupEU

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Finsa Wood-based panel manufacturer Finsa recently launched new décors and textures included in its Gama Duo range of melamines. One of these new surfaces is ‘Nude’ that precisely replicates leather. The Nude texture mimics the look and feel of real leather, offering a silky and velvety touch and is perfect for applications such as wardrobes, headboards and any other furniture pieces that require an authentic finish.

T. +34 981 05 00 00 E: finsa@finsa.es www.finsa.com Twitter: FinsaUK

@retailfocus

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surfaces & finishes

focus on surfaces & finishes

Italian flair Armourocat presented its range of wall finishes for the first time at the Surface Design Show in February. The exclusive collection includes the Duncan MacKellar Signature Polished Plaster collection. Devised by Duncan MacKellar, Armourcoat’s founder and creative director, the Signature finishes reflect his unique creativity and passion, with an expert understanding of decorative plaster techniques. The Signature collection is inspired by an Italian heritage and MacKellar’s artistic interpretation of natural forms and surface effects.

Last month’s Surface Design Show was an exciting source of inspiration. Tactile and raised surfaces were a key trend, as was the use of living walls and foliage. Here, we bring you a variety of surfaces and finishes that bring interest, excitement and tactility to retail interiors.

www.armourcoat.com

Soft touch Innerspace offers a range of moss panels for eye-catching feature walls. The 38cm x 5cm panels are made using real, stablised Icelandic moss, sustainably harvested in Scandinavia. The moss is cleaned and preserved, and retains its natural organic characteristics, remaining soft to the touch. The moss is supplied on flexible MDF panels that can be simply and easily installed to create a beautiful feature wall.

www.innerspaceltd.co.uk

Endless possibilities Swiss Krono’s Compact Density Fibreboard (CDF) is an advanced surfacing material that opens up a world of design possibilities and offers benefits over compact grade laminate.

Available in more than 250 decors, the material boasts a superior machining capability allowing it to be laser cut into intricate feature panels or routered to include text or logos with a precision finish, as well as on a wide range of furniture manufacturing, shopfitting and interior design uses. CDF is fire retardant, impact, scratch and moisture resistant and is very easy to clean and maintain.

www.idsurfaces.co.uk

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surfaces & finishes

Close cut James Latham’s latest range of real wood veneers allow designers to create timeless environments with stunning effects and finishes that will bring a particular depth, texture and individuality to a project. Developed over time to give a superior grade with maximum consistency, these real wood veneers — which are all from FSC certified stock — include on trend species such as Smoked Figured, Crown and Rough-Cut Eucalyptus as well as Cracked Oak, Smoked Larch and Satin Walnut. This Barber’s Shop is finished in Cracked Oak from the new range of Losan real wood veneers.

www.lathamtimber.co.uk

Bring the outdoors in The Scotscape Living Wall system is manufactured from a patented water-retaining fabric with integrated waterproofing and is supplied with a full 10-year warranty. Installed in one-metre sections, the fabric living wall can be applied to projects of any scale and shape. Following the completion of an 18-month study into the thermal benefits of living walls at the University of Sheffield, Scotscape has value engineered its New Fabric Living Wall system to enable the easy attachment of a variety of insulation materials to allow designers and architects to quantify the thermal benefits of living wall systems.

www.scotscapelivingwalls.net

Got it covered Panespol is a leading producer of wall and surface coverings made from patented formulas for synthetic polymers. This wide and rapidly-growing range of products is aimed at designers, decorators, and architects in search of stylish, attractive solutions that can be easily mounted. The looks Panaspol has designed range from classic stone and brick imitations to panels imitating textile finishes, and even a completely natural line — panels made of real moss from Nordic forests.

www.panaspol.com

Challenge the norm Evan James Design not only challenges whether a wall has to be flat, but do they have to permanently stay the same? The modular surface system intrinsic to Evan James Design fosters limitless possibilities of pattern, colour and texture, which are not fixed upon installation; instead the design can respond to the changing demands of an interior setting. The completely bespoke surface can be created from an extensive range of woods including birch, walnut and oak, a colour matching service and a range of finishes from matt to metallic.

www.evanjamesdesign.com

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directory

DIREcTORIES

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

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

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

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directory

Aluminium Fittings

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

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

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

Aluminium Fittings

Bespoke Display

Bespoke Display

Design Consultancies

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

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

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

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

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

Bespoke Display

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

Bespoke Display

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

Design Consultancies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audio Visual Integration

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

Bespoke Display

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

Brochure Holders

Design Consultancies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Balloons & Bunting

Bespoke Display

Climate Control

Display

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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directory

Display

Display

Display - DIGITAL

FURNITURE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Display

Display

Display - DIGITAL

FURNITURE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Display

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

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

Display

EPOS

GRAPHICS

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

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

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

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

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

Display

Display

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Finishes

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

GRAPHICS

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

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

directory

interactive displays

pop

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

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

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

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

LIGHTING

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.

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

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

pop/pos

Harrison Products provide one the largest ranges of POS and Display componentry in the UK. We are able to supply off the shelf and customised products to suit your project. We pride ourselves on our industry leading service and super quick delivery options.

T: +44 (0)1451 830083 E: sales@harrisonproducts.net W harrisonproducts.net

pop/pos

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

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

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

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

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

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

Retail Consultancy

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

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

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

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

Maintenance

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

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

pop/pos

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

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

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

vm

pop/pos

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

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.

pop up

Literature Display

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

slatwall

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

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

vm

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

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

slatwall

VM TOOLS AND TRAINING

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

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

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

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

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

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Q&A

Gillian Drakeford As Swedish furniture retailer IKEA prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary later this year, we talk to UK and Ireland country retail manager Gillian Drakeford about how the company is transforming the online and in-store customer shopping experience, and its plans for future expansion.

RF. You’ve been with IKEA since it opened its first UK store in Warrington in 1987. What keeps you loyal to the brand?

GD. H aving begun my career on the shop floor at the first UK store in Warrington almost 30 years ago, I’ve been very lucky to see IKEA grow and succeed to the extent it has today. I joined IKEA because I have a passion for home furnishing and life at home, and I wanted to be a part of a company with strong values which I could connect to.

You were appointed as country manager for IKEA UK and RF. Ireland in 2013. What challenges have you faced since taking on the role?

The UK is one of the most competitive retail environments, GD. and I knew it was an exciting challenge. I strive to create an environment of togetherness and celebrate all the wins — no matter how big or small. Rather than setting big goals, I focus on the journey to get there and providing the tools for co-workers to help the business reach its ambitions. Since taking the role, I have hoped to inspire people and continue to take the UK business to new heights. This includes making IKEA more accessible, creating more jobs for local communities and making a better every day for the many people. We have recently celebrated our fifth year of growth and we have an ambitious expansion plan for the future.

You’ve previously admitted that the brand needs to improve its RF. customer experience. How are you transforming the online and in-store customer shopping experience?

In addition to investing in our co-workers, my longer-term GD. ambitions include continuing to improve the shopping experience for our customers both in store and online. Our stores and website are multichannel touchpoints and have a different role to play. Our stores are there to help inspire customers with our co-workers consulting customers and giving them advice, whilst our online channel helps with fact finding and gives customers greater choice. A key focus will be to ensure the multichannel customer experience is as seamless as possible. Above all, we want to make IKEA more accessible to people across the country.

our inspirational home furnishing offer. It will also aim to offer managed events and programmes for a variety of audiences, and the roof will also offer recreational space for co-workers.

Sustainable development is also at the heart of our business.

Our plans for the new stores in Sheffield and Greenwich aim to achieve BREEAM ‘excellent’ accreditation.

Tell us about the smaller click-and-collect stores?

RF. GD. Our Order and Collection points have been designed to offer our customers the same great range and inspiration as our larger stores. Most products are available to order and collect, with a small range of products available for our customers to take home straight away. We currently have Order and Collection points in five different locations — Norwich, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Westfield Stratford and Dublin.

RF. IKEA opened a pop-up Dining Club in London in 2016. Do you have plans to trial any more temporary retail experiences in 2017?

I believe that the pop-up Dining Club showcased the very best GD. of IKEA in terms of who we are and what we stand for, and it was a great example of how we understand our customers and their needs. By understanding people and how they think, as well as the barriers they have around food, cooking and socialising together, we were able to create an exciting concept and I think it worked extremely well. We gathered some very valuable learnings from the pop-up that will help to inform us in the future.

How is the store design evolving?

RF.

What plans do you have for the business over the next RF.

12 months?

As we expand in the UK, we’ll continue to keep customers GD. and their way of life at the forefront of our store design and formats. Our recently announced plans for the Greenwich store demonstrate how it will be our most innovative store design yet.

The store will be built with the local community and customer in mind, and will feature a rooftop pavilion, biodiversity garden, multifunctional spaces and a restaurant, as well as

2017 will be a very exciting year for us as it is our 30th GD. anniversary, and this is something we’ll be celebrating with our customers and co-workers. Currently we’re concentrating on our expansion plans and on becoming even more accessible to the many people. We’re planning on opening the Sheffield store at the end of summer, and we also have proposed stores in Exeter, Greenwich and Brighton in the pipeline.

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VISIT US AT THE VM & DISPLAY SHOW 5-6 APRIL 2017 STAND E3

3rd Floor, 2-8 Scrutton Street London, EC2A 4RT +44 (0) 207 377 1776 info@blacksvisual.com www.blacksvisual.com