Retail Focus November 2018

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NOVEMBER 2018 : £6.75 #104

NOVEMBER 2018/issue 104

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Chanel : MSGM : Birkenstock New York : Coal Drops Yard : ICON Outlet : Restaurant Design : Material & Colour Trends : In & Around Dover : Focus on Digital Display : Q&A with Michelle Kyle, Anthropologie

Material World Material and colour trends in retail design

Chanel : MSGM : Birkenstock New York : Coal Drops Yard : ICON Outlet : Restaurant Design : Material & Colour Trends : In & Around Dover : Focus on Digital Display : Q&A with Michelle Kyle, Anthropologie

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contents

CONTENTS Colour & materials: Pushing the boundaries

50-52

Thoughtful material and colour selection can positively shape how customers think, feel and behave within a store, finds Retail Focus.

Cover image: Malababa on Madrid’s Serrano 8

41 ICON Outlet at The O2

36 Coal Drops Yard 7 8

Leader

45 Restaurant design 27-34 P roject Focus 49

Opinion

Centre Stage

Hiten Solanki, senior SEO executive of high street fashion brand River Island, investigates the plus-size clothing market in 2018 and beyond.

Karl McKeever

55

In & Around...

Dover. The coastal town in Kent has seen significant regeneration, including the opening of the ÂŁ53 million St James Dover retail and leisure development.

19-20 W indow shopping Inspiring window displays from around the globe.

23 25

With the arrival of department stores came new models of business and redefined shopping habits. Now, the commercial realities of large space and high costs are coming home to roost, claims Karl.

www.retail-focus.co.uk

57-66 Products

Chanel : MSGM : Birkenstock NYC

Diary

11-16 News

on: 68 Focus Digital Display

Products and services for the retail industry.

74

Q&A Michelle Kyle, district visual manager at Anthropologie, talks creativity, collaborations and Christmas.

leader

welcome November ‘18 Last month marked the opening of Coal Drops Yard, the Heatherwick Studio-designed shopping and lifestyle development billed as the new retail heart of London’s King’s Cross. The highly anticipated shopping district brings together an intriguing mix of brands in a reimagined set of historic buildings and arches that sit adjacent to Granary Square and Regent’s Canal. Read more about the design, the stores and the lighting scheme on pages 36-38.

Across town, another new retail and leisure development opened its doors for the first time in October. ICON Outlet at The O2 Greenwich brings a shopping experience to the entertainment venue for the first time, turning it into a day and night time destination. In this issue, CallisonRTKL discuss how they brought the vision of ICON Outlet to life (pages 41-42).

October was also a busy month for store openings with French fashion house Chanel and Italian fashion label MSGM both opening boutiques in London’s Brompton Cross. Birkenstock also unveiled its first company-owned retail store in the US, in the heart of Soho, New York. Each of them have a story to tell (pages 27-34).

Our cover story for November illustrates how thoughtful material and colour selection in retail design can positively shape how customers think, feel and behave within a store. We talk to a number of designers and consultants to find out what trends they are noticing right now and which brands they believe are pushing the colour and material boundaries (pages 50-52).

Happy November!

Gemma Balmford Editor

Managing Editor

Editor

Gemma Balmford

Lyndsey Dennis

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diary

DIARY

Surface Design Show Business Design Centre, London 5-7 February 2019 Surface Design Show will showcase the best in surface materials for both interior and exterior architecture and design. The 2019 edition of the show will have a special focus on two areas that have great impact on our daily lives — the workplace and the public realm. These two specialist areas will be explored from a surface specific point of view, providing engaging insight into the best and latest products, materials and applications that impact working and public realm environments. Visitors will also be able to explore more than 150 exhibitor stands, enjoy a packed programme of talks, Opening Night Live Debate and the famous PechaKucha evening. surfacethinking

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EuroCIS Messe DĂźsseldorf, Germany 19-21 February 2019 The world of retail technology comes together under one roof in February for EuroCIS 2019. Exhibitors will showcase and discuss a whole host of technologies, including omnichannel management, payment systems, mobile solutions and technologies, POS software/hardware, checkout management, robotics, loss prevention and digital marketing/signage.

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8

World Retail Awards National Maritime Museum, Amsterdam 16 May 2019 The World Retail Awards have been helping set the benchmarks for outstanding retail innovation since 2007, rewarding those that push boundaries and drive the industry forward. Categories range from store design to customer experience, marketing, technology gamechanger and best retail employer, WorldRetail

www.worldretailawards.com

Creative Retail Awards Proud Embankment, London 6 June 2019 The Creative Retail Awards recognise and reward innovation and excellence in retail design. Moving away from the traditional awards ceremony, the Creative Retail Awards offer a night full of exuberance. Organised by the Shop & Display Equipment Association (SDEA) and Retail Focus Magazine, the awards span a number of disciplines. retailfocus www.creativeretailawards.com

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08.11.18 13:57

news

NEWS Harrods launches Fresh Market Hall Harrods has launched its new Fresh Market Hall — the second stage of the Taste Revolution, the monumental refurbishment of the store’s historic Food Halls. Following the launch of the Roastery & Bake Hall, the Fresh Market Hall celebrates the everyday essential done exceptionally well, with provenance, convenience and seasonality at the forefront.

Designed by David Collins Studio, the Fresh Market Hall takes inspiration from London’s buzzing food scene, with

take-home dishes from the Harrods Deli reimagined by Harrods chefs alongside a showcase of the finest fresh produce, meat, fish and poultry.

‘Opening the Fresh Market Hall will allow us to bring my team of 150 in-house chefs to the forefront, servicing our foodie customers directly and introducing the chefs’ brand new creations to the Harrods Deli counter,’ says Harrods executive chef, Andy Cook.

Chris Dee, director of Food and Home at Harrods, adds: ‘It’s an exciting time to join Harrods and continue The Taste Revolution into its next phase. Harrods has always been a leader in the world of fine food. The launch of the Fresh Market Hall celebrates our unrivalled access to the world’s finest suppliers, as well as the skills of our talented in-house chefs who prepare our new revitalised Deli range each day for our discerning customers.’

Retail Therapy: Why The Retail Industry is Broken – And What Can Be Done to Fix It John Smedley opens womenswearfocused store in Marylebone John Smedley has opened its third standalone store in Marylebone, London, with a focus on womenswear. Whilst aligned with the brand’s Jermyn Street flagship store, the interior has a softer, lighter design and features considered details that represent John Smedley’s dedication to British craftsmanship, alongside new features that have been designed with the female consumer in mind creating an enhanced boutique environment.

Designed in conjunction with Andrew Martin of AMD Interior Architecture and the team at Liberty Interiors, the store features bespoke wooden lighting by Tom Raffield, with each piece being steam bent by hand at the brand’s workshop in Cornwall. It also uses vintage Ercol furniture that has been refurbished by John Smedley’s own craftsmen at Lea Mills, Derbyshire to feature new extra fine merino wool seating covers as a nod to both John Smedley’s quality fibres and the brand’s dedication to sustainability.

How the retailer’s female and family consumers shop has also been considered, with the ground floor fitting rooms and walkways designed to be large enough to be buggy friendly, and seating areas with selected British books on hand across both floors to encourage dwell time.

Launching in January, ‘Retail Therapy: Why the Retail Industry is Broken – And What Can Be Done To Fix It’ by Mark Pilkington is an insightful review of the collapse of the traditional retail sector in the west, and a roadmap for its potential recovery. Retail Therapy offers a comprehensive analysis of various forces and their impact on the world of retailing. More importantly, it presents a cogent analysis of the longer term trends that are shaping retailing, and outlines a clear road map for sustainable success in the future.

Pilkington is a director at MarkPilkington.net, a consultancy that helps retailers and brands survive the global retail crisis, having worked in the Middle East for a number of years and is now based in London. He is a regular speaker at global retailing conferences, and brings together more than 30 years experience running retail, brand and ecommerce businesses in retail therapy.

After graduating from INSEAD, he joined Courtaulds, eventually becoming CEO of Gossard. He coordinated the initial launch of the Wonderbra, with the associated media storm and has worked subsequently on joint ventures with M&S (splendour.com), and has consulted extensively on the cosmetics and lingerie sectors.

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Flash news to go here

notonthehighstreet opens Christmas pop-ups in London

With Christmas on the horizon, notonthehighstreet is opening two festive pop-ups in London. The first, located at Waterloo Station, opened on 2 November and will run until 22 November. The second will be located at Westfield London in the North Atrium on the ground floor, and will run from 3 December - 24 December.

Designed in collaboration with Initials, both of the three-week pop-ups will provide shoppers with an opportunity to buy from a curated collection of gifts from the site’s 2018 Christmas collection.

Items will include personalised Christmas Eve boxes and baubles, customisable jewellery and a selection of gifts from stocking fillers through to larger, limited edition and one-off, artisanal items.

Each of the two locations will also feature information about the partners behind the gifts, to highlight the skilled craftsmanship of some of the UK’s best small creative businesses who sell through notonthehighstreet. The Westfield pop-up will incorporate opportunities for live personalisation and ticketed experiential workshops so that shoppers hunting down the perfect Christmas gift for a loved-one will be able to co-create something special, with the help of selected notonthehighstreet partners, while they shop.

Louis Vuitton X Grace Coddington pop-up opens at Selfridges Louis Vuitton has opened a pop-up at Selfridges in London in celebration of its Louis Vuitton X Grace Coddington collaboration. The pop-up space will run until 16 January 2019. Inspired by her legendary love of cats, Grace Coddington has worked alongside Louis Vuitton’s artistic director of Women’s Collections and fellow animal lover Nicolas Ghesquière to create a capsule ‘Catogram’ collection that features whimsical drawings of Coddington’s cats Pumpkin and Blanket, and of Léon, Ghesquière’s dog.

The collection includes leather goods, accessories, shoes and clothing, each adorned with illustrations hand-drawn

by Coddington.

In the spirit of the ‘Catogram’ range, guests enter the pop-up at Selfridges London through a giant cat-shaped arch, whilst elsewhere feline illustrations are brought to life in the space.

Alongside the ‘Catogram’ capsule collection, the pop-up also features a selection of ready-to-wear and accessories from Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2019 cruise collection.

Key pieces including the Archlight flat thigh boots and graphic embossed city Steamer bags will only be available at London’s Selfridges for a limited time.

Google Pixel 3 to host the Curiosity Rooms on Regent Street Google Pixel 3 is creating a hub of discovery on Regent Street from 15 November - 16 December 2018, which will incorporate five weeks of workshops, talks, podcasts, food, music and much more to keep Londoners and visitors alike entertained.

Inspired by key features on the new Google Pixel 3 — such as Top Shot, Group Selfie Cam and Google Lens — Google’s Curiosity Rooms will house an array of experiences over three floors to encourage imagination.

Spaces such as Not Pink Slide, The Makers Studio and The Auditorium will all be key areas for visitors to explore and get to grips with Google’s latest technology. There will also be an array of mini pop-up stores championing local London vendors, making for a rotating neighbourhood coffee bar.

Saving the best for the basement, guests will be able to access one off YouTube music events and immersive dining experiences, alongside a series of podcast recordings.

Google Curiosity Rooms will be located at 55 Regent Street in London; tickets are free with a recommended donation to Crisis — www.crisis.org.uk/google

12

news

In brief...

IKEA opens Planning Studio on Tottenham Court Road Tottenham Court Road in London has welcomed the IKEA Planning Studio — the first step in IKEA UK and Ireland’s new city centre approach. The Planning Studio specialises in kitchens and bedroom storage, giving customers an easy and convenient way to get the advice and inspiration they need to browse, plan and order furniture for a bigger project in their home.

‘Our new city centre approach brings IKEA into the heart of London and is designed to complement our larger stores and digital offering, so customers have a wide range of choices that suit their needs and lifestyles,’ says Jane Bisset, IKEA London City Centre Market leader.

‘The IKEA Planning Studio on Tottenham Court Road will give Londoners a relaxed and professional experience to get the advice and inspiration they need to plan more complex or large-scale home projects, with the expertise and specialist support of our co-workers, alongside a great service package.’

In addition to the Planning Studio on Tottenham Court Road, IKEA is currently exploring other suitable locations in London for a similar format in addition to IKEA Greenwich, which will open early next year. The plans are part of the retailer’s new city centre approach, bringing the IKEA brand closer to the many people in London whilst making the experience even more convenient.

Geometry UK unveils The Flagship retail innovation space

WPP agency Geometry UK has unveiled an innovative retail environment branded The Flagship. Located in the company’s Paddington office, the immersive space allows brands and retailers to prototype, test and trial technology that influences shopper behaviours and purchase decisions. Named to reflect the focal point of every retail portfolio, The Flagship focuses on crafting seamless digital/physical shopper experiences fit for the new retail landscape, currently being shaped by the likes of digital-first

companies such as Amazon.

Featuring more than 15 types of technology inside a completely unique 3D, immersive floor-to-ceiling projection space, Geometry can recreate more than 140 immersive shopping environments and experiences. For example, brand owners and potential shoppers can navigate supermarket aisles, browse in corner shops, pick and choose in specific environments like a DIY store and shop for convenience goods at a petrol station.

• Alessandro Vergano has been appointed chief executive officer of Tom Dixon. Former chief marketing officer of Swarovski, Vergano will work closely with founder and creative director Tom Dixon to expand the global reach of the brand and grow the business across lighting, furniture and home accessories, and will be based between Hong Kong and London.

• Fagerhult has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the shareholders of iGuzzini illuminazione S.p.A to acquire 100 per cent of the shares of iGuzzini. The addition of iGuzzini will significantly strengthen the Fagerhult Group’s position in the professional lighting market both in terms of the geographic presence and by adding leading complementary product ranges.

• Luxury and sustainable footwear brand, Allbirds has opened its debut European store in Covent Garden.

Located at 121-123 Long Acre, the 148 sq m store has been designed in collaboration with Allbird’s in-house team and design agency XYZ. Inspired

by London’s parks, the store offers a natural green environment, with use of greenery and natural materials such as moss throughout. An interactive wall, unique to the London store, displays laces encased in recycled plastic bottles, representing the brand’s eco-friendly products.

• Peggy Porschen has announced plans to open its new flagship Parlour at 219 King’s Road, London early next year. Adorned with floral installations on the pink facade, which will change with the seasons, the 222 sq m space has been designed by Kinnersley Kent Design and stays true to the original Belgravia Parlour whilst also offering the addition of a subterranean events space complete with a pink champagne bar.

• Sainsbury’s and Oasis have announced a partnership to bring Oasis fashion ranges to customers in five Sainsbury’s supermarkets. The first two Oasis concessions will open to customers in time for Christmas at Sainsbury’s Sydenham in South London and Selly Oak near Birmingham — the latter a brand new store.

13

international news

international

NEWS Tory Burch Foundation pop-up opens in New York Tory Burch has launched a Tory Burch Foundation pop-up at the brand’s Meatpacking District boutique in New York.

The pop-up highlights the company and the Foundation’s shared commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship with weekly events and activations each Tuesday, including an #EmbraceAmbition photo booth, women’s wellness day, and more. A wall in the store features 100 Years of Women’s Rights in the United States, shining a light on legislative advancements.

Throughout the month, leading up to its culmination on #GivingTuesday on 27 November 27, 20 per cent of net proceeds from the sale of all Tory Burch products at the store will benefit the Tory Burch Foundation’s mission to empower women.

While exploring the pop-up, guests can try food and drinks made by women entrepreneurs from across the country who have benefitted from the Foundation’s programmes. The store also features an assortment of Foundation products.

HARMAN opens first Experience Store in Europe

First Nike House of Innovation unveiled in Shanghai Nike Shanghai has opened its doors, marking an important milestone for the brand — the first Nike House of Innovation.

The new store concept is a peek behind the curtain of Nike’s biggest innovation moments, matched with personalised and digitally-connected shopping journeys.

The 3,822 sq m Shanghai 001 flagship is located in the Nanjing East Road shopping district and is a crosscategory, consumer-focused experience with four levels.

One of the key features of Nike Shanghai 001 – as well as future House of Innovation concepts – is hyper-local, exclusive products and gear; shoppers will find them at the first floor Shanghai Shop. House of Innovation stores will also be one of the first to launch Nike’s latest products.

A New York City concept store will follow this Autumn.

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HARMAN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., specialising in connected technologies for automotive, consumer and enterprise markets, has opened its first Experience Store in Europe.

Situated at Sendlinger Straße 46, in the heart of Munich’s popular central retail shopping district, the new location is designed to serve as a showcase for HARMAN’s awardwinning audio solutions across all consumer and automotive categories. Designed by Gensler, the store highlights how the company’s heritage of craftsmanship merges with innovation and cutting-edge technology in both the store design and the products on display.

Throughout the space, undulating sound waves are articulated by an acoustical baffle ceiling, linear lighting, and branded graphics that draw customers through the curving store plan. Custom millwork evokes Harman’s craftsman legacy, delivering warmth and hospitality while highlighting their high-tech products. Cars equipped with Harman’s premium audio systems punctuate the layout, inviting customers to imagine themselves speeding down the Autobahn immersed in unrivaled Harman sound.

Each year, almost 120,000 people of working age are diagnosed with cancer in the UK, and with survival rates improving and people retiring later, this figure is set to rise. This is why Macmillan has developed workplace training, guidance and resources to support HR and Line Managers with managing cancer in the workplace.

For people with cancer, staying in or returning to work can be hugely positive. However, it can be difficult to know how to support someone with cancer, as there are a number of challenges they may face.

In the workplace, reasonable adjustments are often needed to help deal with the side effects of cancer and its treatment. Fatigue, pain and depression are some of the common side effects, so making reasonable adjustments such as flexible working and time off to attend medical appointments can make a big difference to someone affected by cancer. In addition as cancer is classed as a disability under the Equality Act or Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), employers are required to make reasonable adjustments if the location, working arrangements or a lack of extra support (auxiliary aids) puts someone with cancer at a substantial disadvantage.

It is important to remember that each person may require different support. So how can businesses equip HR professionals and line managers to provide the best individual support for staff they manage, while adhering to organisational policies?

individual who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Initiating conversations and keeping communication channels open are key steps in gaining an understanding of the individual needs and support required in the work place. It’s also important to discuss arrangements for keeping in touch with your employee before their absence, and to maintain appropriate contact with your employee during periods of sick leave.

Macmillan at Work Training or consultancy can help organisations prepare their staff to manage the impact of long term conditions. Macmillan at Work is designed to help workplaces support employees with a cancer diagnosis, or those caring for someone with cancer.

To find out about the expert training, guidance and resources Macmillan provides, visit macmillan.org.uk/atwork You can also email the team at workandcancer@macmillan.org.uk or call 020 7840 4725.

Often one of the biggest concerns can be starting the initial conversation with the Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). MAC15903_2017_V2

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29/03/2017 10:33

international news

In brief...

• Eyewear retailer Linda Farrow has opened its third standalone store in the United States, located on Melrose Place in Los Angeles. The store follows the same creative direction as the New York City flagship and Miami Bal Harbour embracing femininity and masculinity, light, texture, colour, all within the 98 sq m space.

• Online home retailer Wayfair has launched two holiday pop-up shops in America. With locations at the Natick Mall in Natick, Massachusetts and the Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey, Wayfair will invite shoppers to explore the unlimited possibilities in home enabled by its flagship e-commerce site.

Angels Kidswear unveils new store concept at Dubai Mall Luxury children’s brand Angels Kidswear has unveiled a new store concept at Dubai Mall. AW Rostamani Group approached London-based Barber Design Consultancy to work on the new store format, following its work with the Discovery Store in Dubai; the client wanted this project to have the same impact and the ‘forefront of something new’. Barber’s brief was to

create a store that is luxurious, but not too colourful or garish. Modern, cool, contemporary with interactive elements that make shopping with children enjoyable and fun, but also luxurious enough that the parents are encouraged to spend money. The design consultancy created a magical environment that is adventurous and bold.

• Multichannel commerce platform, Shopify has chosen LA as the location of its first bricks-and-mortar store, providing in-person help and support to merchants and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The new LA space is the in-person embodiment of the company’s many years of experience building a comprehensive network of Gurus, who help merchants online, via telephone, and through live chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to Guru support, Shopify has provided in-person guidance to merchants and entrepreneurs through events including Shop Class, Pursuit, and Retail Tour.

Johnnie Walker to open first experiential flagship in Madrid Scotch whisky brand, Johnnie Walker is opening a flagship experiential store in central Madrid in November. The Spanish capital was selected as the location for the first Johnnie Walker experiential retail flagship due to its status as a leading tourism and retail destination, and the popularity of Scotch in the country – with whisky accounting for 27 per cent of all spirits sold there. The store will be located on Calle de Serrano - adjacent to the Puerta de Alcalá - in the fashionable Barrio de Salamanca district of Madrid and promises to become a leading destination for Scotch lovers and whisky novices alike.

In addition to housing a special collection of Johnnie Walker whiskies, the new space will host various immersive experiences, whisky appreciation classes and tastings designed to help visitors explore the world of Johnnie Walker and Scotch at large.

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visual merchandising

Inspiring window displays from around the globe

Hermès Hong Kong Artist and designer Fotis Evans has created a series of art windows for the new Hermès flagship store in Hong Kong, entitled Daydream Rapture. Inspired by Freudian Daydreaming, Evans has revised reminiscences of childhood play, films and fantasy tales into kinetic shop windows.

Following his signature abstract collage aesthetic, Evans has blended images and memories of the past into six contemporary representations of daydreaming.

Michael Kors The Playbill window display at Michael Kors on Regent Street is inspired by the designer's love of New York theatre. The scheme features artwork created by theatre poster artist James McMullan.

Harlequin Design produced bespoke signage, lightboxes, viroc flooring and high quality print to achieve the bright pop of colour across all graphics.

Hermès LONDON Designed by Anna Burns Studio, this window display at Hermès is an abstract take on traditional board games, including backgammon, snakes and ladders, and chess. All of the prop elements were 3D modelled and sculpted out of polystyrene, coated in resin fibreglass and spray finished in high gloss. The scheme was produced and installed in collaboration with Harlequin Design and was live at New Bond Street, Cadogan Place and Dublin until 11 November 2018.

Photography: Melvyn Vincent

Gant Inspired by the Danish concept Hygge, GANT's seasonal story of 'togetherness' bursts into its flagship windows with a torrent of papercraft leaves, visually connecting the two windows and forming an arch of rich Autumn colours. Transitional outerwear takes centre stage beneath the dense archway of leaves, while illuminated faux neon profiles highlight the fall foliage and add a sense of warmth to the windows.

The scheme was created in collaboration with StudioXAG.

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visual merchandising

visual merchandising

See more window schemes at

www.retail-focus.co.uk/vm

Coach

Photography: Daniel Salemi

The 1800-Call-Coach window concept takes its cue from pop artists, using repetition in a compositional installation around an all-American style payphone. The luxury accessories brand drew inspiration from a nostalgic 80’s payphone subverted through a sophisticated Coach lens, and luxury materials, such as bronze chrome, gunmetal, and suede. The material palette is rich and on brand, yet neutral enough to serve as a backdrop to hero the product.

'The most fun part of the project, was getting the chance to really reinvent all the details of such an iconic item such as the payphone and make them Coach,' says a spokesperson from the visual team. 'From Sig C chain details, to rivets and coin insert slots.'

Tiffany & Co. Tiffany & Co. partnered with scientists and artists to reimagine the windows at the New York flagship store for the debut of its 2018 Tiffany Blue Book Collection. The windowscapes marvel at the natural world and its awe-inspiring beauty. Each thoughtfully curated window, like the 2018 Blue Book Collection, takes inspiration from the four seasons. The winter display (pictured) features a diamond necklace, earrings and bracelet crafted to mimic the irregular shape of ice shards and are complemented by Yan Liang, Ph.D. and Wenting Zhu’s high-magnitude microscope footage of water solution as it changes properties from liquid to solid ice.

Hackett Jeremy Hackett's Sussex spaniel, Muffin takes centre stage in Hackett's AW18 window scheme, entitled Best in Class. The display has been rolled out to 19 stores across Europe, featuring trophies and various breeds of dog designed, produced and installed by Harlequin Design.

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Harvey Nichols Throughout September the window scheme at Harvey Nichols reflected the brand’s overall campaign, which saw it change the name of its Knightsbridge store from Harvey to Holly Nichols to celebrate the newly refurbished first floor. The campaign was introduced to celebrate and empower women and the four floors that are now dedicated to womenswear.

The pavements surrounding the store were painted with motivational quotes from successful women in industry and the windows transformed into 'The Fashion House’, which reflected the Holly campaign with illustrations of women and exclusive pieces available on the first floor from brands such as Dries Van Noten and Off-White.

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CENTRE STAGE pop & display

Standout POP displays from around the globe John Lewis StudioXAG has worked alongside the John Lewis VM team to design and make creative installations to feature as eyecatching displays for various areas, including the escalator arrival zones and a women’s footwear feature. Each piece was influenced by British icons like the Landseer Lions of Trafalgar Square and the emblems of the London Eye and London Underground map. The lions’ bodies were sculpted through various intensive processes, starting with a 3D computer model into a dense foam by using a CNC router before hand finishing by sanding and prepping to be cast as a fibreglass outer shell. The manes and tails were crafted by costumiers in London out of raw British denims and Irish linens.

www.studioxag.com

S&G Beautique S&G Beautique has unveiled a new beauty bar at the entrance to Westfield London’s £600 million expansion. In a departure from conventional beauty bar design, Mizzi Studio has created a free-flowing, organic inspired form in lustrous metal, rejecting sterility in favour of warmth and opulence.

The design is inspired by Boticelli’s iconic painting The Birth of Venus, which depicts the goddess of beauty standing in a giant shell. Mizzi Studio has created a dramatic cocoon to house the beauty bar, with the natural contours of a shell articulated through gentle ripples in the sweeping form.

The lustrous brass is complemented by a soft palette of dusty pink hues in the interior, exuding a sense of luxury.

www.mizzi.co.uk Photo: Luke Hayes

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column

Karl McKeever

Look the beast in the eye With the arrival of department stores came new models of business and redefined shopping habits — vast, sprawling places where you could get everything under one roof. Today, the commercial realities of large space, high costs and rising rents are coming home to roost.

Change is here. The challenge now is: how quickly can they alter their course? What can they do today to effect immediate change?

A year ago Visual Thinking launched its Insight Briefing into the department sector, seeking insight into the views, opinions and shopping habits of UK shoppers. Our conclusion was the sector’s future was hanging in the balance. The headlines coming out of House of Fraser, Sears and Hudson’s Bay over the past 12 months, and more recently Debenhams, are sobering and vindicated the reports’ findings.

While there has been much talk of ‘transformation’, retailers are having to look the beast squarely in the eye. That means making brave and bold decisions, albeit not headline-friendly ones. This is no time for simply dipping a toe in the sea of change. What’s needed is true evolution followed by effective implementation of change across as many stores as possible, as quickly as possible.

If that wasn’t enough, onetime-stalwarts of the UK sector are facing competition from new contenders in the market. Next isn’t a department store retailer, but is increasingly acting and thinking like one. The recent opening of its new ‘department store’ on Oxford Street features own-brand products neatly interwoven with concessions such as Clarks Kids, Paperchase and hip Dutch lifestyle brand HEMA. Next has cleverly begun to mix its own range products with third-party brands, underpinning its strategy via its online and catalogue offering. By doing this, the retailer can gently establish familiarity and comfort in shoppers’ minds before slowly extending these products into their physical stores. This isn’t a one-time foray for Next either — its store in Manchester is much more ‘department’ focused, with the innovative addition of the Rockar/Ford car dealership, all giving shoppers more reasons to visit.

While Next is morphing into a department store, M&S seems unsure if it even wants to be one anymore. To me, it smacks of singular lack of purpose and confidence in its own skin. Now is the time for leaders at M&S to finally demonstrate courage and decisive Karl McKeever is founder and managing director of visual merchandising and brand delivery consultancy Visual Thinking.

Email Karl at karl@retail-focus.co.uk karlmckeever www.visualthinking.co.uk

action in the face of adversity.

It’s something that nobody could accuse Debenhams of lacking. Like other struggling high street retailers, some department store groups have too many under-performing shops and need to downsize. When I attended the official launch of its Watford store, I asked the question: more store closures? Along with the rest of the invited audience, I was given the assurance there were no plans for further change. Earlier, I said that a lot changes in a year. But in retail, a lot can change in a month. Debenhams has now announced up to 50 store closures and its worst-ever retail performance. Fighting talk from Sergio Boucher, who has declared this is part of a radical overhaul to ensure future success.

I salute Debenhams’ boss and his senior leadership team for their attempts in recent months to transform the business. The Watford store is part of the Debenhams Redesigned strategy, and is cohesive, considered and clearly well planned. Beauty is one of the hero departments here, featuring many examples of innovative thinking, such as new brands, spaces and experiences, plus flexible zoned areas.

Its new Watford store is a huge step forward for the retailer but even so, it isn’t particularly radical. There is still further work to do if it is to turn this promising concept into a genuine game-changer.

For me, the answer is black and white. Or more to the point, not black and white. As good as some of the new thinking is that’s coming out of the UK sector in response to the current challenges, it all still looks incredibly homogenised. We are now faced with a sea of monochrome brand identities, adopted by House of Fraser, Debenhams and, more recently, with the John Lewis rebrand. It’s a similar story when it comes to the in-store environment too. Compare the use of black powder-coated frame fixturing and oak plinths in the new Debenhams Watford store with the John Lewis store in White City – it’s like playing a game of spot the department-store difference.

The fact that decision-makers are at last responding should be applauded. But for most, change can’t happen fast enough. Failure to invest in initiatives that will deliver improvements in how stores look, function and feel — company-wide and at pace — will see more famous retail names consigned to the history books.

A message there perhaps for House of Fraser. With a raft of senior executive exits at the hands of Mike Ashley, there will undoubtedly be a void in terms of both leadership and capability.

I’ll be watching with interest this Christmas to see how the retailer’s fortunes unfold.

With Christmas customarily the make-or-break season for the sector, and attention diverted seeking fixes for the future, this could be the toughest year yet. A lot can happen in a year, a month, a week in retail. Let’s hope, for the sake of the department store sector, that a visible change in the all-important commercial store performance arrives in time to secure a brighter 2019.

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Chanel

Brompton Cross, London

Photography: Andrew Meredith

Design: Peter Marino Opening date: October 2018 Store size: 750 sq m

French luxury fashion house Chanel has opened a new three-storey boutique on the corner of Draycott Avenue and Walton Street in London's trendy Brompton Cross. Designed by the brand's architect of choice, Peter Marino, the 750 sq m light-flooded space showcases Karl Lagerfeld's creations, including ready-towear, handbags, shoes, costume jewellery, eyewear and a selection of watches and fine jewellery.

Once again, Marino has revised the house's aesthetic codes, transforming the building to perfectly embody the Parisian

elegance and the values of Chanel.

Creativity, craftsmanship, furniture and artworks blend harmoniously over the three floors to create a residential atmosphere.

On the ground floor, clients are welcomed into the boutique via entrances on Draycott Avenue and Walton Street. From the Draycott Avenue entrance, visitors are greeted with a display of mannequins on elevated metallic frames that present the latest ready-to-wear collection. Meanwhile, the Walton Street entrance leads customers directly into the shoe salon, which features an abstract and textured Coromandel

lacquer wall commissioned from the artist Nancy Lorenz.

A metal and glass staircase leads customers to the first floor, where the design plays on textures and richness of colours as a reference to the subtleties of the Chanel tweed. Here, a pair of Saporiti chairs and a lacquer coffee table with a textured top designed by Marino sit among two salons, housing a wide selection of accessories delicately displayed on striking, graphic dark metal consoles and black metallic handbag bars.

The second floor is dedicated to

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ready-to-wear and boasts three salons designed as an open wardrobe.

Exceptional pieces of furniture and artworks fill the space, such as a Murano glass ceiling sculpture by Jean-Michel Othoniel and a pair of Louis XV antique armchairs upholstered in beige suede that reference Mademoiselle Chanel's apartment in Paris. Echoing the iconography of Chanel, further artworks reference the house's black and white colour codes, as seen in Erik Lindman's monochromatic black artwork 'Untitled', and the geometric and linear formations that resemble the iconic tweed in Agnes Martin's meditative grid artwork, which are displayed in the elegant changing rooms.

Throughout the boutique, hand-applied wall finishes, silk and wool carpeting, especially designed by Marino, form a perfect backdrop for the collections.

Custom-woven window panels by Lesage also add a refined touch to the interior.

As a new interpretation of Chanel's codes, the brand's signature colours black and white are highlighted with accents of pink and blue to create original contrasts, offering a sophisticated and intimate atmosphere.

Chanel re-entered Interbrand's Best Global Brands report for 2018, ranking number 23 between Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

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MSGM

Brompton Cross, London Design: Massimo Giorgetti; ML Architettura Opening date: October 2018 Store size: 185 sq m

MSGM, the Italian fashion label founded

by Massimo Giorgetti in 2009, opened its first monobrand store in London in October at the centre of Brompton Cross (its second boutique in Europe after Milan).

Designed by Giorgetti, who is also the brand's creative director, with the support of ML Architettura, the 185 sq m space sits adjacent to retailers including Acne, Philip Lim, Carven and Maje, and marks an important step forward in the development of MSGM's worldwide retail expansion.

The interior design reveals a new concept for MSGM, combining existing elements of the two-storey space with contemporary materials and green installations designed by plant artist Satoshi Kawamoto. The walls alternate between unfinished Aquaroc boards and insulating aluminium and semi-reflective,

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iridescent mirror steel that draws attention to the collections.

Meanwhile, the Venetian terrazzo flooring and display units, complete with the brand's signature yellow stripe, add an Italian touch to the space.

'I spent a lot of time studying the surfaces and raw materials,' says Giorgetti.

'I was particularly struck by traces of metal from previous processes; I started out from these details and then chose all the other elements.'

The furniture also pays homage to Italian design, from the D70 sofas created for Tecno by Osvaldo Borsani to the Elettra chairs by Studio B.B.P.R. for Arflex.

MSGM has 31 monobrand stores worldwide, including Milan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul and Macao.

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Birkenstock Soho, New York

Design: TPG Architecture Opening date: October 2018 Store size: 167 sq m

German footwear brand Birkenstock opened its first company-owned retail store in the United States in October with a design by TPG Architecture. For the first time in the US, customers are able to explore the brand's growing range of products for women, men and kids, which were previously only available through wholesalers and distributors.

The landmark building at 120 Spring Street in the heart of Soho, New York provides an appropriate backdrop to showcase the heritage brand, which has roots dating back to 1774. Split across two floors, the store shows a new direction in retail design for Birkenstock, which is well known for its comfortable cork sandals.

'The client sought an experiential and brand-centric store that not only created a brand experience, but also celebrated their rich history and highlighted their dedication to craftsmanship,' explains a spokesperson for TPG Architecture.

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The 167 sq m space has a double-height foyer and incorporates whimsical, organic materials such as cork, leather and felt that align with Birkenstock's products.

The ground floor features an industrial cobbler's workshop bench where shoppers can customise their own shoes. Here, heritage walls with shadow boxes and a greenery wall with a bronze-coloured branded token commemorate the brand's original shoebox design.

Connecting the first and second floors is a mesh-like black screen that is designed to mirror the same pattern found on Birkenstock's rubber soles.

The second floor showroom lounge space houses the brand's higher-end and exclusive collections, including limited-edition designer collaborations such as Rick Owens and 10 Corso Como.

'It is an important part of our ambition to open our own retail stores in strategic locations and vibrant neighbourhoods,' says Oliver Reichert, CEO of Birkenstock. 'The opening of our own retail store in New York is a bow to one of the few remaining fashion capitals in the world that shapes global cultural and consumer trends. Being here will keep our brand vivid and will also create visibility for all the innovations in our collection towards a group of enlightened, highly influential consumers.'

The opening of the Soho store marks the 47th Birkenstockowned store globally and the first in the US.

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05/04/2018 16:29

coal drops yard Text: Gemma Balmford

Coal Drops Yard: The retail heart of King’s Cross

London’s newest and most anticipated shopping district opens with a striking design by Heatherwick Studio.

Coal Drops Yard, the highly anticipated, Heatherwick Studio-designed shopping and lifestyle development at the heart of King’s Cross in London threw open its doors to the public in October. The vibrant new shopping district brings together more than 50 new and established brands, including

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Paul Smith, Joseph Cheaney, The Sports Edit and Miller Harris, in a reimagined set of historic buildings and arches that sit adjacent to Granary Square and Regent’s Canal.

Originally established in 1850 to handle the eight million tonnes of coal delivered to the capital from the North of England each year, the two-storey brick and cast iron structures of Coal Drops Yard were later

adopted for light industry, storage and nightclubs until they fell into disuse by the late 1990s.

The design Now, the historic buildings have been restored and transformed into a new public space and retail destination by local design firm Heatherwick Studio.

‘Rather than making a box element colliding with the geometry of the existing roofs, the gabled roof of each building rises up and stretches towards the other, meeting to form a new upper storey that gives the project a central focus,’ explains a spokesperson for Heatherwick Studio.

The glazed space provides an elevated viewpoint over London, while the sheltered double-height space beneath creates a heart to the development that can also host

coal drops yard Lighting design studio Speirs + Major employed a highly creative yet sensitive approach to enhancing Coal Drops Yard’s character to support the unique retail experience.

Parisian furniture and fabrics brand Caravane opened its second London store at Coal Drops Yard.

The Sports Edit flagship store, designed by Design4Retail, is a leading destination for fashion-forward activewear.

The Miller Harris store is designed by Fabled around the theme of ‘The Botanist’.

concerts and performances.

‘The challenge was to create a heart that would hold you and bring people together,’ said studio founder, Thomas Heatherwick, ahead of the opening. ‘It was important for us to find a way to stitch the old and the new, and find a new language.’

At the same time as creating the new elements to the project, the studio lead a sensitive restoration of the Victorian structures and cobbled yard to preserve their historic character, while adapting them to create an unusual mix of retail and cafe spaces.

‘These amazing Victorian structures were never originally built to be inhabited by hundreds of people, but instead formed part of the sealed-off infrastructure of London,’ notes Heatherwick.

‘After serving so many varied uses throughout the years, we’ve been excited by the opportunity to use our design thinking to finally open up the site, create new spaces and allow everyone to experience these

rich and characterful buildings.’

to grow as a true landmark in London.’

The stores showcase one-off concepts, created using the unique heritage spaces they sit within as a muse and an inspiration.

For The Sports Edit’s store, for example, ‘industrial luxe’ quickly became the golden thread inspiring the design of the boutique, merging the brand’s aesthetic with the architecture of Coal Drops Yard. Developed in collaboration with Design4Retail and located on the viaduct level, the storefront is framed by the grand arches, which is characteristic of the site, while the interior features exposed brickwork and corrugated panels to give the store an industrial feel.

This is enhanced by mesh metalwork, and complemented by warm timber tones, soft neutral shades and the inclusion of foliage, which create a sense of wellbeing.

On the yard level, Joseph Cheaney has also unveiled a new store concept that is sympathetic to both the brand and the location. Designed by Checkland Kindleysides, the interior is inspired by a

The stores The stores and restaurants are located in canal-side arches facing cobbled courtyards, within the original ‘coal drops’ themselves and across a series of raised iron viaducts.

Larger statement stores sit at each street corner, with one dual-aspect space (set to be occupied by Samsung in 2019) crowning the street, located directly beneath the striking ‘kissing’ rooftops.

‘This flagship space in the heart of Coal Drops Yard will embody the spirit and creativity of our brand and will allow visitors to see, hear, and experience all we have to offer,’ says Younghee Lee, CMO of Samsung Electronics. ‘Samsung KX LDN represents our brand philosophy of “Do What You Can’t” with a remarkable scale, experience to push our imagination, and design and cultural environment to the edge of what’s possible. I am excited to have this showcase

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Flash coal drops to go yard here

Bottom: Coal Drops Yard is a new shopping district at the heart of King’s Cross, designed by Heatherwick Studio.

Pullman carriage in a train tunnel. The skeletal structure, engineered from metal and timber, creates a vaulted framework from which to hang merchandising, while a large ‘cutting’ table in the centre of the store provides additional opportunities to present the collections.

‘Cheaney and Coal Drops Yard have much in common; deep heritage combined with a contemporary overlay to excite the adventurous consumer,’ says William Church, joint MD at Joseph Cheaney.

Other tenants include Danish rainwear company Rains, Italian footwear brand Superga and British fashion retailer Wolf & Badger, which has opened a three-storey concept store in the building that once housed legendary nightclub Bagley’s. ‘Great stores are about more than just shopping and we’ve always wanted to create a space like this to present a dynamic and differentiated experience to our customers,’ said Henry Graham, creative director and co-founder of Wolf & Badger, prior to the opening. ‘With this launch, we are curating a destination where art, culture, gastronomy and events can all come together under one roof to complement our signature selection of ethical, unique and unusual products.’

Lower Stable Street — a sunken street between Stable Street and the main Coal Drops Yard — also opened in October with 11 smaller spaces set to host pop-ups, live events and experiential stores from a creative collective of established and upand-coming brands. The market-style street is curated by independent magazine, KIOSK N1C and offers a mix of long and flexible leases, allowing it to reinvent itself multiple times each year.

Images above & right: Luke Hayes

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The Lighting Speirs + Major has drawn inspiration from its original masterplan for King’s Cross (2006), and from Heatherwick Studio’s architectural response, to design a lighting scheme for Coal Drops Yard that is rich in shadow play, with high levels of contrast and close-set grazing light that expresses the rhythmic nature of the original railway architecture.

Much of the lighting is wall-mounted; an understated approach designed to define the periphery of the open spaces while blending into the spill from the retail units.

One of the bolder moves was to leave the middle of the central area relatively dark.

Softly reflected light from the overhanging soffit of the anchor store provides a low base level of illumination, against which the illuminated archways of the retail units glow brightly, animated by the silhouettes of people walking past.

‘We were fortunate to have very early involvement and a highly collaborative relationship with Heatherwick Studio, which allowed us to integrate the light fully within the architectural and landscape design,’ says Mark Major, principal at Speirs + Major. ‘Having also completed the lighting designs for the adjacent Granary Building, Gasholder Triplets, and Gasholder Park we were able to harness our unique perspective of the lit context and design the light for Coal Drops Yard as a key part of the visitor experience across the wider area.’

The lighting design also included a set of non-prescriptive tenant guidelines to help ensure that the lighting in the retail units has a positive impact on the scheme

Below: Joseph Cheaney has opened a store on the yard level, designed by Checkland Kindleysides.

as a whole.

Commenting on the new public space, Anna Strongman, Coal Drops Yard development manager and partner at developer Argent, says: ‘Coal Drops Yard is a bold vision delivered by a dedicated team with a diverse set of skills. This diversity will be mirrored in those who visit — Coal Drops Yard has something for everyone, and will always offer a reason to return. It is an extremely complex project, one that successfully unites the area’s heritage with Heatherwick Studio’s progressive architecture, creating stimulating spaces for both the brands and the people that will bring these buildings back to life.’

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icon outlet

GREENWICH ‘ME’ TIME

Text: Lyndsey Dennis

The first phase of ICON Outlet brings shopping to The O2 arena for the first time.

‘Fashion and music go hand-in-hand and they always should,’ said Lady Gaga, the quote of which is proudly displayed above the entrance to ICON Outlet at The O2 Greenwich, which opened its doors in October. Developed by AEG and Crosstree Real Estate Partners, the 19,509 sq m premium urban outlet brings a shopping experience to the entertainment venue for the very first time.

The O2 attracts more than nine million visitors each year. ‘The O2’s catchment has 80 per cent more disposable income and 44 per cent more residents within a 60-minute radius than the UK average for outlets. These factors reinforce the drive behind launching a full 360-degree visitor experience, merging retail, leisure, dining and entertainment by launching The ICON Outlet,’ says Marion Dillon, the development’s leasing director.

‘ICON Outlet reflects, responds and

adds to the existing experience at The O2, evolving it into a day and night time venue and creating a unique location that no other retail and leisure destination in London can match,’ says Dillon. ‘ICON Outlet provides Greenwich with an alternative experience to what is available locally; in doing so, the ICON Outlet complements and enriches Greenwich and The O2’s pre-existing retail and dining offer. Additionally, ICON Outlet will impact the wider area by drawing in new visitors that will spend time in Greenwich and at The O2.’

Brands include the first Cheaney Shoes outlet store, Aspinal of London, GANT, James Lakeland, Hobbs, Kurt Geiger, G-STAR Raw, Ted Baker, Guess, Jack Wills, Levi’s, Pepe Jeans London, Phase Eight, Cath Kidston, Gap, The Cosmetics Company Store, Lindt, Clarks, Karen Millen, Radley, OSPREY LONDON, and more.

CallisonRTKL was tasked with bringing the vision of ICON Outlet to life — a place where retail and leisure converge. ‘The retail world is ever-evolving; the focus on the curated experience is a real shift of approach. Shopping destinations are now seeking new leisure experiences to attract, activate and energise their existing offer.

What we have here is one of the most iconic leisure destinations in the world, anchored by the world’s favourite arena,’ says Nathmya Saffarini, senior associate director at CallisonRTKL. The firm’s concept focuses on the creation of two retail experiences — The Petals and the Clouds — to correspond with the leasing strategy and the character of the space they occupy. ‘Throughout the scheme the colour palette is light, with the use of white and metallic shades and materials intentionally introduced to bring maximum light into the spaces,’

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icon outlet

says Saffarini.

The ceiling treatments within these spaces are a unique feature to the site, designed to create a sense of light, space and tranquillity. Clever use of LED lighting enables the tone and look and feel of the development to shift depending on the time of day. The neutral colour palette also creates a good setting for retailers, enabling brands to really stand out.

The retail offer is organised into a series of key themes, with next-generation consumers in mind. ‘Best of British’ offers quality and heritage; ‘Global fashion’ supplying premium brands from across the globe; ‘Beauty and accessories’ is the port of call for cosmetics and accessories; and ‘Sports and lifestyle’ offers some of the most exciting names in athleisure. The outlet will also host a range of experience-led services, including personal shoppers and stylists, hands-free shopping, and event

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shopping packages.

‘The O2 has a global reputation as an entertainment destination and makes a massive contribution to London’s economy of 8,700 jobs and £840 million expenditure each year. The opening of the new ICON Outlet underlines the continuing investment

by AEG and Crosstree into The O2 and the regeneration of the wider Greenwich area — and is further proof that London is open for business,’ says Rajesh Agrawal, deputy mayor of London for Business.

‘We believe the addition of ICON Outlet is the final critical piece that will not only transform the O2 but in its own right create a new paradigm for leisure and retail destinations. ICON Outlet is a fantastic new addition to the leisure and retail offer in Greenwich, ensuring that the O2 is a true entertainment district able to attract new customers and be a great new community hub,’ says Saffarini.

Above: Displays in the Ted Baker store feature nods to music, including displays dedicated to British icons such as The Beatles, Oasis and The Spice Girls.

Photo Credit: SLVHCS ‘Project Legacy’, New Orleans, USA © Sean Airhart/NBBJ

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restaurants

FEEDING A NEED Text: Lyndsey Dennis

Text: Lyndsey Dennis

Dining out has never been so exciting, visually stimulating and Instagrammable, finds Retail Focus.

London’s first avocado bar opened in Covent Garden in the Summer — just one example of how dining out has evolved.

From roast dinner wraps to bubble waffles, new creations are hitting our high streets every month, and that means a host of exciting dining experiences. Queues were round the block for the launch of Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream at Central Cross in Chinatown London, Europe’s first Filipino ice cream parlour, which also created a social media frenzy.

Designed by DesignLSM, the 68 sq m Avobar restaurant focuses on all things avocado and combines an open and social dining environment with an in-house retail space offering avocado-based skincare and lifestyle products to customers.

The overall concept evokes a relaxed bohemian ambience with a beautifully crafted design that creates a visual feast for avocado lovers.

‘We are working with our clients to design not just beautiful spaces, but environments that have meaning or connections, be that an emotional connection with the consumer, or to the food, the brand’s personality etc. It is about the curation of the whole experience space to reflect true craftsmanship and balance within their visual aesthetic,’ says Holly Hallam, strategy and marketing director at DesignLSM. ‘The experience factor will remain a key component when designing a space, however the need to create these “instagrammable moments” will slowly defuse with consumers seeking environments that are more authentic

Main: Designed by Angus Buchanan, the interior of modern kebab house Maison Bab includes opulent finishes and geometric patterns with a dusty pink colour theme.

and individual.’

Hallam says environmental concerns and consideration to sustainability are also becoming more prevalent in the firm’s designs — considered from an aesthetic and operational perspective.

Also in Covent Garden, modern kebab house Maison Bab opened its doors in September, launched by the founders of Le Bab in Soho’s Kingly Court. Designed

by Angus Buchanan, the interior includes opulent finishes and geometric patterns with a dusty pink colour theme. The ground floor includes racing green coloured booth seating and additional bar seats for counter dining, whilst downstairs a feature wall is decorated with 50,000 playing cards and an exposed mise en place kitchen.

‘I want people to primarily feel a connection to the kitchen; I want the food to be visible, the fire pit to feel exciting and for customers to have great anticipation of the

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restaurants

Copyright: Moris Moreno

Left: Designed by CallisonRTKL, the layout and atmosphere of Boulud Sud in Miami reflects the flow, light and textures of the coastal Cote d’Azur.

Below left: At Pali Kitchen on London’s Bow Lane, iconic characters are illustrated on the interior walls and printed across the packaging.

amazing food they are about to order. This is equally important downstairs so the view through the kebab facade into the kitchen is uninterrupted and I want customers to look in. Hopefully once they are sitting in their seats it will feel like a comfortable place to hang out with friends and eat some delicious food,’ says Buchanan.

A new Indian ‘grab-and-go’ concept called Pali Kitchen has opened in London’s Bow Lane, with branding by customer experience agency I-AM. The key objective was to change the perception of the Indian dining experience by moving away from being a traditional, seated and multicourse dining experience to a fast-casual food proposition. The entire offer is based on delivering a promise of great customisable dishes to everyone who wants a genuine taste of India.

‘Pali Kitchen was an important passion project for I-AM, linking back to our studio in Mumbai and our work there over the years. We wanted to reflect the vibrancy of the culture, which we believe is rooted in the everyday people you meet in this wonderful country — each with their own stories to tell. The concept of real India is inherent in the fabric of the people and the warmth of a billion smiles, pitched against a kaleidoscopic backdrop of colour, noise and texture; that is what we wanted to bring to life, in a fun and engaging way, delivering a true people inspired experience,’ says Paul Tynan, 3D creative director at I-AM. Iconic characters are illustrated on the interior walls and printed across the packaging, from the ‘Dabbawalla’ representing the lunch delivery boy cycling through the bustling streets, ‘Chaiwalla’ the street tea maker and seller, to the ‘Flower Girl’ symbolic of all the playful children. All these characters are accompanied by a note describing their day and sayings in Hindu that form short storylines, bringing the

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spirit of these characters to life within the brand experience. Another iconic graphic feature in the space is the purple neon Mudra hand sign, gesturing back and forth symbolising food and eating.

‘London is widely hailed as the world’s most diverse and exciting capital for restaurants, and the demand for variety when dining is essential. Modern consumers seek laid-back dining with high quality food and in a stylish setting. Whether you are a millennial on a budget, or a discerning diner, there is something for everyone and The Mercers’ Company ensures this diversity can be found within Covent Garden,’ says Simon Taylor, property director of The Mercers’ Company.

‘With a third of the nation eating out every week, creative restaurant formats are a crucial element in giving consumers a full dining-out experience and keeps them engaged with every aspect of the brand.

Having an open kitchen as a centre piece of the restaurant is an increasingly popular format, and one which has been incredibly successful at both Temper and Maison Bab, new entrants to Mercer Walk,’ says Taylor.

Neal’s Yard in London will soon welcome Redemption, London’s only vegan and alcohol-free restaurant, also incorporating a sugar-free and wheat-free menu. The 60 sq m Redemption will include exclusive features unique to Seven Dials, such as the option of take away food and a retail space where visitors can purchase

Below right: David Collins Studio’s design for Kerridge’s Bar and Grill at Corinthia London has transformed the grand high-ceilinged dining room into a bustling lively hall with a focus on the food and drink.

Far right Designed by DesignLSM, Avobar focuses on all things avocado and combines an open and social dining environment.

the brand’s cookbooks, candles and other complementary merchandise. Working alongside architect Atelier Khan and fit-out company, df20, Redemption will also feature the world’s first alcohol-free bar with large bi-folding doors to allow access to alfresco dining in Neal’s Yard.

Designed by David Collins Studio, Kerridge’s Bar and Grill at Corinthia London is a 400 sq m restaurant and bar created in collaboration with chef Tom Kerridge for his first London restaurant, which opened in September. The studio’s design has transformed this grand high-ceilinged dining room into a bustling lively hall with a design that brings the focus to the food and drink, with the creation of defined areas of activity that celebrate the provenance of ingredients, promote intimacy and exude comfort.

‘Our combined vision with Tom is to bring the food and drink to the forefront of this restaurant. We have ensured that

restaurants

Restaurant and Bar Design Awards The 10th Restaurant & Bar Design Awards took place in October. Sean Connolly in Dubai, designed by Alexander & Co, and Rosina in Las Vegas, designed by Simeone Deary Design Group, were the Overall Winners of the 2018 awards. Another 36 category winners (including Best UK Winners) were revealed at the ceremony, which took place at London’s King’s Cross.

Above: Sean Connolly in Dubai, winner of Best Overall Restaurant Below: Rosina in Las Vegas, winner of Best Overall Bar

Best Overall Winners Best Overall Bar: Rosina, Las Vegas by Simeone Deary Design Group and Gensler Best Overall Restaurant: Sean Connolly, Dubai by Alexander & Co Best UK Winners Best UK Bar: No. 29 Power Station West, London by Box 9 Design Best UK Restaurant: Mei Ume, London, by AB Concept View the full list of winners, including international projects, at www.restaurantandbardesignawards.com

within this beautiful grand room, everyone will be enveloped in a spectacle of theatre, preparation, drama and intimacy. The richness of personality we are layering into the room really captures the feeling of Tom and his food, whilst creating a wonderful bar and restaurant experience in the Corinthia Hotel,’ says Simon Rawlings, creative director at David Collins Studio.

‘Restaurants are becoming less formal, and they’re bringing the very best

ingredients, talent and design to their spaces. Why? The guest expects a better dining experience, but doesn’t want to pay a huge price. Creative restaurant owners and chefs all over the world are realising this and delivering cuisine in formats that are more casual and affordable. Thus the layouts are less formal and more open, allowing the communal table and gathering areas to thrive. The layouts as well as the FF&E are more relaxed, making the ambience and experience richer and more personal,’ says Clay Markham, senior vice president at CallisonRTKL Dallas.

Markham notes some of the latest trends are merging the lounge bar area with the dining room. ‘Guests have always wanted to eat in the hottest spots, not only for the elevated food offerings, but also to see and be seen. Chefs are crafting great food experiences for these venues, which offer the casual atmosphere of a lounge

Photography: James French

space featuring music and crafted drinks on display. Within the lounge area there can be semi-private spaces that provide a degree of privacy while staying in the social mix.’

Kevin Horn, CallisonRTKL vice president in LA, says the growth of craft cocktails means bars are once again becoming the main focal point in a lot of restaurants.

‘With the rise of Instagram, there has been a shift away from simple clean designs to more colours, textures, patterns and unique materials that create Instagramworthy moments. Non-traditional seating arrangements including communal tables and hospitality-like lounge settings are creating varied experiences. Open kitchens are being incorporated more and more, and in a lot of cases seating is integrated in a way that lets customers watch the food being prepared and feel like they are part of the kitchen experience.’ He says eating out now more than ever has become a very communal and social experience.

At Boulud Sud Miami, chef Daniel Boulud requested that CallisonRTKL create a layout and atmosphere that reflected the flow, light and textures of the coastal Cote d’Azur. ‘His food would play off of that, so our task was easy: provide relaxed casual seating, an open-space lounge and dining area, soft light and a Southof-France colour palette. The backdrop of these relaxing elements would allow the food to shine. We employed aged wood and encaustic tile flooring, draped, soft lighting pendants, light woods and blue color accents. The wonderful life of the Cote d’Azur comes alive! And the design of the space is as Instagrammable as the food,’ says Markham.

Instagrammable dining, from food presentation to interior design details, is key to many of today’s diners.

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opinion

Is plus-size a growing sector of fashion?

In recent years, not only has there appeared to be a surge in clothing brands stocking solely plus-size clothing, but many established womenswear companies also now offer dedicated plus-size departments. Hiten Solanki, senior SEO executive of high street fashion brand River Island, investigates the plus-size clothing market in 2018 and beyond.

When it comes to the plus-size sector, the UK fashion industry is generally divided into specialist plus-size brands (which serve the plus-size customer only) and generalist plus-size brands (which have extended their sizing ranges to include plus-size options). As of 2017, the plus-size market was worth approximately £6.6 billion, according to a PwC report, and £4.7 billion of this was for female plus-size clothing only.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of plus-size clothing in the UK is its performance when compared to the general womenswear and menswear markets. Reportedly, the plus-size market had a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3 per cent during the 2012 and 2017 period, while the men’s and women’s clothing sector grew just 2.4 per cent in the same timeframe. What’s more, the value of the plus-size industry is anticipated to develop at a 7.1 per cent CAGR from now until 2022, and potentially hit a value of £1.3 billion by 2019.

What is helping the plus-size market develop?

Many factors contribute to the success of the plus-size sector in the UK, from how its clothing is advertised to the spokespeople who help drive it into mainstream fashion.

Donatella Versace, vice president and artistic director, Versace Group, said: ‘Plus-sized women shouldn’t think of themselves as a size. They should think of themselves as women with rich goals in life.’ Comments like these from powerful people in the industry have supported the plus-size market, making it more attractive to not only buy into from a consumer perspective, but invest in from a brand

point of view.

Collectively, the fashion industry has also helped grow the plus-size market via its use of plus-size models at major fashion shows. In September last year, audiences at London Fashion Week saw female models up to a size 26 take to the catwalk. Similarly, the New York Designers Spring-Summer 2018 Show also sent plussize models down the runway. However, despite a rise in the inclusion of plus-size models at major fashion events in the past few years, the number has disappointingly fallen in the most recent fashion shows, according to The Fashion Spot report.

So, perhaps credit has to be attributed to the plus-size models themselves, rather than the brands and fashion show organisers they collaborate with. With their photos regularly receiving thousands of likes and their willingness to speak out against ‘body-shamers’ (most recently by Felicity Hayward and as part of a protest at London Fashion Week) the campaigning and activity of plus-size models for greater acceptance and awareness has almost certainly been driving forces behind the rising value of the market.

Use of technology to sell plus-size Last year, £16.2 billion was spent by UK consumers on buying clothes, accessories and shoes online, and across the world, revenue from ecommerce in fashion is anticipated to reach $712,9 billion in the next four years. Clearly, digital platforms are crucial in the industry, but how is technology affecting the plus-size sector specifically?

According to the PwC report, plus-size consumers shop online for everything, from plus-size dresses to plus-size beachwear, more than female consumers of general womenswear. Part of the success of plus-size is potentially the proactivity of brands that sell this type of clothing to engage with their target audience in their preferred method — online.

As more well-known fashion brands branch out into plus-size, they will offer a greater tech-based experience to help enhance the end-to-end consumer journey. For example, many brands are currently investing in virtual stylists, body scanners and online fitting rooms, all of which create an interactive and enjoyable experience for plus-size customers that will help bring this specific sector of fashion onto a more even playing field with the overall womenswear market.

A lean towards social media advertising and advances in digital marketing are also helping to improve awareness and accessibility to plussize fashion for everyday Facebook and Instagram users.

Future of plus-size Google Trends indicates that the number of searches for ‘plus size’ has risen over the past five years, and in the UK, the term reached its peak popularity in June this year.

A report by IBISWorld states that the growing consumer base and rise in retailers of plus-size clothing will help develop the market even further. So much so, that the sector is expected to be an important contributor as a growth market to the wider economy in the next few years.

As fashion focuses more on the user experience and virtual technology, we can expect to see greater interactivity between the plus-size consumer and their online shopping journey.

As the profit-making advantages of plus-size fashion becomes more widely known and supported, it’s fair to anticipate even more luxury and high-street brands channelling investment and resources into creating plus-size departments to complement their current ranges.

Overall, the future looks bright for plus-size women’s fashion and we should expect more innovations and developments as the industry gains momentum over the next few years.

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colour & materials

Colour & Materials: Pushing the boundaries Thoughtful material and colour selection can positively shape how customers think, feel and behave within a store, finds Retail Focus

As any designer will tell you, materials and colour play a vital part in the creative process and it’s therefore important to stay up to date with the latest products, trends and innovations. In retail design, specifically, the material and colour palette of a store has the power to shape how customers think, feel and behave within the space.

‘Materials and colour define the immediate perception of a space and quality of the product being sold, and they can affect the consumer journey at every step, from the first product interaction to the final sales transaction,’ says Alexia Beghi, designer, associate at Gensler’s New York office. ‘Thoughtful material selection can enhance the conceptual narrative, evoke feelings of aspiration, and express a brand’s goals and objectives, giving customers a holistic understanding of a brand’s ethos, which is becoming increasingly important as customers expect brand transparency.’

When Spanish accessories label Malababa decided to open a new store along Madrid’s Serrano 8, it tasked design and architecture studios Ciszak Dalmas and Matteo Ferrari with creating an interior that symbolises and reproduces the brand’s identifying features of light, texture, shape and colour. The space celebrates the raw beauty of natural materials, from the walls which are rendered with a mix of Galican clay and white marble powder from Almeria, to the mobile furniture modules which are crafted using limestone from Seville, aged brass and beautiful moss agate. Malababa master craftsman Osvaldo Ruben Thomas even made a pale pink-coloured curtain for one of the internal walls, using the same cowhide leather that is used in the brand’s Metrica accessories collection. The result is a space that has been built with the same passion, honesty and sustainability as the products themselves.

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Text: Gemma Balmford

Above left: The new Stella McCartney store on Old Bond Street moves away from traditional luxury materials towards more handmade, organic and sustainably sourced elements.

Above middle: The Calvin Klein store on Madison Avenue, New York is a perfect example of a retailer pushing colour and material boundaries.

Above right: Mulberry on Regent Street explores the beauty of contrasting materials.

‘The colour and material choices here are in tune with the brand’s ethos,’ notes Laura Perryman, co-founder of colour and materials consultancy Colour of Saying. ‘Instead of showing off flashy brands and logos, the store embraces a philanthropic and empathetic palette as a new type of status symbol.’

Recognising the influence of colour — and combinations of colour and texture — on human psychology is incredibly key for any brand with a physical store presence, claims Perryman.

‘Stores should be designed around how they make us feel’ Claire Dickinson, WGSN

colour & materials

Colours

of the year 2019 Tiru Taken from the backdrop of Graham & Brown’s Tori wallpaper, Tiru celebrates tranquillity, good luck and longevity and is the brand’s Colour of the Year 2019.

The choice is said to reflect the consumer’s desire for opulent colours and luxurious finishes.

Spiced Honey AkzoNobel has announced Spiced Honey as its Colour of the Year for 2019. The warm amber tone is a versatile and contemporary choice, complementing a wide variety of lifestyle and interior design preferences. ‘It’s a colour which can be calming or nourishing, stimulating and energising, depending on the light and colours surrounding it,’ says Heleen van Gent, creative director of AkzoNobel’s Global Aesthetic Center. The shade was selected following research into global trends, insights and consumer behaviour, and is being marketed under well-know decorative paint brands such as Dulux, Coral, Levis and Flexa.

This year, she has noticed a huge wave of warm colour palettes and minimalistic materials such as concrete, glass, marble, and steel being used to create dramatic yet simple interiors. Vivid shades of yellow, it seems, are also proving a popular colour choice for retail interiors.

Take the Calvin Klein store on New York’s Madison Avenue, for example, which reopened last summer with a bright yellow interior. Designed by the brand’s creative director, Raf Simons, in collaboration with artist Sterling Ruby, the interior provided a striking contrast to the grey stone facade.

‘It is a perfect example of a retailer pushing colour and material boundaries,’ says Beghi. ‘The store is simultaneously a showroom, an art gallery, and a collection of some of the most Instagrammable moments on Madison Avenue. It is a huge shift from the pre-Raf CK days and has become a destination for designers and fashionistas alike.’

Calvin Klein, and also Gucci, are leading the way in a new direction that design agency Checkland Kindleysides calls ‘playful maximalism’. ‘This overtly visual approach is helping these brands appeal to a new generation of self-expressive consumers,’ believe Caroline Mitchell, senior insights researcher and Mike Tristram, strategic planner, at Checkland Kindleysides.

‘Some of the most interesting things we are seeing in retail design (and design in general) right now, is the progressive use of materials and colour,’ say the duo. ‘After years of minimalist design, service innovations and “fail fast, fail often” digital approaches, it’s great to see the artistry of design reclaiming the spotlight.

‘There is a real sense of creative bravery re-emerging,’ continue Mitchell and Tristram. ‘Brands know that they need to be bolder to capture attention and stand out from the crowd, and this is driving forward-thinking uses of colours and materials.’

Metropolitan AF-690 Comforting, composed and effortlessly sophisticated is how North American paint brand Benjamin Moore describes its Colour of the Year for 2019. Metropolitan AF-690 is said to reinvent the concept of grey with an easy going and flawlessly balanced neutral tone.

‘It’s a colour in the neutral spectrum that references a contemplative state of mind and design,’ says Ellen O’Neill, director of strategic design intelligence at Benjamin Moore. ‘Not arresting nor aggressive, this understated yet glamorous grey creates a soothing, impactful common ground.’

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colour & materials

Sonia Tomic, senior associate at Universal Design Studio, agrees that there seems to be a confident and bold use of colour within interiors, and design in general lately. ‘There is a sense of a post-modern “more is more” approach to colour and pattern too,’ she says.

Tomic references the new Gucci stores (under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele) which she claims are maximalist collages of luxurious materials, rich colour, traditional fabrics, patterns and furniture brought together under a contemporary lens.

‘There’s a real sense of abundance, irreverence and freedom from the serious and slick fashion norms.’

There is also now a strong focus on sustainable design. The Stella McCartney flagship store on Old Bond Street opened in the Summer with a design that moves away from traditional luxury materials towards more handmade, organic and sustainably sourced elements. There are bespoke decorative wall panels made from paper-mâché that has been recycled from the company’s office paper waste, foam furniture made of recycled materials and an indoor rockery that acts as a natural air purifier. The store also features warm, earthy tones which continue to prevail in retail.

‘Consumers are increasingly exercising an emotional awareness to the effect we are having on our environment, affiliating themselves with brands that share the same conscious responsibility to sustainability,’ note Paul Chatelier and Gemma McDonnell, design directors at FITCH. Like the Stella McCartney store, the new Mulberry retail concept explores the beauty of contrasting materials. Unveiled on Regent Street in September, the store concept is said to pay tribute to the raw power of the British landscape in all its many forms.

‘The design encompasses the colour trends we are seeing with the earth tonal palette, with accents of rich colours reflecting the brand’s heritage,’ says Chloe Muir, associate at Gensler’s London office, on a recent visit. ‘The design is extremely tactile through its application of materiality such as suede, wood and velvet applied to different surfaces and used in a clever way.’

Looking ahead to 2019, Claire Dickinson, editor, visual merchandising at WGSN, believes we will see imaginative, disruptive, high-impact designs that evoke joy and pleasure. ‘It will be time to embrace hedonism in design, and find pleasure in imperfection,’ she says. ‘An energetic, upbeat palette will be key, bringing positivity to spaces and energising shoppers.’

Another trend that Dickinson is looking at for 2019 is set against a backdrop of increased anxiety in an always-on world, where consumers swing from obsessively switching on to opting out entirely. ‘As a result, there is a growing urge to reconnect with things that touch us emotionally and physically, with designs that are immersive and tactile. As we get more in touch with our moods and emotions, stores should be designed around how they make us feel.’

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This page: The Malababa store on Madrid’s Serrano 8 celebrates the raw beauty of natural materials.

dover

DOVER

Text: Lyndsey Dennis

Dover has seen significant regeneration, including the opening of the £53 million St James Dover retail and leisure development, encouraging visitors to explore the whole town centre.

Nestled on the Kent coast, Dover is a major port for ferries to Calais, seeing some 11.7 million passengers flooding through the port in 2017, including 200,000 cruise passengers a year. St James Dover is a £53 million retail and leisure development in the centre of Dover, which has been 20 years in the making, since the site on the A20 was first identified as the best place to have a major retail development back in 1997.

Opened in June, the 14,585 sq m St James development boosted footfall in Dover town centre by almost 60 per cent in the first three months. ‘The overriding vision of St James remains to create a catalyst for the regeneration of the town as a whole, attracting more visitors, better brands and greater choice. We’re a long-term investor in Dover with a vested interest in the future of prosperity of the town. By attracting people to visit St James Dover, we can encourage them to explore the whole town centre, benefitting everyone,’ says Alex Mountford, asset manager at LGIM RA. St James provides an opportunity to encourage visitors to stop off on the way to the ferries and cruises, and explore the new development, the old town and the surrounding area.

In a phased opening, Cineworld was first to open its doors in March this year, followed by 10 others, including an M&S Foodhall, The Food Warehouse by Iceland, Nando’s, Anytime Fitness, Costa Coffee and Travelodge, with Next following in July.

Speaking after the opening of St James, Cllr Keith Morris, leader of Dover District Council, said: ‘These early figures point to a very encouraging start for St James, and underline our premise that the development would attract footfall to the traditional high street.

Thanks to St James we have attracted new names to Dover, and ensured that brands looking to expand into larger, more modern premises have stayed in the town.’

He says St James is also stimulating new investment in the Old Town, including proposals for the former M&S store on Biggin Street.

‘We continue to press the case with Kent County Council for further improvements to public realm to match the £500,000 committed by Dover District Council for the town centre, and have worked with the Dover Town Team on a £3.1 million bid to the Coastal Communities Fund to revitalise the Market Square.’

LGIM RA and Dover District Council are working together with other town centre stakeholders to make sure residents and businesses gain advantage from St James and other improvements to the town. St James reflects the inward investment into the town now, such as the redevelopment of the waterfront, that will add to this increased vibrancy. LGIM RA is a long-term investor in Dover with a vested interest for the future prosperity of the existing high street.

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RETAIL FOCUS

FORUM VM & DISLAY SHOW

3-4 APRIL, BDC LONDON

products

FLOORING Tarkett Tarkett has unveiled iD Revolution to offer customers a new innovative, modular, resilient flooring in line with its strong sustainability commitment. iD Revolution is regenerative by design as it comprises 83 per cent recycled, mineral and bio-based materials and is 100 per cent recyclable. The result is a Cradle to Cradle gold certified modular resilient flooring that has been designed for life while also combining peformance and design. Through ReStart, Tarkett’s take-back programme, iD Revolution’s tiles and planks will be eligible to be collected and sent back to the manufacturing site to be re-engineered as a new product.

T. +44 (0)1622 854 000 E: uksales@tarkett.com www.tarkett.co.uk Twitter: TarkettUK

Tarkett Cementi Click is a new catgory of premium mineral tiles and planks from Tarkett, for architectural spaces. Manufactured from 95 per cent clay, cement’s main composite, Cementi Click boasts the look and feel of this raw modern material, thus embodying the timeless elegance of concrete art in architecture. The collection features a range of stone and graphical designs. Subtle marble, ethereal decors, and natural clay tone effects create a pure and refined architectural atmosphere for designers and architects looking to create inspirational spaces from mineral textures. Easy and quick to install, resistant, Cementi Click also meets the increasingly demanding needs of the industry to save time when renovating. Cementi click provides the ideal solution for store, restaurant and hotel owners alike.

T. +44 (0)1622 854 000 E: uksales@tarkett.com www.tarkett.co.uk Twitter: TarkettUK

Tarkett Bridal retailer WED2B has selected luxury vinyl floor tiles from Tarkett. To further enhance the customer experience in the new WED2B store in Ashford, Kent, a combination of iD inspiration 70 Luxury Vinyl Tiles featuring brushed pine grey and brown tones was selected. The tiles are manufactured to stay looking great — even in the face of high foot traffic.

Treated with Tarkett’s Top Clean surface protection system, all the planks and tiles in this collection have the additional benefits of easy maintenance and a high resistance to scuffs, scratches and stains. The combination of a beautiful realistic wood effect pattern, with the high performance benefits, made Tarkett’s iD Inspiration 70 ideal for WED2B’s needs.

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Mats and Floors

products

FLOORING Polyflor Flooring from Polyflor has been specified for the Ocean Fish and Chips Restaurant at The Flower Bowl mixed leisure destination at Barton Grange, Preston. Designed by Nigel Phillips Design, six designs from the Palettone PUR range were selected to create the bespoke floor in the dining area of the restaurant. Caramel Kick, Buttered Corn and Hay Grain featured to create a sand effect and the blues of Weekend Sky, Superior Sky and Sapphire Star were used in a waved pattern to create the Sea. Palettone PUR offers a palette of 50 contemporary colours, from pale neutrals through to more intense shades T. +44 (0)161 767 1111 E: info@polyflor.com www.polyflor.com Twitter: Polyflorltd

Karndean Designflooring Karndean Designflooring is extending its sophisticated Art Select wood collection with 14 new designs including French oak, hickory and American chestnut. Karndean’s latest Art Select wood designs feature intricate patterns for impressive variation across the floor, with a preferred 3.0mm thickness, 0.7mm wear layer and enhanced R10/R11 slip resistance ratings. The new designs offer beautiful and inspiring natural wood effects with realistic cross-sawn and hand-scraped embosses to produce an authentic look of traditional crafted planks that is perfect for a wide variety of commercial settings.

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

International Decorative Surfaces

Amtico

Available now in the UK exclusively through IDS, FORESCOLOR is a coloured throughout wood fibre board.

It is an evolution of MDF, offering the additional benefits of moisture resistance, non-toxicity and tool friendliness for a multitude of applications. Maintaining its consistent colour throughout, FORESCOLOR’s superior machining capabilities allow boards to be laser cut into intricate designs or routered to include text or logos, with a precision finish. Due to its high density profile and the high melamine content of the resin used, there is little or no sanding required after machining.

Amtico has launched Colour Anchor — a striking new palette of carpet tiles that provides designers and specifiers with a wider range of possibilities for commercial interiors. Consisting of 15 different shades, from neutrals to brights, the versatile tiles are the ideal accompaniment to Amtico’s existing carpet collection, while offering more playful and adventurous design possibilities. By introducing new bold single colours, such as ‘Poppy’, ‘Meadow’ or ‘Abuzz’, designers can add contrasting accents to a scheme, or alternatively blend stronger shades with neutral tones to deliver a visually inspiring space.

Furthermore, the use of coloured carpet tiles in extensive commercial environments, such as offices, schools and retail outlets, aids the designation of zones. The new tiles are supplied in a single square size of 24in x 24in.

T. +44 (0)8457 298 298 E: info@idsurfaces.co.uk www.idsurfaces.co.uk Twitter: idsurfaces

T. +44 (0)121 745 0800 E. info@amtico.com www.amtico.com/commercial Twitter: AmticoFlooring

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products

SURFACES & FINISHES James Latham Following the enormous success of its first Product Specification Showroom, which opened in London in 2016, James Latham has launched its second showroom, located in Manchester.

Just like the London studio, the new Manchester facility has been created to inspire architects and designers when looking to specify materials for both inside and outside the building, as well as enabling them to keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in surface and material solutions. Latham’s enormous product portfolio includes some of the most recognised panel and timber brands in the world, and this new facility is the ideal platform to showcase the sheer breadth of the company’s offering, and all from a single source.

T. +44 (0)116 257 3415 E: marketing@lathams.co.uk www.lathamtimber.co.uk Twitter: lathamsltd

Formica Group Designed by Pinkeye, Telenet’s flagship shop on the Meir in Antwerp features Formica laminate to create a natural, peaceful and uplifting look. Difficult shapes, such as a round bench, were easy to achieve with the Formica Group materials.

Natural Ash in a Naturelle finish from the Formica Woods Collection was chosen for both wall cladding and furniture. Yellow was chosen as a motif due to its known capacity to stimulate creative thought and energy. Formica laminate in Spectrum Yellow adds a touch of colour and sunshine the space needs to reflect Telenet’s brand.

T. +44 (0)191 622 0096 E. samples.uk@formica.com www.formica.com Twitter: FormicaGroupEU

Lawcris CompacMel Plus is an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to compact laminate, boasting a range of benefits that free the designer from the constraints of other materials.

It is used a lot in changing rooms and staff rooms for lockers and furniture. As well as moisture resistance and excellent machinability, CompacMel Plus features a black core throughout, allowing creativity in both shapes and applications, without the need for edging. In 18 vibrant uni-colours and woodgrains, it’s easy to see why this range is so popular. Find the whole range on the Lawcris website — www.lawcris.co.uk.

T. +44 (0)113 217 7177 E. sales@lawcris.co.uk www.lawcris.co.uk Twitter: Lawcris1982

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Dorotape UK Transform any space in a fusion of brilliant colour with Dorotape’s range of dichroic films at a truly unbeatable price. Choose from two transparent and four opaque combinations, which can be applied to glass or any smooth surface, to achieve a captivating blend of colour depending on the viewing angle. Now, the new generation of this popular window film, Nebula Pro, provides the ultimate colour and clarity, making this film from Dorotape first choice for the most powerful and bespoke applications.

T. +44 (0)1858 431 642 E: sales@dorotape.co.uk www.dorotape.co.uk Twitter: doro_tape

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products

LIGHTING Fratelli Guzzini Zurigo 66 from iGuzzini is a homage to Luigi Massoni, who created the Zurigo pendant that has inspired many designers over the years. Its typical 1970s style is exciting, emphatic and assertive.

Zurigo 66 has a strong personality, reinforced by the colours intrinsic to its identity. Having been relaunched in its original shape, it is now made using a technology that further enhances its lighting performance. There are three sizes available: small (40cm Ø), medium (52cm Ø) and large (82.5cm Ø). The Zurigo comes in four monochrome versions (clear, bright blue, orange and grey) and eight two-colour versions — black, orange, smoky grey, dark blue, clear, chrome, copper, and gold on the outside, and white on the inside. Zurigo 66 is easy to install and has a lamp holder with a balancing system and an adjustable mounting cable, being compatible with LED light bulbs.

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Applelec Applelec’s OLED panels in rigid and flexible forms provide new possibilities in lighting design. As a uniformed surface light source, OLED features low glare and their blue light levels are much lower than conventional LEDs. The light produced by OLED has spectral power distributions close to natural daylight, making OLED ideal for places where natural light is limited.

Due to the thin and lightweight structure, the homogenous light source can be seamlessly merged within product or design compositions, and the flexible panels can be curved into extraordinary shapes.

T. +44 (0)1274 774 477 E: sales@applelec.co.uk www.applelec.co.uk Twitter: Applelec

Iconic Brand Licensing Iconic Brand Licensing has taken the concept of increasing brand awareness to a new level. Recreating the concept of a lightbox to allow businesses to highlight their brand or promotion in store, at the office and particularly at home where the lightbox is a particularly trendy furnishing. the Iconic Lightbox has the benefit of interchangeable screens printed in high definition, allowing several messages to be shown at different times. The low voltage back lit display will catch the eye of anyone in the vicinity ensuring a very low cost per view.

T. +44 (0)20 3633 1510 E. info@iconiclightbox.com www.iconiclightbox.com Twitter: IconicLightbox

Reggiani UK A wide range of luminaires from Reggiani have been used to great effect in the new Jaguar Land Rover showroom and servicing centre in Slough, Berkshire. Both Jaguar and Land Rover occupy their own showroom space within the new facility with both areas utilising Reggiani’s soft recessed Yori L linear fittings to provide the desired uniform ambient lighting.

All vehicles are highlighted by two suspended linear Mood fittings with a brighter and cooler colour temperature of 4,000K. Fittings are positioned at an equidistant 1.4m from the centre of every vehicle to ensure an efficient scheme with no shaded areas. The suspended linear Mood fittings in the front row are also connected to a DALI Bluetooth dimming system, which allows for iPhone/iPad control, if preferred, and various scene-setting options visible from the exterior of the showroom.

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

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@retailfocus

Advert 86mm wide x 127mm deep 10-05-2017

Dragon Display Systems

Plan.

Design.

Build.

Designed and Manufactured in the UK

Manufacturers of merchandising systems, especially for clothing-related retailers, including bespoke production.

Colour is no obstacle. www.dragondisplay.co.uk Visit lawcris.co.uk for all your decorative panel products.

34

Display Systems Ltd

Tel 01952 290055 • Fax: 01952 290056 • sales@dragondisplay.co.uk

products

TECHNOLOGY NEC Display Solutions Europe The latest MultiSync V Series from NEC Display Solutions Europe is a family of huge display surfaces designed to provide the most natural and realistic image rendition. The new ‘pixel-free’ displays are designed for digital signage in retail, entertainment, museums, meeting and conferencing, and industries such as manufacturing, engineering, leisure and hospitality, and many more. The V Series is available in three extraordinarily-large sizes: 75in, 86in and 98in. Users can take advantage of life-size digital canvases for all their advertising, presentation or signage needs, providing a crystal-clear and fully immersive experience.

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

Posiflex Technology Posiflex Technology has launched the Paragon TK-3200 Series and the Stellar TK-2100 Series - interactive kiosks that are aimed at shaping the future of retail and hospitality industries, enabling brands to interact with consumers in new and innovative ways.

Packed with functionality and convenience in an appealing design, the Paragon TK-3200 Series is a 32in interactive kiosk that is suited for retail stores, quick service and fast casual restaurants.

The Stellar TK-2100 Series is a 21.5in modular kiosk that can be configured in countertop or floor-standing style, providing modular deployment options in the same standardised family.

T. +886 2 2268 5577 E. sales@posiflex.com.tw www.posiflex.com

Futura Futura Retail Solutions is making GDPR compliance one step easier for users with a new data module designed for easy manipulation and editing of customer data en masse, ensuring speed and accuracy for customer data management. The new GDPR module extends the functionality of Futura4Data, a suite of time saving tools with a flexible user-friendly interface to import and export bulk data in Futura using files rather than manual data entry. With extensive data validation it helps to improve productivity and accuracy for otherwise time-consuming data entry and editing tasks.

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

Iconeme Technology and design company Iconeme has collaborated with participating retailers in Westbourne Grove and Ledbury Road in London’s Notting Hill to launch a personalised virtual ‘High Street Takeover’. A VMBeacon device transmits information that has been programmed by the retailer via a secure web portal. When a customer with an enabled smartphone app is within a 100m range of the VMBeacon, they will receive an automatic alert about the content they can access. This includes details about clothes and accessories or products displayed, such as price and links to purchase the items directly from the retailer’s website or the location they can be found within the store. The customer can also see more detailed photos and descriptions of the products plus save the looks for later, share with friends as well as access additional offers and rewards.

T. +44 (0)20 8206 5010 E. info@iconeme.com www.iconeme.com Twitter: Iconeme

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products

SELECTION Ripple Ripple has worked with the Meyer Group to design and manufacture merchandising stands for a new range of cookware by celebrity health coach Joe Wicks. Ripple’s adaptable display and merchandising equipment is designed to perform across different premium retail environments, ranging from specialist cookware and homeware shops to prestige department stores including Fenwick’s and Bentalls.

Engineered in-house by Ripple, the design allows retailers the freedom to display different configurations of the kitchenware, tools and utensils. and communication is aided by means of digital screens to present Joe Wicks video content.

T. +44 (0)161 624 8201 E. info@ripple.co.uk www.ripple.co.uk Twitter: RippleGroupUK

Polyflor The idea behind Polyflor’s new Wovon range was to provide an opportunity to explore new textures and patterns whilst still offering great functionality. The Wovon collection of interwoven vinyl tiles provides a unique and diverse selection of weave designs that come with extraordinary depth and sophisticated aesthetics to cater for projects that require contemporary styling. The new collection consists of three tile patterns — Serene, Optics and Structure — from which architects and designers can create a spectrum of stylish decorations with each one encouraging creative placements and resulting in striking visuals.

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

TORMAX UK Working with Smart Aluminium Ltd, TORMAX has installed an automatic sliding door system to a new Co-op store in Dudley.

Using the reliable TORMAX Windrive 2201 door operator, all customers are welcomed into the shop with ease of access.

The new Co-op is the result of a £500,000 investment, with main contractor for the project being Thomas Roy Ltd, working with national architects, Corstorphine + Wright. A cost-effective solution, the Windrive 2201 operator is not only easy to install but also quick to programme for everyday use. Measuring just 142mm x 100mm the drive is surprisingly slim, often allowing automatic sliding door access in tight locations. However, it is still a powerful operator capable of powering either a single-leaf door of up to 120kg or a double set of doors weighing 100kg per leaf and providing an impressive pass-through space of up to 2,000mm.

T. +44 (0)1932 238 040 E. sales@tormax.co.uk www.tormax.co.uk Twitter: tormax_uk_ltd

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Junckers Junckers’ new Twin Herringbone floor is an updated version of a much-loved classic — a solid wood floor with a pre-finished surface, easy to install and at a favourable price point. Twin Herringbone has an authentic pattern and lively, natural look.

Delivered with a hardwearing factory-finished surface ready to walk on as soon as it is installed, the new floor doesn’t have to be sanded, filled and treated after installation.

The new collection is available in solid ash, beech, oak and black oak, and is ideal for use with underfloor heating.

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

@retailfocus

StarscapeFibre Optic Lighting

Star panels in production for Christmas windows. Contact us for more information.

The all new Stormforce Forester 01462 672 000

|

sales@assigns.co.uk

|

www.assigns.co.uk

starscape.co.uk 01289 332900 info@starscape.co.uk

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digital displays

focus on DIGITAL DISPLAYS Advancements in technology have opened up the doors to a whole host of options for retailers, with more and more bricks-and-mortar retailers adopting innovative approaches to attract shoppers.

The use of digital signage and displays is one area of increased investment, and here we bring you a selection to bring the wow factor in store.

Sporty number Unibox has worked with Replan to introduce engaging illuminated signage throughout Sports Direct’s PRO store.

Replan used the Magnetik system from Unibox to combine illuminated graphics and product display in several key locations throughout the store. Replan used the system to transform gondola ends in the PRO Rucksacks area, framing the space and highlighting featured products whilst also using Magnetik as a visual merchandising tool, sitting three individual displays in front of a beautifully arranged Lightbox display.

www.unibox.co.uk

Making a statement Mood Media installed large LED screens this Summer for Primark’s new Westfield White City storefront. Rather than displaying merchandise in windows via mannequins, real models wearing Primark’s products appear dynamically on screens, alongside promotional offers, aiming to catch the customer’s eye as they walk past. Mood Media also installed an Interactive Content Wall equipped with a sensor that triggers content as people walk by, which not only creates a more immersive experience for the shopper but also makes them feel part of the fabric of the store design.

www.moodmedia.co.uk

Head turner Stella McCartney turned to digital visual merchandising for its Spring/Summer 2018 window displays, installing video walls in 11 flagship stores across Europe, US and Asia. Freehand delivered digital signage from LG Electronics, which relayed video content featuring the new collection while addressing environmental messages in the hope to reduce the use of plastic bottles.

Taking a new approach to the standard 2x2 or 3x3 video walls, a combination of displays were configured into a mosaic formation.

The 11 video walls comprised 59 displays from LG’s SM5KD range in 32in-55in hung in landscape and portrait formations.

www.lg.com/uk

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digital displays Putting on a performance NEC Display Solutions Europe has partnered with the Royal Opera House in London. As part of the Open Up project to promote more openness, availability and accessibility, NEC is providing several display and projection solutions to the major performing arts venue in Covent Garden. Amongst the NEC solutions is a dramatic 28.5 sq m 90 degree curved LED screen in the redeveloped entrance area, which opens out onto Covent Garden, attracting attention from the millions of visitors to the area. An 84in large format display can be found in the retail area of the Royal Opera House. Furthermore, there are four NEC projectors combined as part of a large edge-blending projection solution in the open hall close to the open café. The newly refurbished café and cloak space are fitted with additional 40in, 65in and 84in large format displays as well as the new and open ballet space.

www.nec-display-solutions.com

Maximum exposure Graphic display specialist Leach Impact has unveiled Vision Lightwall, a new ultra-illuminated product designed to introduce a wow factor to the retail environment. Available in three key formats, the products integrate ultra-bright LED illumination with large format HD-quality graphics, designed to capture the attention of shoppers. With options up to 2m tall x 3m wide, this particular freestanding Lightwall is intended to provide brands with maximum exposure in small spaces. In larger stores the modular lightwall can be supplied in sizes up to 5m tall x 20m wide.

www.leachimpact.com

Big impression Dynamo LED Displays recently completed the installation of the biggest LED tower in the Middle East along with 10 smaller LED columns and one large outdoor P20 display. The LED tower — which is the largest LED display in Oman — was made up of a total of 263 sq m of P4mm LED with more than 16.5 million individual pixels. Each side of the tower is 13.06m high x 4.6m wide and also included an LED floor surround measuring 5.6m long x 1.2m wide. A further 10 smaller LED columns have also been installed that measure 4.6m tall with each side 1.024m wide. Custom-made interactive content is integrated with IOS and Android apps as well as two docking stations either side of the main tower, which allow visitors to interact with both the LED displays and many other aspects of the shopping mall.

www.dynamo-led-displays.co.uk

At you fingertips Zytronic and Istanbul-based integrator Nerotouch have digitised Kia’s flagship dealership in Istanbul with an exciting way for customers to view the range of vehicles on offer. Kia sought a customer experience beyond that offered in other dealerships.

Using Zytronic’s touch technology, multi-touch tables were custom designed and connected to a four-screen video wall. Content from a touch table can be flipped onto the nearby video wall, providing a fun and dynamic approach for customers and staff to view information and engage with the brand. The tables are very user-friendly so customers can operate them unaided if they prefer.

www.zytronic.co.uk

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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.

Kendu is a European company with over 18 years of experience in pioneering in-store visual solutions for retailers. We design, manage and manufacture in-house to guarantee the best results. Visit our new office and showroom in Hackney Wick, London.

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: +44 (0)20 373 55 258 E: info@kendu.com W: www.kendu.com S: www.twitter.com/kenduinstore

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

JPMA is a worldwide leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality store fixtures and visual elements made of wood, metal and acrylic. We make everything all under the one roof and offer designs and finishes not available anywhere else in the industry.

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 +44 777 444 5784 E: benjamin@jpmaglobal.com W: www.jpmaglobal.com

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

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

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directory

Display

Focused on our customer’s unique needs, with expert knowledge of the procurement market, and a firm grip on the entire visual merchandising supply chain, we are specialists in designing and delivering complex point of sale projects.

T +49 (0) 911 97 13 389 E: info-uk@barthelmess.com W: www.barthelmess.com

Display

Display - DIGITAL

FURNITURE

JPMA is a worldwide leader in designing and manufacturing high-quality store fixtures and visual elements made of wood, metal and acrylic. We make everything all under the one roof and offer designs and finishes not available anywhere else in the industry.

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 +44 777 444 5784 E: benjamin@jpmaglobal.com W: www.jpmaglobal.com

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

Durable have been one of Europe’s largest business supplies manufacturers for almost 100 years.

We’re pioneers in developing and producing innovative solutions designed for retail from literature displays and POS to signage and display solutions.

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 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

T. 01202 897 071 E. customeroperations@durable-uk.com W. www.durable-uk.com S. www.twitter.com/durableuk

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

MANNEQUINS

pop/pos

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

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

Rootstein Display Mannequins is a creative mannequin manufacturer and renovation specialist - delivering both ready-made and bespoke concepts for fashion retailers, globally.

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.

Durable have been one of Europe’s largest business supplies manufacturers for almost 100 years.

We’re pioneers in developing and producing innovative solutions designed for retail from literature displays and POS to signage and display solutions.

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

T: +44 20 7381 1447 E: sales@adelrootstein.co.uk W: www.rootstein.com/ S. @rootstein_

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

T. 01202 897 071 E. customeroperations@durable-uk.com W. www.durable-uk.com S. www.twitter.com/durableuk

LED LIGHTING

pop/pos

Addlux supplies high-tech LED lighting and display technologies for the retail sector, including the largest, thinnest and most cost-effective light sheet on the market today.

Fast turnaround of deliveries and prototypes at competitive prices.

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: 0333 800 1828 E: info@addlux.com W: www.addlux.com S. www.twitter.com/addlux

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

Literature Display

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

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

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

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

Durable have been one of Europe’s largest business supplies manufacturers for almost 100 years.

We’re pioneers in developing and producing innovative solutions designed for retail from literature displays and POS to signage and display solutions.

T. 01202 897 071 E. customeroperations@durable-uk.com W. www.durable-uk.com S. www.twitter.com/durableuk

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

signage

pop up

vm

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

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

Retail Consultancy

vm

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

Rootstein Display Mannequins is a creative mannequin manufacturer and renovation specialist - delivering both ready-made and bespoke concepts for fashion retailers, globally.

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

T: +44 20 7381 1447 E: sales@adelrootstein.co.uk W: www.rootstein.com/ S. @rootstein_

slatwall

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

VM TOOLS AND TRAINING

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

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

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Q&A

Michelle Kyle Michelle Kyle kickstarted her career in VM at Urban Outfitters and later moved to sister company Anthropologie, where she currently holds the role of district visual manager. Here, Kyle talks creativity, collaborations and Christmas.

RF. What attracted you to Anthropologie?

MK. I loved the ethos. A strong, stylish, independent female who is well travelled, cultured and aspires to be different.

The product offered is unique, crafted and eclectic. There is no other brand that is quite like it. The store experience is captivating, as you enter you are transported. From the burning scents of the candles, considered product curation, handmade display installations and its attention to detail, there are many discovery moments as you move through an Anthropologie store.

RF. As the district visual manager at Anthropologie Europe, where do you spend the majority of your time?

surrounded with creativity everywhere. Our briefs arrive from our US head office, where we tailor these for our European markets. A few times a year we travel out to our Philadelphia office and New York stores. My favourite thing to do in London is to sit with coffee and people watch. I seek inspiration from visits to art galleries, films, London Fashion Week, creative talks, street style and magazines. As a keen traveller, my recent trip to Mexico was a visual feast for the eyes and the soul.

RF. What trends are you noticing right now?

MK. I am based in London. Part of my role involves travelling across the UK visiting stores and project managing our in-house creative teams. My role is guiding our creative teams to create the right balance of creativity vs. commerciality with VM styling, product placement and display. I also work closely with the display manager to support with window displays, designing new fixture builds and installations throughout the stores. When I’m not travelling I have meetings with the buyers in head office to forward-plan new season set ups and also allow some time for creative research and inspiration.

MK. Beautiful feminine dresses paired down with chunky trainers, this chic sportswear look filtering down from high-end brands like Balenciaga arriving on the highstreets and taking expensive jewellery and clubbing it together with a simple sporty looking t-shirt or jersey sweater is really modern. The

role of social media influencers setting the trends is fresh,

it means things are up in the air and that’s exciting for

reinventing ideas, the mix up of high-end and high-street

allows individuality.

RF. Each store has its own creative workshop for producing fixtures and props. Why is this important to the brand?

RF. Which materials, tools and techniques do you particularly enjoy working with?

MK. This is fundamental to the creativity for the brand. Each Anthropologie store is unique and has its own sense of identity. We are fortunate that our talented creative teams all have backgrounds in art, design, textiles, sculpture, prop and set design, and build. We tap into each individual’s skill set, allowing their own creativity to bring this into their store environment. We work together as a collaborative process.

MK. A low budget drives creativity. It is amazing what our teams can do when challenged with a coffee filter or eye makeup remover pad! These mundane objects are transformed into beautiful flowers, foliage and mushrooms; look closely the next time you are in a store! Part of our values are to be respectful in the environment we live in. We use recyclable materials where possible and enjoy giving away old displays to good homes. In one campaign we made full-size whales made from old denim jeans, after his life cycle in store, we donated him to the Natural History Museum. We also like to donate ex-displays to local schools, charities and even weddings, we’re happy that these display installations have an afterlife.

RF. Do you ever collaborate with outside agencies, artists and designers?

MK. For Anthropologie, collaboration is key. It brings a sense of community and shared experiences. We are fortunate that we can work with different brands and artists. For example, we have recently collaborated with Liberty on home product and Bethany Gray’s beautiful furniture. We are opening a new

store in Barcelona and are hoping to work with local artists to

bring the UK and Spanish creative cultures together. We are

all very excited.

RF. What’s your favourite season?

MK. Autumn/Winter. I particularly enjoy our Christmas campaigns, creating the magical, whimsical and unimagined experience.

Last year we created a grand piano to scale made from cardboard. The creative teams can go all out on huge displays and product styling, and the creativity for our teams is endless.

RF. Anthropologie’s windows are widely admired for their creativity and attention to detail. Where do you draw your inspiration?

RF. Can you tell us anything about your Christmas 2018 scheme?

MK. Living in London is a great source of inspiration. We are

MK. White! Expect the unexpected.

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