Creative Retail Awards 2024 Open for entries
The Creative Retail Awards are making a thrilling comeback in 2024, and they're bringing an unprecedented wave of excitement with them! With a fresh new website, updated categories and exciting partnerships, this year's Awards promises to be bigger and better than ever before. The Creative Retail Awards, renowned for showcasing the industry's top talents, are once again set to celebrate innovation, creativity and excellence in the dynamic retail sector.
One of the most significant updates for 2024 is the launch of the brand-new website at www.creativeretailawards.com. With a new userfriendly entry form and guidance criteria, visitors can explore the latest information and updates, as well as viewing previous Winners, Highly Commended and Shortlisted entries.
Shop
Surrey CR3 6YR
T: 01883 348911
E: enquiries@sdea.co.uk
www.shopdisplay.org
Editor: Antony Behiels
February 2024
The Creative Retail Awards have introduced an exciting array of new categories for 2024, including Design Agency of the Year. Working in collaboration with their new esteemed Advisory Board, they have carefully curated the categories to reflect the dynamic nature of modern retail. Taking valuable feedback into account, the Creative Retail Awards are proud to present the most comprehensive Awards to date.
Entries are free for SDEA Members so don’t miss your opportunity to enter.
New categories for 2024 include:
• Creative Collaboration
• Design Agency of the Year
• Festive Display
• Hospitality Design
• In-Store Scheme
• Window Scheme
Visit wwww.creativeretailawards.com to learn more about the Creative Retail Awards and see the full list of categories.
Shop & Display Equipment Association is inviting members to join us for informal networking drinks on the first day of the VM & Display Show, the 16th April.
Join us for drinks, canapes, music and good company on the roof of Bubba Oasis located directly outside the Business Design Centre. If the British weather decides to take a turn for the worse the venue has a retractable roof to keep us all dry!
Our doors will open as the show closes at 5:30pm.
Pre-registration is required to reserve your ticket by emailing enquiries@sdea.co.uk Your ticket entitles you to entry and a complimentary drink on us. Tickets can be collected from the SDEA stand C11a at the Show.
Contact:
t: 01883 348911
e: enquiries@sdea.co.uk
w: www.shopdisplay.org
The Association’s 2024 AGM will be held virtually on Wednesday 15th May at 10:30am.
The event will be held using Microsoft Teams which can be easily accessed through your PC/Mac, as well as iPhone/iPad and Android devices.
To receive the link, please email paula@sdea.co.uk or call 01883 348911.
If any member would like to stand for Executive Council, or nominate a representative within your company, to help guide the Association please contact us.
The benefits of being on Council are wide ranging. Paul Smart of arken POP Int Ltd, who became a Council member during 2017 and served as President from 2020-22 comments:
“Being an SDEA Council member has definitely opened up further networking opportunities for me. As a business we have always valued our SDEA membership as we believe it to be a great platform for sharing industry news and keeping up to date with new products, innovations and general industry updates. As a Council member I value the importance of having an influence in how the Association evolves and helping ensure that it maintains a fresh and up to date approach. We are looking to evolve the association with new Council members who bring good ideas and experiences that will enhance SDEA’s credibility.”
Contact:
t: 01883 348911
e: enquiries@sdea.co.uk
w: www.shopdisplay.org
-changing thinkers and innovators all under one roof
An Essential Event for Every Physical Industry
The VM & Display Show 2024 transcends the retail sector, emphasising its importance to a wide range of industries. It is particularly crucial for venues in hospitality and leisure, such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, cinemas, museums, and theme parks, along with a multitude of other industries that benefit from dynamic and engaging physical spaces. This event is the cornerstone for any business that acknowledges the vital role of physical presence and ambiance in attracting and retaining customers.
Diverse Product Showcase Tailored for Physical Enhancement
The show highlights an extensive range of products and services tailored to elevate physical environments across various industries. Attendees will find innovative lighting solutions, bespoke textiles, engaging signage and display systems, interactive audio-visual equipment, customised props and decorations, mannequins, display cases, graphic elements, wall treatments, faux plants, window display innovations, 3D design services, and large-scale printing. These offerings provide endless possibilities for enhancing both aesthetics and functionality, making physical spaces more attractive and engaging for customers.
Meet with SDEA Members who are exhibiting:
Antalis
arken POP
Dorotape
Graphica Display
Hello Flamingo
Hangers of London / HOL Group
Mega Creative
Morplan
Panache Display
Peluca Studio
Retail Development InStore
Spirit Displays
Stylo
A Hub of Innovation, Learning, and Networking
The VM & Display Show 2024 is more than an exhibition; it's a hub of creativity, innovation, and business networking. It brings together industry leaders, suppliers, and professionals, offering a unique platform for collaboration and learning.
For any industry looking to revolutionise its physical spaces, attending the VM & Display Show 2024 is imperative. This event is a unique opportunity to explore the latest innovations, network with industry leaders, and gather insights that could redefine how physical spaces are perceived and utilised. It's an unmissable event for anyone committed to creating compelling and effective physical customer experiences.
SDEA Best Stand Award 2024
Visit the SDEA stand (C11a) to cast your vote for the Best Member’s Stand 2024! The winner will be awarded their trophy on the afternoon of the second day of the show. Voting forms will be emailed in advance or can be picked up from the stand.
Contact:
t: 01945 420068
e: enquiries@vmanddisplay.com
w: www.vmanddisplayshow.com
Visit Antalis, stand 5-H60, at Europe's leading large-format printing trade fair, in Amsterdam, from 19 to 22 March, 2024
At this year’s FESPA, Antalis will be presenting its latest sustainable visual communication innovations, along with its “Wrap & Remix by antalis” competition centred around its vehicle wrapping products.
Visitors to Antalis’ stand will discover the latest advances in the company’s Coala range, including: its new, higher-performing Coala Magforce range of magnetic products; new additions to the Coala Folio vinyl category; and a selection of self-adhesive films – in sheet and reel format – designed especially for UV screen and offset printing technologies.
Live installation demonstrations will showcase new lines in the Coala Interior Film range, while visitors will can also view Book#2, a retrospective of the Antalis Interior Design Award 2022-23, which features the most breath-taking interiors projects from the competition.
Antalis will also be holding twice-daily vehicle wrapping demonstrations, which will see a 1965 Ford Mustang 350GT Shelby wrapped in self-adhesive vinyl from its range of leading brands, such as Avery, Arlon, 3M, Orafol and MacTac. The car is one of the prizes on offer in the “Wrap and Remix by Antalis” challenge.
Participants in the challenge who order eligible car wrapping vinyl from Antalis’ range will have the chance to win one of the 100 prizes available. Full details and registration can be found at www.wrapandremixbyantalis.com. Registration is open from February 1st to June 30th 2024.
Visual Communication Director at Antalis, Chris Green, comments: “FESPA is always a great show and 2024 looks to be no exception We’re excited to be showcasing some incredible, sustainable products at the event. The vehicle wrapping demos are set to be a real highlight of the show.”
Contact:
t: 0870 607 9014
e: claire.white@antalis.co.uk
w: www.antalis.co.uk
Boeing have been a loyal customer to Graphica Display for over 10 years now. As part of a re-fit of the graphics and signage for their new Head Offices in Bristol, Graphica were tasked with producing and fitting their high level signage to four sides of their building. After careful surveys and drawing sign off, the company produced 3M LED lit fabricated metal letters and logos for their facias. They were fitted all with one of the biggest Cherry Pickers available in the UK. The Signage was fitted with Graphica’s team of highly experienced and certified installers over 5 days on site.
Contact:
t: 0845 373 0073
e: rob@graphicadisplay.co.uk
w: www.graphicadisplay.co.uk
Iconic beauty and cosmetics brand, Avon, has made a move into physical retail stores for the first time, drawing on the beauty expertise of renowned retail display manufacturer, arken P-O-P International, to create a standout P-O-P (point-of-purchase) solution for the brand’s tie-up with Superdrug.
The retail display concept designed and manufactured by arken will see 150 Avon products, ranging from serums to foundations and lip oils to moisturisers, available in Superdrug stores nationwide.
The objective for the eye-catching in-store display concept is to enhance brand recognition and awareness through a freestanding retail display presence that provides customers with a 360°shoppable experience.
Avon entrusted arken with the task of creating a multi-category modular stand that breaks new ground in retail presentation. arken worked collaboratively with the Avon team throughout the concept development to ensure cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance were seamlessly integrated into a ‘single unit’ vision.
arken's design revolves around the signature Avon logo in its distinctive colour and cube design, elevated high above the unit as a beacon signpost for the brand. The design concept incorporates individual sections for each category, allowing for a cohesive yet differentiated display. Testers are placed front and centre to engage customers, while a strategically placed mirror enhances the structure and appeal of the display for customers. Avon's iconic 'Baby Pink' colour is used for base plates and fragrance trays, ensuring the unit stays on brand. Superdrug-exclusive messaging is incorporated into the base, and the unit features a mini 'glorifier' on top. Mirrored internals within the display bounce light effectively, compensating for the inability to illuminate the fixture due to its in-store position.
Avon chose arken for this groundbreaking move into physical retail due to the manufacturing speed and expertise demonstrated by arken. The project's tight deadlines, aligned with a concurrent TV ad campaign, required precision and punctuality. arken's ability to deliver and install in 80 stores on time played a crucial role in the success of this rollout.
arken's commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of recycled and sustainable materials in the display. Manufactured entirely inhouse in the UK, all materials were sourced within a 50-mile radius. The display is produced in three sections for easy transport and installation in-store.
Tracy Scutt, Managing Director of arken P-O-P International comments: The Avon retail display solution at Superdrug stores is a testament to innovation, sustainability, and strategic collaboration, providing customers with a dynamic and immersive shopping experience. As a business, we’re delighted to have played our part in supporting an iconic beauty brand like Avon as it enters the physical retail landscape for the first time, bringing its products closer to consumers in partnership with Superdrug.”
Avon is a global beauty company, empowering women for over 135 years. With a commitment to bringing beauty to the lives of individuals around the world, Avon offers a wide range of high-quality beauty and skincare products.
Contact:
t: 01638 565656
e: info@arken-pop.com
w: www.arken-pop.com
At the beginning of January WHSmith launched their new T5 InMotion Kiosk at Heathrow, helping target more customers within the airport.
This kiosk epitomizes the modern retail experience by seamlessly blending aesthetics and functionality to showcase cutting-edge electronics. Featuring an eye-catching design and a diverse product range, the kiosk caters to various customer needs, ranging from impulse travel purchases to high-end audio products, wearables, health, and beauty items, including popular Shark haircare products.
Graphica Display was very proud to help produce and install all the graphics, signage, LED Mood Lighting and lightboxes needed for the project.
Contact:
t: 0845 373 0073
e: rob@graphicadisplay.co.uk
w: www.graphicadisplay.co.uk
The ever-increasing demand for Glencourt’s capabilities to source high calibre employees at a time when there is an acute shortage of quality talent, has led to more and more Retail Interior businesses using the company’s well proven management recruitment services.
This demand has necessitated the opening and staffing of a second UK office. Isaac Dunn and Joanna (Jo) Grevatt are two new Recruitment Consultants who now work from the Worthing facility, reporting to Oliver (Oli) Dunn, who is also based there.
The Glencourt office near Gatwick will continue to work with most of the company’s long-standing UK and global client companies, whilst their facility in Goteborg, Sweden focuses on the Scandinavian market under the watchful eye of Peter Samuelson.
Contact:
t: 01342 712253
e: post@glencourt.co.uk
w: www.glencourt.co.uk
A stunning colour-changing canopy of 182 LED light boxes deemed the ‘jewel in the crown’ of a global beauty brand’s Paris flagship store is being hailed a triumph by the two UK companies that developed and manufactured it and brought it to life.
It was revealed when Sephora re-opened its prestigious store on the Champs-Elysees following a multi-million Euro renovation project; the culmination of a 15-month collaboration between the beauty brand and Unibox, the UK’s biggest manufacturer of aluminium and LED solutions for retail spaces, exhibitions and commercial interiors, and Intecho, a leading provider of SMART building technology solutions.
The project began when Unibox was contacted by Reda Slaoui, Sephora’s Director of Architecture and Design, regarding the renovation programme for the listed building, to ask if the firm could make the vision of a thematic canopy a reality after seeing a bespoke Unibox design manufactured for a development in London.
While Unibox adopted and developed the concept for manufacturing, Intecho’s brief was to devise and implement a comprehensive arrangement of lighting controls, featuring its DALI DIMMING system for precise and dynamic lighting management, for both the canopy and the lighting throughout the rest of the store.
The 82m canopy is capable of multiple thematic animations, such as mesmerising black and white Sephora stripes that chime with its brand image, as well as a rainbow LGBT Pride and red, white and blue Bastille Day-themed displays among others. New animations can be designed remotely and uploaded to the Paris store from the UK.
Paul Murphy, Intecho director and co-founder, who was in Paris for store re-opening, says: “The end result is stunning. The first thing everybody did when they walked into the store was to look up at the canopy. It breathes life into the space, creating a perfect ambiance for everyone who enters. We were thrilled to collaborate with Unibox and Sephora, leaving an indelible mark on their flagship store. The vision for this project was to elevate the visitor experience through innovative technology solutions. This project has set a new global standard for luxury shopping.”
Unibox Director Nick Wraith says: “We pride ourselves on our ability to create things others can’t, and the Sephora project is a case in point. From the initial enquiry until the store opening, it took an immense amount of ingenuity and innovation to make the idea into a working reality. We had to create solutions to some complex and specific requests, such as lux level and efficacy, the need to make the lightboxes RGBW, include access hatches for maintenance and take the store’s air extraction and fire suppression systems into account in the design. There was also a glass firewall we had to meet and then continue the canopy on the other side. These were all problems that we were able to solve.”
With Sephora planning to open more stores in the UK in 2024, the Unibox sales team who worked on the Paris project, are now in talks with the beauty brand’s parent company to supply more bespoke lighting solutions.
Contact:
t: 0161 655 2100
e: info@unibox.co.uk
w: www.unibox.co.uk
Antalis recently announced its role as one of the founding members of the Self-Adhesive Industry Sustainability Action Group (SAISAG). Here, Antalis’ Director of Visual Communications, Chris Green, talks about the work Antalis has been doing to improve access to sustainable products, and why he sees collaboration across the industry as vital in finding solutions to some of the more complex sustainability issues.
As a leading supplier of visual communication products across the UK and Europe, Antalis has an ongoing programme of activity to improve the sustainability of its products and its business operations. In 2021 it launched its Manifesto for Sustainable Visual Communications, formalising and bringing together into a single framework the many aspects of its drive for greater sustainability, including responsible sourcing, helping customers identify eco-friendly products through its Green Star System™, and a team of sustainability specialists to offer advice on product selection.
By 2030, Antalis Visual Communications aims for 75% of its products sold to have a Green Star rating of three or more, which means the product, as a very minimum, is made from renewable or bio-based raw materials or offers a degree of recyclability. For an industry that traditionally has been heavily reliant on petroleum-based materials, it’s not an insignificant challenge. Because of their composite nature, self-adhesives are particularly challenging, which is why manufacturers, merchants, customers and recycling and waste management specialists have come together to form SAISAG.
According to Chris, sourcing new products with good sustainability credentials is becoming relatively easy – Antalis has been growing its range of polypropylene and fibrous products over recent years – the bigger challenge lies in understanding exactly what we all mean by sustainability: “There is a lot of misinformation out there, much of which can be attributed to differing interpretations of what sustainability actually means. One of the first things we’re looking to do at SAISAG is to clear up the confusion and create a definition that will help us to focus on what needs to be done.”
Chris continues: “We’ll be working to understand where the gaps are in the lifecycle of these products. End-of-life is one of the trickiest to pin down, so we need to make sure that recycling options are clear and accessible. It’s important to also recognise that there has to be a bit of pragmatism and accepting of imperfection because there isn’t yet a full suite of sustainable alternatives to all products. Saying that, though, each of us in the industry has a responsibility when sourcing products to first ask the question ‘Is there a more sustainable alternative?’”
It's important to note that sustainable no longer equals more expensive: “We know that many printers operate on tight margins and often opt for products that they are familiar with,” says Chris, we need to be making sure that we’re providing the information and support to these businesses so they can make decisions that make both economic and environmental sense, and these days these two factors are rarely exclusive.”
To date, consumer demand has been behind much of the drive for change, but it’s likely that change will be driven by legislation, too. The Plastic Packaging Tax was introduced in 2022 and Chris suspects it’s only a matter of time before it’s extended to cover plastics more widely.
‘Dispelling myths, embracing learning and accepting imperfection’ was the title of Chris’ talk at the recent Ecoprint Virtual Summit at which Antalis was a headline partner: “The Ecoprint Virtual Summit was a great example of how we can bring individuals and businesses of all sizes together to discuss sustainability. I personally had lots of very positive conversations and it feels like there is a real impetus now to bring about change.”
Contact:
t: 0870 607 9014
e: claire.white@antalis.co.uk
w: www.antalis.co.uk
In 2005, Formbar emerged as a dynamic new player in the retail sector, carving out a niche in supplying and distributing to a select group of convenience store chains. This focused approach laid the groundwork for a company dedicated to excellence in retail solutions.
Central to Formbar's success is their partnership with Marsanz, a renowned family-run trolley manufacturer in Europe. Boasting over fifty years of expertise, Marsanz has been instrumental in their ability to provide for a diverse clientele that includes national retail chains, convenience groups, independent retailers, garden centres, and others.
The year 2019 marked a new chapter for Formbar, as Hannah Lewis, an integral part of our team for over a decade, took the reins of the company. Under her leadership, they have seen significant growth, driven by the introduction of innovative hybrid trolleys and an expansion of their customer base.
Based in South Oxfordshire, the company headquarters and a 30,000 square foot warehouse near Bicester and Aylesbury are the heart of operations. This strategic location enables the company to swiftly deliver across the UK, overcoming the challenges of longer lead times from international suppliers.
Their warehouse team is dedicated to quality and efficiency, carefully assembling trolleys with custom features like branded handles and specific wheel configurations, ensuring quick dispatch and industry-leading delivery times. Formbar are committed to sourcing highquality materials from the UK and Spain, ensuring both design consistency and supply reliability.
Compliance with UK and EU environmental, sustainability, safety and manufacturing standards is a cornerstone of the company’s operations. All products are designed with ease of maintenance in mind, featuring easily replaceable components like bolted-on castors and wheels.
Beyond their core range of trolleys, Formbar offers a suite of services including in-house branding, various specialised trolleys, on-site maintenance and repair, and additional options like car park trolley shelters and hiring services.
Formbar stands as a testament to innovation and adaptability in the ever-evolving retail landscape.
Contact:
t: 01235 850368
e: info@formbar.co.uk
w: www.formbar.co.uk
16-17
15
DIARY DATES
September 2024
