Visual Merchandiser offer a boutique style service where every one of our clients is treated with the utmost attention and respect. Our professional skillful team have a wealth of experience, giving us the ability to understand your bespoke requirements first time, without hesitation. We offer many services, all of which can support your visual goals and aspirations. We know what it means to stand back and smile!

A boutique style service

VISUAL MERCHANDISER UK PARTNER OF EURODISPLAY

0844 800 9305 | info@visualmerchandiser.co.uk | visualmerchandiser.co.uk

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Regulars7 Leader

8 Diary

11-14 News

17-18 WindowshoppingInspiring window displays from around the globe.

20 TopofthePOPS

23 KarlMcKeeverLove it or hate it, EuroShop is one of those events that you just have to be there, maintains Karl

.

www.retail-focus.co.uk

24-31 ProjectFocusSkagen Denmark : The Fifth Avenue Man : Warehouse

41 OpinionMark Fanthorpe, owner of Umbrella Design, touches on the intangibles of modern retail success.

48-55 ProductsProducts and services for the retail industry.

66 Q&AThis month Harvey Nichols’ award-winning head

33EuroShopreview

of visual display, Janet Wardley tells us where she draws her inspiration and why she’s keen to work with up-and-coming artists and designers.

5843Londonretail

38 Bankbranchdesign

Focuson:Surfaces

FeaturesThe new Warehouse flagship store on London’s Oxford Street is designed in

collaboration with Brown Studio and draws its inspiration from the converted warehouses of New York’s Meat Packing district and Soho.

Loftspace30-31

You’re in capable hands when you entrust your project to

bridgford interiors. With a breadth and depth of experience

that enables us to tackle any project, anywhere... we will be sure

to provide the complete fit-out solution. Contact us to discuss the

successful delivery of your next retail, leisure or hospitality project...

Take a closer look. Bridgford Interiors pay attention to the detail...

Interior fit out specialists

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7

Hopefully by now you have recovered from the spectacle that was EuroShop last month. The event, which takes place once every three years in Germany, was vast in both size and scope and brought with it a definite sense of optimism. If you missed the show or simply want to revisit some of the highlights then check out our review in this issue (pages 33-36). You can also view our day-by-day coverage of EuroShop on the Retail Focus Facebook page.

Closer to home, high demand for prime retail locations in London is reportedly pushing rents to record-breaking levels, prompting many businesses to seek space in other areas. This month, we consider the attraction of London as a shopping destination and look at four key developments set to transform the capital’s retail landscape in the near future. (pages 43-44)

On top of that we discuss the evolving role of the physical bank branch on the high street (pages 38-39) and cover a selection of surface materials designed to add texture and visual interest to the retail space (pages 58-59).

In our regular project focus, we visit the new Warehouse flagship store on London’s Oxford Street, designed by Brown Studio, and explore Skagen Denmark’s new London retail experience, created in collaboration with UXUS. New York-based retail design firm Jeffrey Hutchison & Associates also share the thinking behind the design of the new men’s fashion emporium at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chicago.

In the meantime, we’re preparing to visit our next media partner events, RBTE and the VM & Display Show.

Until next month!

leader

Gemma BalmfordEditor

EditorGemma Balmford

e. gemma@retailfocus.co

t. +33 (0)7 61 03 21 33

Production & WebTerry Clark

e. terry@retailfocus.co

t. +44 (0)845 680 7405

Display SalesLee Cullumbine

e. lee@retailfocus.co

t. +44 (0)845 680 7405

f. +44 (0)871 528 8000

SubscriptionsFor subscription enquiries

please email:

subscriptions@retailfocus.co

Retail Focus is published 12 times a year by

Retail Focus Promotions Ltd, Yeomans, Bassetts Lane,

Woodham Walter, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6RZ.

No part of Retail Focus may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval

system or transmitted in any form without permission. Please

address all enquiries to the editor at the above address. The

opinions expressed in Retail Focus are the views of the writer and

do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information

contained in these pages. We will assume permission to publish

any unsolicited material unless otherwise stated.

©Retail Focus Promotions Ltd 2013.

March ‘14

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8

diary

The Glamour of Italian Fashion 1945-2014V&A, London5 April - 27 July 2014

The V&A’s spring exhibition, The Glamour

of Italian Fashion 1945-2014, will be the first

major show to examine Italy’s rich and

influential contribution to fashion from

the end of the Second World War to the

present. It will highlight the exceptional

quality of techniques, materials and

expertise for which Italy has become

renowned. The exhibition will consider how

Italy’s fashion designers, manufacturers,

press and related industries are navigating

the current shift towards overseas

production, fast fashion, internet retail and

digital communication.

V_and_Awww.vam.ac.uk

VM & Display ShowBusiness Design Centre, London29 April - 1 May 2014

The VM & Display Show is the only

exhibition in the UK dedicated to visual

merchandising and retail display. The

three-day event enables visitors to

discover new products and ideas intended

to attract and engage with today’s

consumers. The event will once again

incorporate a student competition.

VMDisplayShowwww.vmanddisplay.com

Light+BuildingMesse Frankfurt, Germany30 March - 4 April 2014

Light+Building is the world’s leading trade

fair for architecture and technology.

Every two years the industry presents

its latest innovations for the fields of

lighting, electrical engineering, house and

building automation and software for the

construction industry. The main theme at

Light+Building is energy efficiency.

Light_Buildingwww.light-building.messefrankfurt.com

The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the CatwalkBarbican Art Gallery, London9 April - 25 August 2014

This dynamic installation of more than 140

cutting-edge couture and ready-to-wear

garments explores Gaultier’s fashion world,

from his witty and boundary-pushing

designs to his ceaseless interest in society,

identity and a beauty borne of difference.

BarbicanCentrewww.barbican.org.uk/artgallery

A spectacular carnival of colour. A dizzying display of merchandising magic. Come and be inspired. The Visual Merchandising and Display Show 2014.

29th April – 1st May 2014Business Design Centre, LondonT: 01945 420 068E: enquiries@rvmww.com www.vmanddisplay.com

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11

Lumsden Design has created the shop

for the new Sainsbury Exhibitions Gallery

at the British Museum in London. Located

between the entrance to the exhibition

space and the Egyptian Sculpture gallery,

the shop stocks premium merchandise

such as jewellery and silk scarves against

a monochrome interior.

news

The double-height, 188 sq m retail

space is dominated with floor-to-ceiling

columns that are surrounded by bespoke

display tables with integral storage. Made

from black stained oak with contrasting

polished white Armourcast tops, the units

can be arranged in different formations

to allow ultimate flexibility. A metal

The global airport retail market is set to

reach $59.2 billion in 2019, a rise of 72.9 per

cent on 2013, according to a new report

from Verdict. This will be driven by stronger

passenger growth as well as growing

affluence in emerging markets, which will

boost spend.

Verdict forecasts that Asia Pacific will

have the fastest growth in airport retailing

sales over the next six years, with the

market more than doubling. Passenger

numbers are expected to increase by

37.8 per cent in the period and spend per

Global airport retail market set to rise by 72.9 per cent over next five years

Lumsden creates shop for British Museum extension

passenger is predicted to rise from $7.78

to $11.37.

While the weak economy has

dampened passenger number growth in

Europe and North America over the last

five years, growth is set to pick up again as

the economy shows signs of improvement.

‘Beauty products and alcohol are set

to benefit the most from rising passenger

numbers, seeing an increase in global

sales of 109.9 per cent and 73.4 per cent

respectively up until 2019,’ says Verdict

analyst, Carly Syme. ‘While the alcohol

market has been difficult on the high

street, with retailers having to discount

heavily, it has remained more resilient

in airport locations as consumers take

advantage of the VAT free prices and stock

up. With high levels of innovation driving

purchases, as well as an unwillingness to

cut back in the sector, beauty sales will be

the highest performing sector in the global

airport channel.

‘With global airport retail sales set to

surge over the next six years there are

huge opportunities for retailers to grow

their presence in existing countries as well

as expand into new regions, particularly in

Asia Pacific where spend per passenger is

expected to almost double between now

and 2019,’ adds Syme.

ladder tower wraps the columns, giving

further flexibility to display product and

promotional graphics relating to each

current exhibition.

The shop opened on 6 March 2014

with retail product from the BP exhibition

‘Vikings: Life and Legend’. It is the fifth

shop designed by Lumsden for the British

Museum.

12

news

In brief...Victoria Beckham has partnered with

Paris department store Printemps to open

her first shop-in-shop. The 40 sq m

brand-dedicated space carries ready to

wear, Victoria, Victoria Beckham, eyewear,

accessories and denim.

Fit-out specialist Portview has completed

work on the new Butlers Chocolate Cafe at

terminal 2, Dublin Airport. The centrepiece

of the cafe is a 4,000 piece, cast brass

capped, individually mounted tiled

counter, created by Giles Miller Studio. The

teams worked together to agree the fitting

and fixing of the innovative material.

Illustrator Rory Dobner has designed a

decorative wrap for the facades of London

department store Fortnum & Mason that

will be in place for six months while

much-needed maintenance work is carried

out on the building’s exterior. The wrap

on Piccadilly features a giant classic fob

watch that appears as if it has smashed

through the front of the building. On Duke

Street the image includes a furled flag

pulled by butterflies. All work is scheduled

to be completed by August 2014.

Global architecture and design practice

Broadway Malyan has completed a major

mixed-use and retail anchored shopping

centre for French multinational retailer

Carrefour in Huelva, southern Spain. The

Holea centre, which originally included

a 15,800 sq m Carrefour hypermarket,

has been extended with 35,000 sq m of

additional retail and leisure GLA, making

it one of Carrefour’s first completed

commercial centres as it seeks to widen

its property interests and maximise the

value of its portfolio through creative asset

management and expansion. The scheme

takes its design influence from local

Mediterranean villages and materials.

Mall of Scandinavia in Stockholm has

announced the introduction of major

stores from global brands Superdry,

Michael Kors and Starbucks to its growing

retail lineup. Mall of Scandinavia will set

a new standard for shopping centres

throughout Europe when it opens in

autumn 2015.

12

US-based Adore Organic Innovation is

extending its offer to the UK with a store

at Westfield London. The cosmetics

brand has appointed rpa:group to

redevelop the interior concept for its first

UK store, which will showcase the new

skincare line and offer VIP treatments.

rpa:group has developed the

visualisation, specification of materials,

furniture, graphics and lighting. The

resulting design creates a space that is

bright, elegant and contemporary.

James Breaks, head of rpa:group

design, comments: ‘The considered

use of space and the curved lay out of

the counters and walls in the new Adore

store reflects a natural organic flow that

is synonymous with the organic nature

of Adore’s products. The use of a neutral

colour palette with large expanses of

white, is complemented by the soothing

elements of sleek wooden panels along

the counter bases and eye-catching

imagery of models along the walls. The

lowered ceiling elements and bold, yet

elegant light fittings adds further interest

to the space while still maintaining its

cleanness and sophistication.’

The store is expected to open this

month.

American skincare brand Adore to open first UK store

Traditional high street retailers John

Lewis, Marks & Spencer and House of

Fraser have outperformed pure play

retailers with their digital customer

experience, according to a new report

from eDigitalResearch. The eChannel

Retail Benchmark study shows that

John Lewis’ digital customer experience

topped the multichannel customer

satisfaction leaflet table, followed by

Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser,

while pure play giant Amazon’s digital

experience slipped to fourth position.

‘Traditional high street retailers

might have been a little slower than

their pure play counterparts to join

the digital touch point revolution, but

after investing heavily in establishing

a seamless multichannel customer

experience, bricks and mortar

department store retailers are now

outperforming the rest of the retail

industry,’ says the report. ‘John Lewis

launched their first transactional mobile

app just last summer but have taken

the time to develop an engaging and

consistent touch point, whilst House

of Fraser have continued to invest in

mobile technology recently introducing

their “mobile first” website redesign after

seeing almost half of website visits coming

from mobile users.’

Derek Eccleston, commercial director

at eDigitalResearch, comments: ‘We’ve

long seen pure play retailers, especially

Amazon, succeed extremely well in the

digital customer experience arena,

introducing innovations such as one click

purchases to make the entire Amazon

experience as simple and seamless as

possible. However, as more traditional

retailers continue to invest in their overall

customer experience, we’re seeing other

retailers introduce similar innovations as

well. John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and

House of Fraser have topped the eChannel

Benchmark this time around as they not

only provide an easy to use website,

mobile site and app with a clear focus on

functionality, but also incorporate their

brand persona into every stitch of their

digital presence to provide users with an

inspirational digital brand experience.’

The eChannel Retail Benchmark study

measures the customer experience across

key digital channels, including website,

mobile site and apps, over the Christmas

trading period.

Traditional retailers outperform pure plays in digital customer experience

13

news

Retail design consultancy Sheridan&Co has partnered with

British tailor Timothy Everest MBE to provide a springboard for

up-and-coming designers. The team has launched a search for

a talented individual to play a role in the design of a new central

London store.

Open to designers of all ages (18+) and backgrounds, ‘The

Blue Book: A Retail Design Collective’ competition will see one

person have their ideas incorporated into the final design for the

four-storey Timothy Everest London store.

The first stage of the competition invites designers to submit

their creative ideas for the new House of Everest to Sheridan&Co,

following a brief. A panel of judges, led by Sheridan and Everest,

will then whittle entries down to the final ten, which will be

displayed to a group of industry experts and creative directors

during a special showcase evening at Sheridan&Co’s central

London workspace, The Study.

Taking into account reactions on the evening, the judges

will then pick an ultimate winner who will work with Sheridan&Co

to develop their winning ideas to be incorporated into the final

design.

Due to launch later this year, the House of Everest will blend

the classic and contemporary, offering a retail experience that

includes three distinct levels of tailoring, a grooming area, a

clubroom serving food and drink plus other ideas that candidates

feel will enhance the Timothy Everest shopping experience.

‘I am excited to be working with Sheridan&Co as a part of this

unique project,’ says Everest. ‘Not only does it allow me to explore

vastly diverse concepts for a future retail store, but it also gives

us the chance to really engage with and promote design talent

across the UK, which is so important in this fierce creative market.’

The competition will also offer the chance for the most

talented designers to make it into the Sheridan&Co Blue Book - a

collection of designers that can be called upon in the future when

an appropriate project is briefed to Sheridan&Co from any of its

broad range of clients. For more information, visit:

www.sheridandesigncollective.com.

13

Timothy Everest and Sheridan&Co launch design competition

London Gatwick completes £40 million retail transformationAn additional 10 new and refreshed retail stores have opened

to complete the transformation of the shopping experience at

London Gatwick’s South Terminal departure lounge. The new

openings mark the final phase of a £40 million South Terminal

departure lounge project that delivers a state-of-the-art retail

journey for passengers.

The first phase was completed in August 2013 and saw the

opening of 11 new and refreshed stores, including Aspinal of

London and Ernest Jones.

The latest openings include a 418 sq m Zara outlet, a 92 sq m

Ted Baker store and a 92 sq m Snow+Rock shop.

Spencer Sheen, head of retail, London Gatwick comments:

‘We are very proud of the completion of the South Terminal

International Departure Lounge, which takes airport shopping

and the passenger experience to a whole new level. Our new

retail space not only demonstrates our forward thinking but also

our desire to deliver on what our passengers ask for, be it a luxury

department store or a high-street favourite.’

14

news

Q. Why is it so hard to find good candidates for our jobs?

A. Despite the economic uncertainty, some notable business failures in the industry, and the vast increase in candidate registrations on CV database websites, many organisations find it difficult to attract and hire high-quality applicants.

This is nothing new. Companies have always had to compete for the best, but there was a time when a display advert in the national, local or trade press would provide a good field of candidates for most vacancies. Now however, creating a strong shortlist for many roles can be a challenge. A lot of talented employees aren’t actively looking for a new role: they’re busy keeping their head down and, more than likely, being well looked after by their current employer. They have to be confident that any new opportunity is not too big a risk.

To improve your chances of attracting great candidates, consider the following as a starting point:

1: Your employer brand. You don’t have to be a household name business to attract top talent. Great candidates join start-ups and small, unknown companies, attracted by the opportunity presented to them, the flexible working environment, benefits, or the reputation the business has for looking after and developing people. Big or small, what’s your brand and reputation as an employer?

2: Your recruitment process. Your advertising, job description, application process and correspondence with candidates should be compelling, informative and user-friendly. Is your application process optimised for mobile? With many busy candidates looking at jobs from their phone, you need to make it easy for them to apply – few have CVs on their phone.

3: Your job marketing/search activity. We rarely source candidates from job boards or CV databases. Most successful candidates for our projects come from word of mouth, targeted advertising campaigns or direct approaches to them. Many of them are not ‘actively’ looking and so not on the radar of other recruiters and employers. Social media has its place, but is not the Holy Grail for recruitment.

4: Your salary level. While money isn’t everything, an average salary is unlikely to attract star performers. Research the market and consider how you can persuade good people to make the move. If you can’t compete on salary, look for other ways to make the job attractive e.g. flexible benefits, extra holidays and working from home.

5: Interviewing skills. I’ve seen many good candidates lose interest after a badly conducted interview by the employer. Make sure your interviewers are trained, prepared and able to sell your opportunity to candidates.

If you offer challenging, rewarding jobs and get these basics right you have a good chance of attracting top quality talent to keep you ahead of the game.

T.01332565125www.bfpexecutiverecruitment.co.ukTwitter:bfpRecruit

sponsoredcolumn

TalkshopJohn Hamilton of BFP answers your questions on retail design and marketing recruitment.

Legend Exhibitions, the company behind Retail Business

Technology Expo (RBTE), has announced plans to launch a new

event for the retail design sector. Retail Design Expo will take

place in 2015 and will feature a series of high-profile events and

activities to generate debate about retail issues in the run up to a

major show comprising an exhibition, a conference and seminar

programme, workshops, store tours and special features.

The organiser is working with more than 30 design heads from

leading retailers, including Tesco, John Lewis, ASOS, Marks and

Spencer, Selfridges, Ted Baker, Barclays, Dixons and The White

Company as well as top designers, such as Sebastian Conran,

David Dalziel, Ab Rogers and Callum Lumsden to help steer the

new venture.

Ahead of the main event, Retail Design Expo will run a

competition for design students, the winners of which will be

involved in the inaugural show and be awarded placements in

client and consultancy teams.

Commenting on the new venture, Tim Greenhalgh, chairman

and chief creative officer of global retail and branding

consultancy Fitch, says: ‘Retail Design Expo will showcase the best

thinking and innovation in retail at a time when the dynamics of

retail and shopping are shifting more dramatically than ever. It’s

an exciting time to be part of this sea change and to see how the

creative industries and clients are responding to new challenges

in ways that transform consumers’ experience and accelerate the

success of retailers, brands and service providers.’

The main Retail Design Expo event will coincide with next

year’s Retail Business Technology Expo, which takes place from

10-11 March 2015 at London’s Olympia.

InterbrandacquiresHMKM

Global brand consultancy Interbrand has acquired London

retail design consultancy HMKM. The move, which recognises

the importance of brand experience in an increasingly digital

and omnichannel retail environment, brings together two

complementary companies prepared to meet the challenges of

the current retail landscape.

‘Retail brand experiences continue to evolve at a rapid

pace,’ comments Jez Frampton, global chief executive officer of

Interbrand. ‘While physical stores will remain an essential point of

access for the brand, those retailers that strategically integrate

digital touchpoints will have the potential to revolutionise the

brand experience. HMKM’s expertise in delivering holistic retail

concepts, combined with Interbrand’s creative and strategic

thinking, will bring tremendous value to our clients, creating richer

and more engaging experiences seamlessly across channels and

environments.’

HMKM specialises in creating high-end, multidimensional

retail environments for clients such as Selfridges, Galeries

Lafayette, Nike, Breuninger and Bloomingdale’s. The integration

of HMKM will allow it to benefit from Interbrand’s global presence

as well as from the breadth and depth of its strategic and creative

offerings and services.

‘In this omnichannel era, it is vital for brands to continuously

review their physical, virtual and emotional expressions in order to

remain relevant to an increasingly sophisticated, intelligent and

brand savvy consumer,’ says Alison Cardy, managing director of

HMKM. ‘The combined creative expertise of HMKM and Interbrand

makes for an exciting future for all of us and for existing and

future clients.’

RetailDesignExpotolaunchin2015

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17

visual merchandising

Window

OasisFor London Fashion Week, high street fashion retailer Oasis collaborated with

Minki Balinki to create a funfair-themed window and in-store display in its Argyll

Street flagship store. The scheme featured oversized letters with Oasis prints and

gold mouldings that moved up and down like a true carousel horse.

shoppingInspiring window displays from around the globe

Hackett LondonHackett London partnered with the London College of Fashion

in February to give BA (Hons) Fashion Visual Merchandising and

Branding students a chance to design a new window scheme for

eight of its London stores. The students styled mannequins using the

current ‘Art College’ Spring/Summer 2014 Hackett collection, which was

inspired by past Royal College of Art alumni. Following the launch

of the project in the UK, the Rising Stars concept will roll out globally

to Hackett stores in key cities, starting with Paris, Madrid, Barcelona,

Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt.

Marc JacobsThis Post-Apocalyptic beach set at the Marc

Jacobs Boutique on Mount Street, featuring

black sand and washed-up props, emulates the

SS14 Runway. The scheme was created in

collaboration with Chameleon Visual.

Photography: Melvyn Vincent

18

visual merchandising

Harvey NicholsHarvey Nichols gives lessons in how to dress this spring with its

whimsical School of Fashion windows. The retailer has given each

scene, including a P.E. changing room, a science lab and a store

cupboard, a luxe, high-octane twist: an Alexander McQueen clutch

here, Crème de la Mer bottles there, and stylish school uniforms

featuring the hero staples of the season.

Calvin Klein JeansThe Calvin Klein Jeans – Denim SS14 windows feature bright

white strip lights and matt black steel frames bent in a variety

of linear formations, with this season’s collection hanging from

custom-made hangers, coated with an indigo finish. Three

life-size semi-transparent grayscale cutouts stand aligned;

a fade graphic created from hand-painted artwork provides

the backdrop for the window. The display was created in

collaboration with StudioXAG.

WarehouseFashion retailer Warehouse worked with Lucky Fox to

create its New Season windows as well as displays for its

limited edition collection by rising designer Philli Wood.

The New Season windows, which rolled out across the UK

to coincide with London Fashion Week, featured graffiti-

style backdrops that were sprayed and printed onto clear

twinwall panels. The London Argyll Street and Westfield

White City stores featured the Philli Wood collaboration.

Mappin & WebbMappin & Webb

teamed up with

Prop Studios for its

Valentine’s Day 2014

campaign. The team

created more than

1,500 laser-cut paper

feathers, which were

fixed to aluminium

rods and carefully

attached to a clear

cut acrylic heart

shape. The scheme

was rolled out to 12

stores across the UK.

BentallsBentalls’ new season scheme ‘Geometric’ is based on the

current graphic trend, with a strong angular theme running

across all brands, from Paul Smith to DKNY. The 3D triangle

shapes, created from MDF are painted in muted candy colours

to showcase this season’s palette.

POP

POPStopCompany: STI Line

Client: Unilever

Display title:Lynx Apollo

Sector:Health & Beauty

Locations:Stores nationwide

The brief:In 2013, Unilever ran a global online

consumer competition for a chance to

win a flight into space as part of the

Lynx Apollo marketing campaign. To

generate excitement about the brand and

competition in store, the consumer goods

company tasked STI Line with bringing the

brand to life through POS, creating as many

touch points as possible.

The result:Star-like LEDs, floating shelves, sound

modules and well-placed astronauts

helped to bring the brand to life in stores

throughout the UK. Stockholding POS

invited shoppers to test the new fragrance

and buy Apollo products, while photo

opportunity POS encouraged consumers to

interact with the brand and share the fun of

Lynx Space Academy via social media.

The POS suite was adapted to meet the

requirements of all retail partners, including

Superdrug, Sainsbury’s and Wilkinsons,

while remaining aligned with marketing

objectives.The POS units were mainly

designed in cardboard.

www.sti-group.co.uk

20

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Q & A

23

EuroShop 2014 - A mixed bag as always

EuroShop, Dusseldorf - a 115,000 sq m leviathan representing the

final word in European retail trade shows. Attended by circa 109,000

retailers, suppliers to retail and myself. I always try to make time for

this exhibition, as in the past it’s been reliable for showcasing retail

innovation in all its forms, from the most expensive mannequins, the

latest lighting and most intricate EPOS systems.

I like to take my inspiration from seeing the world’s retail first

hand, but there is definitely a place for shows like this, especially

to launch new technical innovations. This year I had hoped that

the positive feeling in the retail market would be mirrored in the

optimism of the show and it was - kind of.

The show as a whole did not reveal much that was inspiring

and new. The real innovation came from the stands themselves,

which in some cases were really impressive. It was clear that some

of the larger suppliers had invested a lot of money in terms of

space and their exhibits, which created a positive upbeat mood

to the show. I got the impression that these businesses felt that the

time was right to go big to capitalise on renewed optimism and

growth in the industry.

Stands that stood out for me included Philips Lighting, the

Swiss shopfitting company Schweitzer, Window Mannequins and

Genesis Mannequins. In general, the turnkey companies were also

very strong.

Most impressive though was the shopfitter Schweitzer, which

showed real retail thinking by changing the entire look of its

stand on each day of the show. Each new look demonstrated best

practice scenarios of ‘new store launch’, ‘new product launch’,

‘incentives’ and even a ‘closing down sale’ (with the latter perhaps

being more apt a couple of years ago).

There is a huge appetite for retail technology at present and I

was looking forward to seeing what exciting ways the new gizmos

would be demonstrated. Instead of a pleasant assault on the

senses though the tech hall was quite disappointing. There was

lots of repetition of the uses of ipads in store, an array of supply

chain products and EPOS - all about product practicality and not

much about how these technologies would improve the experience

in store.

Karl

The exception to the tech rule was Ragwall’s full-length,

full-service video wall, which created an intriguing focal point. This

was great retailtainment as visitors tried on clothes virtually with

360 views, ‘do I look good in this’ social media sharing options and

all sizing, material and colour variants at their fingertips - not to

mention everyone else’s view! Ragwall and a couple of others had

clearly thought about the impact in store and not just the back

office function.

EuroShop 2014 may though be most remembered for the rise

of the Chinese suppliers, with a dedicated area showcasing

their own, often cheaper versions of western products and

innovations. Their stands similarly were smaller scale variations of

their western competitors’.

I am sure I wasn’t the only one to be ‘shaken down’ on western

stands to see if I was a legitimate visitor or industrial spy! This

was apparently due to the fact that many Chinese exhibitors and

visitors were somewhat brazenly and even forensically taking

apart the products of competitors, presumably for replication at a

tenth of the cost. This was causing a major annoyance for western

companies that had invested in stands, R&D and brand - just to

have potential customers lured away for cut-price promises of the

same technology by Chinese exhibitors.

Given that there is an equivalent giant version of EuroShop

planned for Shanghai, this may become the norm for western

suppliers. We have to remind ourselves though that this is no

different from the ‘rest of the world’ visiting New York for innovation,

and then going away and replicating what they saw at a lower cost.

I think it was just the scale of the attempted IP theft that left western

exhibitors shocked though and is another reminder for them to stay

rigidly ahead of the curve with IP and trademark administration.

Love it or hate it, EuroShop is one of those events that you just

have to be there. Its scale is off-putting and exhausting but, as

you slog through, you will see the items that will fuel retail for the

coming months. All I ask for next time is that the organisers please

don’t make it any bigger!

column

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

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

McKeever

24

Design: UXUSOpening date: December 2013Store size: 60-75 sq m

Skagen DenmarkWestfield London & Westfield Stratford City

project focus

Skagen Denmark’s new retail experience in London has an inherent

connection with its eponymous homeland at the tip of Denmark,

where ‘land and sea meet in an eternal horizon line’. Designed in

collaboration with UXUS, the pilot stores at Westfield London and

Westfield Stratford City allude to this environment with a signature

‘horizon’ band that spans the interior. The display units for jewellery,

timepieces and leathergoods appear to form a landscape along

the horizon, reminiscent of the ships and roofs dotting the coastline

of Skagen. ‘All of these pieces create a panorama for exploration,

much like the many personalities that give the town of Skagen its

unique character,’ explains a spokesperson for UXUS.

Guided by the timeless functionality of Danish design, the stores

pay homage to Denmark’s love for simplicity and craftsmanship.

All of the fixed interior design elements are made up of clean lines

and contrasted by furniture pieces with soft, curved forms. Bespoke

pebble-shaped tables, armchairs and a signature chandelier add

homely touches to the pared-down design and bring the Danish

25

project focus

culture of ‘hygge’ - the ritual of enjoying and sharing good times -

into the store.

In the centre of the space, a warm and welcoming

merchandising area with integrated cash desk is designed

to evoke conviviality and promote personal interaction with

each customer.

The materials palette, which includes weathered oak, sisal

carpets, wool felt and white stained wood, was carefully chosen

to convey the beauty of Skagen’s landscape. ‘Capturing the

Danish welcoming spirit, its respect for nature and timeless design

principles, the new retail platform is more than just a showcase

of beautiful objects,’ says the spokesperson for UXUS. ‘It is an

expression of a very unique mindset - a home for living Danish.’

The first two UK standalone stores opened in London in

December 2013 with more stores expected to follow in the near

future.

Photography: Michael Franke

27

project focus

Design: Jeffrey Hutchison & Associates Opening date: January 2014Store size: 3,716 sq m

American luxury department store chain Saks Fifth Avenue

recently joined forces with New York-based retail design firm

Jeffrey Hutchison & Associates to transform two floors of its

Chicago flagship into a singular shopping experience for the

modern man. The new 3,716 sq m men’s fashion emporium,

dubbed The Fifth Avenue Man, occupies levels six and seven

and is designed to appeal to the wider fashion-forward

consumer market.

‘The goal of the project was to create a new shopping

experience for the modern fashion-focused man, while

building a strong Saks Fifth Avenue identity,’ explains architect,

Jeffrey Hutchison. ‘We decided to move away from the typical

department store arrangement and create a unique, open

shopping environment, which is different than anything in the

marketplace. Essentially, these two floors are designed as a

specialty store within a larger department store.’

The floors have been separated into two distinct worlds

and given their own identity, while a custom bronze and steel

sculpture cuts through a floor opening to unite the spaces.

Inspired by the Library of Congress rotunda with its strong

circular form and reading tables, the lower floor houses classic

designers such as Kiton, Isaia, Brunello Cucinelli and Salvatore

Ferragamo as well as one of the largest men’s shoe departments

in the Midwest. The space has been converted into a classic

and clubby environment with a warm, rich palette of brass

and bronze, natural cerused oak flooring and handmade

wallcoverings, inspired by suiting fabrics distinctive of classic

brands, such as tweeds and herringbones.

Ph

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orf

The Fifth Avenue Man Saks Fifth Avenue, Chicago

28

project focus

The upper floor has a more contemporary feel inspired by

great modern architecture pioneers of Chicago, such as Mies Van

der Rohe and Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with

materials and details that allude to industrial media. These include

raw and blackened steel, porcelain tiles, silver cerused oak and

contemporary fabric wallcoverings. The floor houses brands such

as Givenchy, Dior, Alexander McQueen, Burberry London and

Versace as well as a customised denim offering, including Hudson,

J Brand, Nudie, Rag and Bone, and Willis & Walker.

‘To relaunch the menswear space, we needed a team with a

fresh approach to the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue brand,’ says Harry

Cunningham, senior vice president of store planning, design and

visual merchandising at Saks Fifth Avenue. ‘Jeffrey and his team

pushed boundaries of staid department store practices, with a true

sense of creativity and understanding of The Fifth Avenue Man.

The result is an exciting new lifestyle shopping experience all under

one roof.’

A number of large floor-to-ceiling vitrines are strategically

placed on both floors, spotlighting collection highlights much like

the effect of exterior windows on the street. Both floors are softened

with residential-style touches, including mixed oak plank flooring

from The Netherlands, mid-century modern architectural touches

and an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary furniture.

A new express elevator transports shoppers directly to The Fifth

Avenue Man.

29

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30

Design: Brown StudioOpening date: February 2014Store size: 232 sq m

WarehouseOxford Street, London

project focus

High street fashion retailer Warehouse opened its first London

flagship store at the end of February on Oxford Street, allowing

it to showcase the brand on a UK and world stage. Designed

in partnership with Brown Studio, the 232 sq m store is spread

across two levels and builds on the latest concept and tradition of

Warehouse as an urban loft gallery space.

Drawing inspiration from the converted warehouses of New

York’s Meat Packing district and Soho, the fabric of the building has

been exposed with materials such as real brick, wood flooring and

plaster treatments helping to deliver the loft warehouse experience.

The double-height atrium at the entrance to the store features

exposed brick, ceiling beams and an angled sky light, and acts as

a flexible gallery space, presenting each season’s collection as a

curated body of work.

Below the mezzanine, exposed brick walls and rough rendered

panels continue the loft aesthetic, while the lighting is kept muted

to create the experience of a gallery space with pieces from the

collection highlighted at key points along the rendered panels.

Further into the store, distressed wooden floor boards mark a

change of pace from the poured concrete of the atrium.

A large industrial window wall constructed from steel with

unfinished edges and frosted glass spans the width of the store

and adds texture to the space. It forms the backdrop to the till

on the ground floor and obscures the view into the private stylist

lounge, which contains changing rooms and a seating area.

A staircase constructed from metal, poured concrete and

back-lit glass leads visitors to the mezzanine, which houses the

brand’s premium collections on bespoke hanging systems.

Again, the rough render panels are on show with the addition

Ph

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er

of a concrete plinth containing uplighters that adds drama to

the collection.

A second window wall links the language of the two floors and

separates the retail area from the lounge space, where comfortable

seating and a full service till help to enhance the customer

experience and increase dwell time.

In-store digital elements include transactional iPads, which

allow customers to pay for items without having to queue at the till,

and a projector that shows dynamic content on the exposed brick

wall by the stairs.

Key elements of the design are now expected to be rolled out

to new Warehouse stores.

31

project focus

30

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33

Every three years the retail world convenes in Dusseldorf, Germany

to discover the latest ideas, innovations and solutions for store

design, visual merchandising, POS marketing and technology.

EuroShop has long been considered one of the most important

and significant events in the global retail calendar and the latest

instalment did not disappoint. Staged at Messe Dusseldorf in

February, the five-day event was vast in size and scope, and

carried with it a wave of optimism.

For distinguished designer, Rodney Fitch, who hosted the

EuroShop RetailDesign Conference, a visit to EuroShop enables

people to judge the mood of industry. In 2008, he recalls that the

industry was ‘shellshocked’ and in 2011, ‘cautious’. This year, he says

the optimism was palpable.

‘The sheer scale, diversity and vibrancy [of EuroShop] always

underwrites my belief that shopping is indeed the purpose of life,’

says Fitch. ‘This year was no exception; bigger than ever and

because of the three year gap, always the opportunity to find some

real innovation.’

The 2014 triennial edition of EuroShop brought with

it a refreshing sense of optimism and confidence.

show review

EuroShop:

Renewed

optimism

The exhibition spanned a record 16 halls (more than

115,000 sq m) and was grouped into four main sections, namely

EuroConcept (shopfitting, architecture, store design, lighting,

refrigeration), EuroSales (visual merchandising and POS),

EuroCIS (technology) and EuroExpo (exhibition stand design

and construction).

Lighting, for the first time, occupied an entire hall, highlighting

the important role it plays in creating an enjoyable and positive

in-store shopping experience. Among the imposing stands, Philips

launched a range of new solutions, including a retail spotlight

developed in collaboration with lighting design consultancy LAPD.

It showcased its Fresh Food LED lighting portfolio and announced

details of its new indoor GPS solution, which uses intelligent LED

in-store lighting to communicate location-based information to

shoppers via a smartphone app.

Reggiani creatively showcased its latest lighting solutions using

bags, clothes and shoes made from recyclable cardboard by

Italy-based artist Chris Gilmour. Products on display included the

Splyt system of projectors, created in partnership with LAPD.

The Ansorg stand also stood out with its LED lighting

solutions for food and non-food. In the food area, the company

demonstrated light scenarios for different sales areas including an

eye-catching illuminated wine bottle display.

Left:

Artist Chris Gilmour

created products

from recyclable

cardboard for the

Reggiani stand.

Right:

Window Mannequins

launched its new

plus-size collection.

Retail Made Easy

In the meantime, if you would like to fi nd out more about GDP and what we can do for you please contact Fran Nicholls on 0330 123 3533 or fran.nicholls@gdprojects.eu

If you made it to our stand, you will have seen why we won an award! If you didn’t, then give us a call and we will show you why.

And where next?...GDP will be exhibiting this year at the VM & Display Show. Look out for us and our fabulous ranges of mannequins & props at the Business Design Centre, Islington on 29th April to 1st May 2014

Winner of the ISO Awardfor Best Product Presentation

So, what did you think of the show?Sore feet? Bag full of brochures? Inbox full of follow-ups?

show review

35

its new plus-size mannequin collection, designed in collaboration

with plus-size fashion model, Laura Catterall.

UK-based Mannequino made its debut at EuroShop with a new

disruptive product innovation for the fashion industry. The flat-pack

mannequin bust forms are engineered from flat sheets of flexible

plastic, and are lightweight and easy to assemble. The products

were illuminated to stunning effect, with the lighting changing in

time to the music.

A stand that attracted much attention was Schweitzer’s

Department Store 3.0. According to Berhard Schweitzer, retail is not

simply about thinking, but also about doing, innovating, combining

and creating something new, and this was the theme for the 750

sq m enclosed space. The company staged, mixed and connected

familiar elements in a completely new way. It collaborated with

South Tyrol designer Peter Pichler to

Away from the lighting area, the show gave visitors an

interesting overview of developments in materials and surface

finishes. Organoid Technologies appealed to the senses with

its tactile wallcoverings made from natural materials, such as

hand-cut alpine hay, rose petals and peppermint stalks. Amtico

showcased some of its luxury vinyl flooring designs, Bolefloor

demonstrated its curved-length hardwood flooring and EGGER

presented new additions to its ZOOM laminate collection.

Germany-based spatial communication company D’art Design

successfully engaged visitors on its enclosed stand, which was

made entirely from wood while the Visplay stand featured

eye-catching walls constructed from stacked plastic storage boxes.

In the visual merchandising section, many companies took the

opportunity to unveil new and expanded mannequin collections,

with a particular focus on flexibility. Window Mannequins opted

for a closed stand where invited visitors were able to view its new

range of magnetic faces and features. The company also launched

Clockwise from right:

Schweitzer used mannequins from Hans Boodt on its stand; A sound

garden on the Schweitzer stand aroused curiosity; Mannequino exhibited

its flat-pack mannequin bust forms; Schweitzer’s Department Store 3.0

stand attracted much attention; Magnetic mannequin features from

Window Mannequins; Visplay’s stand was constructed from

stacked plastic storage boxes.

show review

create an in-house product line, showing how the company

can work with clients to develop products and ideas, and it had

the Monacle 24 Radio live station on its booth, which could be

accessed around the world, demonstrating that it is now more open

than ever to combining different channels in an exciting manner.

It created a sound garden to arouse curiosity and inspire visitors to

try out new experiences and it used mannequins from Hans Boodt

to highlight that ‘collaboration is one of the biggest opportunities

in the future of retail’. The company also predicts that men are

a particularly important target group in the future and as such

created a ‘Gentleman’s Club’ on the stand, featuring an inspired

product mix and changing displays.

What was apparent, and picked up on by a number of visitors

including London-based design agency The Yard Creative, was the

divide between digital and physical. ‘You only had to stand back

and look at the expenditure on both sectors’ stands to clearly see

where the largest proportion of cash was being spent,’ says Steve

James Royle, owner of The Yard Creative. ‘The physical world’s

stands dwarfed those in the digital arena, perhaps proving the

physical need and desire of the customer is still very much as the

forefront of retail.’

While many of the innovations on show are in fact already in

UK stores, what was new at EuroShop was the sheer volume of

technology on offer, notes Brad Hurter, CEO of commercial interiors

and shopfitting firm, CDS Group. ‘As retail technology becomes

more affordable, it’s a pivotal time for the industry,’ he says. ‘But

creating theatre in a retail space is not just about a few TV

screens and projectors. Technology in retail is about using the

diverse channels now available to us to connect to the consumer’s

lifestyle and engage them with the brand. When done well,

technology in retail can not only make the shopping experience

easier for consumers, but it can also take them on a journey.

By storytelling and romancing the products, we can elevate the

consumer’s perceptions of items, goods and collections.’

In total, 109,000 visitors from 110 countries attended EuroShop,

which this year housed more than 2,200 exhibitors making it the

biggest to date. It was for many, in the words of Retail Focus

columnist Karl McKeever, ‘a crucial moment in which to secure

their future’.

‘Those who showcase here understand the need to get it

right, whilst those who visit are keen to do business,’ states

McKeever. ‘All that’s waiting now is for all these ideas to route

back through the companies at home and your shop’s purpose

has been fulfilled.’

The next EuroShop will be held from 5-9 March 2017.

36

Coop.fi Novoli, FlorenceThe 2,500 sq m Coop store in Novoli, a

part of Florence, is located at the heart

of a modern district. The store, designed

in collaboration with Italian architects

Paolo Lucchetta + RetailDesign srl, offers

a food shopping experience inspired by

the idea of the local market and is also

the prototype for a new generation of food

markets according to the values of the

Coop Cooperation Movement.

EuroShop RetailDesign Award WinnersEHI and Messe Dusseldorf presented the awards on the first day of

EuroShop. The deciding factors were a holistic store concept and a

clear product message.

For more images from EuroShop, log on to the Retail Focus blog: www.retail-focus.co.uk

Simons West, EdmontonFor its first store outside the home province

of Quebec, the Canadian fashion retailer

Simons chose the West Edmonton Mall,

North America’s largest shopping centre.

At around 10,700 sq m, it’s the largest Simons

store to date. Working with figure3, the

fashion retailer has created a space that

inspires customers through fashion, art,

and architecture.

Puma Brand Store, OsakaPuma’s brand store in Osaka is a

new landmark on the Japanese retail

horizon. Both the exterior and the interior

architecture of the space have been

‘Pumarised’ and speak a homogenous

language that unifies the company’s

philosophy, an intelligent yet simple retail

design, and a witty spirit. The interior is

based on Puma’s retail 2.0 format launched

in 2011. Created in collaboration with

Berlin-based plajer + franz studio, the store

is one of the newest and most successful

openings for the brand.

From left:

Philips launched a range of new lighting solutions; Liganova

made its debut at EuroShop with the Brand Retail Lab; D’art

Design’s interactive stand adopted

the theme ‘undo’

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38

bank branches

Bank branches are not dead, declares Louise Brett, lead

financial services analytics partner at Deloitte. In fact, she says,

they’re poised for a renaissance, just not in their current numbers

or formats.

Like retailers, banks are having to adapt to meet changing

consumer demands. The challenge nowadays is to deliver the right

experience with the right product and service, in the right channel,

at the right time.

‘The physical bank network is still fundamental to retail

banking but a large proportion of the UK retail banking network is

obsolete in its current form as technology has changed the “what”

and “where” of the physical space,’ says James Brown, head of

European retail research at Jones Lang LaSalle. ‘The high street,

the traditional location for retail banking branches, is changing.

The form and function of retail branches must also evolve as they

move towards a more retail-centric, customer service oriented,

experiential offer.’

Commenting on the recently opened pilot Barclays bank

branches inside Asda stores, Brown says the move to explore new

channels to reach customers makes complete sense. The new

style branches, the first of which opened in February, are intended

to make everyday banking services more flexible and accessible.

Available to new and existing Barclays customers, the branches are

open seven days a week with services accessible during traditional

Asda store opening hours.

‘We are constantly reviewing the way we work to ensure we

can deliver a service that is shaped around what our customers

want,’ says Steve Cooper from Barclays. ‘Our ambition is that by

2017, we will have an innovative and sustainable future-proof suite

of branches that exist alongside a choice of ways our customers

can contact us, so they will feel they can do things quicker and

more effectively.’

New research from Deloitte shows that demand for physical

banking services is likely to rise in more than half of English and

Welsh regions. The report, entitled ‘Bricks and Clicks: Mapping the

future of branches’, found that 56 per cent of locations in the two

countries are due to record growing levels of demand for these

facilities. If follows the publication of separate research from the

business advisory firm, which suggests that 72 per cent of Britons

still make regular use of the financial services offered by high street

stores and shopping centres.

‘For some banks, branch staff may need to shift their focus

from routine over-the-counter cash transactions to providing

personalised service for new customers on the hunt for

competitively priced financial products,’ says Deloitte Analytics

research director, Harvey Lewis. ‘But, for others, the branch may

need to become a simple, convenient gateway so people can

self-serve. Only those that build their branch proposition on the

most appropriate balance between bricks and clicks will be the

winners with customers.’

Likewise, a recent mobile banking study by GFT Technologies

argues that online cannot replace bank branches, rather the key

to success lies in integrating different points of presence. The

report, which highlights differences in banking habits between

Brazil, Germany, the UK, Spain and the US, found that more than

half of respondents were unwilling to completely do without their

local branch. ‘This is a time of transition for us,’ claims GFT chief

Online/offline bank balance

operating officer, Marika Lulay. ‘It’s important to understand

which branches should be kept on and make these future-ready

by ensuring they provide a rich selection of interactive tools and

entertainment options.’

Last year, Allied Irish Bank (AIB) launched a new concept

store that brings all of its leading-edge technologies together in a

physical hub. Designed in collaboration with Allen International

and Accenture, the LAB (Learn About Banking) aims to deliver

an ‘innovative and compelling’ experience through digital

self-service capabilities, remote advisor accessibility, mobile

device demonstration and digital ‘avatar’ that navigates customers

through the experience.

At the opening, Allen International design director, Richard

Benson said the store would challenge people’s preconceptions

of what a financial retail space is. ‘It will inform and educate

customers on the most convenient ways to carry out their daily

banking, but also showcase and deliver the brand’s products and

services in an engaging, easy to understand format,’ he said.

Across the globe, National Australia Bank (NAB) has opened

a new ‘Smart Store’ where staff work in tandem with intuitive

technology to provide an integrated digital and face-to-face

experience. There are no traditional tellers. Instead, customers can

choose from a range of self-service intelligent machines and a

39

bank branches

Online/offline bank balanceThe evolving role of the physical bank branch.

NAB-designed ‘Come Help Me’ app, which enables them to book

an appointment with the right banker.

Executive general manager NAB Retail, Vicki Carter, says the

‘Smart Store’ is the next evolution in NAB’s store network footprint

strategy. ‘Retail stores will always play a critical role in banking as

they are where customer relationships are formed; and at NAB we

are constantly refurbishing and revitalising our network to meet the

changing and diverse needs of customers,’ she says.

In an effort to build brand awareness and better engage with

consumers, several banks have trialled pop-up branches and

mobile kiosks. ING Bank, for example, worked with design agency

Storeage a few years ago to create ING Express, a multifunctional

mobile coffee bar and office that moved across The Netherlands

to cultural events, festivals and concerts. More recently, Lloyds

Bank worked with MEC and Rufus Leonard to create pop-up

Tea Gardens for some of the UK’s biggest shopping centres. The

experiential campaign was designed to drive awareness of the

bank’s two customer loyalty propositions: ‘Cashback’ and ‘It’s on

us’, offering shoppers free tea and a place to sit and relax.

In the US, online bank Capital One 360 recently opened its

first area cafe in Boston, serving coffee and free wifi. The ‘retail

destination’ offers the same banking services as the online bank,

along with associates who are available to answer questions and

demonstrate digital and financial tools.

‘Physical design is adapting,’ notes Jason Steere, co-founder of

Storeage. ‘Gone are the secure “cages” bankers once sat behind.

Today, banks are looking more like lounges, cafes and, dare we

say, fun places to visit and hangout in. The choice of meeting room

chair, magazines to read, screens to view and coffee served are all

attributes banks are updating and adjusting to fit the needs and

desires of their visitors.’

Independent banking advisor, David Cavell believes that

branches must move from being just a transaction shop to

a ‘destination’. ‘The smartest banks have developed branch

environments and a staff culture that are welcoming, comfortable

and place a value on relationships - with both customers and the

wider community,’ he says. Moreover, Cavell argues that banks

should, wherever possible, use segmentation to recognise and

better serve different target segments. ‘This may include lesser and

more automated facilities for the mass market,’ he says.

Clearly, banks are under pressure to adapt to changing

consumer needs while also cutting costs. In the next few years,

Daoud Fakhri, senior analyst at Datamonitor Financial, believes

there will be a lot of experimentation and trial-and-error as banks

figure out how best to serve their customers. ‘It will be interesting to

see which strategies prevail,’ he says.

Clockwise from top left:

Capital One 360 brings new banking experience to Boston, US;

Lloyds Bank pop-up Tea Garden; Storeage-designed ING Express;

Halifax develops its in-branch environments with help from

M Worldwide; Allied Irish Bank’s new LAB concept store.

41

Retail,s

new golden eraMark Fanthorpe, owner of Umbrella Design, touches on the intangibles of modern retail success.

It’s been quite a decade. It started with a big boom. There was

plenty of disposable income around and retail was relatively easy.

You could fill your shops with stuff and people would quite happily

buy it. They probably didn’t need it, they weren’t excited by it, but

that didn’t matter. They bought it anyway.

Then the recession hit and overnight everything changed.

Money got tight and people naturally became more discerning

about what they spent and where.

That, coupled with the meteoric rise of the Internet, shook

the high street to its core. Retail went from doing really nicely to

really badly.

Now the dust has settled, however, retailers are realising the

Internet is not a threat but a force for change. In many ways it is

pushing traditional retail forward.

Today, stores have to do more. They have to be inviting and

exciting enough places to get people off their sofas and onto the

high street.

I feel we’re at the beginning of a golden era. It’s as if someone

has hit the reset button allowing brands with fresh ideas to thrive.

For some, tapping the full potential of this new era isn’t going

to be easy. To do so requires embracing change. Something

shareholders and accountants won’t like because it’s risky.

Those that don’t change, however, will likely suffer. Having

talked to customers of a large high street brand at a recent focus

group, the vast majority expressed a strong desire for the brand

to evolve, to push the boundaries and actually expressed a

feeling that the store should move further than its own staff had

actually anticipated.

Bottom line, you have to keep changing and endlessly

entertaining your customers. Great retail was never about buying

the stuff you need. Shopping is a day out and on a day out

people want the feel good factor.

The feel of retail

While sales figures are easy to hang your hat on, their usefulness

is limited. They may tell you what someone bought but they don’t

tell you why, and the why is important.

The why are the things that can’t be measured with an

accountant’s calculator. The intangible factors that influence the

way your customers feel about you and your stores.

It’s a culmination of everything you do, from the look and feel

of your brand to the way your stores are presented - the lighting,

the colours and the architecture. It’s about the customer service

you provide and the ways you make your customers feel valued.

The intangibles are important because feelings are powerful

and have a discernible impact. If a customer walks in and they

feel entertained, excited and comfortable they’re likely to stay. If

they walk in and the environment jars with them, they’ll leave.

Make the most of the intangibles

You have to really know your customer. If you don’t know them,

you can’t build an environment for them, and making them feel a

sense of belonging is vital. That’s what gets them in store.

Topshop knows its customer. On a recent visit to Oxford Street

I was riveted by the clubhouse they had built for their teenage

audience. It’s like a nightclub with neon notes and technological

wonders. Never overwrought, the store uses the clever placement

of props to accentuate its stage.

What’s more, I didn’t feel out of place there. I knew it hadn’t

been designed for me but that didn’t stop me from liking it.

Don’t assume you know your customer. That leads to playing it

safe or worse, condescension.

When you grab their interest they linger longer. For this you

need to find out what your customers aspire to and then help

them get there.

Discovery is critical. It’s no good offering them something

that they’ve already got. You’ve got to spin it, evolve it and add

to it so they are always propelled forward. You’ve got to push

their boundaries.

Selfridges is a master boundary pusher. Just look at the

Louis Vuitton lift. A thing of real beauty. It raises the bar of what

can be achieved and in so doing, elevates the desire of their loyal

brand followers.

Finally, making them feel valued will open their wallets. This

isn’t just about value for money. It’s about customer service. It’s

about creating a stress-free environment that’s enjoyable to shop

and it’s about being passionate about what you do and why you

do it. Because if you’re not passionate, your customers won’t be.

Whole Foods is passionate. Every piece of fruit and veg is

beautifully presented. The food stations are immaculately clean

and the staff is knowledgeable and caring. Everything about their

store says we love our product and you will too.

Whole Foods has created an environment that honours the

produce and in doing so have ensured that their higher prices are

not off putting. In fact, they further enhance the purchase.

www.umbrelladesign.co.uk

opinion

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43

London retail

New research from global property advisor CBRE Group shows

that competition for prime retail locations in the world’s leading

cities is getting stronger, with demand being fuelled by high-end

retailers willing to pay record rents for the most coveted shops. In

London, high demand for prime retail pitches, especially from the

luxury sector, has reportedly pushed rents to record-breaking levels,

leading to increased demand for space in surrounding areas.

‘London retail has continued to benefit from exceptionally

strong overseas consumer spending since the Olympics,’ says

CBRE’s senior director in Central London retail, Ed Humbert.

‘The attraction of Central London as a shopping destination was

further bolstered in 2013 by a number of prominent store openings,

including J.Crew on Regent Street, G Star Raw’s European flagship

on Oxford Street and Cath Kidston’s largest ever store on Piccadilly.’

Global property consultancy Knight Frank’s most recent Central

London Retail report further shows that the capital’s occupational

market is as strong as ever, with activity largely being driven by

international retailers. J.Crew and Bobbi Brown were among a

number of international retailers to enter the UK market with stores

in London in 2013, with brands such as Karl Lagerfeld, Lululemon

and Adore all set to launch stores in the capital this year.

‘International lifestyle and fashion brands remain focused on

London, which is still the preferred entry point for incoming retailers,’

notes Darren Yates from the commercial research team at Knight

Frank. ‘Indeed, there is huge demand for first stores in the capital,

which is maintaining pressure on rents in the key thoroughfares.’ As

a result, more new shopping destinations are emerging to provide

valuable new space and fresh opportunities for domestic and

international retailers. To follow are four key developments set to

transform London’s retail landscape in the near future.

London callingWith strong demand and limited space in London’s major shopping areas, we survey some of the new developments set to transform the capital’s retail landscape in the coming years.

Crossrail, Canary WharfThe Canary Wharf Crossrail retail and

leisure development, combined with the

recent Jubilee Place extension, represents

one of the largest retail expansions

currently underway in the UK. Expected to

open in May 2015 - three years ahead of

the actual station - the 10,684 sq m retail

and leisure destination will spread across

four levels of the six-storey development,

designed by Foster + Partners. The first

confirmed retail brands to open at the new

development were announced earlier this

year and include Everyman Cinema, Sports

Bar & Grill and Mexican burrito restaurant,

Poncho 8.

The development will be topped by

a landscaped park, covered with a semi

open-air timber lattice roof providing views

out over the dock and Canary Wharf.

Located in the North Dock of West India

Quay, the combined station and oversite

development has been likened to a ship

moored in the dock, reflecting Canary

Wharf’s past as the centre for global

maritime commerce and its future, closely

integrated with the local community and the

rest of London.

Crossrail is a 118km-long rail link that will

connect Maidenhead in the west through

central London to Abbey Wood in the east.

www.crossrail.co.uk

London retail

Nova, VictoriaNova, Victoria (formerly known as Victoria

Circle) is an architecturally striking

83,334 sq m mixed-use development

situated opposite Victoria mainline

railway station in London’s West End. The

transformation of the island site, which

began in 2013 and incorporates five

new buildings, is the ‘defining moment’

in commercial property company Land

Securities’ £2.2 billion reinvention of Victoria,

which is already home to businesses such

as Channel 4 and Microsoft as well as

high-end fashion names such as Jimmy

Choo, Tom Ford and Burberry.

When completed, the scheme

will contain 17,913 sq m of high-quality

apartments, 7,890 sq m of retail, cafes

and restaurants, and 1,486 sq m of

community space.

According to The Victoria Vibrancy

Report 2014, published by the Victoria

Business Improvement District, over the

next decade more than £4 billion-worth

of development in Victoria will create in

excess of 270,000 sq m of commercial

and residential space. Ruth Duston, chief

executive officer of Victoria Business

Improvement District, says the extent of the

development and investment into the area

is a testament to the potential Victoria has

to become a major visitor destination for

London. ‘Victoria’s residential offer is being

revived whilst an eclectic and distinct retail

and restaurant scene is emerging together

with a new “hub” for independent retailers

to flourish,’ she says.

Architecture firms PLP Architecture,

Benson & Forsyth and Lynch Architects

have collaborated to develop a bold,

contemporary look for Nova, Victoria, which

is due to complete in 2016.

www.novasw1.com

Shoreditch VillageEllisMiller’s Shoreditch Village scheme

in East London will provide a vibrant

mix of retail, cafe, restaurant, office and

residential space, alongside a 185-bed

hotel for international operator citizenM

when it completes in 2015. At the heart of

the 1,390 sq m project will be a street market

containing temporary and semi-permanent

stalls offering an eclectic range of food.

This market will be supported by a series

of flexible retail spaces, catering for

demand from start-ups and established

companies alike.

‘Where the site previously acted

as a physical barrier to the rest of the

neighbourhood, new pedestrian routes

will reinterpret the historic street plan,

providing new links and connections to the

surrounding area,’ says a spokesperson

for EllisMiller. ‘These routes will knit the

development into its surroundings, allowing

Shoreditch Village to quickly become

assimilated into the neighbourhood.’

The project is said to imaginatively

apply a variety of materials typical of the

local area and draw upon Shoreditch’s

lively and interesting roofscape, through

planted rooftop gardens and terraces

with views of the bustling streets below.

Construction of the site is expected to start

this year.

www.shoreditchvillage.com

Westfield London Westfield London became Europe’s largest

inner city shopping centre when it opened

in Shepherds Bush in 2008. Now the

150,000 sq m site is set to undergo a

£1 billion expansion, which will include new

retail and leisure facilities as well as up to

1,522 new homes.

Subject to planning approval, the

Australian shopping centre group will

begin construction on the retail quarter

this year, which will include around

60,000 sq m of new shops in different

sizes for both independent retailers and

well-known brands. The extension will

also incorporate a 21,000 sq m John Lewis

department store, which is expected to

open in time for Christmas 2017.

Westfield’s European managing

director, Michael Gutman said John Lewis

is the most requested store at Westfield

London. ‘The new store will be another

huge attraction to Westfield London and

will become an important centrepiece of

the massive regeneration taking place in

the White City opportunity area with the

creation of thousands of new homes and

jobs,’ he says.

Westfield was granted outline planning

permission for the mixed-use development

in March 2012 and since then it has

been refining the proposal to deliver an

enhanced experience for consumers,

retailers and future residents.

Earlier this year the Group announced

that annual retail sales at Westfield

London and Westfield Stratford City are

approaching £2 billion, with the portfolio

99.3 per cent leased.

www.westfieldlondon-plans.co.uk

44

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We will source all the products you need for your store openings, supplying everything you require from our retail, stationary and back office range of over 40,000 products. We organise the delivery of the items centrally into our 25,000 square foot warehouse, to be stored ready for dispatch to your locations, on the dates you specify.

Before dispatch, all the items needed for a particular store are picked and packed onto pallets for delivery to you simultaneously, significantly reducing onsite traffic and the confusion that can be caused by multiple drops from several different suppliers.

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48

products

VM + display

Andy ThorntonThis decorative shelving unit has a unique factory workshop feel about it, with the

combination of industrial plumbing-style cast detail on steel tube to create this

useful display item. The frame is all-steel and features cross-bracing at the rear

for added strength. It is finished in a hand-aged patina to give it the vintage feel

and includes three slatted timber shelves for merchandise. Andy Thornton offers

a complete range of visual merchandising and retail display fittings, including

shelving units, carts, rails, drawers and cabinets. The company can also design and

manufacture bespoke pieces to order, in a variety of materials and finishes.

T. +44 (0)1422 376 000 E. marketing@andythornton.com www.andythornton.com

VisplayKado 15 is a new slimline version of the proven Visplay

structural system Kado. The simple, puristic design of Kado 15

lends clear, fine structure to the retail area. The system

enables different structural configurations, creating base

elements for numerous wall and midfloor displays. The base

elements can be combined in any manner to achieve a

harmonized design in the retail area. The base elements are

supplied partially pre-assembled and are easily put together

without screws. The structures can be quickly dismantled into

a flat-pack for storage.

T. +44 (0)207 288 9570 E. visplay-uk@visplay.com

www.visplay.com www.youtube.com/user/Shopfittingsystems

The VM SourceWith the never ending trend for lovely

vintage-style pieces with a modern twist

The VM Source is excited to present its

new collection, VINTAGE. A choice of 3/4

bust forms plus busts with mannequin

legs – stylish and beautifully made.

Brand new from the popular brand

European Mannequins, these have

great attention to detail with a stitched

cover, fabric head and fully articulated

wooden arms. The mannequin legs are

shown in black but can be resprayed if

required. They come with both foot and

calf fitting as standard.

T. +44 (0)1780 761 947

E. info@thevmsource.co.uk

www.thevmsource.co.uk

VisplayXero L P/L is a vertical support system

used to create cabinets and alcove

units, in a variety of different sizes,

as single or combined units, tailored

to your precise requirements. Xero L

P/L can be used to subdivide walls or

separate and emphasise individual

areas. Xero L P/L offers direct

access to power anywhere along

the profile – for use of any 24 V low

voltage appliances such as digital

signage, tablets, lightboxes etc. -

plug & live power! Xero L P/L can link

all communication channels – both

online and offline.

T. +44 (0)207 288 9570

E. visplay-uk@visplay.com

www.visplay.com

Concrete effect Raw fi nish on mannequins

Mannequins & Display Accessories

01780 761947 / 01780 758807 info@thevmsource.co.uk www.thevmsource.co.uk

50

products

POP + Display

arkenNew Finelite LED light box from arken

Introducing the all-new modern, minimalist slim line light box, featuring side or top load

slide-in access for posters. Made from naturally anodised aluminium, the light box also

features a non-reflective PFS front sheet, and uses LED strips to create even illumination.

Features include: Easy access - side or top load; Even vibrant light dispersal; Slim

format - just 38mm deep; Uses 65 per cent less energy than traditional tubes; A 5-7 year

minimum life expectancy on LED’s; Standard poster or bespoke sizes available, all made

to order.

T. +44 (0)1638 565 656 www.arken-pop.com

Creative InstoreCreative Instore Solutions is a global point of purchase

design and manufacturing powerhouse that blends creativity

with structural engineering to conceive sustainable designs

which drive incremental sales. It’s an award-winning

combination that sees it work with a blue chip client base.

Creative Instore Solutions is about understanding its client’s

business objectives, crafting innovative solutions that are

representative of its clients’ needs and delivering quality

merchandising systems in a cost-effective and time-critical

environment, resulting in long-term successful business

relationships.

T. +44 (0)208 965 7995 E. hello@creativeinstore.com.au

www.creativeinstore.co.uk Twitter: CreativeInstore

Print & DisplayThe Long Life FSDU has been developed

from recycled paper based materials. It is a

cost-effective, durable alternative to wooden

or metal display units. It sits nicely between

traditional cardboard units, where the

longevity and strength of a permanent unit is

required but where budgets are tight or time

in store is measured in months. Delivered

flat packed, it takes one person around 10

minutes to install. Light enough to lift but also

very robust and strong, the FSDU is printed

with your artwork prior to despatch. Once the

FSDU is no longer required it can be placed

into a recycling system.

T. +44 (0)115 927 5141

E. sales@printdisplays.com

www.printdisplays.com Twitter: printdisplays

OnelanImproving productivity for marketing departments and

content designers is essential for efficient management

of multichannel digital signage networks. Large retail and

advertising networks require frequent and accurate content

updates. ONELAN’s new CMS features make this possible.

Channel and playlist complexity is simplified through the use

of the Conditional Play Editor.

T. +44 (0)1491 411 400 E. sales@onelan.com

www.onelan.com Twitter: onelan_ds

www.bbrown.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 8705 340340 | Fax: +44 (0) 8705 329610 | Email: customerservices@bbrown.co.uk

Bursting with ideas for your exhibitionBursting with ideas for your retail display

53

products

PEL ServicesPEL Services has completed the design, supply and installation

of music and public address systems for four Marks & Spencer

(M&S) stores in Paris, France. The flagship store opening on the

Champs Elysées was so successful that So Ouest, Beaugrenelle

and Aeroville stores swiftly followed, each boasting a

store-wide Bose Music and PA system similar to those supplied

and installed by PEL in the UK stores, thus maintaining brand

recognition and enhanced shopper experience. PEL Refuge

Call systems have also been installed to enable disabled

persons to alert the control station to their predicament and

initiate two way conversations via handset or ‘hands free’ units

T. +44 (0)20 8839 2100 www.pel.co.uk www.pelav.co.uk

DORMAHigh performance automatic doors from DORMA have been

installed at The John Lewis Partnership headquarters in London

to provide durability, robustness and superior aesthetics. As

part of the renovation and remodelling of the ground floor of

the headquarters in London’s Victoria by main contractor ITC

Concepts, the architects Bamber and Reddan designed an

entrance that would not only give a positive first impression and

clear statement of the company’s image but would also allow a

smooth flow of traffic. Ideal for high-frequency entrances where

space is at a premium, DORMA RST-R Automatic Space-Saving

Door met the brief and offered the desired aesthetics. DORMA

RST space-saver doors are available

in standard sizes ready to install, or

as customised units to suit individual

requirements.

T. +44 (0)1462 477 600 www.dorma.com

Twitter: dormauk

ReggianiA comprehensive refurbishment of Fairfield BMW’s facility in

Leigh-on-Sea, Essex has made extensive use of Reggiani’s

Bisio 26W adjustable recessed LED spotlights. The lighting

was designed by architect Taylor Design working within BMW’s

lighting guidelines. The new lighting design delivers a colour

temperature of 4000K in the showroom area to highlight the

vehicles on display, while circulation areas use a 3000K light

source to create a warmer atmosphere.

T. +44 (0)20 8236 3000 E. sales@reggiani.co.uk

www.reggiani.net

Projects

JS Air CurtainsJS Air Curtains has supplied two Zen air curtains and a Rotowind revolving door

air curtain for use at BT’s global headquarters at Newgate Street, London. The air

curtain system was design by entrance specialists, Blue Chyp, who developed a

custom solution to meet BT’s aesthetic and functional objectives. JS Air Curtains

supplied two one-metre electrically heated Zen air curtains for use above the pass

doors at BT, Newgate Street. The Zen is part of JS Air Curtains’ Designer Range and

has a contemporary architectural style. It can be fitted with bespoke fascia panels

of different materials and any RAL colour, and also carry signage, branding or even

elements such as clocks

T. +44 (0)1903 858 656 E. sales@jsaircurtains.com www.jsaircurtains.com

Flooring + SurfacesFlooring + Surfaces

MegamanMegaman has supplied AR111 LED lamps

as part of a lighting solution for Selfridges

London. Used throughout the newly

refurbished concession areas, the new

lighting needed to be installed quickly

to reduce downtime, improve light levels

and not impact on the existing fixtures or

ornate ceiling of the shop floor. Lighting

management company PLM (Planned

Lighting Maintenance) partnered with

Megaman for the project, supplying 15W

AR111 LED lamps that look the same as the

existing AR111 but offer a much brighter light.

T. +44 (0)845 408 4625

E. sales@megamanuk.com

www.megamanuk.com

Twitter: MegamanUKLtd

55

Landau HoldingsLandau Holdings has added light to its offerings by becoming

the exclusive UK agent for L&S, the Italian-based lighting

business. Providing elegant, integrated lighting that can be

easily installed into cabinets, L&S has also developed an

integrated lighting system using LEDs which can be seen in

both cool and warm tones, and can be concealed horizontally

in cabinets. The colour-changing RGB LEDs can be fitted

inside glass cabinets using the L&S Derby system with remote

control or sensor switches. Sales and marketing director Gareth

Atkin says: ‘We are particularly impressed with L&Ss continuous

development of innovative and user-friendly products and see

visions of how L&S lighting can complement all types of interiors’.

T. +44 (0)1482 440 680 E. info@parapan.co.uk

www.parapan.co.uk

SecurikeySecurikey, a leading supplier of physical security products, offers one of

the most reliable and widely-used Self-Retracting Key Reel ranges on

the market. Expertly designed for securing keys, tools and ID badges

to belts or clothing, Securikey Key Reels are used by a huge variety

of professionals, including security guards, shopkeepers, and porters.

Launched more than 40 years ago, Securikey’s Self-Retracting Key Reel

range has developed and expanded to meet demand and now features

a choice of more than 30 models, all of which are ruggedly constructed

to provide total peace of mind.

T. +44 (0)1252 311 888 E. enquiries@securikey.co.uk www.securikey.co.uk

products

selection

ArmourcoatArmourcoat has added two new designs to its Sculptural

range for 2014: Smoke and Basalt. An original range of

seamless sculptural surface designs, Sculptural walls are

constructed from a series of pre-cast panels that are bonded

to the substrate. The panel joints are then filled and sanded,

and a final decoration is applied to the surface. Armourcoat

is a leading manufacturer of poloshed plaster and high

performance surface finishes.

T. +44 (0)1732 467 993 E. sales@armourcoat.co.uk

www.sculptural.armourcoat.com Twitter: Armourcoat

confidential and independent help for personal and work problemswe are here 24hrs, 365 days

we are here for you

Or get in touch via: Text HELPLINE to 88010 | helpline@retailtrust.org.uk | www.retailtrust.org.uk

retailRIGHTproviding people for retail

retailEAPleading wellbeing for all

whetheryour

problemsareBIGor

small

retailTRUSTimproving lives for all involved...yesterday, today, tomorrow

Retail Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (1090136) and in Scotland (SCO39684)Company No 4254201 (Company Limited Guarantee) Registered in England and WalesRegistered Office: Marshall Hall, Marshall Estate, Hammers Lane, London, NW7 4DQ

call our free helpline

0808 801 0808

Cats A4_1 Ad_RT Lion & Kitten A4 30/08/2013 09:11 Page 1

57

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58

materials & surfaces

focus on:Materials and surfaces play an important role in interior and exterior design, adding texture, colour and visual interest. From floors and walls to ceilings and display units, materials and surfaces can influence the quality and atmosphere of a space. This month we explore a variety of innovative products from luxury wallcoverings and flooring to solid surface materials and metal coatings.

Materials + surfaces

Flower power French fashion house Maison Martin

Margiela has collaborated with high-end

wallpaper company Omexco to develop

a collection of wallcoverings that blend

humour with elegance, avant-garde

ideals with classic tastes. Le Point de Croix

(pictured) is a classic cross-stitch canvas

with a finely crafted bouquet of flowers.

Other themes include La Paésine, a Tuscan

limestone, La Mosaïque, a traditional

geometric marble mosaic print, Le Rideau,

a trompe l’oeil of a typical Maison Margiela

pattern, and L’Optique, a deformed

herringbone motif with an optical illusion.

www.maisonmartinmargiela.comwww.omexco.com

LooseLayLuxury vinyl flooring specialist

Karndean Designflooring

has introduced new wood,

stone and textile designs as

part of its LooseLay Series

Two launch. The collection of

large-scale planks and tiles

is designed to be quick and

easy to install and includes

six wood tones, two slate-

inspired stone designs and

two textile stone patterns.

www.karndean.com

Black velvet The new Butchers & Bicycles headquarters

in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District has

a stylish monochrome interior, featuring

black velvet textured oak from Junckers on

the floor and the planters. The showroom,

office and assembly shop is a converted

19th century stable building, housing the

company’s new cargo trike, the Mk1.

www.junckers.comwww.butchersandbicycles.com

59

Black beauty DuPont Corian is using ‘DeepColour

Technology’ to produce new dark solid

surface materials. Deep Nocturne is a solid

jet black, Deep Anthracite features flecks of

silver, Deep Black Quartz has ivory specks,

and Deep Night Sky (pictured) contains

translucent particles. The four sophisticated

black tones are now available in Europe,

the Middle East and Africa and will soon be

joined by other colours, offering the same

combination of functionality and charm.

www.corian.co.uk

Bold as brass Metalier brass panels contribute to the

overall moody ambience of The Sugar

Club, a new restaurant located on level

53 of Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower in New

Zealand. Designed by New Zealand-based

Jasmax, the overall concept of the fit-out

was inspired by the 2009 Italian film ‘I am

Love’, featuring Tilda Swinton. Metalier

metal coatings can be applied to almost

any surface and come in aluminium, brass,

bronze, copper, iron, mountain gold, rose

aluminium and smokey bronze.

www.metalier.co.nzwww.granlyn.co.uk

Set in stone Furniture at the new Beaugrenelle urban shopping mall in Paris has been created using

HI-MACS next generation acrylic stone. Designed by Brandimage and made by ADJ,

the collection is said to be inspired by two functions all shoppers need – relaxation and

information. ‘The furniture twists into shapes, which provide tables, seats and a surface for

interactive screens, thus combining information and relaxation areas,’ says LG HAUSYS,

the company behind the solid surface material. The material was chosen for its invisible

joints, durability and low maintenance as well as its selection of original colours and ‘soft

invitingly touchable surface’.

Photography: Mathieu Ducros

www.himacs.euwww.beaugrenelle-paris.com

materials & surfaces

Walnut walls Interior and surface design practice Giles

Miller Studio has completed two opposing

feature walls in the European headquarters

of Westfield Shopping Centres in Holborn,

London. Exercising the signature technique

of the studio, the walls comprise thousands

of solid walnut timber pixels pivoted at

varied angles to create areas of light and

shade. Continuing the feel of luxury, the

space also features hexagonal lighting and

marble furniture from Tom Dixon, as well as

a walnut floor that extends the pattern of

the mural along the floor and up onto the

opposing wall.

www.gilesmiller.comwww.uk.westfield.com

‘Smoke’ by Armourcoat SculpturalFrom a range of original seamless 3D wall surface designswww.sculptural.armourcoat.com

‘Smoke’ by Armourcoat SculpturalFrom a range of original seamless 3D wall surface designswww.sculptural.armourcoat.com

Directory

62

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

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 in-

depth 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.

DirectoryDirectory

Retail Supplier Directory

Directory

63

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.

DirectoryDirectory

T: 01273 582241 E: info@d-i-a.netW: www.d-i-a.netS. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin

Aluminium Fittings

MicroSlat is a strong versatile 25mm fine pitched aluminium slatwall system. With a bespoke range of components it can be used to build unique and interesting displays or add value to existing designs.

T. 01325 351 276E. sales@microslat.comW. www.microslat.comS. www.twitter.com/MicroSlat

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: 0 01422 310767E: sales@wbelland.comW: www.wbelland.com

Bespoke Display

Axis design, develop, manufacture and install bespoke retail display solutions. We’ve worked with the biggest names on the high street, but approach every project in the same way, with the maximum thought for your brand, products and sales environment.

T, 020 3260 3888E. info@axiseurope.comW.www.axiseurope.com/retailS. www.twitter.com/AxisEuropePlc

Bespoke Display

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

T: 01530 814200E: studio@hsquared.co.ukW: www.hsquaredltd.co.ukS: www.twitter.com/HSquaredLtd

Bespoke Display

Bespoke Display

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

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

RGB Products

Bespoke Display

We provide a bespoke manufacturing service for Point of Purchase and Exhibition Display products. Using our CNC Router and other machinery, we can prototype and produce your merchandising displays and products.

T, 01403 783670E. sales@rgbproducts.co.ukW. www.rgbproducts.co.uk

Bespoke Display

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 01892 890608E: phil@spurcreative.co.ukW www.spurcreative.co.ukS: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative

Bespoke Display

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: 0 01422 310767E: sales@wbelland.comW: www.wbelland.com

RGB Products

CNC Routing

We provide a bespoke manufacturing service for Point of Purchase and Exhibition Display products. Using our CNC Router and other machinery, we can prototype and produce your merchandising displays and products.

T, 01403 783670E. sales@rgbproducts.co.ukW. www.rgbproducts.co.uk

Design Consultancies

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

T: 01530 814200E: studio@hsquared.co.ukW: www.hsquaredltd.co.ukS: www.twitter.com/HSquaredLtd

Design Consultancies

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

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

Display

Axis design, develop, manufacture and install bespoke retail display solutions. We’ve worked with the biggest names on the high street, but approach every project in the same way, with the maximum thought for your brand, products and sales environment.

T, 020 3260 3888E. info@axiseurope.comW.www.axiseurope.com/retailS. www.twitter.com/AxisEuropePlc

Display

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

T: 0845 3730073E: info@graphicadisplay.co.ukW:www.graphicadisplay.co.ukS. www.twitter.com/graphicatweet

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

T, 08705 340 340E. customerservices@bbrown.co.ukW. www.bbrown.co.ukS. www.twitter.com/luvbbrown

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

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

Directory

64

Display

Are you looking to increase your product sales, re-brand or launch a new product? If you’re not already talking to us, you should. Our group offer an unprecedented level of experience coupled with a comprehensive range of products and services. Our aim is to make your products sell and your service the best on the market.

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

GDP designs, manufactures, delivers and installs world-class retail environments, store fixtures, displays and visual merchandising equipment. GDP is truly Global, through its activities in many parts of the world. We have supplied high-end displays and furniture to successful retail brands throughout Europe, North America, South Africa and South East Asia.

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

Display

Display

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

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

T: 01273 582241 E: info@d-i-a.netW: www.d-i-a.netS. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin

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

T: 0845 3730073E: info@graphicadisplay.co.ukW:www.graphicadisplay.co.ukS. www.twitter.com/graphicatweet

Impulse are a retail display design and manufacturer, offering our own UK facilities and overseas supply chain if time allows.

T, 01767 682756E. sales@impulsepop.co.ukW.www.impulsepop.co.ukS. www.twitter.com/impulsepop

Display

Display

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 01892 890608E: phil@spurcreative.co.ukW www.spurcreative.co.ukS: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative

Display

Display

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.ukW: www.stylographics.comS. www.twitter.com/hellostylo

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: 0 01422 310767E: sales@wbelland.comW: www.wbelland.com

Display

Display - Digital

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.

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

Impulse are a retail display design and manufacturer, offering our own UK facilities and overseas supply chain if time allows.

T, 01767 682756E. sales@impulsepop.co.ukW.www.impulsepop.co.ukS. www.twitter.com/impulsepop

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

T: 01797 320636E: sales@ded.co.ukW: www.ded.co.uk

S: www.twitter.com/dedltd

Display - Digital

EPOS

Finishes

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

T. +44 (0)1732 460 668 E. sales@armourcoat.co.uk

W. www.armourcoat.comS. www.twitter.com/Armourcoat

Furniture

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 01892 890608E: phil@spurcreative.co.ukW www.spurcreative.co.ukS: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative

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 800666E: info@stylographics.co.ukW: www.stylographics.comS. www.twitter.com/hellostylo

Furniture

Graphics

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

T: 0845 3730073E: info@graphicadisplay.co.ukW:www.graphicadisplay.co.ukS. 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.comS. www.twitter.com/hellostylo

Directory

65

Interactive Displays

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.

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

Integrated Marketing

BWP Group is an integrated communications agency that specialises in retail destination marketing. We drive footfall to shopping centres and retail brands across Europe, through a combination of marketing and brand consultancy, PR, experiential, events, social media and digital communications.

T, 01628 625 900E. hello@bwpgroup.comW. www.bwpgroup.comS. www.twitter.com/BWP_Group

Logistics

At Chequers, we provide a specialist fragile transportation and logistics solution, dedicated primarily to the retail visual merchandising, POP/POS display and shopfitting sectors.

T, 01757 707077E. sales@chequerstransport.com

W. www.chequerstransport.com

Lighting

Atrium, established 36 years ago, is the UK’s longest standing independent architectural lighting supplier. Flos, Ilti Luce, LTS and Modular have granted us full exclusivity for the UK and the Republic of Ireland. We specialise in the supply of high quality design-led technical and decorative luminaires to the commercial project market.

T: +44 (0)20 7681 9933E: sales@atrium.ltd.ukW: www.atrium.ltd.ukS. www.twitter.com/Atrium_ltd

Lighting

Wandsworth is the oldest independent manufacturer of electrical accessories in the UK. A truly British company, the majority of our products are sold throughout the world. Wandsworth’s traditional activities are the design and manufacture of superior metal-finished electrical wiring accessories.

T, 01483 713 400E. info@wandsworthgroup.comW. www.wandsworthgroup.comS. www.twitter.com/WandsworthGroup

POP/POS

CDS began life in 2005 specialising in shopfitting. The offer now covers all aspects of Commercial interiors, Electrical, Mechanical and Manufacturing and Maintenance. CDS is now in a perfect position to cover the complete life cycle of your next project, whether that covers a single or multiple stores.

T: 0845 674 4420E: info@cdsgroup.uk.comW: www.cdsgroup.uk.comS. www.twitter.com/CDSGroupLtd

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

T: 01530 814200E: studio@hsquared.co.ukW: www.hsquaredltd.co.ukS: www.twitter.com/HSquaredLtd

POP/POS

We are the leading retail implementation agency with unrivalled expertise in Installation, Retail Audits, Merchandising and Field Marketing. If you think your campaigns might benefit from a complete service, you should talk to us.

T: 0161 486 7878E: instore@momentuminstore.comW: www.momentuminstore.comS: www.twitter.com/momentuminstore

POP/POS

POP/POS

Impulse are a retail display design and manufacturer, offering our own UK facilities and overseas supply chain if time allows.

T, 01767 682756E. sales@impulsepop.co.ukW.www.impulsepop.co.ukS. www.twitter.com/impulsepop

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

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

SlatwallPOP/POS

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 01892 890608E: phil@spurcreative.co.ukW www.spurcreative.co.ukS: www.twitter.com/ spur_creative

POP Install

POP Install

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: info@d-i-a.netW: www.d-i-a.netS. www.twitter.com/DesignsinAlumin

MicroSlat is a strong versatile 25mm fine pitched aluminium slatwall system. With a bespoke range of components it can be used to build unique and interesting displays or add value to existing designs.

T. 01325 351 276E. sales@microslat.comW. www.microslat.comS. www.twitter.com/MicroSlat

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: 0 01422 310767E: sales@wbelland.comW: www.wbelland.com

Slatwall

Suspension systems - Simple installation, high carrying weights, automatic height locking device and progressive adjustment, compatible with existing covering and panelling.

T: 020 8446 0161E: sales@walterlogan.comW: www.walterlogan.com

Suspension System

Our aim is simple: To provide GOLD STANDARD Installation and Merchandising of Display Equipment at competitive prices.

T: 0161 941 2239E: mike.kirchin@plan2install.co.ukW: www.plan2install.co.uk

Q & A

66

Luxury department store chain Harvey Nichols is world famous for

its innovative window displays. Here, the company’s award-winning

head of visual display, Janet Wardley tells us where she draws her

inspiration and why she’s keen to work with up-and-coming artists

and designers.

RF. How long have you been head of visual display at

Harvey Nichols?

JW. I have been working at Harvey Nichols for 17 years and been

the head of the display department for all of that time. It has

been exciting to see the Harvey Nichols brand grow over this

time from one store to eight in the UK and Ireland, and seven

abroad.

RF. How has the world of visual merchandising changed in that

time?

JW. I am old school display and not visual merchandising. A lot of

companies have focused more on visual merchandising than

display and the old display skills have maybe not been seen as

important. Things go in cycles and the importance of window

dressing has gone up and down over the years, but I feel now is

the start of an upsurge of interest in display.

RF. Who or what inspires you?

JW. I get ideas and inspiration from everywhere and anywhere.

I’m always inspired by fashion trends and details, but also get

ideas from interior design and travel. I keep boxes and boxes

of images that I find inspiring and I like to look through these

to help develop my ideas. I am not into sourcing images online

and prefer to use my old magazine tear outs.

RF. What are your thoughts on digital technology in display?

JW. Generally, I find digital technology a little cold and unfriendly.

I feel it is used more as a PR exercise than an actual display.

Having said that, there are some interesting ideas around, but it

is still very expensive and not always that visual. If used as part

of a large scheme to give added detail it can work, but when it

is the main feature it can lack the emotional response a more

creative display can give.

RF. Harvey Nichols has previously collaborated with artists,

illustrators and designers on its window displays. Why is this

so important?

JW. The vast majority of our window and interior schemes

are designed, built and installed by our in-house team.

Occasionally, we do work with new up-and-coming artists

or designers whose style we admire and feel are right for a

particular scheme; this is great to do and something we are

keen to continue doing.

RF. What trends do you see emerging in 2014?

JW. With the growth of social media everyone has easy access

to unlimited visual imagery. Consequently, everyone is more

design aware and wanting to see innovative and well-designed

displays. I believe this has led to a resurgence of props being

used in windows and a lot more interesting and creative

window schemes around, which is exciting to see.

RF. What advice would you give to small, independent retailers who

don’t have large budgets?

JW. You don’t need a large budget to create effective displays. The

most important thing is that whatever you create presents the

store in a style that fits the brand. When working on a design it

is important you think about the space you have to work in,

how your displays are viewed and by whom. The budget at

Harvey Nichols is surprisingly small and mostly we work with

easily obtainable materials. It is the idea, the skills of the

builders and dressers, and keeping true to the idea that makes

a scheme work.

RF. What has been your favourite scheme to work on to date?

JW. In display your favourite scheme is always the next one. It is

always exciting working on the next project and seeing it come

to life, which is one of the reasons I love this job so much. In my

office I have a whole shelving unit full of folders with photos of

windows that have been created in my time at Harvey Nichols;

there are too many to choose just one favourite from. I am

proud of all the schemes we have created over the years for

different reasons.

RF. Which other store windows do you admire?

JW. I don’t get out much to see other store windows. I like to work

without being subconsciously influenced by what other brands

are doing. That said, I do admire the drama of Bergdorf

Goodman’s schemes in NY and the simple, playful approach to

display at Paul Smith.

RF. What are you working on at the moment?

JW. We have just installed all our first S/S14 windows and interiors

across the stores and are finalising details on the second

S/S14 schemes. Each store has a different scheme tailored to

the store, so it is not just a roll out of one idea. The remainder of

the year and Christmas schemes are also on our minds. Time

just flies working in display!

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