Good Stores Guide 2016

2016 Good Stores Guide Inside: Global retail best practice explored 12 Months, 15 Cities, 24 Stores. 1 Essential Guide

www.visualthinking.co.uk Visual Thinking is dedicated to inspiring retail performance. It was an early pioneer of brand delivery and has spent more than 20 years defining and transforming retailers’ most important and enduring assets— their instore experiences, and the retail teams who deliver them.

Cover Design: Tom Doores, DSGNLAB, GB 2016 Good Stores Guide Visual Thinking #goodstoresguide

Credits

Design Dom Rugman Paul Harris

Illustration Tom Doores

Editorial Adam Womersley Marc Baker

Contributors Karl McKeever Louise McJannet Suzanne Tanner Raw Materials, Amsterdam Grupo Trinitate, Mexico

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Made in the UK Published by Visual Thinking © Visual Thinking 2016 Contents

Intro 05 Featured Stores of 2016 06

Amsterdam Raw Materials 06 Chicago Restoration Hardware 09 Dubai GO Sport 12 Hong Kong Facesss 14 Leeds John Lewis 16 Mexico City Trinitate 19 New York City Barney’s 21 New York City L’Occitane 24 Reykjavik 4 Geysir 26 Stockholm Daniel Wellington 29 Tokyo Hunter 31 Washington D.C The Frye Company 33

Other Top Shops 35 Amsterdam, Denham 35 Chicago, Eataly 35 Cologne, Funktion Schnitt 35 Hong Kong, City Super 35 London, Dyson 35 Mexico City, Soriana 35 New York City, Room & Board 36 Paris, Herschel 36 Reykjavik, 66° North 36 San Francisco, Heath Ceramics 36 Stockholm, Bookbinders Design 36 Washington D.C, Shinola 36 Intro Why do we love inspiring stores? Perhaps it’s that incomparable new concept, or a store team’s irrepressible passion for the brand and the products they sell. Or the fact that discovering a new store or reacquainting yourself with a forgotten ‘friend’ will often challenge you to re-evaluate your thinking, even amongst those who believe they’ve seen it all.

Inside our 2016 Good Stores Guide, we offer you a “local” experience, profiling retailers and stores that our global network of retail experts have been lucky enough to see as they dart from city to city, transforming instore performance. In many ways they are a disparate collection of stores, unified not by geography or sector, but by their determination to deliver eye-catching retail design, attentive customer service, and outstanding VM. Choosing a mere 12 of our favourites in 2016 proved just too difficult, so 5 for our 2016 Good Stores Guide we have also included a directory of other notable top shops that are worth taking a few minutes to check out. Amsterdam to Reykjavik, San Francisco to Tokyo, Washington to Mexico City, you’ll find some fascinating retail locations and stores. From local brands in lesser- explored neighbourhoods, to truly global retailers who are transcending geographic and cultural boundaries. As it should be, it is simply our latest instalment, in what will always be a continuous pursuit of retail performance improvement. Let’s explore 6

Amsterdam Raw Materials Exposed brick, unfinished woods and faded paint sounds more warehouse dereliction than homestore charm, yet Amsterdam’s Raw Materials manages to make such a setting collectively comfortable, relaxing and a truly beautiful retail experience.

Find it Latitude: 52.372240 Longitiude: 4.876765 Origin: Stores:

Netherlands 1 Raw Materials Rozengracht 229-233 Founded: Sector: 1016 NA Amsterdam 2008 Home rawmaterials.nl Amsterdam Raw Materials All the items we sell have their own story, and we love to tell them.

— Erik and Niels Beemsterboer Owners, Raw Materials

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It’s important to note that Raw Materials and that’s the rub. Each and every is not another yellow and blue, flatpack product is more than a source of Our Rating: copy cat. In actual fact, it couldn’t revenue but also a once fine piece of Brand Experience be further from it. Each and every craftsmanship that has been reborn. product is unique, designed and crafted Product presentation instore is Instore Innovation from old desks, chairs, doors and suggestive, but it doesn’t give too much VM/Presentation a range of other materials gathered away, instead choosing to inspire every from around the world. Here, the shopper’s own creativity. Each area Customer Service story is one of rebirth and passionate of the store is presented in attractive, craftsmanship, and it shows. curated zones with fur rugs and warmer Retail Execution Raw Materials uses one-of-a-kind lighting to accompany the wooden, pieces taken from abandoned factories hand crafted products suitable for and old marooned ships, restores the comfortable lounge, and brighter them, redesigns them – giving them white lights beside bare brick walls a renewed sense of purpose. There’s to create an environment suitable for a charm to the process that it is worn metal chairs and furniture. almost impossible not to admire. Raw Materials is the pinnacle of The store itself embodies its unique product and environment, working offering through natural, rough cut together to tell a story and create an materials as fixtures and displays. instore experience that, much like the Old factory lighting and bare brick products themselves, is one of a kind walls help tell the product story - Read our Explorer: series here. Chicago Restoration Hardware A change of scenery is sometimes needed to rediscover just how much we love home. For US retailer Restoration Hardware, its stunning new store has not only reinvigorated the building it calls home, but is also redefining how we interact with physical retail spaces.

Find it Latitude: 41.905996 Longitiude: 87.6 3 0 0 5 8 Origin: Stores: California 28 Restoration Hardware 1300 N Dearborn Pkwy, Founded: Sector: Chicago, IL 60610, USA 1979 Home restorationhardware.com

9 Chicago Restoration Hardware Located in the historic and now consider the way you want to interact beautifully restored Three Arts Club, – socially, and with a retail space. Our Rating: Restoration Hardware’s Chicago store Make no mistake: you will not stumble Service does not anchor a mall, but an entire upon this place while out shopping. neighbourhood. Originally developed There is no passing footfall. This is Design as a place for young women to study true destination retail – delivered in Experience the performing and visual arts, it lay the finest, and most intriguing way derelict for over 20 years. The stated possible. Its success is proof, if needed, Innovation aim of RH is to blur the lines between that shoppers will travel for a great retail, hospitality and home. The experience. Above all, RH Chicago Category result of this particular restoration demonstrates that to succeed in modern goes one step further, creating a retail, sometimes you have to be brave truly captivating crossover store. You can describe RH Chicago, but really have to see it. In almost every respect, C it is not a retail space: this is not about H the product. Instead, it’s about a social I and sensory experience. Everything you can see, you can buy. Everywhere you can sit, you can eat. The result genuinely makes you pause – to imagine new

things, to think about the way you want Read our Explorer: series here. to live, the way you eat, as well as to

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Dubai GO Sport This isn’t just a store for casual browsers looking for sportswear; it’s a true retail experience for the enthusiast, the fanatic and the professional.

Find it Latitude: 25.204849 Longitiude: 55.270783 Origin: Stores:

France 181 GO Sport Level 2, Fashion Catwalk Atrium, Founded: Sector: The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai 1979 Sport go-sport.com Without a doubt Dubai’s GO Sport simulate a high energy that is reinforced store is the pinnacle of the brand. by the dark colours and mannequins Our Rating: The store is huge – a warehouse of fixed into kinetic ‘action shot’ poses. Brand Experience sporting treats. Vibrant, innovative By far the most impressive areas are and packed full of energy, it embodies where innovative features have been Instore Innovation casual and extreme sports alike with integrated seamlessly into the store VM/Presentation an immersive instore atmosphere that experience. An indoor climbing wall makes shoppers both comfortable and and digital touchscreen displays bring Customer Service engaged, with wide selections of product, the action packed sport store to life. interactive experiences and a wealth of Dubai’s GO Sport offers the very best knowledge from store professionals. Retail Execution of this sportswear brand. Product From the cycling enthusiast to the runner, is dense with plenty of choice, but climber, hiker or footballer, product range not cluttered. The atmosphere is is impossible to fault. But it’s not just its powerful, energetic and active, but range that makes this store so valuable; not unapproachable. It all makes for a it’s the execution of store display that beautifully executed instore space and helps everything work together effectively. an exciting retail brand experience The store is organised into well- executed zones for various products where shoppers can choose to ‘Go Casual’ or ‘Go Run’. Throughout, neon lights line strong angular displays that Read our Explorer: series here.

View Image Gallery Hong Kong Facesss Part market, part shop and part spa, Facesss

differs from the conventional approach to stores in this sector, opting for a fast paced, energetic retail experience that works, beautifully.

Find it Latitude: 22.297083 Longitiude: 114.167384 Origin: Stores: China 2 Facesss Shop 202, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Founded: Sector: Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong 2003 Beauty labconcepthk.com/en/brand/623/FACESSS

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To call Facesss a store is somewhat electric ambience – all rather fitting misleading. It is in fact an innovative for the populous city of Hong Kong. Our Rating: beauty marketplace featuring an Despite the welcome chaos, each and Brand Experience impressive collection of brands that every brand ‘stall’ is merchandised and operate as micro retail spaces. In maintained to an exceptionally high Instore Innovation some respects, Facesss feels like a standard. This is a retail experience VM/Presentation duty-free store with a mass of brand that truly offers the best of the best. choice, but the buzz and excitement By cross-fertilising the concept with makes for an atmosphere more Customer Service inspiration that has been taken from other reminiscent of a fresh food market. retail sectors such as supermarkets, Retail Execution The store is a single floor space fresh markets, and spas, Facesss arranged in a series of grid like islands has created its own distinctive and and counters, enabling shoppers to highly differentiated concept that discover the very best in skin, body, hair is perfectly suited to the needs of and fragrance. Brands are organised shoppers in the city. It’s a ‘store’ that together in positive relationships from sees thousands of locals and tourists a complimentary perspective. Though visit each day, satisfying their desire for the space is compact, condensed and, western brands. It’s a place of choice, in many respects, highly pressurised, freedom, playful chaos and a large it is not done in a way that feels off helping of admirable innovation putting. The sense of frenzy adds to

the experience and creates an exciting, Read our Explorer: series here. 16

Leeds John Lewis Its choice as the anchor store for Leeds’ new £165m shopping development was perhaps unsurprising, but the delights instore ensure it has made a grand entrance.

Find it Latitude: 53.798366 Longitiude: -1.538290 Origin: Stores:

England 48 John Lewis Victoria Leeds, Victoria Gate, Founded: Sector: Harewood St, Leeds LS2 7AR 1864 Department johnlewis.com Leeds John Lewis View Image Gallery

Head of Creative for John Lewis, armour’ guard the entrance to the Stephen Dempsey was recently flooring department and hundreds of Our Rating: recognised at the 2016 VM & Display wooden kitchen utensils hang from the Brand Experience Awards as the most creative person in ceiling to act as unique and imaginative retail and the latest John Lewis store in departmental signposting. Creative twists Instore Innovation Victoria Gate has been his playground occupy every corner and new elegant to truly exercise his creativity. additions add a real zest to the store, VM/Presentation The new Victoria Gate retail making it nothing less than moreish. Customer Service development is a feast for lovers of The famous British retailer has always bold architecture – breaking the mould been a pioneer within retail and Retail Execution of plain minimalistic design, with a this store is the perfect example of space that is rich in architectural detail. how the forward-looking brand is Having already played a major role looking to develop the experience in refining the traditional department and engagement in stores. Without store in recent years, here John Lewis a doubt this is John Lewis. But it is has capitalised on Victoria Gate’s a step beyond – a wonderful display overarching design ethos, with creative of art and creativity that makes for details that make a lasting impression. a truly inspirational experience Though it remains a traditional John Lewis store that we all know and love, it manages to be truly inspiring across its five floors. Bold knights in ‘carpet Read our Explorer: series here. Mexico City Trinitate A staple brand for independent retailers comes in the form of an unassuming handmade pottery shop nestled within the side streets of Mexico City.

Find it Latitude: 19.427912 Longitiude: -99.195379 Origin: Stores: Mexico 8 Trinitate General Lazcano 89 esq. Altavista, Founded: Sector: Col. San Angel Inn. México, D.F. 1992 Home trinitateleon.com

19 There is a lot to be learnt from principles – all done in a small scale, independent retailer Trinitate. Where but with an extremely high impact. Our Rating: many retailers focus on the large- It is little wonder that this family-run Brand Experience scale mass produced product, here, business is growing across the nation. it is all about the craft. The store It now has eight stores and if they Instore Innovation itself sits within a residential area. But all manage to maintain this level of VM/Presentation instead of feeling disconnected and exceptional instore display consistently, it abandoned from dedicated shopping is a business projected for further growth. Customer Service areas in the city, this little store This store has the confidence of a big welcomes locals and tourists alike into national chain that arguably, already does Retail Execution a warm and homely environment. it all better. What Trinitate teaches us is A haven of all things ceramic, it is the that the big blockbuster businesses and place to find beautifully crafted pots, tiles corporations are not always the ones to and ceramics for the home, handmade watch. In truth, many independent stores by Mexican artisans. But it’s not just the present something much more valuable product that makes Trinitate sparkle. Product presentation, design and visual merchandising are second to none. Clearly, there is a genuine understanding of how to present goods with real authority and create strong product statements. It is a hub of detailed VM Read our Explorer: series here.

Impeccable service, expert knowledge of our custom products – detail is important to us.

— Alejandra Becerra Trinitate

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New York City Barney’s Confident and bold, the retailer’s new store is a purist statement of style, designed to appeal to a whole new generation of exclusive, ultra wealthy shoppers.

Find it Latitude: 40.739949 Longitiude: -73.998283 Origin: Stores:

USA 27 Barney’s 101 7th Avenue Founded: Sector: New York, NY 1923 Department barneys.com New York City Barney’s Barney’s incredible new store opened in Clearly, this Barney’s store is all about the spring, taking a space adjacent to its design, presentation and beauty, and Our Rating: former location in Chelsea, Manhattan. a place where premium products are Service This is a store where architecture and placed firmly into the spotlight as the interior design are indisputably high- hero. Clean and unfussy, there is an air Design concept, verging on art. Designed of exclusivity and a high quality that, entirely in ‘invisible colours and finishes’ in many ways, marks a ‘turning point’, Experience comprised of stark white, polished steel, or rather a departure in look and feel chrome mirrors, pure LED lighting and for the brand. It is an evolution of the Innovation lightly veined Carrara marble, nothing brands recently refurbished beauty shouts quality, premium retailing louder. hall, but takes it to a whole new, higher Category Here though, Barney’s shoppers are the level – the brand visibly choosing to turn stars of the show and its stunning spiral its back on its previously ‘decorative’ staircase is the store’s red carpet. It is interior design and VM past, with a the place where the Hollywood ‘A-listers’ new brand signature that is overtly will want to be seen. Running through the minimalistic, purist, chic and expensive centre of the building, it is a distinctive focal feature that has premium poise, elegance and grace. This is not just a staircase: this is a Barney’s staircase.

Read our Explorer: series here.

View Image Gallery New York City L’Occitane A conscious understanding of relaxation, pleasure and customer participation in all things cosmetic, L’Occitane cultivates a sense of natural beauty within an original retail concept.

Find it Latitude: 40.740950 Longitiude: -73.990549 Origin: Stores: USA 753 L’Occitane 170 5th Ave, New York, Founded: Sector: NY 10011, USA 1967 Beauty usa.loccitane.com

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L’Occitane marked its 40th birthday The highlight for visiting shoppers earlier this year. So it seems fitting for the is its beauty lounge, situated at the Our Rating: brand to celebrate the end of 2016 with back of the store. It’s a key feature, Service the opening of a newly developed retail pulling shoppers through the store concept on New York’s Fifth Avenue. for a casual consultation from beauty Design The front of the store utilises a creative professionals. It’s a place for consultants design that is purposefully reminiscent and shoppers to test various products Experience of a Provence Market. It’s enticing and, whilst being seated in conversation. if temptation gets the better of you, The space is fully prepared with Innovation equally rewarding once instore too. towels, tissues, eye buds and a large Inside, the retail environment feels central washing station, all maintained Category soft, informally unstructured but not to an extremely high standard. unorganised or cluttered. The store Without questions, this store’s success tells a story, one that describes the is down to its ability to blend the natural beauty of the outdoors within concept of beauty store and spa into a calm and tranquil retail space a space that feels safe, relaxing and – no mean feat in Manhattan. trustworthy, providing L’Occitane’s Deeper instore the ambience transitions latest store concept with a truly into an area that is notably more elegant defining USP and brand experience and boutique. LED lighting directs attention to various store features and stunning imagery portrays a ‘narrative’ Read our Explorer: series here. for selected product ranges. 26

Reykjavik Geysir The pinnacle of quality lifestyle clothing, accessories and footwear in the heart of Iceland, Geysir reflects the mysticism of the country and its landscape within an addictively experiential multi- brand space.

Find it Latitude: 64.144842 Longitiude: -21.931297 Origin: Stores:

Iceland 3 Geysir Skólavörðustígur 16, Founded: Sector: 101 Reykjavík, Iceland 2010 Fashion geysir.com Reykjavik Geysir View Image Gallery

It is not easy to stand out from the crowd Natural materials are a clear inspiration in the fashion market, especially for a for the brand and it adds a certain Our Rating: relatively small brand nestled within rustic feel that is evident throughout Brand Experience only a few locations in Iceland. Despite the store. Wooden floors, tapestry rugs this, Geysir makes a lasting impression, and intentionally mismatched furniture Instore Innovation selling own-brand apparel made from all add for a realistic aged patina and fresh woven cloth and knitwear alongside pre-loved, vintage charm. Even the VM/Presentation more reputable ‘quality’ brands such soft lighting is deep and moody. Customer Service as Levi’s, Ben Sherman and Hunter. This is a store that understands In this respect the store is similar to J what other brands often forget – Retail Execution Crew, using other brands to ‘top up’ the importance of how you make and give credibility to its own ranges. shoppers feel. Geysir balances product But here, products are specially made with the store experience for a truly with wool from local Icelandic sheep inspirational store that throws you into and it is this that takes it beyond a a curious, mysterious world steeped brand with ‘uniqueness’ to one that is in adventurous folklore charm also trustworthy, familiar and honest. Instore design and presentation is complimentary to the proposition. Yes, it feels new and modern but it simultaneously creates a space that is somewhat cosy, folksy and warm. Read our Explorer: series here. Stockholm Daniel Wellington Sleek quality brand, inspirational origin story, and a pop-up store to match. Daniel Wellington began with the everyday before projecting into the exceptional, providing Stockholm with an exciting and ‘timeless’ shopping experience.

Find it Latitude: 59.334666 Longitiude: 18.069386 Origin: Stores: Sweden 5 Daniel Wellington MOOD Stockholm, Regeringsgatan 48, Founded: Sector: 111 44 Stockholm, Sweden 2011 Accessories danielwellington.com

29 Located in the infamous MOOD It’s a brand that has sparked from Shopping Mall in Stockholm, this pop- almost nothing and whilst it purports Our Rating: up watch shop first opened in July to a traditionalism and history, it is a Brand Experience 2016 and will, sadly for local shoppers, pastiche of the big historical watch only stay open until early 2017. The brands. But that is far from an insult to Instore Innovation retail concept is a new venture for the the brand. In fact, it is an inspiration and Daniel Wellington brand and although one that many brands young and old VM/Presentation the store sits alongside other like- should take note of. Daniel Wellington minded brands it retains some aspect treads a fine path, perhaps one that in Customer Service of individualism that allows for it to itself is unique, between the formally expertly balance the line of exclusive clear barriers of luxury and mainstream. Retail Execution premium and everyday mainstream. It’s posh without being precious, formal Bold and masculine, it flaunts a colour without being standoffish – a truly, palette of stone grey and deep blues. although temporary, inspirational store Although it is a smart environment, it still feels accessible – a cornerstone of the brand’s proposition. Instore, product is quality enough for gifting but not too expensive for the casual shoppers to shy away from a special personal purchase. In truth, Daniel Wellington is sold on somewhat of a lie, or higher expectation. Read our Explorer: series here.

Posh without being precious – a truly, although temporary, inspirational store.

— Karl McKeever Visual Thinking

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Tokyo Hunter A traditional British brand that today has become a modern fashion essential, Hunter has packed up its vibrant retail concept and headed to Japan, bringing adventure and excitement from London’s Regent Street to the heart of Tokyo.

Find it Latitude: 35.692913 Longitiude: 139.709008 Origin: Stores:

Scotland 2 Hunter Tokyu Plaza Ginza 5-2-1, Founded: Sector: Ginza, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, 104-0061 1856 Outdoor hunterboots.com/stockists/ginza-store The latest retail offering from Hunter Where fake grass sets the scene for the in Tokyo’s Ginza District is the brand’s summer boot, a large mountain wall mural Our Rating: second flagship store, but by no supports green fixtures and walking Brand Experience means is it second best. Following the boots on the opposite side of the store. brands established design aesthetic, it What makes Hunter’s Tokyo store stand Instore Innovation successfully captures the essence of its out is its ability to continue through with VM/Presentation UK store on Regent Street. But here it the iconic Hunter Boots experience. is encased in large glass windows that The store may be sleek and modern Customer Service invoke exploration from passers-by. but it represents the brand perfectly. Instore there are no tills. Instead, store But where this store excels is in its Retail Execution associates are armed with iPads that are attention to detail of its customer used for product search, transactions service. Store associates go above and and online orders for home delivery. It is beyond the expected. Perhaps a cultural another welcome example of dispensing requirement in Tokyo, but nonetheless it with the usually cluttered and ugly service makes for a fantastic instore experience – areas still found in so many other stores. polite, welcoming and respectful, that in Bright fixtures, stools and benches make turn shines a light on the Hunter brand a return, all working well with the lighter white and grey tones. In addition, the store presents products in detailed zoned areas that demonstrate product usage. Read our Explorer: series here.

View Image Gallery Washington D.C The Frye Company Care and pride goes a long way in assuring the best quality and design for every product. A brand of distinct American heritage, The Frye Company promises that each and every stitch is sown with the same love and passion as the next.

Find it Latitude: 38.904556 Longitiude: -77.0 629 37 Origin: Stores: USA 11 The Frye Company 1066 Wisconsin Ave NW, Founded: Sector: Washington, DC 20007, USA 1863 Footwear/ thefryecompany.com Accessories

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A national chain that is proud of its encouraged to feel comfortable in the origins, The Frye Company is a footwear, footwear. As a result, it stands alone Our Rating: handbag and leather goods brand that against the popular US DSW (Designer Brand Experience is enjoying strong growth. With a handful Shoe Warehouse) that offers end of line of stores located in key cities across or in season shoes at discount prices. Instore Innovation the US, including New York, Dallas Differentiating on style, quality and VM/Presentation and Boston, The Frye Company has a service as part of a chain store operation, distinctive mark and store experience it all adds up to clear evidence that Customer Service that is proving very popular among its The Frye Company certainly intends to increasing flow of regular customers. break the mould in footwear retailing in Retail Execution It is easy to understand why. Here the USA, offering product on a fashion it is definitely dollars well spent. store scale with boutique appeal The store offers a blend of mainstream prices within an upscale retail experience. The use of natural materials and higher attention to detail finishing does not go unnoticed, helping to add to a sense of luxuriousness and product quality to the experience. Selling activities are distinctly low-key, price messages are discreet, staff emphasise product

features and benefits and shoppers are Read our Explorer: series here. Other Cologne Top Amsterdam Funktion Schnitt Denham Shops An interesting start-up t-shirt and Founded in the Dutch capital, tops retailer that demonstrates a Here’s a directory of other Denham’s aim of creating a highly competent instore execution. notable stores to have timeless jeans brand has seen it All its products are made from develop a growing collection of organic Sea Island cotton, Tencel, caught our eye during our boutique stores, each with their Cool Wool and other natural 2016 retail city travels. own distinctive character and fibres. Simplistic and functional Although they may not have personality. Whichever you visit, its products may be, but instore made our featured shortlist, these are not just stores, but it creates a very credible story. they are definitely worth a interconnected limbs that make up the exceptional Denham brand. visit—if you are ever in town.

Chicago Eataly This truly is a benchmark store for exceptional passive customer service. Inside, everything from the store associates to the Ehrenstraße 84, 50672 Köln, beautifully designed displays Germany and informative navigational POS Hobbemastraat 8, 1071 ZA signage has the shopper in mind, funktionschnitt.de Hong Kong Amsterdam, Netherlands with a personality that’s perfectly denhamthejeanmaker.com aligned to the brand essence. City Super One of Hong Kong’s most popular fresh produce stores is actually a host of specialist grocers that offer ‘on the go’ product for local residents, commuters and tourists alike. The store’s ability to offer ‘a sense of the familiar’ alongside a local and exciting thrill Mexico City is what sets City Super apart. London Soriana Dyson The latest Soriana supermarket in The brand’s first store in the UK Mexico City takes brand delivery is a high-end gallery of Dyson to a whole new level. Exceptional The Shops at North Bridge, 43 E Ohio products nestled on London’s display techniques, high standards St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA most esteemed shopping and innovative features set it eataly.com street. Here, products are not apart for the ‘everyday’. It’s a just items on sale, they are world-class store, and one that exhibits available for shoppers raises the bar far beyond Mexico, to test, learn and experience the across all of South America. Dyson brand at its very best.

Times Square Hong Kong, 1 Matheson St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong citysuper.com.hk

Av. Eugenia 901, Benito Juárez, 447 Oxford St, Mayfair, London Del Valle, 03100 Ciudad de México, W1C 2PR, England CDMX, Mexico dyson.co.uk soriana.com Paris Herschel San Francisco Famous for its premium luggage, Heath Ceramics travel bags and accessories, the brand’s original store initially Owned by a large US ceramic appears somewhat simplistic tiles manufacturer, the store and functional in its execution. delivers a traditionally inspired However, high quality materials craft environment fit for the 21st and interesting detailing create century. Retail space is simple a store that is exceptionally but well managed, with high unified in both design and style. standards and detailed displays Reykjavik creating the appearance of an unpretentious, but nonetheless 66° North engaging, Artisan workshop. An Icelandic brand that takes New York pride in its offer of locally designed and produced products. Room & Board Though an independent brand, Discover exquisite, premium 66° North presents a store furniture within an environment that looks stylish and feels that feels calm and relaxed technologically sharp. Everything yet simultaneously, creative. here is thoughtfully considered The store’s retail experience for a store that is edgy, quality that falls into a sweet spot and wonderfully well executed. between homewares retailer and interior design inspiration showroom. It’s not ‘everyday’. Forum des Halles niveau -1, 106 Porte It’s something more. Rambuteau, 75001 Paris, France herschelsupply.com 2900 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA heathceramics.com

103, Kringlan 8, 103 Reykjavík Iceland Stockholm 66north.com Washington D.C 236 W 18th St, New York, NY 10011, USA Bookbinders Design Shinola roomandboard.com A treat for those into all things Providing a welcome alternative paper, Bookbinders Design is to the endless sea of accessories stationery store that carries out that can so often bewilder in the traditional craft within an other retailers, here product is environment that is anything carefully selected, displays are but. Vibrant, purist and minimal, clean and organised, and focal the store is a staple of both points are suitably minimalistic. Scandinavian design and modern, As an accessory retailer, it is high quality presentation. what it is. But what it is; is great.

Drottninggatan 82, 111 36 Stockholm, 1631 14th St NW, Washington, DC Sweden 20009, USA bookbindersdesign.com shinola.com Explorer:

Finding retail inspiration is easy with our Explorer: series as your guide. From Barcelona to Chicago, Reykjavik and San Francisco, in 2016 we’ve visited cities around the world to review standout brand experiences in all their enticing, energetic glory.

C H I

shoptactics Become a Visual Thinking subscriber at visualthinking.co.uk to see every Explorer: of 2017. Let’s explore. Good Stores Guide

The Visual Thinking Good Stores Guide presents an inspiring, informative and tightly edited selection of star retail finds from some of the world’s most fascinating cities. Compiled by our team of experts during their global retail travels to help leading retailers improve retail performance, here is an insider’s checklist of must-see stores.

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