Archive for December 2009

WHOLESOME* Boutique, now open @ 47 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, London!

15th December 2009 by James C

I’ve just been down to see the newly opened (Barber designed) Wholesome* store – and although I may be considered biased – I have to say that the store looks great!

I wish them the best of luck in 2010 and beyond – not that they’ll need luck though. With their drive, positive attitude and a great eye for selecting the right product – the Wholesome* family tree will no doubt firmly establish it’s roots very quickly.

You can find pictures below keep up to date will all things Wholesome* on their blog.

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Posted in Client projects, Retail design, Retail graphics | 1 Comment »

Marmite – love it or hate it… it’s here to stay!

14th December 2009 by Doug Barber

I popped into the Marmite ‘pop up’ store on Regent Street over the weekend. What a great concept, well executed and thought through. The range of merchandise on display was fantastic and a real endorsement to the brand.

It was pretty busy in there and after a chat with the entrepreneurs behind it (who were busy working the store and shop floor) they said that its success was overwhelming and the interest it had generated was fantastic.

I really loved the ‘try before you buy’ concept upstairs. A small café where toast and Marmite were being lovingly created for all fans of the brand and for some new Marmite virgins to the product. The best idea was a large table where honest feedback was scribbled on the surfaces, legs and even the chairs. Apparently they had gone through at least for or five tables to date!

In these current tough times it was a real inspiration to see some young mavericks taking a brand by its horns and delivering a great visual concept… for no doubt little cost to create a real brand experience.

I do prefer Bovril but might be convinced to change after a great shopping experience… isn’t that what retail is all about in today’s climate?

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Posted in Design inspiration, Retail design, Retail graphics | 1 Comment »

“Oranges are not the only fruit…” Let’s not forget PINEAPPLE!

9th December 2009 by James C

We’re proud to announce that the Barber designed Pineapple Dance Studios flagship retail store is now open!

Pineapple Store

The following is a quote from the Pineapple website…

“Last week saw the official opening of the new flagship Pineapple store in Langley Street, Covent Garden.

Pineapple founder Debbie Moore cut the ribbon on the new store with a champagne reception for invited guests, including supermodel Jodie Kidd, thirty years after the opening of Pineapple Dance Studios across the road in Langley Street.

The new flagship store captures the essence of this unique area of London, with decorative details such as stage door signs and dance barres and wall mirrors.

Set in the building that once housed the old Urdang Dance Academy, the new Pineapple store evokes the hard work and dedication of generations of dancers who have passed through the famous dance studios, and who provided the inspiration for the very first fashion collection by Debbie Moore in 1980.”

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Posted in Commercial interiors, Retail design, Retail graphics | Leave a comment »