K11 Mall Shanghai

On a recent trip to Shanghai, I visited K11 Mall – a ‘museum retail concept’ which blends art, shopping, dining and leisure. The mall offers a truly innovative and unique experience..

Click on the link here to read my full post on the Mintel blog about why I think this combined leisure and dining experience would work well in the UK: Retail Innovation: K11 Mall Shanghai.

K11 Mall Shanghai

K11 is based on an ‘art x commerce’ model. The idea is to make art available to all and to support local, young artists by offering them space to display their works.

The K11 brand can be summed up by its three core values: Art, People and Nature. As well as the artworks on display, the shopping centre has its own ‘urban farming’ area. At the time of visiting there were even live cows being kept in the ‘Dairy Cow Academy’… (no comment!).

Varied dining experiences, including a wine bar and steak restaurant:

HAY Mini-Market pop-up within K11:

The Verdict

A one-of-a-kind shopping experience that engages and excites.

See the full post here: Retail Innovation: K11 Mall Shanghai

Made.com says no to Black Friday

Online fashion retailer Made.com has created this funny video to show its disregard for the Black Friday promotional event that has been imported from the US…

The Verdict

It’s good to see retailers fighting back against the margin-eroding event which resulted in shoppers breaking out into a frenzy and even fights last year.

Clerkenwell London/155 Bar & Kitchen

Clerkenwell London is an innovative new concept store that has opened in the heart of the capital’s design district, with its own bistro and wine bar. The lifestyle shop offers everything from fashion, jewellery and homeware, to food and wine, as well as music, art and literature. It even has its own in-house perfumery where customers can mix their own perfumes, making the store a full multi-sensory experience.

Contemporary interior at Clerkenwell London. Source: Ed Reeve

At Clerkenwell London, the focus is on discovery. In store, each room is curated to a theme and the product range is constantly updated. There is a strong focus on the designers and makers behind the products sold, with Clerkenwell London describing itself as ‘a destination for the discovery of niche and established designers, creatives and artisans’. This focus on the creatives behind the products adds a sense of authenticity and individuality to the range on offer.

Luxurious golden flooring for womenswear. Source: Ed Reeve

In-house perfumery, Synthesia. Source: Ed Reeve

Reading materials. Source: Ed Reeve

Gifting area. Source: Ed Reeve

Homeware displays. Source: Ed Reeve

Menswear, complete with in-house tailor. Source: Ed Reeve

Neat little touches include neon-lit signs that read ‘undressing rooms’ above the changing rooms and an arrow with ‘the path to enlightenment’ leading the way to the wine bar downstairs.

Yet Clerkenwell London is not just an innovative concept store, it is a destination in itself, offering retail, dining and leisure experiences. The store has its own bistro, 155 Bar & Kitchen, offering a modern British menu, as well as a vinyl lounge, Martini bar, wine library and piano lounge – taking customers from breakfast to the evening and beyond. With events such as Saturday Sessions, a music-orientated brunch session with DJs playing all afternoon, who wouldn’t want to spend all day here?

The Verdict

Clerkenwell London represents a new age of retail, where the focus is on discovery and experience.