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Emily Martin has a sneak peek at what some of the exhibitors have in store, ahead of this year’s Retail Design Expo, 9-10 March.

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Words by Emily Martin

Retail Design Expo
9 - 10 March
Olympia, London

Speakers

Guy Smith

9 March,
RDE, Theatre 1

Why retail should be all about experiences

Guy Smith, head of design at Arcadia Group, is a leading figure in the world of retail design. Previously, he has created unique and award-winning designs for clients including Gap, River Island, Hugo Boss, Nokia and John Lewis.

Jon Tollit

9 March,
RDE Theatre 1

Understanding the importance of mixed-use spaces to future retail

Jon Tollit is principal in the London office of Gensler, the global architecture group with retail design experience across sectors at all scales. Until he joined Gensler, in 2001, he was a director of Eva Jiricna Architects.

Philips lighting / stand T30

Philips will be showcasing a host of retail solutions for both grocery and fashion. Discover how the company is redefining the world of retail lighting with an innovative dynamic shop-window solution and a new changing-room system that enables shoppers to tailor the lighting. Plus, experience firsthand its LED lighting, enhanced with Visible Light Communication (VLC), that is able to act as a hyper-accurate, scalable and low-cost indoor positioning platform.

Formica Group / stand Q3

Formica Group will showcase award-winning, design-led decors from its new collection. Its stand will feature 113 new designs, including Concrete Formwood from the TrueScale range mimicking authentic materials, and innovative textures such as the Red Dot award-winning Plex. Also exhibited will be the versatile and customisable ColorCore range, as well as bespoke designs created using the Younique laminate service.

Providing beautiful and functional surfaces, the new Formica Group collection aims to suit requirements of retail design, particularly where practicality, durability, high-end and long-term visual appearance are key.

Harlequin Design / stand P34

The design agency is building up for this year's Retail Design Expo, with its stand itself as a focal point to represent its capabilities. 'Our in-house team is creating the concepts and designs for the stand, which this year will have a primary focus on textures,' says Harlequin Design. It will also make use of new machinery to demonstrate enhanced production skills.

The stand will also include a host of 3D prop work to give visitors a full range of services, alongside digital content promoting some of the agency's recent window displays.

Dalziel & Pow / stand G33

One of the leading agencies that defines brands and designs retail experiences for a new era of customer will also be at the event. From innovative flagships for Primark to a sector changing concept for Rockar, Dalziel & Pow's work is underpinned by in-depth customer insights and a strategic approach. 'Pop by our stand for a truly engaging experience -- where we bring our unique way of thinking, skills, personalities and culture to life through the work we have created for our clients,' it says.

LG Hausys / stand Q9

LG Hausys will be showcasing its themoformable acrylic stone product, HI-MACS, at its stand designed by Archistudio Podrini and fabricated by Qubicle Solid Surface. Often featured in retail environments, including Shoebaloo in Amsterdam and Globetrotter in Germany, HI_MACS' sculptural and high-performance wallcladding properties is a favourite among architects and designers. The company has also launched its new collection LUCIA, which includes five new colours by designer Marcel Wanders.

Alrec / stand P14

Alrec will be showcasing recent projects completed in retail, including for Samsonite (pictured), which shows its innovative display and brand solutions. Alrec focuses on producing and delivering high-impact shopper experiences that connect shoppers and products. The company's international presence provides its clients with a local service, which is supported by an in-house manufacturer ensuring best cost, quality and lead times.