In a Flash

Welcome,

Retailers have been the hardest hit in the downturn of the economy. What role can retail store design play in changing this? In this edition, Alex Ritchie, Creative Director of E2 will give his thoughts on the best approach to retail design and we will offer some inspiration with our Retail Images Online portal.

If you want to win a cool $5000, then check out our wallpaper design competition, where you can put your design skills to the test.


Cheers,
Fredrik Uden
Email
Flash Photobition

Want to win $5000 ?

Flash Photobition’s Digital Wallpaper Competition is asking designers and artists around Australia to create a digital wallpaper design which will knock our socks off!

Although it is digital wallpaper, entries can be designed manually and scanned in at high resolution. There is just one catch…designs need to join side to side and top to bottom, making it a repetitive pattern.

To enter or find out more, go to www.flash.com.au/wallpaper

Entries are now open and close Friday 21st November 2008.

Travel the world of retail…

Around the globe there are designers and architects who are producing truly innovative and inspiring retail spaces.

To ensure that Australia is continually developing in this field and staying abreast of the latest innovations, we have collected over 2000 images from around the world and made them available to you at Retail Images Online.

Why some fail at retail…

By Alex Ritchie – Creative Director of E2
Alex Ritchie is a respected international brand designer who has worked across Europe, America and Australia for over 23 years.

Why is it that a company such as Starbucks, which appears to have all the bells and whistles when it comes to retail design, has had to close three quarters of its’ outlets; while a crammed and confusing chain like JB Hi-Fi continues to grow at a rate of knots?

Well, I can tell you that it all comes down to the connection between what is being sold and how it is being sold. That is, great retail design makes tangible the elements which satisfy the customer's desires, such as outstanding service, tailored product offerings and an efficient sales process. It allows the retailer or brand to connect with the customers on an emotional level, converting them into loyal advocates. 

JB Hi-Fi is an example of this. With its crowded layout, cheap signage and casual sales staff, their stores are formulated to make consumers comfortable in the space and confident that they are getting the best price around.

The world's best retail spaces display authenticity, trust and tell a story. Some retailers subscribing to this philosophy include Selfridges & Co (UK), Apple Stores (US), SonyStyle (ITA), and BankWest (AUS).  For more info on E2 click here.

Online forum

We have created an online forum where we would like you to tell us about your best retail experience. It doesn't just have to relate to design, you could even upload you favourite images to our online forum. Our hope is to build this forum into an interesting meeting place where all types of design related topics can be discussed, including where can you get the best coffee in London!

Case Study - Killing the skills shortage

A widespread skills shortage in Queensland has made it extremely difficult for the construction industry to fill much needed positions. To help solve this problem, Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) and Flash Photobition designed and built an innovative shop front which brings together employers and potential employees.

Elements of the interior fit-out were specially designed and produced to resemble a construction site, such as the ottomans, desks, information kiosks and the reception counter.

Large format internal and external images on glass and wall banners; right down to the kitchen splash backs, were tailored to create a comfortable, interesting and informative space.

For more information contact Xavier Gonzalez at our Brisbane office on
07 3620 7600 or email

See more images online