Global Store Openings: Autumn 2023

Virtualised VM & the New Tech Concept Stores

Harnessing the desire for accessible escapism (something sought by 33% of Europeans in their retail experience in 2022, compared to 20% pre-pandemic – Squire Patton Boggs, 2022) and a growing awareness of virtual worlds, tech-powered displays toying with an appreciation of artificial architecture are delivering a hyper-real and sometimes psychedelic sense of flux. The trend is complemented by stores selling technology as cutting edge as AI-based image editing apps.

Brutalism Rebooted

The ongoing interest in the visual dynamism of Brutalist architecture (see Retro Reloaded in Global Store Openings: Summer 2023) continues this season too, with several brands adopting powerfully rigid monolithic designs, but with modern twists. New approaches include both softer designs exploring colour, scale and texture in a more tender manner, and dramatic and more savage-looking concepts inspired by street culture or ancient historical references.

Retro-tastic: Homage Spirit

Paying respect to the past in order to move forward with integrity, shrewd fashion brands including Billionaire Boys Club, Awake NY, Nike and Diesel have created homage spaces dedicated to the style, spirit and legacy of a bygone era, including legendary retail stores and landmarks of youth culture. This trend sidesteps faux vintage styling in favour of honouring heritage as creatively as possible.

Craft & Placemaking: Making the Mise-En-Scène

Respect for locale and in some instances the preservation of local cultural spots is fuelling many of the highly crafted store interiors that have surfaced this season, from sectors as diverse as eyewear, beauty and non-alcoholic drinks. Slipping into fantasy, one brand even taps into a fictional destination, fully framing the store as a mise-en-scène.

The (Visual) Love Language of Logistics

Making the utilitarian feel exceptional once more, the ultra-organised visual language of logistics/fulfilment centres informs the design of a host of new openings again this season (a fascination that tracks back to the office-centred VM detailed previously in Global Store Openings: Spring 2022 Trends). Here, process itself is presented as an artform.

Reimagining the Pet Store: From Pet-Friendly to Pet Premium

Tapping into attitudes outlined in Playing to the Pet Parents, where pets have become core family members (thus raising the expectations of services and retail catering to them), two smart retailers have opened flagships that redefine and premiumise the traditional pet shop. Conceived as 360° wellness lifestyle destinations, these formats go way beyond standard retail – providing veterinary care, grooming and even hotel stays.