Have you ever wondered how our perspective on retail design is changing? As we meander through the varied tapestry of retail spaces this year, a common thread emerges; a thread woven with innovation, sustainability and a focus on experience. Eight spaces stand as distinctive chapters, collectively narrating a story of evolution within the realm of shopping environments. From cultural narratives to sustainable sanctuaries and minimalist architecture, each store design contributes to a shift in the way we perceive and engage with retail spaces. In the current landscape, where every storefront beckons an invitation to an immersive and meaningful experience, STIR unfolds this narrative, spotlighting emerging trends that mirror the changing essence of retail for 2023.

1. A modern tapestry of tradition: Raw Mango’s Hyderabad store

Located in the Banjara Hills neighbourhood in Hyderabad, the Raw Mango store stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to prioritising experience over objects. The 12,500 sq. ft. space, housed in a 1980s modernist home, reflects the brand’s ethos of drawing from the rich cultural heritage of India. The creative team at Raw Mango approaches retail store design by building on existing structures and stripping them down to reveal their original essence. Unlike traditional retail spaces, the brand places its products behind the screens or inside cupboards, encouraging visitors to engage with conceptual ideas before exploring the exquisite textiles.

Each store including the Hyderabad outpost shares a common thread of familiarity, achieved through a process of decontextualising and re-contextualising, creating a unique yet cohesive brand experience. The design philosophy embraces modernism, not just as a style but as an approach to building a sense of space and restraint. The brand’s commitment to weaving narrative into its retail space challenges conventional norms, inviting visitors to immerse in a world of ideas before perusing through their exquisite handloom sarees and embroidered textiles.

2. A sustainable approach to retail design: MONC’s Eyewear store by Nina+Co.

Nina+Co, a London-based studio founded by Nina Woodcroft, embarked on a sustainable journey in the design of MONC’s eyewear store. The studio focused on creating a sensory-rich space using biomaterials and upcycled entities. The immersive interior space features materials like hemp, mycelium, algae and bioplastics, showcasing a commitment to environmental consciousness. The design process involved a deep dive into material exploration, with a conscious effort to leave no trace. The use of cornstarch foam, derived from the brands’ existing packaging materials, not only adds a unique aesthetic but also aligns with sustainability principles.

The store’s warm embrace and unexpected materiality aim to leave a lasting impression on visitors while treading lightly on the planet. Nina Woodcroft shared insights into the design process, stating, “We dug deep, bettered our knowledge and created something special”. The emphasis on sustainable architecture goes beyond the visual appeal, emphasising the importance of conscious design in enhancing the overall experiences within retail spaces.

3. Tradition infused with minimalism: Veja Madrid shoe store by Plantea Studio

Madrid-based Plantea Studio took inspiration from the raw essence of Veja Madrid’s interiors to create a harmonious blend of strength and vulnerability. The store, situated in a classic Madrid building, pays homage to the city’s architectural heritage while embracing a modern, minimalistic aesthetic. The designers sought inspiration from the existing structure, emphasising its qualities rather than making drastic alterations. Exposed brick and rough plaster were consciously chosen to evoke emotions of strength, durability and confidence. The juxtaposition of traditional elements with a contemporary vision reflects both the enduring charm of Spanish architecture and Veja’s commitment to sustainability.

The architects highlight their approach, stating, “Keeping the existing as much as possible is in line with the brand’s philosophy of sustainable design and resource efficiency.” The result is an immersive experience where historical elements integrate with contemporary design, creating an environment that transcends the conventional definition of a sports shoe store.

4. Transcending virtual realms at the Moco Concept store by Six N. Five and Isern Serra

What would an exercise in intangible digital spaces maturing into physical ones look like, and what would its tangible experience entail?

The Moco concept store Barcelona, designed by Six.N.Five in collaboration with Isern Serra, stands as a physical manifestation of a virtual concept. This innovative retail space brings together art, design, fashion and lifestyle in a pastel pink setting, creating a bubblegum daydream. Described as a “real-life transposition of a virtual concept”, the store stimulates connections and fosters self-expression in a tangible way. The design firm’s expertise in digital art translates into a physical space that celebrates artistic activity through a curated collection of sustainable products and limited-edition art pieces.

Located in the cultural-historical hub of El Born in Barcelona, the Moco Museum’s physical space embodies inclusivity and innovation. The store serves as a hub for exclusive collaborations, offering visitors a unique and engaging retail experience. The blend of surreal imagery, organic displays and backlit illumination creates an environment that invites exploration.

5. Sculpting beyond retail norms at Gaurav Gupta’s Mumbai store

Vishal K Dhar’s interpretation of Gaurav Gupta’s flagship store in Mumbai transcends the traditional retail norms, presenting an installation that blurs the lines between art and commerce. The couture showroom, located in Mumbai’s Kala Ghoda district, the sculptural intervention is more than just a retail store, where each new collection by the designer is showcased within the same curvilinear space. The Indian architect’s design vocabulary defies typical retail project discussions, leaning more towards an artistic discourse. The store’s undulated and sensuous surfaces, conceptualised through computational fluid dynamics, create a space where the old and new engage in a visual dialogue.

The concept of “shunya” (zero in Hindi and Sanskrit) manifests as geometric ellipsoids, forming an edgeless and corner less interior spread over four levels. The synergy between Dar’s architectural intervention and Gupta’s couture work is evident, with both embracing curvilinear and undulating forms. The concept takes different yet adjacent meanings for both, representing expansion and a series of voids that intersect and interlock. The Mumbai store isn’t just a retail outlet; it’s a dynamic, undulating experience that challenges perceptions and elevates the intersection of fashion and art.

6. A living embodiment of individuality: BABAMA Concept Store by Atmosphere Architects

Located in the dynamic Huangpu district in Shanghai, “BABAMA- The Pulsating Heart” emerges as a vibrant embodiment of individuality and self-expression. Conceived by ATMOSPHERE architects, this concept store, not only captures attention but encapsulates the essence of the BABAMA brand. At its core lies a mechanical heart installation, symbolising vitality and growth, inspired by the human circulatory system. The innovative layout mirrors biological systems, channelling energy seamlessly. One of the intriguing features of the store is the reimagined “Dougong”, a distinctive aspect of Chinese Architecture, adding a cultural essence to the space. The conceptual design crafts a unique narrative weaving together elements of nature, machinery and the heart to foster a symbiotic relationship to elevate the retail experience. 

7. Medieval essence in contemporary retail: 1G store by Estudio Alem

How can medieval fortress motifs be translated into a contemporary retail interior, shaping a unique user experience? Estudio Alem transformed Guimaraes 1G store, infusing it with silvery elegance and historical inspiration. Led by Paul Navarro Mazon and Filipe Nunes Faustino, the Spanish architecture studio embraced Sportino’s brief of clear product display and distinctive, personality-infused experience. The interior, dominated by electro-welded wire mesh of galvanised steel, emanates a permeable and modern feel, drawing from the town’s mediaeval battlements.

Inspired by the castle and rampart studies, the interior design incorporated a maze of interwoven metallic grids, filled with 23 tonnes of local granite. This simulates collapsed walls, referencing the town’s architectural heritage. Stone, steel and gravel elements amplify the store’s vast spatiality, blending medieval motifs and contemporary design. The result is an immersive retail space that not only displays products but also offers a unique and value-added shopping experience.

8. Where everyday objects come to life: Job Smeets x Hermes’ hyperreal garden

It is not solely about interior aesthetics, the collaboration with Dutch-Belgian designer, Job Smeets andHermès Hong Kong, brings to life the enchanting universe of Hortus Maximus. This hyper-real garden, located in the vibrant metropolis, transforms storefronts and pathways into a whimsical oasis. Inspired by Smeets's vegetable garden, the design magnified everyday objects into surreal, maximalist displays. The exhibits featuring Chinese gourds, leeks and pumpkins, evoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia. The fusion of surreal high-end finishes with commonplace elements, typical of Smeets's style creates a mesmerising blend of art, playfulness and mystery. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this immersive design significantly enhances the retail experience. Visitors are not merely shoppers; they become participants in a captivating narrative where inanimate objects come alive and everyday items transform into characters with enchanting stories to tell. This fosters a deeper connection and leaves a lasting impression on one’s retail journey.

In the unfolding story of retail evolution, these diverse narratives redefine our interaction with shopping environments. From the fusion of tradition and minimalism to the living embodiment of individuality, and the transposition of virtual concepts into intangible experiences each narrative weaves a unique tale. In this dynamic tapestry, innovation, sustainability and experiential focus emerge as the guiding threads, pointing toward an exciting and transformative future for retail.

STIRred 2023 wraps up the year with compilations of the best in architecture, art, and design from STIR. Did your favourites make the list? Tell us in the comments!