“From big luxury players down to grass roots independents, the physical store experience is rejuvenating in a really powerful way. At the heart of this new renaissance is hyperphysical retail: multi-sensory, inventive, instinctive shopping experiences that don’t just sell stuff - they reconnect us to something lost, a humanity, a depth we’ve so long craved. They create the kind of unparalleled emotional connection that build brands and inspire true devotees.”
Mary Portas, Feb 2023
About.
Our purpose is to connect landlords & brands in the ever-changing retail landscape by innovating retail store concepts and pop ups in a fast changing marketplace
We are an independent consultancy with unique expertise and knowledge, able to bridge the needs of both physical space owners and digital retailers for the best results.
What we do.
Advise: Retailers on physical stores strategy, repurposing & managing space and creating innovative concepts
Locate: Suitable retail locations for brands in flexible spaces for pop ups, short-term activations and the roll out of permanent physical stores.
Connect: Landlords to brands and brands to landlords, supporting the launch of pop ups, short term or long term leases
Development: Work with both new and established retailers to support brands physical store openings and expansion through areas such as property type, design & build, project management and value engineering
Localise: Help overseas brands come to the UK market through pop ups, physical store activations and test & trial
Innovate: Create innovative & experiential ideas to showcase brands by adopting unique experiences and looking at unique venues outside the normal realms
Who we've worked with.....
Developed a leading industry pop-up model driving real innovation
+ 250 well known major retail brands in department Store retailing
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Created +15 House Of Fraser concept brands
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Managed +25 New & Refurbished Store Design & Build projects.
Worked with several leading High St brands implementing Store Development processes & teams
David Blakeney.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
A recognized leader in the Retail industry with over 35 years of knowledge, expertise and an unrivalled network of relationships.
Experienced in both the brand & retail worlds as the former Group Store Development Director at House Of Fraser, and other other senior roles at Arcadia, Allders travel retail and Radley
Commercial, creative, resourceful, an adept operator with a proven track record, in delivering successful introductions, alliances, and partnerships at all levels
An innovator in all areas of Retail including Property, Store Development, Design & Build, Project & Cost Management
A passionate supporter of the retail industry, and has been a Retail Week awards judge, speaker at major conferences, and currently is a Retail Trust ambassador & Honorary officer of The Twenty Club
Co-Founder and Committee Member of the House of Fraser Charity raising £2.3m between 2003 - 2018
Get in Touch
David Blakeney
Managing Director