What:  The new, revamped Banana Republic brand is expressed in a new, radically different concept.

Why it is important: Talk about premiumisation and going lifestyle in an apartment-like store with quite some surface dedicated to non-productive seating to encourage customers to linger around.

Photos of Banana Republic Soho store here

Banana Republic Launches SoHo Flagship Store, press release

What: This second Dyson location in NYC opened in September 2024 in a former firemen's hall, after having purchased the location in February 2023 for $60m.

Why it is important: A compelling example of showrooming appliances with the possibility for customers to try the products, while also buying complements and additional lines of products.

Dyson opens its second location in NYC photos

Dyson opens its second location in NYC

What: A fresh new concept from September 24 with a small footprint (a 3,500 sqm supermarket crammed in a space of 700 sqm) and a daily use, just like in Europe.

Why it is important: While the concept is common in Europe, it is much less so in the United States. As soon as you pass through the automatic doors, the message is clear: "Welcome to your daily shop". Interestingly, screens are limited, with the exceptions of promotions in aisles, price scanners, hands-free cash desks (only 2 are manned), and hand-recognition payment option.

Photos of Whole Foods Market Daily Shop

Whole Foods Market Daily Shop Opening, press release

What: A three floors, 650sqm store with a strong attention to details for the brand's first NYC flagship.

Why it is important: With a realistically designed nude female statue and mannequins of various colors and shapes, the brand stamps its inclusive identity in every detail. Ironically, only the male mannequins remain confined to a stereotypical athletic silhouette. QR codes are placed throughout the store to reserve fitting rooms while continuing shopping. The location also says it all about the positioning and ambitions of the brand.

Photos of SKIMS Flagship Store

Skims NYC Opening, Fashion United

What: Each quarter, the IADS is crafting a Visual Merchandising newsletter sent to VM Directors, with the third quarter focusing on technology and cultural goods.

Why it is important: Each quarter, the newsletter covers a product category and shows striking store concepts from across the globe.

Q3 Visual Merchandising Newsletter: Technology and Cultural Goods 

What: Decathlon has revamped its 3,500 sq m store in Paris' Rive Gauche, aiming to set a new standard for its retail outlets with immersive sporting worlds, enhanced digital integration, and a more spacious layout.

Why it is important: This transformation represents a significant shift in Decathlon's retail strategy, moving away from the traditional warehouse-style format to a more engaging and customer-focused shopping experience. The changes aim to enhance the integration of online and offline shopping, improving customer satisfaction and setting a benchmark for future store designs across Decathlon's estate.

Decathlon's revamped store in Paris' 13th arrondissement is a notable departure from its usual warehouse-style outlets, featuring a richer, royal blue color scheme and immersive sporting worlds designed to create a more engaging shopping environment. The 3,500 sq m store has reduced showroom densities to allow more space and moved more stock to the stockroom. Enhanced digital integration includes multiple screens, a "Discovery Station" for product comparisons, and digital shelf-edge labeling. This new design is set to be implemented across all Decathlon stores, marking a significant evolution in the retailer's approach to customer experience and store aesthetics.

Decathlon Paris Photos

What: Each quarter, the IADS is crafting a Visual Merchandising newsletter sent to VM Directors, with the second quarter dedicated to beauty and cosmetics.

Why it is important: Each quarter, the newsletter covers a product category and shows striking store concepts from across the globe.

Q2 Visual Merchandising Newsletter: beauty and cosmetics

What: JD Sports has recently opened a new flagship store spanning 1,500 square meters over two levels at 118 avenue des Champs-Elysées in Paris. The store features the latest innovations from major sports brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armor, enhancing the sporty retail landscape of this iconic avenue.

Why it is important: The new JD Sports flagship store on the Champs-Elysées is important as it underscores the brand's significant growth and presence in the competitive French market, and it strategically positions JD Sports in a high-visibility location ahead of the Paris Olympics, attracting both local and international visitors.

JD Sports in Champs-Elysées Photos

JD Sports Opens New Flagship Store in Champs-Elysées

What: Musinsa, South Korea's leading online fashion retailer, founded in 2001 by Cho Man-Ho, has grown from a simple fashion community into a multifaceted e-commerce giant with a robust annual revenue.

Why it is important: Musinsa's innovative approach to retail, blending traditional e-commerce with community-building and support for local and international designers, sets it apart in the competitive Korean market. Its expansion into physical stores and the launch of its own label, Musinsa Standard, further demonstrate its influence and commitment to quality and affordability in fashion.

Musinsa began as an online fashion community and has since evolved into South Korea's largest online fashion retailer, generating USD 540 million in sales in 2022. The company has diversified its offerings by launching its own clothing line, Musinsa Standard, which is known for its basic, affordable designs and impressive sales figures. In addition to its e-commerce success, Musinsa supports emerging Korean and international designers through its physical store, Empty, and its resale platform, Soldout. Despite the challenges faced by other e-commerce giants, Musinsa continues to thrive by maintaining a strong connection with its community and innovating in ways that resonate with contemporary consumers. The company's approach highlights a significant shift towards integrated online and physical retail experiences, setting a benchmark for the industry in Korea and beyond.

The world's most innovative retailers, according to Vogue editors

What: Kapok, a Hong Kong-based retail store founded by Arnault Castel in 2006, specializes in introducing 'future classics' and niche brands to the Asian market.

Why it is important: Kapok plays a crucial role in shaping retail trends in Hong Kong by promoting local fashion designers and hosting cultural events. Its commitment to offering unique, international brands and fostering a strong community connection makes it a key player in the region's dynamic retail landscape, influencing both local consumers and the broader Asian market.

Kapok has carved out a niche in Hong Kong's retail market by consistently introducing over 100 international and niche brands since its inception. The store is known for its selective curation that reflects the evolving tastes and lifestyles of its clientele. Founded in Tin Hau and now expanded to multiple locations including a flagship in K11 Musea, Kowloon, Kapok also supports local designers and hosts various cultural events. This approach has not only cemented its reputation as a community-centered retailer but also as a trendsetter in the fashion and lifestyle industry. With its mix of physical and online presence, Kapok caters to a wide audience in Hong Kong and other Asian markets, emphasizing the synergy between online potential and the tactile allure of in-store shopping experiences.

The world's most innovative retailers, according to Vogue editors

What: L'Ensemble, a by-appointment luxury retail store, is opening in Brooklyn's Dumbo neighborhood.

Why it is important: This new store introduces a unique shopping experience that mimics the personalized service traditionally reserved for fashion buyers. It emphasizes customer experience, offering one-on-one consultations and a curated selection of brands, reflecting a growing trend in retail towards more personalized and intimate shopping environments.

L'Ensemble, founded by Dawn Nguyen and Agata Hewett, is set to open its doors in Dumbo, Brooklyn. This by-appointment store at 55 Washington Street aims to bring the bespoke buying experience to everyday consumers. The store spans 2,276 square feet and will feature a mix of established and emerging brands including Proenza Schouler, Y's by Yohji Yamamoto, and Gigi Hadid's Guest in Residence. Prices range from affordable to high-end, catering to a diverse clientele. The founders aim to differentiate through a highly personalized service, expecting word-of-mouth to be their primary marketing tool. The store's design includes vintage furniture and a serene atmosphere to enhance the shopping experience.

L'Ensemble bROOKLYN pHOTOS

L'Ensemble: A New by-Appointment Luxury Retail Experience in Brooklyn's Dumbo

What: Hender Scheme, under Ryo Kashiwazaki, uses the philosophy of 'sukima'—focusing on gaps and spaces—to revolutionize retail environments in Japan.

Why it is important: This innovative approach is important because it transforms traditional retail concepts by integrating the overlooked elements of spaces and consumer experiences. This not only enhances the shopping experience but also fosters a deeper connection with customers, emphasizing sustainability and creative use of urban space.

Hender Scheme, led by visionary Ryo Kashiwazaki, is redefining retail by applying the Japanese concept of 'sukima', which refers to gaps or crevices, to its store designs and overall brand philosophy. The brand transforms unconventional spaces like warehouses and car part factories into retail locations that blur traditional and contemporary aesthetics. This approach extends to their Circulation store, a hub for repair, resale, customization, and workshops, promoting sustainable practices. Kashiwazaki's innovative use of space and commitment to integrating gaps in both physical environments and market offerings position Hender Scheme not just as a retailer, but as a destination fostering unique customer experiences and environmental consciousness.

The world's most innovative retailers, according to Vogue editors

What: Arc'teryx has opened its first Parisian store on April 11 at 42 rue des Francs-Bourgeois in the Marais, marking the brand's initial direct retail venture in the city. This new boutique spans 377 square meters across three levels, showcasing the latest collections for outdoor sports enthusiasts and features a nature-inspired interior designed to foster community engagement.

Why it is important: The opening of Arc'teryx's first store in Paris is significant as it marks a strategic expansion in one of Europe's key markets. Located in the Marais, this store not only offers a comprehensive range of outdoor apparel and equipment but also aims to become a community hub for outdoor enthusiasts, further solidifying Arc'teryx's presence and commitment to the French market.

Arc'teryx inaugurates its first Parisian address in the Marais Photos

Arc'teryx inaugurates its first Parisian address in the Marais Article

What: Each quarter, the IADS is crafting a Visual Merchandising newsletter sent to VM Directors, with the second quarter dedicated to sportswear and sports equipment.

Why it is important: Each quarter, the newsletter covers a product category and shows striking store concepts from across the globe.

Q1 Visual Merchandising Newsletter: sportswear and sports equipment

What: Petco opened in June 2023 in Union Square as an immersive shop dedicated to pet owners. Its

specificity? Pets are treated like actual customers.

Why it is important: The truly inclusive and immersive experience, is complete with services for the community,

including a barber for pets, a vet, a training park, adoption events as well as a curated offer which includes

partnerships with brands.

Petco Unveils Complete Pet Care Experience at New Flagship in NYC

Petco Unveils Complete Pet Care Experience at New Flagship in NYC photos

What: This second Wegman's location in NYC opened in Q4 2023 in a historical location that housed

Wanamaker in the past, after the first one in Brooklyn in October 2019

Why it is important: The in-store immersive experience is interesting (although not especially new or surprising

for European retailers), and the checkout process is quite optimal and efficient (including facial recognition and

automated ID checks for alcoholic purchases, as well as other in-store display and checkout innovations).

Wegmans opens its second location in NYC photos

Wegmans opens its second location in NYC

What: Crate & Barrel has released its new immersive store concept in November 2023.

Why it is important: Goodbye warehousing environment: it is all about nice displays (similar to Zara Home and

other competitors), services (floral arrangements, monogramming services, trade programme, gifts, design

assistance) and a large Crate & Kids section.

Crate & Barrel Opens New Flagship Store Photos

Crate & Barrel Opens New Flagship Store in Heart of New York Home Design District

What: Sephora's flagship store in Paris has undergone a major renovation and will reopen to the public after six-and-a-half months of remodeling.

Why it is important: The renovation is part of Sephora's strategy to provide a localized and unique shopping experience for customers while staying globally relevant.

The 12,915-square-foot store, located on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, has been redesigned to create a differentiated and immersive beauty experience. The store draws inspiration from Paris, with features like a hand-set marble path, Sephora's signature black-and-white stripes, and an illuminated ceiling that replicates natural light. The revamped store offers a wide range of beauty products and services, including makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. It also features dedicated areas for individual brands, including exclusive offerings not found in other Sephora locations.

Sephora reopens its renovated Champs-Elysées store 

Sephora reopens its renovated Champs-Elysées store article

What: Dior has unveiled its revamped flagship store at Shanghai's Plaza 66 after eight months of renovation.

Why it is important: The renovation aims to provide a luxurious and immersive shopping experience for customers in China.

The store, considered the brand's largest retail format in China, showcases Dior's commitment to its longstanding relationship with the country. The four-story store spans 1,796 square meters and features a wide range of products, including ready-to-wear collections, jewellery, watches, fragrances, and luxury homeware. Designed by Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma & Associates, the store's facade is adorned with ivory pleats inspired by Dior's iconic couture dresses.

Dior's revamped mega flagship opens at Shanghai's Plaza 66

Dior's revamped mega flagship opens at Shanghai's Plaza 66 article

What: Rituals opens its first Parisian Mind Oasis on Champs-Elysées.

Why it is important: This initiative aligns with Rituals' focus on overall well-being and in response to the increasing awareness of mental health, especially post-Covid, the Mind Oasis aims to provide affordable and aesthetic meditation breaks.

Located at 33 Champs-Elysées, the store features a 250 square meter Rituals boutique and a 300 square meter Mind Oasis upstairs, equipped with six mental relaxation cabins and nine hydromassage mattresses. Visitors can experience "zero gravity" relaxation cabins with multisensory stimulations or hydromassage sessions on water mattresses.

The Mind Oasis, set to operate for 14 months, is strategically located to attract international visitors, especially with the upcoming Olympic Games.

Rituals inaugurates its Mind Oasis in Paris

Rituals inaugurates its Mind Oasis in Paris article

What: Herschel Supply opens its flagship store in Soho, NYC.

Why it is important: The 5,000 square foot store will increase the brand's presence in the American market.

The interior design of the store pays homage to the brand's Canadian roots, with features like western red cedar wall cladding and granite boulders. The store offers the brand's classic products as well as the Herschel Supply Studio Collection and the Herschel Supply Uniform line including their travel line of luggages, duffels, and accesories.

The Herschel Supply flagship store is located at 543 Broadway, Soho, New York, NY 10012 and  is open from Monday to Saturday, 11am to 8pm, and on Sundays from 11am to 7pm.

New York: Herschel Supply opening 

New York: Herschel Supply opening article

What: Bershka opens it s renovated flagship in the centre of Milan after a two-year renovation project.

Why it is important: Milan is one of the most important markets for Bershka, with 70 physical stores in Italy, and the reopening of the store will strengthen its presence in the city.

As one of the three largest Bershka boutiques in the world, the Milan store spans three levels and has 1,872 sq.m. of space to showcase the RFID tagged inventory. There are 24 cash registers and 34 fitting rooms. Women's fashion is located on the ground floor with the next floor being dedicated to men and the final floor having the fitting rooms. The fitting rooms are large enough for 4 people to enter and are equipped with product recognition systems that allow customers to search for sizes and styles as well as pay directly.

The store offers both physical and digital shopping experiences, limited edition collections and collaborations, such as "Generation Bershka" and avant-garde shoes developed with Ral7000studio. It is open from 10am to 9pm every day and employs around 100 employees.

Bershka reopens its Milan flagship 

Bershka reopens its Milan flagship article

What: Marcelo Burlon opens a multi-function boutique that doubles as an events venue.

Why it is important: Due to the high rents of a space with a high street presence, retailer are getting experimental on how they can increase the usage of their space.

The 228 sq.m store, designed by Gonzalez Haase AAS is located on one of Milan's busiest streets. The interior includes a versatile metal grid ceiling, mobile furniture, hanging bars, and seating made from thin mattress cuts. The store is adaptable, with fixtures that can be rolled out for new arrangements, a high-quality sound system, and a trivision panel billboard for changing backdrops. The design reflects the trend of multi-use retail spaces that combine sales with experiential elements.

Marcelo Burlon reveals the future of physical retail in Milan 

Marcelo Burlon reveals the future of physical retail in Milan article

What: Uniqlo reopens Paris flagship with Clare Waight Keller collection.

Why it is important: The renovated store is in prime shopping location at the centre of Paris and will receive a lot of customer traffic.

After undergoing nine months of renovation, the store reopening coincided with the debut of Clare Waight Keller's first collection for the brand. The revamped store puts an emphasis on customer service and flow, aiming to provide an enhanced shopping experience.

The Paris flagship store pays tribute to the location's historical roots as a theatre and highlights Uniqlo's partnership with the prestigious Paris Opera. The store design incorporates the building's historical features and features a skylight, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere for customers.

Uniqlo has been strategically focusing on its womenswear category across all markets. The redesigned Paris flagship store is centred around the women's department, recognizing the importance of catering to the female customer base.

Uniqlo reopens Paris flagship 

Uniqlo reopens Paris flagship article