The new 10,000 sqm store sets a precedent, with the use of innovation and technology to deliver the ultimate customer experience, that will enable the brand to build a deeper relationship with customers in the local community. This is achieved by going beyond being a traditional retail space, by making visitors the active participants within it.
Features include a ‘Striper bot’, which travels the entire space of the flagship and appears on screens across its two floors. Visitors are also able to participate in interactive games hosted on a high-fidelity curvy LED wall. Here they get a chance to compete against players from across Europe and win prizes.
There is also an opportunity to win prizes such as products designed by local artists, by collecting QR codes during their visit on their mobile phones and there are various free phone charging stations within the store.
The enhanced technology also offers a selfie experience, whereby customers can take a picture against a backdrop that replicates the London Underground and then use their mobile phones to select various backgrounds and stickers for their selfie, before sharing these with their friends on social media.
As part of our enduring relationship with Foot Locker, helping to deliver its stores across the globe, rpa:group was tasked with providing the architectural drawing packages and coordinating the various other consultants such as Ian Wiliams Partnership for M&E designs, Gordonsons for sprinklers, Factory Fit for customer facing staircases, and Stanley Handling for stock racking supplies to name a few. Our goal as always was to ensure buildability and compliance with corporate brand guidelines, while striving to make the most of the space to create an environment fitting of the location and aspirations.
rpa:group were responsible for initial feasibilities and reports, site surveys and design development of key features within the store. We were charged with submitting for and obtaining Landlord’s and Building Controls approval of plans and designs. This was achieved by taking a team collaborative approach with the designer at Westfield and our Approved Inspectors JM Partnership, both of who we have long standing relationships with. It was a pleasure as always working with Rachael Marciniak at Westfield again. Rachael always challenges us to evaluate design and material choices striving for the best outcome for client and the centre.
Along with the team at MACE project management, rpa:group were also tasked with providing and managing the tender process for the project, ensuring drawings and specification documents were robust and fit for purpose, to ensure a competitive and complete tender return. Following on from this we worked closely with MACE, the internal Foot Locker design teams, and awarded GC, C Erison Shopfitting, to monitor and capture design developments along the lifespan of the project and react to new initiatives provided by the business.
As always within retail design delivery, it has been a collaborative team effort with the client and associated consultants / contractors to deliver another truly spectacular store with no ego’s and only a few tantrums along the way. Onwards and upwards to the next one.
