Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has signed a 10-year lease for a 1,281 sq ft store at intu Lakeside. Designed by London-based creative agency Dalziel & Pow, the new store concept will feature the retailer’s latest vehicles, including the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – the UK’s best-selling ‘electrified’ vehicle – and will include interactive digital displays that invite customers to discover more about the brand and its model range.

The store follows the success of the retailer’s new online car buying service which will feature in-store, and coincides with the launch of two of its brand new models – the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and the Mitsubishi Shogun Sport.

Rebecca Ryman, regional managing director for intu, said: “As the first-ever Mitsubishi Motors store in the UK, the retailer will give customers more reasons to visit from further and for longer and will appeal to the highly affluent customer demographic at intu Lakeside. The store will be a very attractive environment for customers wishing to purchase a new car or experience the brand’s offering.”

Rob Lindley, managing director for Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: “With the opening of our first Mitsubishi store in such a prominent and well-established retail location, we are putting the customer at the very centre of what we do by offering them more choice than ever before in how and where to purchase their new Mitsubishi. The store’s design perfectly conveys the bold, adventurous nature of the Mitsubishi brand and we’re delighted to partner with intu and Dalziel & Pow to create a platform that enhances our retail operation and will attract a whole new audience to our brand.”

Elise Holmes, associate design director at Dalziel & Pow, said: “We wanted the space to reflect the outgoing, forward-thinking spirit of Mitsubishi. By using innovative materials together with eye-catching displays and features, we have created an alternative car buying environment that perfectly conveys the rich heritage of Mitsubishi and the technological advancements that its vehicles are renowned for.”

intu Lakeside is the major retail and leisure destination in the south east of England,  welcoming 20 million customers each year. Work is underway on a 175,000 sq ft leisure extension which will include leisure brands like Flip Out, Puttshack, Nickelodeon, and Hollywood Bowl, bringing in customers from further and for longer whilst helping all retailers flourish.

Images from the left: Prestigious Textiles, EBB & FLOW and Pooky Lighting

Decorex, a show of choice for the luxury interior design market, will return to Syon Park from the 16th to the 19th September. Once again, the show will open the London Design Festival as one of its five key Design Destinations. The 41st edition will host over 400 exhibitors from up-and-coming brands to the most established names showcasing the latest in luxury design.

Decorex is one of the only events of its kind in the UK for the high-end interiors industry, offering a qualified audience of over 14,000, including interior designers, manufacturers and buyers, the opportunity to explore the latest products and services.

Established names returning this year includes: Sebastian Cox, Nicholas Haslam, Amy Kent, Drummonds Bathrooms, Curiousa & Curiousa, Beaumont & Fletcher, Knots Rugs, Villaverde, Pooky Lighting, Lasvit UK, Prestigious Textiles, Genevieve Bennett, Harrison Spinks Beds, Riviere and Watts of Westminster.

Gilly Nicolson, who offers contemporary, bespoke bedlinen favoured by designers such as Turner Pocock and Fiona Barratt Interiors exhibits for the first time this year. Also new to the show is emerging brand The Monkey Puzzle Tree, which will unveil wallpapers and fabric prints, designed in collaboration with British artists. Camilla Thomas Textiles, another first-time exhibitor, will bring a new collection of handwoven textiles.

Back for the second year, following a successful 2017, is ceramic design studio, Fenella Elms, which designs bespoke, wall mounted, porcelain sculptures. Also returning is Scottish-based studio Faolchú, with exceptionally crafted new furniture. Much celebrated contemporary craft furniture, lighting and home accessories retailer Another Country will be present for the first time.

Images from the left: Amy Kent, The Monkey Puzzle Tree and Lindsey Alker Fabrics & Wallpapers

This year international exhibitors from over ten countries will take part. Danish-based lighting brand EBB & FLOW will show new collections, including the mouth-blown Horizon pendant, a new collection of fabric lampshades and the jewellery inspired Smykke pendant lamp. Alma De Luce from Portugal will show a selection of its new furniture designs.

Other names to look out for include A Rum Fellow, with its collection of textiles designed in collaboration with indigenous artisans from around the world. Lindsay Alker Fabrics & Wallpaper will be showing a new collection of folk art and historic samplers inspired designs. Another highlight is Blackpop’s new fabric and wallpaper collection under license with Sir John Soane Museum.

Location: Syon Park, London

Dates: Sunday 16th September – Wednesday 19th September 2018

Opening Hours:

Sunday 16th September: 10am-6pm (trade only)

Monday 17th September: 10am-6pm (trade only)

Tuesday 18th September: 10.00am–7.00pm (open to the general public)

Wednesday 19th September: 10.00am–5.00pm (trade only)

Tickets: £15 trade/£30 consumer

The Mercers’ Company has announced that luxury sleepwear brand, Desmond & Dempsey has selected 7 Mercer Walk for their UK debut pop-up store and will be launching on 31^st May until the 11^th June.  Founded by husband and wife, Joel Jeffery and Molly Goddard, the brand creates irresistible nightwear, which evokes the pure joy found on Sundays.

The 3,800 sq ft pop-up store will be showcasing a curated selection of specialty goods, along with Desmond & Dempsey’s limited edition capsule ‘Editions of 104’ which will be exclusive to the pop up, and the brand new ‘Le Jardin’ collection which will be available along with Desmond & Dempsey’s ‘Originals’ range.

In celebration of their latest collection, ‘Le Jardin’, that captures the sounds and colours of Morocco, Desmond & Dempsey’s pop up will be bringing the excitement, electricity and spirit of the Moroccan Souk to London. During their time at Mercer Walk, an array of ticketed activities including yoga, terrarium planting, and life drawing, will take place in the space all curated to ignite the senses of Sundays. Designed by stylist Natalie Brim, the store will feature a traditional colour palette and elements akin to a Moroccan souk. In collaboration with House of Killik Clapham, the retail space will be part shop, part garden, part event space and part weekend supper club with food provided by the brothers at Le Bab.

Molly Goddard, co-founder of Desmond & Dempsey commented: “We were looking for a location for our first store in the UK, in the heart of the West End. Following our concession’s success in Liberty’s, Mercer Walk is the perfect position to further our brand and we are excited to open the store and launch our new product range within a truly Moroccan experiential environment. The pop-up isn’t really about the PJ’s, it’s about the mood and senses of a Sunday. While I was in Morocco, I fell in love with their craftsmanship and generosity. Breakfast was never just a meal, it was a feast served on beautiful dishes they had made themselves. It made such an inspiring start to the day; we just want to give people that same experience.”

Simon Taylor, Property Director at The Mercers’ Company added: “The Mercers’ Company look to attract high-profile and designer brands and Desmond & Dempsey’s choice to launch their UK pop-up, within Mercer Walk cements the appeal of the destination for retailers. The immersive activities alongside the retail offer adds to the experience for our visitors.”

The signing of Desmond and Dempsey follows the previous pop-up letting to luxury interior brand Swoon, their biggest and most central pop-up store in London to date. New addition Temper has recently opened at Mercer Walk and Le Bab’s second restaurant is set to launch early this Summer.

Knight Frank acted for The Mercers’ Company and Appear Here advised Desmond & Dempsey.

Smurfit Kappa’s pioneering MB12 carton is now available for primary packaging. The food-safe MB12 packaging helps customers to eliminate mineral oil migration with a sustainable solution.

The Smurfit Kappa MB12 technology is designed to prevent the migration of mineral oil into packaged food. MB12’s efficiency has been verified by Eurofins, the world leader in food and pharmaceutical product testing, to give customers full confidence that the primary packaging acts as a barrier to provide robust protection against outside influences.

An independent year-long study by the Technical University of Dresden found that Smurfit Kappa’s MB12 was the most effective product on the market for protecting packaged food against potential contamination.

Lars Henriksson, VP Product Development, Smurfit Kappa Paper Division, says: “Our customers have a diverse set of needs and we are committed to helping them find the right primary packaging for their requirements.

“Product safety remains at the forefront of what we do as an industry. Developing our unique MB12  primary packaging further demonstrates how we are innovating to provide a broad range of sustainable solutions for our customers that not only meet all food safety standards but that go one step further.”

MB12 is made using natural ingredients in recycled board. It is 100 percent recyclable and can be delivered as FSC chain-of-custody certified. Available in a range of weights, MB12 also protects against organoleptic effects of taste and odour into the food.

Reed MIDEM, organiser of MAPIC, is set to launch the first ever edition of MAPIC Food & Beverage this week, with exhibiting retailers including brands such as Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, KFC, Starbucks Coffee Company, Mama Burger and Five Guys. The inaugural edition of the event will be held in Milan, Italy on 23^rd – 24th May 2018 at MiCo – Milano Congressi.

The global retail real estate industry has been going through structural change in the last few years stimulated by demographic shifts, technological advancements and increasing consumer expectations. These market forces have raised the importance of a compelling and business critical food and beverage offering within a retail environment. Getting the right mix of F&B is one of the holy grails of retail and while there will always be a demand for certain well-known brands, consumers are becoming more willing to try something new.

In this regard, MAPIC Food & Beverage will be a haven of opportunities for both new and established food and beverage brands, allowing them to meet with key industry developers, Franchise Partners, F&B and travel operators who can assist them in growing their business on an international scale.

Francesco Pupillo, Deputy Director Mapic Markets, Reed MIDEM commented: “At a time when food and beverage is quickly becoming the most important part of any retail destination, MAPIC Food & Beverage will bring together the best in breed from the F&B and real estate sectors, creating a vibrant environment for networking, exhibiting and discovering. Some of the key elements of the first ever MAPIC Food & Beverage will be the exhibition zone, which will be home to major international F&B players. The networking zones will allow attendees to meet new contacts, receive business recommendations and attend dedicated events.”

MAPIC Food & Beverage is a unique business platform that aims to be an effective international marketplace dedicated to food and beverage players within the retail real estate industry. It will feature an exhibition area where retailers can showcase their concepts to international real estate professionals looking to expand their foodservice retail mix in shopping centres, transit zones, high-streets and outlets. In addition to this, the event will offer conferences, pitching sessions, a tasting area as well as outstanding opportunities for networking.

In contrast to MAPIC in Cannes, retailers with be the exhibitors and real estate professionals will come as visitors. Retail operators and master franchise companies will be present at MAPIC Food & Beverage, including Amrest, Azadea, Blackwood, CAA Global Brands, Harper Dennis Hobbs, Iran Mall, Westfield, INTU, and United Developers/Place Vendome.

For more information, visit the MAPIC Food & Beverage website www.mapic-foodandbeverage.com.

Click here to register for your ticket.

The 2018 Barclaycard everywoman in Retail Awards is searching for inspirational individuals excelling in the UK’s retail industry. Women from all stages of their career journey are encouraged to nominate themselves or others – from ambitious rising stars and innovative entrepreneurs to well-seasoned leaders making a significant contribution to their organisation. In addition, the Male Agent of Change Award will recognise a man for his commitment to advancing women working in retail.

This year’s awards programme draws on the theme “Reimagining Retail” and will focus on how innovation and technology are revolutionising the retail landscape. E-commerce sales in the UK totaled £81.55 billion in 2017 alone and the digital share of overall retail sales will continue to grow from 19.1% in 2017 to 25.2% by 2021*. This represents a huge opportunity for women looking to work in this dynamic sector.

The retail industry currently employs 3 million people and has a predominantly female workforce**. However, research shows that women are far less likely to fill senior positions than men, with director-level roles being 26% female and 74% male. A significant gender pay gap in the retail sector has also been recognised, with the average male manager earning 26.8% more than his female colleagues***.

Together with new title partner, Barclaycard, the everywoman in Retail Awards hopes to tackle these issues by uncovering the breadth of senior roles available, highlighting the achievements of many successful women already excelling in the sector and showing just how fulfilling a long-term career in retail can be. Through impeccable leadership, women in these positions are the role models needed to nurture the next generation of female talent and ensure the continued success of the UK’s retail industry.

Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of everywoman comments: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Barclaycard for the first time for the everywoman in Retail Awards. We are keen to highlight the many opportunities in retail and show that the industry provides more than just jobs, but longstanding careers. It is imperative that we celebrate the role models – both male and female – who are already reshaping the retail landscape, in order to inspire and enable as many women as possible to go from the shop floor to the top floor.”

Paulette Rowe, Managing Director of Barclaycard Payment Solutions comments: “The everywoman in Retail Awards create an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the phenomenal women leading the retail industry. Barclaycard’s ongoing commitment to innovation and technology makes us the perfect partner for these awards. We have worked with retailers for decades and have met many inspiring role models in this continually exciting sector. We hope that these awards will inspire more women to succeed at the very top of the industry.”

Entries are open until 28th May 2018 and full details are available online at www.everywoman.com/retailawards. The Barclaycard everywoman in Retail Awards ceremony will take place at East Wintergarden, located between the iconic towers of Canary Wharf in London, on 13th September.

The award categories are as follows:

Rising Star Award – Awarded to a woman aged under 22 who is excelling in her retail career, making a valuable contribution to her organisation.

Above & Beyond Award – Awarded to a woman at any stage of her career that has truly gone above and beyond her role to help drive the organisation’s success.   

Leader of Change Award – Awarded to a woman whose significant contribution to the strategic direction of the business has increased productivity, innovation or employee engagement.

Executive Leader Award – Awarded to a woman making a significant contribution to the commercial success of the business.   

Male Agent of Change Award – Awarded to a man for his active commitment to advancing or championing the career progression of women in retail.

Entrepreneur Award – Awarded to an owner/operator of a retail business that has been operating for 12 months or more, whose vision will inspire other women to start their own enterprise.

Customer/User Experience Excellence Award – Awarded to a woman who has been instrumental in improving or transforming the customer/user experience.

Outstanding Influencer Award – Awarded to a female whose voice, campaign or social media strategy is successfully influencing retail consumers on and offline.

Innovator Award – Awarded to a woman who is being exceptionally creative within her role, in an unconventional and pioneering way.

Sources 

eMarketer*

Graduate Prospects**

Chartered Management Institute***

Bricks and mortar stores that fail to adapt to consumers’ desires for digital experiences will be left behind, according to new research by global provider of unified commerce solutions, PCMS.

Original research in Navigating Modern Retail, which polled 2,000 UK consumers, found that demand for shopping via digital devices has migrated from online into the physical store, with nearly 60% saying they use their own smartphone, tablet or the store’s device while shopping – rising to as many as 80% of under 45s.  As well as using mobile or tablets instore, a further 15% choose to use digital signage, digital kiosks or interactive screens.

Self-checkouts are a popular option with nearly 30% choosing to scan their own products and a further 10% using self-scan devices, suggesting independence, speed and convenience are key requirements in connected shopper journeys. When it comes to self-service and independent instore encounters, 18-24s are the most likely self-scan or check out (42%).

When it comes to conducting research ahead of purchase, ‘research on the move’ is becoming increasingly common – smartphones (46%) are the lead research device, with a further 29% using a tablet. 42% of consumers use a laptop, while a quarter use a desktop.  This demonstrates the need for product feeds to be optimised across all channels to ensure a smooth omnichannel journey.

One thing for retailers to consider is that research undertaken online ahead of purchase varies depending on the product category, with more complex or high consideration products and those where design and personal taste are factors are most likely to be researched online.

Where complex products are concerned, nearly three quarters of consumers turn to the internet when buying electrical goods, closely followed by mobile phone purchase (55%) and DIY (43%). Similarly, when shopping for furniture 55% undertook research online, and 43% for homewear. The same was true for fashion and apparel (44%), footwear (40%) and health and beauty products (31%).

However, increasingly, even everyday items are becoming omni-researched, with 21% saying they research groceries (food and drink) online before they buy.

Steve Powell, Director of Sales at PCMS, commented: “One thing is clear is that mobile and tablets are not just transforming consumers’ online habits but are influencing the entire omnichannel journey, as shoppers access product information through multiple channels and multiple platforms often simultaneously.

“Certainly, use of digital instore is not something that should be ignored – 70% of respondents said their use of a digital device whilst visiting a store would remain the same in the next six months, whilst  a further 36% said they believed it would increase over the next 18 months.

“This actually represents a huge opportunity for retailers who are looking to digitalise the instore experience by marrying the demand for online with traditional customer service. Giving store associates tablets for example, allows them to instantly access product information and answer customer questions at the touch of a button, while creating that ‘human experience’ that will encourage consumers to return again and again.”

Valentina Candeloro, Marketing Director International at Mood Media:

For many retailers, getting to grips with the best methods of utilising customer data was no easy feat. Brands worked hard to unlock the potential of data to enhance the customer experience making it more unique and personalised.

It appeared that many had cracked it too. From adapting their marketing content according to customers’ needs, to providing rewards based on their buying habits, data use had become extremely efficient.

However, regular data breaches and hacking scandals may have put paid to these methods. The impending introduction of the General Data Protection Act (GDPR) on 25^th May 2018 is likely to leave many retailers feeling that just as they’ve got their house in order, the rug is pulled from under them.

One likely outcome of the introduction of the GDPR is more shoppers choosing to conceal their data from retailers. Brands can no longer assume that consumers are happy to be targeted based on previous data shared. Instead, they will have to convince customers to actively opt-in again to enable data access, explaining why they are seeking specific information and outlining how they plan to use it.

While many companies may be underprepared for these changes, and may fear the depletion of the all-important shopper database, it’s not all bad news. The opportunity to build trust and brand affinity is one that should not be underestimated.

GDPR puts the control firmly back in the hands of consumers, who will expect more personalised benefits in return for sharing their data – this in turn can lead to a more profound relationship between brand and consumer. In fact, a study by Awesomeness showed that 59% of Gen Z wanted brands to use their personal information to give them better product recommendations.

A brand that develops the right proposition for shoppers – delivering innovation and enhanced customer experience while also guaranteeing protection of their personal information – can only strengthen their customer relationships. Conversely, failure to reassure consumers that their data is safe will see retailers shunned.

The key to overcoming the potential issues that come with the GDPR is in highlighting the value that data sharing can provide.

Cineworld and Casual Dining Group, the mid-market restaurant company that operates the Bella Italia, Café Rouge, Las Iguanas, Belgo and La Tasca restaurant businesses, have today announced a new three-year restaurant partnership deal. The new scheme will offer Cineworld Unlimited cardholders a 25% discount on food and drink across their five leading brands.

As of today, a 25% discount can be redeemed at any of the participating restaurants across the UK, seven days a week. The new offering will enhance the dining experience for all Unlimited customers who will now be able to try a variety of menus from some of UK’s leading restaurants at great value for money.

In addition to the 25% off food and drink discount, the restaurant partners will also deliver exclusive monthly offers, which can be redeemed in conjunction with the 25% off discount. Seasonal discounts might include; complimentary meals for kids and drink and dessert exclusives with a cinematic twist.

Alongside the national partner discount, Unlimited cardholders can also take advantage of local deals with restaurants in proximity to Cineworld locations across the UK and Ireland. These deals are listed by cinema region on the Cineworld website.

Previously, Cineworld Unlimited cardholders were entitled to 25% off food at three restaurants: Frankie & Benny’s, Chiquitos and Pizza Hut. Unlimited cardholders will still be able to apply their discount at these participating restaurants until August 15^th, 2018.

Casey Cohen, Head of Marketing at Cineworld said; “We are committed to offering our Unlimited cardholders more than just the best cinema experience. Our new collaboration with Casual Dining Group not only offers greater variety and more choice in restaurant options, but also delivers great value for money for our Unlimited customers.”

Célia Pronto, Chief Customer Officer at CDG said; “We are delighted to be the official restaurant partner for Cineworld in the UK. We are confident this partnership will be a success for all parties involved and look forward to welcoming Unlimited customers to our restaurants across the UK.”

Cineworld Unlimited members can enjoy access to an unlimited number of films at just £17.90 per month (or £20.40 for London West End cinemas). The Unlimited Card also allows holders to enjoy 10% off cinema snacks and drinks, 25% off at restaurant partners, and access advance screenings.

For more information about the Cineworld Unlimited Card, visit www.cineworld.co.uk/unlimited.