KNSTRCT INTERIORS

November 13, 2014

Brick & Mortar: Best Shops of 2014

November 13, 2014/ Lenny Smith

At the moment, there are an estimated 191 million digital shoppers in the US - a number that will surely continue its surge in 2015. While many expect their goods to be delivered straight to their door, some do not. The idea of walking into an actual brick & mortar shop to be engulfed in the full experience of the brand can never be replaced and is still vital to a significant number of consumers. So, what exactly is this retail experience? When done right, the experience of a brand’s store is effortless; transporting shoppers from the street to a fine-tuned, well-manipulated story of the brand’s built environment with ease. It’s about more than buying, it is a moment for consumers to capture the essence of the brand’s DNA. 2014 brought a wave of exceptionally crafted shops that inspired us to step away from the keyboard, get to the avenue and experience these individual stories for ourselves. Here are our faves!

Sumiyoshido Kampo Lounge by ID Inc., Aichi, Japan

Le MISTRAL by JP Architects, Tokyo, Japan

Rachel Comey Opens Crosby Street Flagship Store, New York

In Mint Condition: Münze Österreich by BWM Architekten

Aesop store by Brooks + Scarpa, Los Angeles

Aēsop Rundle Street Adelaide Store by Genesin Studio

Saraiva Bookstore by Arthur Casas, São Paulo, Brazil

Camper Retail Installation by ECAL, Milan

Akin Creative Designs Dion Lee's First Melbourne Boutique

Faraone Jewellery Shop by Iosa Ghini Associati, Milan

Diamonds In Situ: Nirav Modi Flagship Boutique by Jamie Hayon

Beauty School Knockout: Beauty EDU Opens in Melbourne

Red Light District XML Architects, Amsterdam