Opinion Trend
Opinion
News, press coverage and other thoughts.
Opinion Trend
Shaping the Future of Indian Retail
India’s retail landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a surge in experiential shopping, the influence of younger Gen Z consumers, the evolution of luxury retail, and the integration of technology. At Formroom, we’ve had the privilege of contributing to this evolution through our design of Azorte, the flagship store and first brand world for Reliance Retail. This project exemplifies the dynamic shifts in Indian retail and offers insights into the future of store design in the country.
Opinion Trend
The Rise of the Brand World
"A brand world is a cohesive universe where design, storytelling, content, and community converge to shape how people experience and emotionally connect with a brand." Chloe Gordon’s recent article for Dieline articulates the same philosophy we’ve built our approach on for the last 20 years: why tell people your brand story, when you can show them?
Opinion Trend
Annual Report: Trends for 2025
We've observed some fundamental shifts in retail and hospitality that we predict will continue well into this year. From a focus on niche interests to the growing popularity of human craft, customers are rebelling against mass-market approaches in favour of something distinctly more... personal.
Opinion Trend
“The IRL Effect”: The Rise of Surrealism in Retail Interiors
With the growing popularity of multi-sensory, experiential pop-ups and interior retails, a reoccurring theme we stand by is the celebration of play and absurdity. It is not news that traditional retail is on its way out. Amidst a challenging and uncertain future, we rely on our imagination and escapism more than ever. Providing an emotional... Read more »
Opinion Trend
When should brands use tech in retail?
Lots of brands want tech driven, digitally enhanced environments when it comes to their physical stores. But when does tech in retail really make sense? It’s easy to understand why – brands want to connect with digitally native consumer groups, and make their online and IRL presence feel cohesive – as well as position themselves... Read more »
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2024: Trend Predictions
Cultural currency, niche aesthetics and a slice of humble pie. We take a stab at some of our bets for 2024 retail and design trends.
Opinion Trend
2023 Design Trends
It's been another weird year. We take a look back at our take on 2023's biggest design & commercial trends.
Interviews News Opinion
“Online shopping has liberated what in person retail can be.”
Last week, Formroom‘s Managing Director, David Roberts, joined a panel discussion featuring Becky Jones of Someday Studios, Koral Abrahim from The Ready House, and Sarah Parsonage of One Question at London Build Expo. The focus? an in depth exploration of a much anticipated project, working alongside Westminster Council, to redefine Oxford Street as a revitalized... Read more »
News Opinion
Gucci Cosmos @ 180 Studios: How to Make an Exhibition Feel ‘Luxury’
In recent years, the world’s top brands have made brand exhibitions their go-to when seeking to create deeper connections with consumers. Gucci Cosmos, fresh from Shanghai, is an immersive dive into the 102-year history of the brand. Designed by the legendary Es Devlin, known for multi-disciplinary stage and set designs, the exhibition feels special. It’s... Read more »
Opinion Trend
The changing face of luxury retail: freedom, customer-centricity and no more queuing
Luxury retail strategies see brands continue to refocus their priorities on evolving customer expectations to stay in favour. There have also been some significant statistical shifts in the luxury market – Gen-Z are the fastest growing consumer group, and at least 1/3 of all luxury purchases are now made online. The old paradigm, (including queueing outside... Read more »
News Opinion Trend