In a bid to offer an elevated retail experience and inspire youth culture, Foot Locker has opened a new, 10,000 sqm store in the UK. The store sets a precedent by combining innovation and technology to provide customers with the ultimate shopping experience. By making visitors active participants and going beyond traditional retail, the brand aims to build a deeper connection with the local community.
Visitors to the Westfield Stratford flagship store can experience the “Striper bot” travelling the entire space and appearing on screens across two floors. Interactive games hosted on a high-fidelity curvy LED wall allow visitors to compete against players from Europe and win prizes. By collecting QR codes during their visit on their mobile phones, shoppers can win products designed by local artists. Convenient free phone charging stations are also available throughout 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.
rpa:group was responsible for developing the architectural drawings and coordinating the efforts of various consultants, including Ian Williams Partnership for mechanical and electrical designs, Gordonsons for sprinkler systems, Factory Fit for customer-facing staircases, and Stanley Handling for stock racking supplies. The goal of rpa:group was to ensure that the designs were practical and compliant with corporate brand standards, while maximizing the use of space to create a fitting environment for the location and aspirations of the project.
rpa:group handled the initial feasibility and reports, site surveys, and design development of key features within the store. Their responsibilities included securing approval from the landlord and building controls for plans and designs through collaboration with the Westfield designer and Approved Inspectors JM Partnership, with whom they have established relationships
Working with Rachael Marciniak of Westfield, the team strived to achieve the best outcome for both the client and the centre through a rigorous assessment of design and material options.
rpa:group, alongside the team at MACE project management, handled the tender process for the project, ensuring the quality and completeness of the tender return through thorough drawing and specification preparation. They collaborated closely with MACE, internal Foot Locker design teams, and the chosen general contractor, C. Ericsson Shopfitting, to track and incorporate design updates throughout the project’s lifespan and respond to business initiatives.
As with all retail design projects, delivering a spectacular store was the result of a team effort, with collaboration between the client and all relevant consultants and contractors.