rules of engagement

Ensuring that Westfield Albany's retail mix is balanced and inviting is the role of Westfield's retail design managers. At the micro level, Dimension Shopfitters handled the task of fitting out bespoke stores for the project.

The company worked with ten stores, ranging from food outlets to fashion and beauty stores. Average space was around 120m², with some stores up to 300m², says director Nick Turpin.

"We worked with designers and store owners to turn an empty shell into a working store ready for the owner to stock and open," he says.

Turpin is seeing a move towards more minimalist fit-outs, although the vivid look is still popular, he says.

"A point of difference is also crucial, with each store requiring a specific range of materials and levels of detailing and finishes. For Hartleys, for example, we installed a pair of wrought iron gates and stylised floral wallpaper imported from Europe."

The company co-ordinated the design and production requirements for each store over four weeks, which required careful planning to cope with changes, often on a night-by-night basis.

"We worked closely with the designers they are a key part of what we do. We rely on their creative skills, then we turn their ideas into a live store environment."

Adrian Nancekivell Design created the designs for the Hartleys and Dermalogica stores shown on previous pages and these pages and the Pagani fashion store. Woodhams Meikle Zhan Interiors created the design for food retailer Paper Moon, shown top right.

Dimension Shopfitters provides a nationwide fit-out service, with metal and acrylic fabrication facilities for merchandising systems, a large panel conversion plant and in-house product design and project management.

For details, contact Dimension Shopfitters, PO Box 101-387 North Shore Mail Centre, phone (09) 414 1173. Website: www.dimensionshopfitters.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas