Asia’s retail renaissance
A journey through the next-generation storefronts shaping the future of retail.
The Future of Retail is Unfolding in China’s Dynamic Design Landscape
“Design is about creating an environment that moves people, not just physically, but emotionally and intellectually” – Lyndon Neri & Rossana Hu
We’re constantly getting inspired by how iconic brands are defying gravity, creating such in-depth and nuanced, polysemic meanings throughout their retail designs. This trend is especially noticeable in the dynamic Asian market.
In this vein, our part 1, and part 2 insight reports meticulously examine the formidable influence of Korean design powerhouses, whose audacious creativity has profoundly catalysed contemporary aesthetic and functional paradigms. Building on that, this blog will take you on a tour of some very recent, jaw-dropping new retail design implementations in China, whose designs are truly in a league of their own.
Louis Vuitton, Shanghai
Louis Vuitton’s stunning “Sail” flagship and exhibition in Shanghai, created in partnership with OMA and Shohei Shigematsu, is nothing short of an architectural wonder. Known as “The Louis,” this enormous ship-shaped building, which is 30 meters high, is more than simply a store; it’s a three-story, 1600-square-meter experience.
This impressive installation is a tribute to Louis Vuitton’s 19th-century history of crafting travel trunks, nodding to the brand’s heritage of transoceanic journeys. It also cleverly honours Shanghai’s own maritime spirit as a major port city. The exterior even looks like stacked vintage trunks, complete with a shimmering metallic LV monogram.
Inside, “The Louis” combines retail space, immersive exhibitions like “Visionary Journeys” (exploring LV’s ties to travel, craftsmanship, and fashion), and a stylish Le Café Louis Vuitton. Here, you can find everything from perfume rooms and book rooms to displays of trophy trunks used in major sports events. It’s truly a cultural hub that invites visitors to dive deep into the brand’s world, offering a unique blend of shopping, art, and dining which seems unforgettable.
[Image Credit: Louis Vuitton]
Arc'teryx, Beijing
Vancouver-based outdoor brand Arc’teryx, a division of Amer Sports, has consistently epitomised performance and refined aesthetics within outdoor apparel. Their recent inauguration of the inaugural Arc’Lounge at The Peninsula Hotel in Beijing, China, however, signifies an elevation of their brand experience to an unprecedented altitude. This space transcends the conventional retail model, manifesting as a meticulously curated environment engineered to cultivate connections with the brand’s core ethos.
The Arc’Lounge is a masterclass example in multi-sensory retail design. Visitors encounter a controlled atmospheric environment, wherein olfactory and auditory elements evoke the crisp, high-alpine air, and sophisticated lighting systems dynamically simulate varying altitudes and meteorological conditions. A strategically positioned seating area, complete with a fireplace, offers a simulated mountain view. Juxtaposing a cosy, luxurious retreat right in the middle of bustling Beijing.
The space also includes a dedicated “Re:” space for repairs, showing Arc’teryx’s commitment to sustainability. All these elements work together to firmly connect the brand to its adventurous roots, inviting customers to not just buy products, but to truly experience the Arc’teryx lifestyle.
[Image Credit: Arc’teryx]
Stone Island, Hangzhou
Stone Island, a prominent entity within the Moncler group, has garnered significant acclaim for its impactful retail design endeavours in China. Their newly unveiled flagship store in Hangzhou, situated within the Hangzhou Hubi Yintai Complex, stands as a testament to audacious vision and collaborative brilliance, realised through a partnership with OMA.
The facade, a striking interplay of Stone Island’s signature green, sleek black, and an expansive floor-to-ceiling architectural window, commands attention. Internally, the space unfolds into a complex and captivating interplay of chromatic and geometric contrasts. The vibrant orange column base, the imposing and brilliantly illuminated Stone Island ceiling signage, and the thoughtful placement of reflective surfaces collectively contribute to create a memorable interior. Even the architectural integration of the staircase, often a purely utilitarian element, is elevated to a potential centrepiece, subtly conveying a futuristic vibe. The collaborative efforts of Roberto Eggs and the teams at Stone Island and Moncler have unequivocally delivered a space that functions equally as a profound design statement and a distinguished retail destination.
[Image Credit: Stone Island]
Curious about Asia’s design revolution? Explore more insights from across the region.
At D4R, we are consistently amazed by the sheer innovation and visionary approach these brands are taking in the Chinese retail landscape. From the immersive narrative of Arc’teryx to the bold artistry of Stone Island and the grand, experiential voyage of Louis Vuitton, these designs are truly second to none.
For even more incredible creative inspiration, dive into our insight report series focusing on ground breaking Korean designs:
Let’s carry on the conversation
Retail Insights
