One of the things I love most about the unique retail scene in Antwerp is its great display of mixed offer stores!
While scouting the city and generally looking for retail design inspiration, I happened to stumble upon this beautiful shopfront. The flower displays immediately caught my eye… then the store name made me want to come closer. I mean who wouldn’t respond to “Luddites books & wine”? The final touch to make me want to go in: the beautiful handwritten text on the door!
Quite an atypical facade to use as a shopfront for sure: no street level window display, no view into the store, a staircase as an entrance…
And yet: the clever design team behind this concept made it all work by using strong eye catchers and playing on the target customer’s sense of curiosity. A brilliant move!
As a retail designer, I know from experience it’s one thing to get customers in… but then a very tough challenge to continuously deliver to the expectations set by that first impression. However, this in-store experience does not disappoint! The entire interior is exquisitely crafted. It breathes of old time specialty book shops yet with a fresh sense of elegance. Every single detail is carefully thought out. The VM is outstanding. And I personally really enjoyed the artistic interventions and quirky decorative pieces making it all feel unique and personal.
The basement space has been dedicated to kids books. It continues to deliver to the same level of design flair as the GF… but also adds an element of playfulness and escapism, perfectly suited to this space’s target audience.
What about the promised wine you might ask? This offer is cleverly placed in the upper floor. The bar/ cafe is actually divided in three separate rooms. The main one allows bigger groups to share literary thoughts over their wine glasses, while a smaller slightly hidden room provides solitary souls the opportunity to muse their personal thoughts in peace. The bar itself is located in the back room with a view on a nice intimate terrace. The entire floor feels reminiscent of Parisian cafes where artists and intellectuals of all sorts can come to meet, share, debate…
This truly is a retail design gem in my eyes. One that I look forward to visiting again alone, or with other retail enthusiasts. Please let me know if this includes you as I’d be happy to curate a retail tour of Antwerp integrating this store alongside other must sees just for you!
What do YOU make of this concept? What stands out for you? Always eager to share views, thoughts, inspirations and ideas! Get in touch.
