Good Stores Guide - 2018

2018 

Good Stores Guide 

Global retail best practice explored 

Berlin | Dubai | Edinburgh | Gran Canaria | 

Helsinki | Hong Kong | Las Vegas | London | 

San Francisco | Stockholm | Toronto 

Latitude: 

52.365846 

Longitude: 

-0.882883 

visualthinking.co.uk 

/ shoptactics

2018 Edition 

Visual Thinking is 

dedicated to inspiring 

retail performance. 

We take stores from the everyday to the 

 

 

assets - their instore experiences, and 

the retail teams who deliver them. 

Credits 

02 

Design 

Paul Harris 

Tom Doores 

Nephew Media 

Photography & Illustration 

Tom Doores Rucksack Mag 

Karl McKeever Wenni Zhou 

Sanjeev Kugan Rob Bye 

Matthew Henry Kate Trysh 

Anthony Delanoix Daria Nepriakhina 

Kirsten Paynter Dan Freeman 

Adam Wilson Alex Halperin 

Editorial 

Marc Baker 

Kay Garrett 

Contributors 

Karl McKeever 

Tim Kennedy 

Jasmine Field 

Designed by 

DSGNLAB 

NN6 9HF 

UK 

www.dsgnlab.com 

Be inspired, respect copyrights! 

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced 

or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or 

mechanical, including photocopy or any storage and retrieval 

system, without permission in writing from Visual Thinking. 

www.visualthinking.co.uk 

Made in the UK 

Published by Visual Thinking 

© Visual Thinking 2018 

#goodstoresguide 

www.visualthinking.co.uk

03 


Good Stores Guide / 2018 Edition

Your guide to Good 

What makes a store inspiring? Is it product, service, layout, concept... 

or the intrigue, passion and audacity that turns a good retailer into 

an excellent retailer? There’s no simple combination that produces a 

winning formula, which is what makes retail so enthralling. 

 

 

them here to you in our 2018 Good 

 

them demonstrates retail excellence, 

 

 

 

 

 

latest incarnation of already successful 

 

 

 

But what they all have in common is 

 

must-visit stores in 2018. 

 

 

that ‘retail transformation’ dominates 

 

 

reminder that the future of physical is 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

all over the world with international retail 

clients, and here we tell the story of 

success, and showcase some of the 

 

Good Stores Guide serves to inform 

 

 

 

We’re often asked the question, 

and here’s the answer. 

This is what good looks like. 


Featured Stores 

& Other Stores 

05 

06 Berlin YUN 

10 Helsinki iittala 

14 Toronto BITE 

18 Hong Kong Nike Kicks Lounge 

22 Stockholm Pen Store 

25 Las Vegas Honolulu Cookie 

Company 

29 Stockholm BIKEID 

33 London ASICS 

37 Edinburgh Kestin Hare 

41 Toronto Reigning Champ 

45 San Francisco Saje 

49 Dubai Mint Velvet 

54 Helsinki Artek 

54 Las Vegas 

54 Toronto 

54 Las Palmas Worten 

54 San Francisco Rapha 

55 Toronto Woolrich 

55 San Francisco China Live 

55 London Nasty Gal 

55 Dubai DKNY 

55 Edinburgh Walker Slater 



BERLIN 

52°31’39.9”N 

13°24’09.3”E 

6 

 

 

 

 

 

and service speed. 

YUN

YUN 

The epitome of cutting-edge cool, YUN’s 

state-of-the-art lab is the place to go for 

customised glasses with a twist of chic. 

Pay a visit 

Good Stores Guide Rating 

Brand Experience 

Innovation 

VM/Presentation 

Retail Execution 

Customer Service 

7

8 

 

 

masterclass in display precision, with 

 

 

 

information, the expert, curated look is 

 

 

 

 

 

of drama instore, for 

 

expensive technical 

elements such as 

 

facilities within the appointment rooms. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

environment is perfectly complemented 

 

 

A great example of how 

an everyday services 

retailer can redefine 

new standards of design. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

competitors 



9

HELSINKI 

60°10’04.6”N 

24°56’59.6”E 

10 

Helsinki has transformed itself into 

 

Retail here is distinctly Finnish in style, 

 

 

 

iittala

11 

iittala 

iittala follows a progressive philosophy of 

creating timeless designs that will never be 

thrown away, bringing a riot of colour, shapes 

and styles to its pieces. 

Pay a visit 

POHJOISESPLANADI 

POHJOISESPLANADI 


 

 

ETELAESPLANADI 


FABIANINKATU 

 




More of a museum than a store, with the products as 

 

Scandinavian chic. Clean, sleek and modern interiors, 

 

 

colours. 

Clean, bright lighting 

contributes to the modern 

feel of the store. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

13 

 

 

 

themselves are perfectly presented, 

 

 

to the modern feel of the store, cleverly 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other kitchen and homewares, it has now 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



TORONTO 

43°38’48.4”N 

79°24’26.8”W 

14 

Multicultural, cosmopolitan and 

 

 

 

 

experience to shoppers as they step 

into the world of cosmetics chemistry. 

BITE

15 

BITE 

ROBINSON ST 

 

Lab concept from BITE is a haven for make-up 

junkies keen to try their hand at DIY lipsticks. 

Pay a visit 

EUCLID AVE 


QUEEN ST W 


Innovation 


QUEEN ST W 


RICHMOND ST W 


TECUMSETH ST 

MITCHELL AVE 



Less a traditional retail environment and 

 

 

enthusiasts. 

 

 

 

 

 

watch as their custom lipstick is prepared 

 

 

 

 

 

for lovers of lipstick to really come into 

 

taste and texture 

of their lipstick. 

Shoppers should 

 

 

 

the store team are 

 

 

 

clearly professionals in their craft, friendly, 

 

For most shoppers, the personal 

 

 

the store does sell its own pre-made 

 

 

The store team are a huge 

part of the store; professionals 

in their craft, friendly, 

approachable and engaging. 

 

 

 

16

17

HONG KONG 

22°17’46.7”N 

114°10’08.0”E 

18 

 

 

 

 

 

customised, premium-quality products. 

Nike 

Kicks 

Lounge

Nike Kicks 

Lounge 

KOWLOON PARK DR 

Exploration and experimentation 

are at the heart of the Nike Kicks 

Lounge as shoppers enjoy the heady 

combination of energy and serenity. 

Pay a visit 

CANTON ROAD 

GATEWAY BLVD 



Innovation 

PEKING RD 

KOWLOON PARK DR 



CANTON ROAD 

19 


HARBOUR CITY 

SALISBURY RD

20

to explore, rather than simply head to one area, 

 

 

relaxation. 

 

 

store, where they can customise their Nike trainers 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Certain areas of the store are 

almost hypnotic, as shoppers 

are drawn in to explore. 

21 

 

 

 

 

 

wonderfully executed. 

 

 

to explore. Certain areas of the store are 

 

drawn in to explore and touch products and 

 

 

 

 

sportswear and performance footwear 



STOCKHOLM 

59°19’03.6”N 

18°03’06.9”E 

22 

 

domestic retailers, Stockholm is perfect 

for the passionate shopper. And with 

its hive of hipster quirkiness, Pen Store 

 

 

Pen Store

23 

Pen Store 

Keeping the physical product alive and 

kicking, Pen Store takes a traditional 

focus on the age-old art of writing. 

Pay a visit 

RINGV!GEN 

BR!NNKYRKAGATAN 


HORNSGATAN 


Innovation 


HORNSGATAN 

KRUKM AKARGATAN 



KRUKM AKARGATAN 

RINGV!GEN 



millennials. And it knows how to play to 

its audience, with parties and local music 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

keep the presentation well maintained, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a fun, interactive element to the shopper 

experience. 

 

 

 

old-fashioned product 

The atmosphere 

is buzzing and 

vibrant, oozing 

with hipster 

quirkiness. 

24

LAS VEGAS 

36°07’03.7”N 

115°10’20.6”W 

 

 

company avoids the tourist trap, 

 

 

25 

Honolulu 

Cookie 

Company

S KOVAL 

Honolulu 

Cookie 

Company 

Good cookies are one thing. But beautifully presented 

biscuits with an exotic brand and back story are 

Pay a visit 

 

Cookie Company demonstrates perfectly. 

LAS VEGAS FWY 

S LAS VEGAS BLVD 


SPRING MOUNTAIN ROAD 

26 

 

 


SAMMY DAVIS JR DRIVE 

SANDS AVE 

 

Customer Service

27 

 

lively. And the Honolulu Cookie Company 

 

 

 

But this store is much more 

 

 

detailed retail execution and 

pinpoint focus across its 

 

stand out from the potential 

 

 

 

 

story, a culture. 

 

 

 

 

And its location is perfect to draw in 

It’s an immersive 

experience 

simply being 

there. 

such an 

audience. 

 

is aimed at 

Generation 

X rather 

than a 

 

 

 



displays and moreish, perfectly presented 

cookies make this much more than just a 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28 

 

 

 

 

 

17 standalone stores and many more

STOCKHOLM 

59°20’15.8”N 

18°04’51.6”E 

 

 

 

 

29 

BIKEID

30 

BIKEID 

With its beautiful bikes and innovative 

accessories, BIKEID is hipster heaven 

for lovers of all things two-wheeled. 

KOMMEND…RSGATAN 

Pay a visit 

NYBROGATAN 

SIBYLLEGATAN 



Innovation 


LINNEGATAN 

JUNGFRUGATAN 

JUNGFRUGA 


LINNEGATAN 



SIBYLLEGATAN 


31

details. 

And this aspiration of sophisticated 

 

store. Here, those who mistake simplicity 

 

 

 

 

components and materials that make the 

 

 

 

 

choose from four main frames which 

 

 

 

 

 

to discern which parts of the 

 

 

 

 

 

super-stylish architecture and its chic 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Those who mistake 

simplicity for basic are 

proven wholly wrong. 

 

 

 

 

there are a few related accessories and 

 

 

32

LONDON 

51°30’53. 2”N 

0°08’31.3”W 

33 

 

 

London is a heady experience for shoppers. 

 

 

 

ASICS

ASICS 

REGENT ST 

Taking sportswear to some serious 

new heights, ASICS latest retail concept 

radiates energy and strength, and more 

than its fair share of digital innovation. 

OXFORD ST 

Pay a visit 

A40 A40 

ARGYLL ST 

SWALLOW PL 

REGENT ST 



Innovation 

PRINCES ST 

ARGYLL ST 


34 



HANOVER 

SQUARE 

HANOVER ST 

REGENT ST

35 

 

 

 

 

 

 

innovation is all. 

 

 

forefront and no expense spared. Neon 

 

 

 

of the store. 

 

esque mechanical 

features have 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

interaction. 

 

 

impactful displays and clever use of space 

are as important as the product. 

Technology is at the forefront, 

with no expense spared. 

 

minimally styled mannequins, and focal 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



for your needs. 

 

 

 

 

A theme not commonly associated with 

performance sportswear, it is nonetheless 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

seriously. 

 

elements, this simply feels like a really 

 

 

 

 

apparel. 

 

 

 

retailers 

36

EDINBURGH 

55°58’36.7”N 

3°10’13.6”W 

 

 

 

and quirky independents alike. Cool and 

 

 

37 

Kestin 

Hare

38 

Kestin Hare 

Carefully researched fabrics, clever 

 

Kestin Hare the smart choice for men. 

Pay a visit 

SAND PORT 



COMMERCIAL ST 

DOCK PL 

COMMERCIAL ST 

Innovation 



SANDSPORT S T 

BERNARD ST 


SANDSPORT PL 



Within the walls of Kestin Hare lies a 

 

 

 

it’s a cool place to shop for the fashion- 

 

 

 

 

warehouse feel with nods to the water and 

 

and playful touches are everywhere. 

 

 

 

 

which seals its hipster credentials, the 

 

 

Simplicity is key. 

 

simply showcase 

a top and shirt 

 

 

 

style a sales tool in itself as they make 

recommendations to shoppers. 

With plenty of space to showcase its 

 

 

 

 

 

Simplicity is key. Two 

mannequins simply 

showcase a top and shirt – 

nothing is showy or flashy. 

 

 

premises 

39

40

TORONTO 

43°38’48.4”N 

79°24’26.8”W 

 

 

an eclectic choice. With a love of detail and 

 

 

shopper. 

41 

Reigning 

Champ

Reigning 

Champ 

 

casual chic, Reigning Champ is a great 

ambassador for the ‘athleisure’ market. 

Pay a visit 

PHOEBE ST 

BULWER ST 

QUEEN STREET W 

SPADINA AVE 



QUEEN STREET W 

RICHMOND ST W 

Innovation 


PETER ST 

42 



RICHMOND ST W

43 

Respect the details. Master simplicity. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

products is the ‘easy care’ characteristics. 

 

dress them up, dress them down, wear 

 

 

in small apartments with limited laundry 

 

 

appeal. 



circular layout around the store. 

The level of detail across the 

whole store is highly impressive, 

with meticulous focus throughout 

44 

 

 

 

 

 

narrative, with sized stock easily accessed 

 

 

 

As per its mission, this store is almost 

 

 

impressive, with meticulous focus found 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

male shoppers seemed to revel in the 

attention and interaction 



SAN FRANCISCO 

37°47’14.7”N 

122°26’01.7”W 

45 

 

 

 

 

 

Saje

46 

Saje 

CALIFORNIA S T 

FILLMORE ST 

Plant power at its most potent... health 

and beauty retailer Saje lives and breathes 

its own green philosophy, to perfection. 

Pay a visit 

PINE ST 

STEINER ST 

PINE ST 



Innovation 

WILMOT ST 

BUSH ST BUS 

FILLMORE ST 


STEINER ST 



SUTTER ST 



47

premise was to introduce people to the 

power of 100% natural, plant-derived 

 

 

which enriched the retail experience, has 

 

 

 

 

with unique shops, outdoor cafés and airy 

restaurants. 

As you enter, the store feels warm and 

 

 

eco carrier, chemist, apothecary or day spa, 

 

 

 

and soft, natural domestic colours create 

 

 

 

 

 

 

out for personalisation. Here, wooden 

marquetry is used in contemporary form 

 

 

 

 

 

ethos and product story directly with the 

 

 

 

48 

Creative, innovative and stylish visual 

 

 

 

pack sizes and discreet price, features and 

 

competent product presentation. 

 

 

 

 

 

the ethos and values very much echo the 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

watch this space 



DUBAI 

25°13’32 .1”N 

55°21’13.7”E 

 

 

 

sharp and sophisticated Mint Velvet is the 

 

49 

Mint 

Velvet

Mint 

Velvet 

REBAT ST 

A deceptively simple store with delightfully 

executed merchandising... Mint Velvet is a 

 

Pay a visit 

FESTIVAL BLVD 

CRESCENT DRI 

GATEWAY AVE 


FESTIVAL 

CITY MALL 

FESTIVAL BLVD 


CRESCENT DRI 

Innovation 



50 

Customer Service

51 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mint Velvet has created a store with a 

smart, sophisticated look, evocative of 

 

 

 

 

 

 

furniture softens the look, while dramatic 

 

emphasizes the focal display. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

used to present related products. 

 

 

apparel collections with adjacent 

 

mannequins or other device to present 

 

 

 

 

The customer journey 

is fluid and effortless. 

 

 

 



52

& Other 

Stores 

Here’s a directory of other 

notable stores to have caught 

our eye during our retail city 

travels. Although they may not 

have made our featured shortlist, 

 

if you are ever in town.

Helsinki 

San Francisco 

Artek 

Rapha 

 

today Artek has respected their radical 

 

 

 

 

 

 

products are a masterclass in simplicity, 

symmetry and superior standards. 

& Other 

Stores 

 

has extended its vast online emporium 

into the physical world, with retail locations 

 

performance roadwear and accessories. 

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto 

Cumbrae’s 

54 

Las Vegas 

 

 

 

 

them the freedom to farm without the 

pressures and quotas of the factory 

 

 

 

 

meat from their network of farmers and 

expertly prepared in-house. 

Las Palmas 

Christian Louboutin 

Worten 

 

shoes are renowned for their distinctive 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World, this store uses simple presentation 

 

and tech-savvy shoppers alike. With 

 

 

 

friendly exploration and interaction. 



Toronto 

Woolrich 

Dubai 

DKNY 

 

a story to every product, Woolrich has 

 

 

is discreet and considered while the 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classic menswear and funky accessories 

 

 

Edinburgh 

Walker & Slater 

55 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

San Francisco 

China Live 

London 

Nasty Gal 

 

cultural masses, China Live’s mission 

 

recipes. Visitors are treated to a cultural 

 

 

 

counter-service café. 

 

into a concept model, Nasty Gal has 

 

 

 

 

 

new clothes. 



2018 Edition 

Good Stores Guide 

 

 

 

 

 

Good Stores Guide acts as a passport to the wonders of 

 

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Good Stores Guide - 2018

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