Two Australian retailers have been honored at the World Retail Awards in Paris overnight, with Shoes of Prey and Coles taking out their respective categories.Shoes of Prey has won the Store Design of the Year category (<1200sqm) for its debut concession at David Jones’ Elizabeth St store in Sydney.
Designed by Sydney agency, The General Store, headed up by Matt Newell and Andrew Fraser, the Shoes of Prey store uses a signature scent, customised soundtrack, and uses the materials of the footwear in its fitout. The highlights include a 2.4m ‘flower of prey’ crafted from Shoes of Prey product, and a shoe feature wall. Full details of the store are available here.
Michael Fox, CEO at Shoes of Prey said that as the brand’s first foray into physical retail, winning Store Design of the Year is an incredible achievement.
“We could not have done it without our friends at The General Store. What they came up with for the store design is nothing other than incredible,” said Fox.
Matt Newell, strategy partner at The General Store said it isn’t easy for Australian retail to compete at global awards.
“We don’t have the scale of larger markets, so it can be difficult to justify the investment. But this award shows we can do it. We have some phenomenal talent in Australian retail and I have no doubt we will continue to punch above our weight on the global stage,” Newell said.
Shoes of Prey and the General Store were up against fellow finalists 14oz in Berlin; Chilli Beans Flagship Store, São Paulo; Hotel Chocolat Roast and Conch, Covent Garden London; Karl Lagerfeld, Paris; and Puma, Osaka.
