Page 26 - February 2020

COVER STORY | UMDASCH

Remaking Since its founding in 1868, umdasch The Store Makers, a family-owned business of four

generations, has remained focused on the traditional values of corporate sustainability:

History reliability, trust and responsibility. This marriage of heritage and modernity has made the
company the ideal long-term partner for iconic Knightsbridge department store Harrods,
says Roman Fussthaler, Managing Director of Premium Retail.

© BEN ANdERS @ ONE REpRESENTS © KENSINgTON LEVERNE © BEN ANdERS @ ONE REpRESENTS

“To showcase the trendsetting
t has been another busy year for umdasch, building “This represents just one part of the ten-year plan to “Before the renovation, the Dining Hall offered various and great quality clothing.
on the successful integration of two companies into renovate the iconic Knightsbridge store, covering a space top quality, counter-seated dining. The new layout allows for With 100sq m of space ability of Harrods, Knightsbridge
umdasch The Store Makers and the celebration of of 500sq m which opened in June 2019. To showcase over double the seating capacity than previously available, on the main central carpet, as a flagship store and to
I its 150th year in business during 2018. Among its the trendsetting ability of Harrods, Knightsbridge as a however it still feels spacious and comfortable due to the 12 specialist clothes rails, a help transform it into a 21st
many projects worldwide, the company has continued flagship store and to help transform it into a 21st Century clever seating plan and high quality furniture. The new circular central counter and
to deliver new departments within iconic Knightsbridge retailer, umdasch was commissioned to provide the design concept also shows various mini banquet-seating areas, fitting room, surrounded Century retailer, umdasch was
department store Harrods in London, as part of the engineering, manufacturing, delivery and installation services,” some lining the newly separated eateries and some around by concessions and a commissioned to provide the design
retailer’s long-term revitalisation. explains Fussthaler. separate tables in a cosy dining corner and a long dining flowing walkway around engineering, manufacturing,
“The project was recognised when I accepted an RLI Working again in collaboration with the David Collins table, separated into intimate pairs by lights,” Fussthaler says. the shop floor, this task was
Highly Commended Award for Interior Excellence for Studio to redesign this unique room was a project which umdasch was previously commissioned to work in a complex one. The design delivery and installation services”
umdasch’s crucial part in the successful renovation of the had many unique requirements. With such a historic collaboration with David Collins Studio to revamp the Men’s concept centralised around
Harrods Wine & Spirits section,” says Roman Fussthaler, building, with its listed, painted tiles that line the room from International Designer Room 1 of the Menswear section in the traditional feel of the Harrods look, made the most of
Managing Director of Premium Retail at umdasch The floor to ceiling, the focus of the revamp and design was Harrods. In response to an increase in customer demand the historic architecture while intertwining modern accents
Store Makers on preserving the cherished heritage and atmosphere. The and ground-breaking innovations within the sector, Harrods of monochromatic and geometric patterns,” reflects Fussthaler.
While a number of chain department stores around ceiling was cleaned to bring out the beautiful colours and planned to invest in an exciting redevelopment of Menswear So, Harrods perfectly reflects the ambition to create
Europe and the US have struggled to adapt to the demands patterns. This canopy of detailed tiles frames, the fixtures within the store. David Collins Studio drew up a spectacular unique, one-of-a-kind environments in flagship department
of omni-channel retailing and changing consumer behaviours; and fittings supplied by umdasch, created a contrast design concept, in keeping with the historical aspects of the stores. The long-term work with Harrods has also
by contrast iconic flagship department stores continue to between the antique and the modern. building, and worked together with umdasch on a successful encompassed its grocery, cafe and dining options; and for all
thrive around the world. What distinguishes such retailers is Only the best, top quality materials were used for the new concept implementation in the Men´s International Designer these departments umdasch has been able to use its craft
the creation of genuinely unique spaces, where customers design. Specially-treated, smooth leather covers the seats, Room 1. umdasch provided the engineering drawings, history and modern manufacturing and design techniques to
can see things not available elsewhere – from luxury with beautiful trimmings and little exotic bird emblems on the furniture manufacturing, delivery and installation and the celebrate heritage but deliver a modern retail offer.
merchandise to bespoke experiences. back of the Wine Bar seats in the centre of the Dining Hall. An room reopened last year with this whole new look.
London landmark Harrods is a great example of this array of glass, marble, mirrors, wood and solid antique brass To create the required atmosphere, ambient and task lighting
approach and most recently - having previously completed the enchant visitors in the luxury atmosphere. Round, globe- was installed, drawing the eye to spaces of interest. Top class See uS at euroShop, 16-20 February, 2020
refurbishment of The Roast and Bake Hall, The Champagne, shaped lamps with brass hardware light illuminate individual materials were used throughout, including beautiful oak, brass Hall 12, Stand C55, düSSeldorf, Germany
Wines and Spirits Hall, The Men’s International Design Room areas. Lighting Design International provided the lighting and specialist glass, again mixing the traditional and the luxury. umdasch the Store makers is promising visitors to its iconic stand at euroShop
1 and The Harrods Signature Hall - umdasch delivered the design, highlighting the classy metals and shiny tiles, while in “The concept idea was to create luxury within a homely will be rewarded by inspiration, interactive digital elements that become part
third phase of the historic food halls: The Dining Hall. keeping with the antique touches of the historic building. ambience to welcome customers searching for new, innovative
of the exhibition, a feeling of the haptics of various materials and surprise
about how these achieve sales conversions.
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