Recently, there are a few brands that are spatial marketing through differentiated store design by store. Different architects and In-house design teams have introduced various store models depending on different countries and regions, and it allows t...
Recently, there are a few brands that are spatial marketing through differentiated store design by store. Different architects and In-house design teams have introduced various store models depending on different countries and regions, and it allows that a store itself can play a role in brand visual marketing. The representative brands are Aesop brand and Acne Studios brand. They incorporate local characteristics into space and interior materials to ensure that the store is in harmony with the area. Currently, while multiple brands develop store identity manuals for a unified look, brands such as Aesop and Acne Studios are delivering a unified brand visual by store through a more expanded store identity manual. This study, therefore, seeks to study locality reflecting store identity through domestic and international case analysis of Aesop and Acne studios brands. It is also aimed at making the brand identity well-shown even in the design of differentiated stores by store, and adding value harmoniously in balance with the region through store identity that reflects locality.
This study is largely divided into theoretical considerations and case studies. Through theoretical considerations, it defines the notion of locality and spatial marketing reflecting circumstances. In consequence of researching several examples, it classified and defined a spatial design reflecting its locality to the elements of environmental, traditional and cultural. It also defines the store identity through theoretical consideration and analyzing on prior studies, it also classified and defined the store identity to architectural, interior and visual elements. This is a comparative study on how the two brands – Aesop & Acne studios – reflect its locality which defined/classified as above to the spatial components of store identity.
The results of the comparative study of the locality reflecting store identity of the two brands can be summarized into three: First, both brands have their own concepts in every store over the world. The similarity is that they have established a store identity with local characteristics reflecting the habitats condition where they located and their own philosophy on a concisely refined interior design. Secondly, the case of Aesop brand considers the traditional elements to apply its locality in priority. Meanwhile, for Acne studios brand, they regard a regional factors to their spatial design. Lastly, in order to achieve managing and planning of spatial design with the store identity which defined as showing space includes its philosophy and sensibility, both of the brands use the forming elements of store identity, distinction, consistency, integrity and sustainability. The distinction can be proved by its locality depending on location. For consistency and integrity, it applied on product display and furniture providing experience of their products in case of Aesop. On the other hand, regarding Acne studios, they maintain their finishes, furniture design, lighting and objects to have its certain store identity continuously.
This study suggests establishing a brand’s store identity that reflects its locality depending on location, rather than developing a store identity in a unified look especially for a global brand, but reflecting the locality to adjust harmoniously its neighborhood.