Luxury mobile handset…

Luxury mobile handset company Vertu is opening a standalone store in ‘millionaire’s capital’, Moscow, this week, designed and outfitted by Retail Planning Associates. The store is one of three gallery-style developments; there is also one in Jakarta and another in Dubai. RPA, recently acquired by Fitch Worldwide, was commissioned by Nic Pay, Vertu head of merchandising, to come up with original concept work for the openings, following its work on the brand’s flagship store in Paris and its concept store in Singapore. Pay says, ‘There were some challenges involved in putting together a project like this in Moscow, as it is extremely difficult to source the necessary materials within Russia. Partners on the ground are absolutely essential.’