New store concepts launched at Trafford

THE 600m Trafford Centre, designed by Chapman Taylor Partnership, opened its doors to the public last week with a number of new store formats.

The giant shopping complex, on the outskirts of Manchester, is a monument to Neo-Classicism. The 30 million anticipated shoppers will be greeted by massive columns at the entrance, giving way to marble and granite boulevards decorated with palm trees.

Chapman Taylor senior partner Rodney Carran says: “We wanted to produce a powerful shopping centre which was technically right, in terms of the way people enter the centre.”

Selfridges is opening its first store outside London at the Trafford Centre, and has brought in John Herbert Partnership to create its 18 000m2 store (see Review, page 40).

Debenhams has also created a new-look store, with design by Carte Blanche. Designed on the retailer’s Store 2000 principles to reflect Debenhams’ latest merchandising thinking and practice, merchandise is clearly segmented, and the fragrance and cosmetic department features self-select areas.

River Island also has a new design concept for its store at the centre, designed by Dalziel & Pow.

Kinnersley Kent’s design for Morgan made its debut at the centre. The concept will form the guidelines for all new Morgan stores in the UK.

Restaurant design was handled by Building a Theme Company.