Studio AP creates Octopus website

Studio AP is creating an e-commerce website for gift and accessories retail chain Octopus.

The 15-year-old chain appointed graphics group Studio AP two weeks ago to create its first-ever website. The graphics group beat three other shortlisted consutlancies in a credentials and creative pitch.

‘We have very strong ideas about what we want for the website. We are a very design-led brand and want a very visual and image-led website,’ says Octopus marketing director Rupert ‘Boo’ Kenyon.

The site will be divided into six main product categories, with working titles such as Child’s Play, The Great British weather, Pedal Power and Pets.

‘Life is going to become simpler with the recession, with people wanting to buy fun design at a low price,’ says Kenyon.

Octopus began life 15 years ago as a market stall in London’s King’s Road, selling brightly coloured novelty umbrellas. The product range has since expanded to include bags, watches, mirrors, kitchenware, crockery, jewellery and toys.

The website is due to launch in April.