Harvey Nicks update by GP Studio

Harvey Nichols will open revamped footwear and personal shopping departments at its flagship Knightsbridge store later this summer, with design by GP Studio.

Harvey Nichols appointed the retail design consultancy in January without a pitch, as a result of GPS managing director Gregor Jackson’s 15-year relationship with the department store.

Jackson oversaw the last redesign of the Knightsbridge store’s 300m2 women’s footwear department in 2000.

‘They are both anchor departments for the store, and definitely needed updating,’ says Jackson, who describes the new look for footwear  as ‘cosseting and boudoir-like’, with linen-lined walls, wood veneers and fabric-covered chandeliers.

Harvey Nichols briefed GPS to give the 260m2 personal shopping department the feel of a luxury hotel suite.

Jackson says it is unlikely that the footwear and personal shopping retail designs will be applied to Harvey Nichols’ other UK outlets in Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham.

‘The personal shopping department at the Birmingham store has a loft apartment-look to it, reflecting its client base, but Knightsbridge has to appeal to a much more international audience,’ says Jackson.

‘Each store, as a matter of policy, carries its own design concept and identity,’ says a Harvey Nichols spokeswoman.

‘All planned refurbishments and expansions are pitched for on a store-by-store basis.’

The department store chain is due to open a new 3000m2 outlet in Bristol this autumn. Its interiors are being designed by French architect Christian Biecher & Associés.

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