Royal Holloway Student Union, London
The second grocery retailer on our travels is located in Egham, Surrey. This fabulous new food hall is sited within the state of the art library complex that now graces an historic university campus. Made from copper panelling and glazing, the new building is also eco friendly, as is the new Royal Holloway Student Union Shop.
The designers, Retail Design Solutions Ltd, were tasked with a complex brief to create a unified and cutting edge interior that would also stock a very broad selection of produce, everything from Krispy Kreme doughnuts (the modern student’s favourite snack) to clothing. They had to develop a concept that was easy to navigate and stocked all the essentials, but looked incredible and would be a pleasure to shop.
From the moment you enter this innovative
store its unique ambiance is clearly
apparent. White, brick cladding and
reclaimed timber used throughout the store
aptly convey the modern, functional yet
fabulous aesthetics. In the main section
of the store sit a combination of natural
wood units with plastic shelves and chilled
cabinets which are edged with slate grey.
Above these are placed monochrome
signage to perfectly portray a rustic yet
urban vibe. The flooring is grey so as not to
detract from the warmth of the wood and
the clarity of the white brickwork.
Freestanding shelving units are lined up
systematically across the store to ensure
it stays in the realms of convenience
retailing. Further perimeter shelving lines
the walls to enhance the regimented style.
Above the units, the brick cladding brings a
fresh, contemporary stance to this vibrant
campus utility. Concise, bold signage with
single words, such as eat and drink are
simply stamped onto the brickwork. A
mantra specifically aimed at its student
audience - eat, drink, work, party, sleep - is
also etched around the store’s walls.
Further bespoke wood display tables
grouped together featuring special dietary
merchandise plus enormous oak barrels
loaded with shopping bags, create eye
catching points of reference across the
sales floor. Gondola ends are also of
particular note as they are edged with
reclaimed wood that makes them highly
noticeable and embodies the spirit of this
store. The clothing section is similarly
impressive - a giant size, wood clad wall
cabinet complete with numerous box
shaped shelves allows clothing to be
displayed folded by colour. A central
window allows a couple of items to be hung
on display and drawers at the base contain
additional stock.
The double height ceiling which is left open to reveal exposed vents and beams, has suspended spotlight trunking that also increases the feel of this very cool interior. A row of large, pendant lights that are hung between the fridge and the bank of central display units delivers yet another stunning focal point.
RDS provided a project management service to the University, overseeing the tender, shop fit out and retail fit out during the summer break to ensure it was operational in time for Freshers’ Week in September.
This exciting store would look suitably at home on any high street – Royal Holloway Student Union sets an excellent benchmark for grocery traders.
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