Topshop New York
We were appointed to design Topshop’s New York flagship, which was launched in spring 2009. It is the strongest statement of the brand outside of its Oxford Circus home. Architectural master planning, departmental treatments, lighting and environmental graphics all support the vision of the Topshop VM team in this bold and confident statement of the brand at retail. The store is 33,500 square feet, over four floors: one for Topman and three for Topshop. A fifth floor supports the retail offer with a Press Room, a VIP Style Advisor area and Hospitality – all adding to the experience. The vast floor to ceiling heights – up to four metres on the ground floor – create a perfect space for contemporary retail.
The entrance has been extended over the three upper floors, with a glazed atrium above the lobby, which emphasises the scale of the store. Escalators are placed to the right of each floor – prominent, but screened by a full height glass wall, merchandised to maximise the impact of the fashion on offer. The escalator wall takes a London story to New York, with a photographic montage featuring London icons and references to Topshop culture. The escalator is framed by a new directory system we trialled in White City, and becomes particularly effective here considering the complexity and size of the store. Navigational signage follows this same crisp and informative style. The overall ambiance is dramatic and theatrical, accentuated by the use of directional spotlighting throughout and the relatively low light levels.
Project testimonial
“This is genuinely the best store we have ever built.”