The Cream Store is an independent clothing and lifestyle retailer specialising in authentic streetwear stocking brands such as Carhartt WIP, Fred Perry, Barbour International, Edwin and Levi’s to name a few. Having been established in 2005 they had finally reached a point where they were out growing their first store, situated in the city centre main shopping centre. Black Ivy specialises in retail interior design so was the obvious choice to create a space for Cream.
Having secured a new premises on the high street next to a proposed new retail development site, The Cream Store felt overwhelmed by the size of the space and turned to Black Ivy Design to help them transform the vast store into a retail haven aimed at the local streetwear consumer. With over 2500sq ft on the ground floor to play with, the ethos of the brand couldn’t be compromised, and the design needed to elevate the products on display.
Attention to detail such as product placement and strategic lighting to highlight the ever-changing stock on display Storing stock was another issue to solve. Also, how to store the stock to hand without having to leave the shop floor which is vital when staff are on their own in the premises.
The Cream Store had a clear vision of what they wanted but required consultation, guidance and expertise to bring all the desired elements together. They wanted a minimal atmosphere, a space to inspire and engage customers, increase footfall, revenue and profitability.
Having seen all the completed projects on the website and visited some of the spaces, The Cream Store reached out to Black Ivy Design for help. With a proposed retail and leisure development being built next to the store they wanted to maximise revenue by applying for planning permission to open up the side of the building, install bi-fold doors and have a coffee shop in the premises.
They wanted designers who had the expertise to design the space with the flexibility to implement this in the future. Black Ivy Design worked closely with the store to achieve this and future proof the space, starting from the proposed plan and then scaling the design back.
“The service Black Ivy Design provided resulted in a stunning in store experience capturing the minimal environment placing product at the forefront. The Cream Store has seen an increase in revenue and a steady rise in footfall since the store moved premises.”
