New Member Series: Unita
As the retail landscape evolves, businesses are seeking innovative ways to enhance customer experience. The rise of technology-driven shopping and changing consumer expectations highlight the importance of dynamic retail spaces that go beyond traditional store formats. Unita, a company with extensive experience in the design and construction of retail, hospitality, commercial, and health environments, has recently joined the Large Format Retail Association. Its approach integrates technology, immersive design, and efficient project management to help shape the future of Large Format Retail.
The role of design and innovation in retail
Retail spaces are no longer just about transactions—they have become hubs for experiences. With 20 years in the industry, Unita has been involved in projects that prioritise aesthetics and functionality, ensuring that physical stores remain relevant in an era of e-commerce dominance. By creating visually appealing and interactive environments, businesses can encourage customer engagement and brand loyalty.
A recent example is Unita’s work with Snowscene, a winter gear retailer in Queensland. Given the region’s warm climate, shopping for ski equipment can be challenging. To address this, Unita designed and built a specialised cold room within the store, allowing shoppers to try on their ski gear in a climate-controlled environment. This feature ensures customers can make informed purchasing decisions while enhancing their shopping experience.
For Large Format Retailers, navigating expansive spaces while maintaining an engaging and cohesive shopping experience is key. Effective layout strategies, thoughtful wayfinding, and experiential design can enhance customer journeys and improve interactions with products and services.
The growing impact of AR in retail spaces
Augmented Reality (AR) is emerging as a transformative tool in retail, bridging the gap between digital and physical shopping experiences. By integrating AR into retail fit-outs, businesses can offer customers new ways to interact with products, whether through virtual try-ons, 3D visualisation of furniture in their homes, or interactive displays providing deeper product insights.
During the Women’s World Cup, Unita’s fitout for the Nike Dream Arena pop-up seamless integrated AR services to enhance the overall shopping experience. Shoppers at the Dream Arena had the opportunity to virtually try on different soccer kits and immerse themselves in the latest Nike innovations.
For Large Format Retailers, leveraging AR can improve engagement, assist in purchasing decisions, and differentiate stores from competitors. The ability to blend digital convenience with in-person shopping allows retailers to adapt to evolving consumer behaviours and technological advancements.
Addressing challenges in Large Format Retail
Large Format Retailers face unique challenges, from optimising vast floor spaces to ensuring an intuitive customer flow. Strategic design plays a crucial role in overcoming these obstacles, making stores more navigable and enhancing the overall experience for shoppers.
In addition to design considerations, efficient project execution is vital for retailers looking to expand or refurbish their stores. A well-managed approach to construction and fit-outs helps businesses minimise downtime and disruptions, ensuring smooth transitions during upgrades or new store openings.
The future of Large Format Retail spaces
As retail environments evolve, creating immersive, customer-centric spaces will become increasingly important. Trends such as experience-driven shopping, technological integrations, and sustainable design are likely to shape the industry in the coming years.
By exploring innovative store design and fit-outs, Large Format Retailers can stay competitive in a changing market. As a new Large Format Retail Association member, Unita brings insights and expertise to discussions about the future of retail spaces, offering perspectives on how design and technology can work together to redefine the shopping experience.
For more information contact David Monaghan, National Strategic Partnership Manager at david.monaghan@unita.com.au
