Riis Retail

From a modest beginning as a small Danish cabinet maker, Riis Retail has extended the craft on which they were founded in 1965, and now offers a turnkey service with a 200+ strong team, mainly based in their Kolding HQ in Denmark.

At a time when many retailers have been taking many services in-house, Riis seems to have flourished, taking care of their clients’ complete needs; from design concept to international roll-out, with projects across Europe, the Middle East, China, USA and India.

Many of their concepts have been designed for Danish retail and hospitality brands including the more internationally known Vero Moda, Jack & Jones and Joe & The Juice.

As we see the design of stores for fast fashion labels competing with those at the higher end of the market, their concept for Vero Moda in Stuttgart, is a prime example of this, as their concept elevates the brand, giving each of its collections a stronger identity.

Another home-grown brand is Joe & The Juice, founded in Denmark and well known across Northern Europe, they now have over 170 branches around the world. In each, the bar is central to the concept, creating a ‘stage’ drawing customers in and providing space for Joe’s ‘juicers’ to entertain. The ambient lighting is cosy and the eclectic selection of photography is reflective of the brand’s cultural vibe.

Riis have also designed the latest look for Lakrids by Johan Bulow; the very best liquorice brand on the planet, whose Belgian chocolate coated liquorice is terrifyingly addictive and delicious. Riis have given the brand a suitably sophisticated look that matches its premium positioning.

The tonality and use of natural materials used in Ilse Jackobsen’s womens’ outerwear store are distinctly Nordic, whilst the inclusion of wet weather screens, playing like an art film in the background, gently persuade customers of their need to purchase.

Rømerhus is one of Riis’ latest projects and is the flagship for Bestseller (parent company of over 20 fashion brands). Located in its hometown of Aarhus, the elegant historic exterior has an equally interesting interior. At the centre of the store a tree-like structure reaches up to the ceiling, drawing one’s eye to the artwork, which appears like a recently discovered cave painting.

They’ve also ventured, and we think quite successfully, into hospitality, with ‘The Restaurant’ which takes over the ground floor of Bestseller’s Rømerhus flagship. Divided into nine unique seating areas, range from a rather grand, canteen like dining room, to an intimate dining space enveloped in a woven, wave-like willow installation, reflecting the restaurant’s waterfront location. Once again the interior features Nordic hues, in a handsomely executed concept.

With each project, Riis continues to develop, creating stronger and more interesting projects and we look forward to seeing their new work around the globe.