Sponsored by Contra Vision, the Retail Windows category at the UK Graphic Awards is down to two great finalists.
A word from the sponsor – Adam Paget, Head of Sales – EMEA and APAC at Contra Vision
Retail is massive for Contra Vision. Where many have been wary about the future of brick-and-mortar stores, we see the sector as a fantastic opportunity. Given that our products are predominantly used on glass, we were very keen to support the Retail: Windows category and the whole retail sector.
Our products help retailers and brand owners promote across multiple outlets to single stores to enhance their locations with prominent and impactful advertising without blocking the view from inside and still allowing daylight into the store.
Contra Vision prides itself on innovation and has introduced several new developments with retail in mind. Our clear one-way vision films allow application to the inside of the glass, alleviating some common concerns, we also offer Translucent White one-way vision products that allow retail graphics to be visible during hours of darkness. Our most recent technological advancement for retail is our HD films, which offer the world’s best graphic definition and best view out for one-way vision products.
In an ever-changing and ever more competitive retail environment, the front-of-store is a crucial space. Often brands and retailers want to use this space but steer away from solid graphics due to blocking the view out and natural light, which dramatically affects sales levels. Contra Vision products allow the best of both, providing striking imagery and maintaining the view out. We have a range of transparency options and finishes that mean each project can be tailored to the client’s specific needs.
Contra Vision is committed to leading sustainability for one-way vision films. We use REACH-compliant components to manufacture our products and include a percentage of recycled material, we are also due to release a PVC-free product and are even exploring plastic-free options for use in the future.
By applying Contra Vision onto retail windows, the solar heat from the windows can be dramatically reduced, meaning that air conditioning loads are too. In a study on bus windows, the Contra Vision film reduced the heat inside so much that our products were found to be carbon-neutral!
We wish the finalists all the best on the night.
The Graphical Tree: Harvey Nichols – Christmas Windows 2022
The Graphical Tree helped Harvey Nichols deliver another eye-watering, all-singing, all-dancing festive Christmas window display. The visual merchandising team from the world-renowned department store asked the team to print and produce a host of supporting vinyl stars and graphics for installation, including at its iconic flagship Knightsbridge store.
The production brief involved cutting brushed silver decals and latex printing to matt silver and gold vinyl. Each printed piece had a texture laid to each of the large panels, which were comped together onsite at the time of installation. The shapes were positioned to create giant stars interlaced with LED lights or geometric panelling as a decorative element at the top of the huge store windows.
Each different vinyl used needed sampling before sign-off. There was a myriad of metallic vinyl to choose from, including brushed, matt, and mirrored surfaces. They produced a variety of samples with varying degrees of ink coverage to see how the colours and textures would be visible when in situ.
Working closely with the VM team, The Graphical Tree were able to choose a set of printed vinyl star pieces to use for the 2022 Harvey Nichols Christmas window displays. Once signed off and the printing process complete, the vinyl shapes were backed with black to totally block out the light behind.
Behind the scenes, the in-house Harvey Nichols visual merchandising workshop and supporting prop suppliers were doing their part to put the pieces of this jigsaw puzzle of a festive display together. The installation is a multi-layered logistical operation with all the component parts coming together to make a visual feast for the eyes, creating a sense of joy and wonder for the December festive holidays.
Mauveworx: Lakeland Christmas Windows 2022
Mauveworx created and produced everything in Lakeland’s premium Christmas window displays. Taking the existing brand toolkit as the foundation, they centred all display elements around the Luxe, Scandi theme with texture and depth. The in-house CAD team and creative designers ensured every aspect was aligned with this natural premium styling while maintaining the essence of the Lakeland brand. To showcase their products, we incorporated lifestyle photography. The overall look remained consistent with the rest of the Christmas POS in-store. The window’s design aimed to evoke the magic of the season, enticing shoppers and generating excitement.
One of the core objectives was to make sure that these displays could be assembled by in-store staff across nearly 70 stores, accommodating varying window sizes and formats, without the need for an installation team. The elements were delivered in flat packs to stores, designed for easy assembly and fitting. Each kit was modular and tailored to fit specific window sizes and quantities. Mauveworx meticulously planned the placement of each item, ensuring they harmonised side-by-side. In advance, they provided Lakeland with all elements for testing in their mock store.
The focus was on creating displays for a range of window sizes and numbers across Lakeland’s nearly 70 stores, situated in diverse retail environments, from high streets to shopping centres and garden centre concessions.
To craft these displays, Mauveworx utilised a variety of materials, including cardboard, vinyl window clings, and light banner-grade PVC, ensuring interest and depth. Sustainability was paramount, and materials were chosen for maximum recycling and reuse.
