By Mayan Sangil, PRA
The 2024 Outstanding Filipino Retailers (OFR) Awards Night, held last September 25, 2024 at the Solaire Resort North, celebrated the industry’s most innovative players in the realm of store design and merchandising. Among the various categories recognized at the OFR Awards, the Retail Innovation Award in Store Design & Merchandising honored retailers who have redefined the in-store experience through creative design concepts and strategic merchandising approaches.
Small Category winner: Studio Dimensione
Studio Dimensione, a furniture and accessories store, was awarded the OFR Retail Innovation Award in Store Design & Merchandising (Small) category for its meticulously curated spaces and unique shopping experience. With 12 years under the Studio Dimensione brand and 27 years as Dimensione, the store has become a premier destination for design enthusiasts. Offering a collection of high-quality European and Asian designer furniture, the brand has seamlessly blended art and functionality. Its partnerships with luxury brands like Duxiana and Ritzwell enhance its offerings, while its strategic use of online platforms and social media ensures a connected, omni-channel shopping experience.
Studio Dimensione’s design creates an immersive atmosphere that encourages customers to explore, interact, and appreciate the artistry behind each product. Their dedication to customer-centric service sets them apart, fostering loyalty and satisfaction.
Medium Category winner: Urban Revivo
Urban Revivo, recognized with the OFR Retail Innovation Award in Store Design & Merchandising (Medium) category, is a relative newcomer to the retail scene but has quickly made its mark. With six stores and a reputation for being a “fast luxury” brand, Urban Revivo merges the speed and accessibility of fast fashion with the quality and appeal of luxury retail.
Urban Revivo’s store design embraces modern aesthetics, blending cutting-edge technology with customer-focused layouts. In-store artistic collaborations create memorable shopping experiences, reinforcing the brand’s innovative spirit. With an emphasis on customer loyalty and satisfaction, Urban Revivo’s design and merchandising strategy ensures that every visit is as impactful as the products they offer.
Large Category winner: BENCH
Fashion powerhouse BENCH, winner of the OFR Retail Innovation Award in Store Design & Merchandising (Large) category, continues to set industry benchmarks. With 37 years in the industry and 638 stores nationwide, BENCH’s creative approach to store design and merchandising is a reflection of its adaptability and forward-thinking strategy.
Known for turning the everyday t-shirt into a fashion staple, BENCH has diversified its offerings, from denim to lifestyle products. Its sub-brands, such as Bench Body, Bench Active, and Bench Beauty, cater to diverse customer needs. What makes BENCH stand out is its ability to tailor store concepts to fit specific markets and locations, creating personalized retail experiences that resonate with local shoppers.
Despite challenges brought by the pandemic, BENCH has demonstrated resilience, with strong growth in Bench Beauty and Bench Active. Their focus on celebrity endorsements and dynamic marketing campaigns complements their in-store innovations, ensuring that BENCH remains a trendsetter in both design and merchandising.
Pioneers in Retail Design
The 2024 OFR Retail Innovation Award in Store Design & Merchandising category have recognized retailers who are reshaping how customers interact with physical retail spaces. Through creativity, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of their audience or market, these retailers are not just enhancing customer experience but are setting new standards for the entire retail industry.
Their contributions to retail design and merchandising will undoubtedly inspire future innovations in the years to come.
The PRA expresses its gratitude to the generous sponsors of the 2024 OFR Awards Night. This event was made possible through the support of Platinum Sponsor SM Retail, Gold Sponsor Robinsons Malls, and Silver Sponsors Bench and CLN. Additional thanks go to Airspeed, SM Supermalls, and Outbound Asia Inc. for their sponsorship, as well as to Avolution, the Official LED Partner. The PRA extends its appreciation to its Media Partners—Businessworld, The Manila Times, Mediablitz Group, The Philippine Star, and Philippine Daily Inquirer—for their continued support in celebrating the excellence of Filipino retailers.
