A new state-of-the-art facility focusing on sustainability and efficiency within the retail industry will open in Leicester this month.
The
Retail Lab will be based at De Montfort University’s Faculty of Art and Design. It has been designed to support small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and blue-chip companies in the development of
sustainable and
resource efficient retail design.
Believed to be the first centre of its kind, the facility boasts the latest t
echnologies in sustainable design activity and places the consumer at the heart of its investigations.
It will initially assist 80 to 100 retailers and supply chain companies become more efficient and sustainable through lighting solutions, product offer and
marketing, built environment, heating and ventilation, merchandising, point of sale and consumer behaviour.
"The philosophy of the Retail Lab is to develop the research environment around individual business needs, focusing on sustainability and efficiency within the retail industry and the supply chain that supports it," said De Montfort University design expert Peter Ford. "Our academics range from social scientists to technologists and designers, who have expertise in areas such as lighting, architecture, textiles, fashion, packaging and product
design, as well as business and law."
As well as a 'mock shop’ retail laboratory, the facility includes a virtual test space for concept evaluations, a dedicated area for conducting training and exhibitions, and a knowledge bank focusing on six specialist areas – legislation,
supply chain,
build, fit, materials and consumer behaviour.
It has been funded with the help of Leicester and Leicestershire Leadership Board.
The new centre will open on June 14. A series of free two and six hour sessions will be held for interested parties from industry between July 6 and 8.