Premier Retail

Charbonnel et Walker

Charbonnel et Walker
Written by Roma Publications

New look brings sweet success for Queen’s chocolatier – Charbonnel et Walker

Charbonnel et Walker

Credit Andrew Hendry

A stylish makeover has brought sweet success to exclusive chocolatiers Charbonnel et Walker’s Canary Wharf store, with sales trading up by 20% in just over two weeks following the introduction of a fresh, modern look.

Founded in 1875, Charbonnel et Walker is one of Britain’s finest and oldest chocolatiers, and having received the Royal Warrant, is one of the few chocolatiers to Her Majesty The Queen.

In 2004, CADA were appointed to design Charbonnel’s concession store in Saks 5th Avenue, New York and have since developed a number of their International retail platforms.

CADA Design originally created Charbonnel et Walker’s Canary Wharf store located on Promenade Level, Cabot Place, Cabot Square, in 2006 and were recently commissioned to refurbish the 25m² Canary Wharf store to meet the expectations of the modern shopper.

The fit out works were carried out by Datum Contractors.

A monochromatic new scheme now showcases the brand’s iconic pastel packaging ranges, and includes Integrated strip lighting placed into the shelving units to highlight the products, drawing the customers’ eye and, in turn, increasing sales.

CADA Design also removed the conventional style counter to open up the space, allowing continuous engagement between staff and the customer. This provides a clear route through the store, allowing customers to browse, taste and engage with the products leading to purchase.

The success of the scheme was demonstrated by a 20% increase in sales in just over two weeks after the store re-opened on Monday 12th September.

Project lead, Caroline Hamlett states, “Each Charbonnel et Walker project we deliver is unique. We always strive to develop the concept through design, functionality and deliver commercial benefit to the client.”

Encouraged by Edward VII, (then the Prince of Wales), Charbonnel et Walker formed as a partnership between Mrs Walker and Mme Charbonnel, the latter from the esteemed Maison Boissier chocolate house in Paris.

The brand’s original shop opened at 173 New Bond Street in Mayfair and has remained in Bond Street ever since. It is housed in one of London’s most elegant arcades, the Royal Arcade on Old Bond Street.

Charbonnel et Walker chocolates are handmade to traditional recipes, using the finest ingredients.

The chocolates and truffles have a luscious richness and unforgettable silky taste and are presented in luxurious, handmade boxes, complete with satin ribbon and complimentary gift-wrapping.

The rich heritage of Charbonnel et Walker weaves together a magnificent patronage of colourful characters from royalty and aristocracy to socialites and screen legends.

Iconic customers have included Princess Diana, Princess Margaret, Wallis Simpson, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Alec Guinness, Lauren Bacall, Noel Coward (who requested a box of the finest selections to be delivered to his home every fortnight ) and Prince Francis of Teck (who once bequeathed the Teck Emeralds to his mistress) after courting her with Charbonnel et Walker chocolates.

 

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Roma Publications