Abbey Road Studios Store unveiled
Stocking a large collection of music memorabilia, from T-shirts and vinyl records to homeware and more, Abbey Road Studios Store is a brand new retail experience designed with music aficionados in mind. The new store – which opened just in time for Christmas – boasts a range of exclusive products & gifts, which continue the legacy of the iconic music studio.
The meticulously crafted basement store boasts a bright spacious layout, imaginative displays – including a display of bass guitars formerly owned by Paul McCartney – as well as a range of interactive elements. All of the work on the project was expertly designed, created and installed to reflect the legendary status of the Abbey Road name and the result speaks for itself.
Lumsden is a leading design practice with an excellent reputation for delivering visionary, compelling and achievable environments within the retail, commercial and cultural sectors. As an experienced practice, with an impressive portfolio that includes the likes of the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum amongst others, Lumsden were the perfect choice to take on such a prestigious project as the Abbey Road Studio Stores.
Working alongside Lumsden, Creation Shopfitters LLP was appointed as the fit-out contractor on the project. Creation Shopfitters LLP has a longstanding working relationship with Lumsden, which ensured a successful scheme that more than met the client’s expectations.
Creation Shopfitters LLP was responsible for the installation of the store’s merchandise system, display kits, mid-floor counters, wall units, special electronic table and signage, as well as associated works. Work began on the project in mid-October, running for three weeks.
Speaking to Premier Retail, Creation Shopfitters LLP Senior Contracts Manager, John McNamara, said:
“We’ve worked with Lumsden on quite a number of prestigious projects in the past, including the likes of Warners Bros amongst others, so we were pleased to get involved with this project. Abbey Road Studios is so iconic that we were simply delighted to be involved with the studio store.”
Highlights of the store include the cash ‘n’ wrap counter which includes some 1200 LP covers built into the counter and the Sonus area, a dedicated interactive area which includes facilities that produce sound at the touch of a button. Additional displays have been incorporated into the store in order to bring the feel of Abbey Road Studios directly into the shop, including elements inspired by the iconic Studio 2.
John said:
“The display kit was designed by Lumsden and built by us to reflect elements of Studio 2. There are a number of elements within this display which are drawn directly from the studio, such as the mesh panels which replicate the acoustic panelling seen in the studio.”
With a project of this nature, the vast majority of the display units are bespoke, ensuring that the store provides music fans with a unique retail experience not found anywhere else. This attention to detail carries across all aspects of the store and the result is a one-of-a-kind shop with a real sense of history.
John said:
“From a personal point of view I am a big fan of music, so the opportunity to work with Abbey Road was just fantastic. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and we were pleased to be involved with this project.”
Abbey Road Studios Store is open seven days a week, from 9:30am until 5pm Monday to Saturday and from 10:00am until 5pm on Sunday.
For more information about Abbey Road Studios Store, please visit: www.abbeyroad.com.
