SNEAKERBOY MELBOURNE
2013
‘By blurring the boundaries between the physical and digital realms, the store established a destination that operates with the fluid logic and efficiency of an online platform.’
The landscape of shopping has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, with online stores often overtaking traditional ‘high street’ retail for the sake of convenience.
Sneakerboy Melbourne emerged at the forefront of this retail revolution, taking the concept of web-based retail and bringing it directly to the streets. By blurring the boundaries between the physical and digital realms, the store established a destination that operates with the fluid logic and efficiency of an online platform.
Central to the Melbourne store’s innovation is its stockless and cashier-less model, where all customer transactions are conducted via a smartphone app. By eliminating the traditional requirement for back-of-house stockrooms, the design allows the entirety of the available floor space to be dedicated to showcasing an extensive range of footwear. This shift in layout enables staff to move away from the logistics of inventory management, allowing them to focus exclusively on curated service and the overall shopping experience.
The store's architecture and branding exude a seamless blend of digital connectivity and modern industrial design. Entry from the street is gained through a striking circular steel portal that leads into a viewing chamber, while obscured glass blocks create a private fitting room bathed in natural light. This space features 300 blackened steel pigeonholes housing shoes of various styles, complemented by custom-spun steel chairs with integrated iPad holders, allowing customers to browse the digital catalog while trying on physical pairs.
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RETAIL
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COMPLETE
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WURUNDJERI | MELBOURNE | VICTORIA
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BUILDER | CBD CONSTRUCTION
STRUCTUCTURAL ENGINEER | CO-STRUCT
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PETER BENNETTS