Stockholm

The Background
Pompei A.D. was approached by Kiehl’s as part of their effort to redefine the Kiehl’s brand. Kiehl’s was looking to introduce the concept of ‘responsible luxury’ to their new stores and create a new brand vision utilizing contemporary spaces and materials. The Client
Founded in 1851 in New York’s East Village, Kiehl’s began as an old-world apothecary. Kiehl’s has since developed into a global brand, with stores in the US, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Kiehl’s product philosophy is focused around using only high-quality, natural ingredients. The brand places a high value on community service, and has made it a point to reach out and develop relationships within the communities they serve.

The Concept
The design concept began with the importance of conveying the depth and heritage of the global Kiehl’s brand, while reflecting Kiehl’s commitment to community participation. Pompei A.D. worked to create a space that would both emphasize and facilitate interaction between the customers, the products and the retail environment.

The Design
The design of the store focused on clean lines and simple layouts allowing for unencumbered circulation, maximum product visibility and multiple opportunities for the customer to interact with both the products and other people.

The juxtaposition between the colder materials, stainless steel and marble, the warmth of reclaimed woods, and the elegant use of slate created a balanced palette, evoking the feel of a modernized apothecary. The desired ambience of comfortable luxury coupled with a reverence for the brand’s history was realized without relying on a themed environment.

The Result
Pompei A.D.’s concept and design was very well received by the Kiehl’s brand. As a result, the firm was asked to create a Master Specifications document that currently serves as the template for construction and visual merchandising for all future Kiehl’s stores.