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Aromatherapy Associates
Aromatherapy Associates, the British cosmetics brand, wanted to create a shopping mall concession and flagship brand experience in order to enhance their Asia retail presence.
The concept was designed in order to evoke the feeling of a traditional apothecary whilst providing customised treatments based on original flower essences, herbs and botanicals. The raw ingredients are placed on view in capsule ‘stalactites’, which have been illuminated to show off the vivid colours and forms of the various natural ingredients.
Private consultation tables allow trained staff to gain a full understanding of each customer’s individual requirements before a recommendation is made and a bespoke remedy is formulated. The design embodies sensory calm and wellness, standing out within a competitive retail setting by focusing on experience over transaction.
Our design for Aromatherapy Associates emphasised atmosphere as much as function. By shaping sensory cues through lighting, fragrance, and tactility, the space embodies the brand’s ethos of wellness and care. The concession serves as both a retail outlet and a restorative brand touchpoint, giving customers an experience that goes beyond shopping. This layered approach strengthens loyalty, builds recognition, and provides a powerful case study for wellness-driven retail design.
The concession project highlights how design can transform a small footprint into a brand showcase. Carefully curated finishes and subtle branding elements created a calming, premium atmosphere, reinforcing the brand’s wellness credentials while maximising visibility in a competitive retail environment.
Client
Aromatherapy Associates
Location
Hong Kong
Size
12 sqm
Completed
2016
Project Stages:
- Concept Design
The concept was a departure from the existing Aromatherapy Associates retail store model, and an attempt to move towards a more natural material palette and design language whilst emphasising the brands inherent 'homegrown' characteristics and the sensual properties of the product.
Where possible we sought to specify real, natural materials to give the store a more honest feel and lend integrity to the product.
Where required, we provide comprehensive drawing and documentation packages in order to clearly communicate the design to the contractor.
Fictional Site
Real Site
1
Creating the ultimate design blueprint for your brand's future.
Real Site
2
Concept Design is where we lay the creative foundations and test the design limits.
Real Site
3
Schematic Design is where we really start to bridge the gap between concept and reality.
Real Site
4
Detail Design Intent, Documentation & Coordination.
Real Site
5
Documentation Refinement, Coordination & Preparing The Contractors Tender.
Real Site
6
Managing The Tender To Help Our Clients Appoint The Best Main Contractor.
Real Site
7
Contractor Shop Drawing Review & Regular Site Attendance Throughout The Fit-out Process.
Real Site
Post Completion
8
We are experts in creating guidelines manual for stores, restaurants, and malls fit-outs.
