gpstudio, the specialist retail design consultancy, has been appointed to help John Lewis give its Oxford Street Beauty Hall a multi-million pound make-over that will open its doors for the first time in May 2012. The 18,000 square feet of prime retail space is set to become one of the highest-turnover Beauty Halls in the western world. The re-design has been undertaken to make the space a major national and international beauty destination.

The new concept has been based on the idea of a Town Square, where all the premium cosmetics brands are positioned like ‘houses’ around a central area which will be focused on fragrance and niche assortments such as haircare, skincare, and nails. As well as hosting major international brands such as Chanel, Dior and Crème de la Mer, the new ‘Town Square for Beauty’ will also include a Jo Malone shop.

Gregor Jackson, partner at gpstudio, says, “It’s fantastic to have been given the creative freedom to design an entirely new concept for John Lewis. Our design not only stays true to the department store’s core values but also gives each of the individual cosmetic brands a distinct voice and mode of expression. We’ve also added in some theatre to excite the customer and ensure that the experience they have in-store is constantly changing.”

Amanda Scott, head of buying for beauty at John Lewis said “The relaunch of our Oxford Street Beauty Hall is a key part of our vision for Beauty 2012. This makeover will put the Beauty Hall at John Lewis Oxford Street on the international beauty map and make it one of the Beauty Hall wonders of the world. We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead, launching lots of product exclusives and brand exclusives in a fantastic new space.”

About gpstudio
gpstudio is a specialist retail design consultancy. At the heart of the studio’s approach is a combined commitment to the craft of design and execution, to creative solutions to brand, experience and design and to continued innovation. Founded five years ago by Gregor Jackson, the studio has since worked with brands including Mulberry, McQ by Alexander McQueen, Theo Fennell, De Beers, Aspinal of London and ASK restaurants, with retailers including Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Brown Thomas and John Lewis.