Chinese womenswear brand MR ER has opened a new branch on the premises of Yintai City, one of the leading shopping centres in Hangzhou. Occupying a lofty unit of 101 sqm. (1,087 sq.ft.), the retail space features an interior design by Shanghai-based architecture practice J&C Design which has ‘life theatre’ as design theme. Indeed, the retail space has become a stage, and it’s one with a carefully calibrated configuration of elements that creates the required visual drama. Sleek and minimalist, the façade of the MR ER store is crafted from glass and marble, and the latter material extends indoor, cladding the walls of the store’s front section. Here, a large LED screen is situated, featuring branded footage, is paired with a decorative concrete volume, which is balanced out by an organic stone volume on the other side of the door.

Sleek metal clothing racks and a partition are offset by a wall-mounted panel of black charcoal wood and a back wall of dark grey walls with matching curtains which conceal the fitting rooms. Right in front, more or less demarcated by a large carpet, a sales counter, low-bench seating and a large display table are situated. Given the ‘life theatre’ theme, similar attention to detail has been given to lighting. A configuration of six metal grid-like ceiling light fixtures effortlessly tie in with the sleek interior design, and are supplemented by ceiling-embedded light spots and large ceiling lights near the entrance. The newly opened MR ER store carries a selection of apparel, accessories and shoes. © superfuture