DYI and Banks enter the future as VBAT redesigns their Dutch stores

Home Depot eat your heart out, the new Gamma stores are here and they show a sleek designed DIY store that looks a bit like a spaceship landed, serving as inspiration for the crafty DIY shopper. VBAT has also redesigned SNS Bank, and with the bright colors, gravity defying displays and curved desks it looks more like an oxygenbar in Tokyo than a stodgy old bank.

The Gamma stores have been redesigned to appeal to younger and more female audience, whilst keeping enough of their old identity to not scare off the die-hard DIYers. The new-look stores are already showing significantly increased sales, with the bulk of the increase coming in the decorative sector, in other words the girls are invading.

SNS Bank (above) is currently implementing the shop design, opening 50 new bank-shops and receiving overwhelming positive feedback. The gravity defying signs aren't just pretty, they make the customers do the work as: "VBAT’s new design positions SNS staff as the core facilitators in providing customers a self-service access to all financial services, creating a more cohesive customer experience between retail and online services. The pilot stores have already reduced the total spend per branch by 40% which is a crucial component in the choice to re-fit all 300 bank shops by the end of 2011." DYI banking!

Andy Palmer Smith, Retail Creative Director for VBAT, says:
“Changing the face of over 500 stores in two years is a major achievement in this period of economic uncertainty. Retailers are only prepared to invest time and money if they see that the new design delivers an improved customer experience, increased sales, reduced overheads and boosted profit margins. That three major retailer are prepared to make such a big financial commitment is a huge endorsement for VBAT and the effectiveness of our work.”

Robert de Groot, CEO and Brand Director for VBAT, continues:
“The changes in the retail landscape have increased consumer choice and led to a more competitive market place. In turn, retailers are savvier and much more discerning when it comes to making investments. Designs have to go beyond just looking good. We work with our clients to create a retail space that caters to their customers’ needs and conveys the brands core values but also delivers in terms of profitability.”