MARCS, Canberra Centre

Australian fashion chain Marcs is preparing to roll out a new retail concept across key metropolitan sites. Melinda Oliver gets the scoop.

Men’s and women’s apparel brand Marcs is set to unveil a series of new look stores before the end of the year. Sites in Sydney Airport and Crown Casino, Melbourne are scheduled to showcase the revamped format.

This follows the recent launch of the fresh concept at a 200 square metre Canberra Centre store, designed by Universal Design Studio, which is pictured here.

Webster Holdings national property manager Lillian Cheung, who is in charge of the stores, says an angular ceiling feature is a standout aspect of the look. A zigzag effect is created with a series of folded modular planes which can be arranged and interlocked to suit varying store sites.

Creating a versatile, neutral platform to display the label’s colourful collections was an important objective. Merchandise panels were placed against each opposing wall, with inter-changeable fittings, making them easy to adjust for new collections.

“A linear hanging system allows for a simplistic and casual visual merchandising style to let the product draw the customers’ eye into the store,” says Cheung.

Solid timber tables provide space for folded garments. A series of aluminum and linoleum plinths can be moved underneath or on top of these to provide height and depth when required. The colour scheme sees a white ceiling and walls punctuated with black metalwork and burnt orange drapery. 

“These tonal highlights are tied together with a sophisticated palette of anodized aluminum, natural oak, linoleum and mirrored glass,” she says.

Men’s product is displayed on the right side of the store, while women’s is on the left, with logos identifying each area. Cheung explains the change rooms feature full height curtains to create a sense of comfort.

Melinda Oliver