5 Star Plus Project Highlights of 2019

We believe that design has to achieve strategic goals set by the brand such as an increase of sales revenue, achieve high impact through design that creates a wow-effect that strengthens the brand image and enhances customer loyalty. Last year we continued to create impact for our clients through thoughtful and creative design.

Retail Design:

For the Swiss Ski-wear brand, KJUS, 5 Star Plus gave their first flagship store in Asia a new futuristic look. Cool metals, and dynamic lighting that contrasted with tones of grey and orange, helped us to achieve this look.

The Singapore based German brand, Brotzeit, wanted to enhance the design of an existing location in Hong Kong. Use of leather, greenery, and other warm colors create a welcoming and casual dining environment for a nice lunch break or a family meal.

Sinsian Black Jelly Brand, a new grass jelly dessert brand based in China, requested 5 Star Plus Retail Design to create a store concept design for their premier flagship store in Beijing. The design was inspired by Sinsian’s brand identity of tradition, health, and purity through the minimalistic design features that showcase the product including light, warm colors and hand-drawn motifs of natural herbs and leaves to highlight the fresh quality of the jelly.

Exhibition Design:

Our exhibition projects allow us to work with clients across different industry sectors. From full scale design to production and logistics services, we enjoy the opportunity to work with clients new to China’s market by providing guidance and tools to have a successful show.

The Austrian luxury eyewear brand, Silhouette, expanded their operations to mainland China in 2019. To make a statement, they participated in 2 different International Optics Fairs in both Shanghai and Beijing with both stands above 100sqm. 5 Star Plus Retail Design was responsible for support with the design development, technical exhibition stand design as well as the production and build both stands.

MEBO international, a global pharmaceutical company specializing in wound and ulcer treatment, participated in the 29th conference of The European Wound Management Association 2019 in Sweden. The concept of the exhibition stand design was to create a dynamic and modern structure whilst boasting scientific connotations and a stylish aesthetic. 5 Star Plus Retail Design were responsible for the project management and overall production of the exhibition stand.

Events:

Last year we helped with the design and production for a variety of different events from conferences, to delegations, and other networking and promotional events. Last April, a delegation from Lower Austria came to China to celebrate and recognize the positive business relationship between China and Lower Austria. As part of this, Advantage Austria hosted a two part Lower Austrian Networking Reception in both Shanghai and Beijing. 5 Star Plus managed the design and production for both events.

Visual Identity & Graphic Design:

Every brand needs to define its visual identity to ensure that the brand positioning and message is communicated across all channels and visual tools. Our team understands the importance of adapting and refreshing visual identity in order to create a strong brand image in China.

A new brand “LuxStory” antique boutique, co-financed by Huaxia Pawn Shop and Japan KOMEHYO, needed an elegant visual identity design to create a strong brand image in the market. The logo is composed by the letter “L” and “S”. “LuxStory” means “Luxury Story.” Combing the colors of gold and brown to create a luxurious and unique feel, 5 Star Plus designed multiple elements including administrative items, packaging, and advertisement posters. The overall visual identity design provides a sophisticated look that creates an international appeal.

5 Star Plus Industry Insights:

Last year, our marketing team gave talks on variety of Chinese Retail related topics. Backed by extensive research we focused on three key industry points:

•  Storytelling through Retail Design – How to effectively adapt your brand story to speak to Chinese consumers, and the benefits for brands.
•  New Retail, New Design – Adapting your retail strategy and store design to fit the current needs of Chinese consumers.
•  How to market yourself better in China – Whether it’s a B2B or B2C company, marketing techniques need to be adapted for China.

Our Managing Director, Barbara Seidlemann, also shared her insights on China Global Television Network’s New Money business program. Her interview demonstrated insight into the importance of aesthetics in both home and retail context, whilst also providing and discussing the design market itself.

Outlook for 2020:

Throughout 2019 we had the opportunity to work with some unique brands and interesting clients to help them achieve their strategic design goals and see success in the retail industry. As the new lunar year has just begun, our goal is to continue providing valuable services to retail brands that help them to achieve their new goals for 2020. We also plan to maintain an up to date knowledge of the Chinese retail market, regulations and the relevant design trends that help us understand the market development. Finally, we seek to foster the relationship with our existing vendors and partners in China so that we can continue providing the best possible quality to our clients. 5 Star Plus Retail Design understands what it means to build up a brand identity and strategically use our services to create a maximum benefit for our customers through creating emotional connections between the customers and the brand. We look forward to creating more impactful designs in the coming year!