Launched in the UK this year, ILVA is a different kind of home furnishing store with three 120,000sq.ft outlets in Thurrock, Manchester and Gateshead. Aiming to replicate the success of its existing Scandinavian stores, ILVA offers a wide range of quality furniture and accessories at affordable prices. It aims to set trends within home décor and provide inspiration for shoppers in an enjoyable shopping environment.
Designed by acclaimed Danish architects Schmidt, Hammer and Lassen, the stores have won civic architectural awards and have been hailed among the most modern and beautiful in Northern Europe. The flagship store in Malmo, Sweden, recently won 2006 Best International Retail Interior at the Retail Interiors Awards. Infused with natural light and an interior built with glass, stone, steel and wood, the UK stores offer a contemporary and spacious shopping environment. The technical lighting system in each store comprises over 5,000 theatrical lights bringing to life the spacious room sets and individual product ranges displayed.
Programming for ILVA needed to be just as stylish too and Ian Light, tsg's Media Programming Manager has created a music signature that reflects the quality and eclectism of the ILVA offering, taking in pop, soul, rock and accessible r'n'b. Artists typically used in ILVA's bespoke profile include Kooks, Beatles, Jack Johnson, The Feeling, Scissor Sisters and Hall & Oates, with the overall aim of making the music profile recognisable and inclusive whilst ensuring that the whole shopping experience is a thoroughly enjoyable one.
(Lee Baldock)
