American Apparel

Global fashion retailer American Apparel approached Barber to help expand their store portfolio and to build a working relationship to continue designing store rollouts across the UK.

“This was a great opportunity to roll out the American Apparel brand to the UK market” – Doug Barber MD

The first project saw Barber design the new American Apparel store in historic Briggate, the principle shopping precinct in Leeds. To retain the essence of the American Apparel brand, Barber worked with the LA team and UK offices when designing their new store in Leeds. Three floors of retail space including stockroom were created to utilise all available wall and floor area for stock holding whilst retaining the graphical design and wayfinding elements American Apparel are renowned for. Due to the historic listed buildings within the area, Barber took on all aspects involved in the acquisition of local planning permission, submissions and approval for the project. Feature design elements include large format graphics extending across the stairwell and throughout the changing rooms. Illuminated and mirrored ceiling features add drama to the top floor. Providing a showstopping retail environment separated over two floors the 4200sq ft store has been a huge success in bringing awareness of the brand to Leeds.