Plants and interiors are what makes our hearts beat faster. We’re always on the lookout for what’s new in green decor, how plants inspire new technologies, materials and designs. That’s exactly what next month’s Maison&Objet is all about: the fair will show a revitalized future that combines technology and nature “TECH EDEN”. We have been at Maison&Objet many times (see HERE and HERE), but from January 18-22 2024, they are launching a new program called “WHAT’S NEW? In Retail”. This helps professionals (independent boutiques, concept stores, distributors, department stores) to develop their business through workshops and merchandising solutions. Greenery, organic shapes, natural materials and well-being are obviously part of these “solutions” and we are excited to discover more next month.
Below you can read more about this new program at Maison&Objet, why, where, what, how. And get your tickets HERE. Will we see you in January?
WHAT’S NEW? In Retail
From January 18th to 22nd, 2024, at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center, Maison&Objet’s “WHAT’S NEW? In Retail” program brings something new to the more than 30.000 shops that visit the show each season. Mélanie Leroy, Managing Director of SAFI has been crafting an innovative space to tackle the retail challenges head-on and make it a practical hub for the industry. Think of a real concept store space where you can learn from experts on how to improve the impact of the shop window, or make your shop more like a place where people actually want to hang out. Because when we go out to shop for interior decor, design, gifts or plants, we tend to combine it with some coffee & cake, meet up with friends, snap some Stories for Instagram, maybe even stay to work a little bit, or sign up for a wellness treatment. We want to feel good where we shop and stay a little longer: we crave true connections, whether it’s online or physical. It’s not about filling up our cart and checkout at the cash register anymore. How do you turn your shop into that kind of place where people feel good?
That’s exactly what you’ll learn more about during the workshops that are part of this new program: “WHAT’S NEW? In Retail” will be blurring the lines between categories to create spaces that feel natural, intuitive and welcoming to all. They also dive in deep into the “retail nitty-gritty” and provide ideas and tips to spice up your store and ride those industry changes.
For the space, at the entrance to Halls 3 and 4, Maison&Objet worked with two major contributors:
François Delclaux, a foresight expert, for the storytelling of the space and the selection of new products,
BETC Design, a strategic consulting agency, for structuring the customer journey and effective merchandising.
“Maison&Objet is offering us an incredible playground and a unique way of collaborating on the section’s design: the expertise of François DELCLAUX on stylistic trends, new uses and new products, and BETC Design on the prefiguration of a real place to stimulate sales” explains Christophe Pradère, founder and CEO of BETC Design.
At the heart of this space, “coaching workshops” are planned throughout the 5 days of the show to help shops implement practical and efficient solutions within your own point(s) of sale. Think of Maison&Objet like a booster shot for you as a retailer. It’s not just about finding new stuff; it’s about getting advice, finding solutions, and staying ahead of the game.
WHAT’S NEW ? IN RETAIL – A WHOLE CONCEPT
“This space is inspired by the dynamics seen in South Korea and Mexico, for example, with their effective multi-functional and multi-category spaces in concept stores, a major category for our visitors”, explains Mélanie Leroy, General Manager of SAFI.
A fluidity of use as conceptualised by François Delclaux in his décor: “Fluidity also in objects, shapes, materials and surfaces: traditional categories fade away and become less radical, boundaries less clear-cut. The design combines an enduring brutalism in which the material imposes the form, with flexible, organic, and silent forms, and finally with gentle, non-intrusive technology. The home becomes intuitive and inclusive”.
Christophe Pradère (BETC Design) adds: “It’s a real retail experience. We’ve incorporated what we call ‘moments’ to showcase the products, with the creation of ‘attack’ furniture, display units and an exportable kiosk, for example. To complement and enhance their offering, we want to give shops the idea that the products on display are relevant to their space.”
Of course this will all align with this year’s theme of Maison&Objet: TECH EDEN: where nature and cutting-edge technology combine. We as customers seek a more serene world, with a focus on comfort and well-being. You as a retailer will experience this tranquility through organic shapes, natural materials, soft pastels, and shimmering reflections. Obviously greenery is part of this!
COACHING WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES TO HELP RETAILERS FIND PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
With 25 workshops on the agenda, you will be able to receive insights on the upcoming changes of your business industry and be supported on the promotion or staging of your store(s).
Maison&Objet selected some of the most relevant experts to lead these coaching workshops and address both strategic and inspiring topics, including:
“From storytelling to storyliving” by Christophe Pradère (BETC Design)
“Merchandising is not just visual!” by Donatienne Richard (trainer)
“How to integrate nature into your shop in an inventive way?” by Nicolas Rebet (Retailoscope)
“Developing your brand quickly via TikTok, the video of success” by Tony Piloseno (Tonester Paints)
AND TO GO FURTHER: FOCUS ON A THRIVING WELLNESS MARKET
During the last Maison&Objet show The Wellbeing Experience was launched at the show and in January this will make a return: the wellness market is a booming market with a projected global growth of 9.9% per year over the next 5 years (according to the Global Wellness Institute). The last edition was very well received, so again in January you can immerge in this space and experience a selection of new products for personal and home well-being, as well as workshops to learn new ways of relaxing and finding balance.
This is a unique opportunity for retailers to experience a sensory and holistic journey in a promising market. The offering is designed in collaboration with the American trend office Fashion Snoops and the Retail & Well-being consultant Marina Musset (from concept store La Seinographe).
You can find the Well-being&Beauty sector in Hall 3 in January.
So, if you’re in retail and want the inside scoop on how to improve and spice up your shop, make sure you visit Maison&Objet this January. It’s more than just a trade show; it’s where ideas meet solutions!
Get your tickets for Maison&Objet HERE.
With limited travel opportunities this year and stuck at home we all suffer from some kind of (healthy!) fever: PLANT FEVER! More than ever, we adopt plants and learn how to care for them while we work, eat, live, socialize virtually, all from the comfort of our homes. 
Team studio d-o-t-s: Olivier Lacrouts et Laura Drouet:
