Edinburgh-based designer, Bright 3D, is the company tasked with creating the innovative concept that will bring the Scotch Whisky Experience retail offering into the 21st Century. With previous clients including The Royal Botanic Gardens, The National Trust and Royal Yacht Britannia, the team is well-equipped for the industry-leading project, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. Here, Creative Director Ewan McCarthy, shares his thoughts on bringing a fresh taste to whisky retailing.
A FRESH TASTE TO WHISKY RETAILING
EWAN MCCARTHY, BRIGHT 3D
The challenge of creating the best whisky shop in the world has certainly been an engaging process for the design team and, whilst construction work is now well on its way, the design details and management of the project is still keeping the team at Bright 3D very busy.
Juggling the different aspirations and requirements of the project has been one of the challenges that Bright 3D has taken on board. Dealing with what is often perceived as a traditional and conservative market, Bright 3D felt that there was a real opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to how whisky is promoted and sold. The retail offer at Scotch Whisky Experience provided an ideal opportunity to push the boat out and create a whisky retail experience unlike any other.
Using interaction, innovative AV and contemporary approaches to product display, the shop interior will be a surprise to both those that are involved in the industry and visitors to the Scotch Whisky Experience. One of the project’s prime objectives was to integrate the retail experience with the existing tour and restaurant offer. For example, Douglas MacIntyre, the animated character from the tour will now feature as a personality within the retail environment.
The whisky industry is in rude health so it’s a great time to bring a new dimension to the way in which people experience and buy one of Scotland’s greatest and most well known products.