Univé Zwolle
Informative, interactive, and exceptionally welcoming: with this new store in Zwolle, the new Univé formula is brought to life even more. At this location, the strength of people shines through, and the customer – or rather ‘the guest’ – is at the center. Here, you will find the reassurance of mutual assistance in an environment that feels like ‘home.’ Folkert van der Kooij & Laura Fransen from Studio Oak are responsible for the interior concept of the store, a concept based on the idea of ‘returning to strength’ and five fundamental principles.
The feeling of ‘home’ is strongly present here, and everyone is welcome to feel at ease. While the old stores resembled offices, these new locations have employed both straight and rounded shapes that reflect sympathy, craftsmanship, and reliability. Together with the recognizable green color, this evokes positive associations with the space. The store is transparent, light, and accessible. Here, you enter an informal and welcoming atmosphere, intentionally without a counter or desk.
Univé strives to be relevant to its customers, and every day is dedicated to helping them live worry-free in everyday situations. This foundation blends with the modern era in the stores. This is expressed, among other things, through various tables where bundles of security are digitally presented, and in spaces where customers can have remote digital contact with a specialist. In this way, we not only actively engage with the customer but also provide them with personalized and modern options to meet their needs.
- Univé has a rich history that is reflected, among other things, in specially designed lantern lamps and wall drawings that refer to the origins of our company.
- Univé draws inspiration from craftsmanship and attention to detail. This craftsmanship is manifested in the stores through attention, care, and the use of artisanal materials and products, such as the handmade and hand-painted wall tiles from Harlingen.
3. The stores serve as local meeting places where learning, inspiring, and discovering take center stage. The central spaces can be easily transformed into presentation areas. This is enhanced by the interior design, such as a cozy bar or a digital wall displaying social streaming content. Local engagement is evident in the use of materials sourced from the local culture or in artworks created by local designers.
4. Univé believes that a healthy living and working environment is the foundation for a safe and carefree life. That’s why we have worked as much as possible with local materials and suppliers that adhere to sustainable guidelines in our stores.
Folkert van der Kooij (Studio Oak) on the shopping of the future: “You see everywhere a rise of online versus offline.” In addition, a store is becoming more and more a place where physical contact can be combined with the specific brand experience. This dual function is also strongly reflected in Univé; it’s not just about meeting the customer, but also about physically establishing the the Univé story. This is something we have continuously kept in mind in our new store concept: a place where customers are warmly welcomed and, at the same time, receive education on prevention. A place where online and offline complement each other and continually add value to the entire shopping experience.”
