L’Occitane ups technology in New York City flagship

L’Occitane has gone high-tech in its New York City flagship.



Located in the Flatiron District of Manhattan, the renovated store seeks to addressing the demands of today’s shoppers for immediacy and information while also channeling the rich heritage and culture of the brand’s Provence, France, roots.



The flagship features the brand’s first “smart beauty fitting room,” where shoppers can discover and personalize their shopping experience on a digital platform that allows them to browse products in a private, online format. The digital experience is combined with a physical, and sensorial product sampling experience.



The store also feature a one-on-one concierge service offering amenities that range from sparkling water to fragrance engraving and custom gift creation.



“We are thrilled to open the first store of the future at L'Occitane Flatiron, one of our flagship stores worldwide and a premier shopping destination in Manhattan," said Paul Blackburn, associate VP design & construction, North America. "From entry to exit, the multisensory boutique works collectively to create both an immersive and individualized shopping experience, offering clients an unparalleled assortment of product and service."



Inspired by the Provençal culture, the store is designed to offer an immersive, yet individualized shopping experience. It begins with the exterior façade where bright golden L’Occitane shutters open wide to invite everyone in.



Upon entering, each shopper is part of a modern day Provençal open air market. A community board details the in-store services, and bestselling and top trending products. Further in the space, shoppers can experience the brand’s collection of products under a colorful, 400-sq.-ft. trellis that runs down the middle of the ceiling, with seasonal changes.



L’Occitane commissioned creative agency School House as lead designers. The firm created a modern interpretation of abstracted design, art, digital and cultural and environmental innovations designed to elevate Provence from a location to an experience.