Landini Associates has redesigned the retail format for Sun & Sand Sports, the Middle East multi-brand sports retailer and wholesaler. The new concept debuts with a 10,000-square-foot prototype store inside Dubai Mall, introducing a brighter, more dynamic and product-focused retail environment.
The project supports the brand’s new positioning, moving from a performance-led image toward a more engaging experience centred on fun, movement and the enjoyment of sports. The new format is expected to define additional Sun & Sand Sports locations across the Middle East.
The new retail format translates the brand repositioning into a brighter store experience
Sun & Sand Sports challenged Landini Associates to rethink its retail identity while maintaining continuity with the brand’s heritage and the landscapes of the United Arab Emirates.
The design replaces the retailer’s previously darker interiors with a light and vibrant environment. Warm materials, textured surfaces and neutral display fixtures create a more open shopping experience, allowing footwear, apparel and sports products to become the visual focus of the store.
The yellow footwear hub becomes the visual anchor of the store
At the heart of the Dubai Mall prototype, a bold yellow footwear area acts as the main visual landmark. The colour, directly connected to the Sun & Sand Sports identity, attracts customers from a distance and signals the store’s core product offer.
The footwear department includes running shoes, sneakers and specialist athletic footwear. A semi-transparent stockroom wall introduces what Landini Associates describes as “functional visibility”, turning operational space into an active part of the retail experience.
Materials and display fixtures support a warm and product-focused environment
The material palette combines travertine floor tiles, recycled timber and monolithic wall panelling. Sandy textures and warm finishes reference the surrounding UAE landscape while creating a more approachable store atmosphere.
Neutral fixtures keep the focus on the product and support a clear visual merchandising strategy. The retail environment balances energy and clarity, using material restraint to enhance the impact of colour, graphics and product display.
In-store graphics and wayfinding reinforce movement and accessibility
Landini Associates also designed the in-store graphics, including signage, wayfinding, ticketing and point-of-sale displays. The new graphic direction takes inspiration from the dynamic movement expressed in the Sun & Sand Sports logo and brand identity.
A friendly typographic system supports dual-language communication across the store. Playful iconography and illustrative graphics create a welcoming environment while reinforcing the connection between sport, movement and customer engagement.
Project Credits
Client: Sun & Sand Sports
Design: Landini Associates
Location: Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE
Store size: 10,000 sq ft
Photos courtesy: Landini Associates