Spanning 22,000 square feet, the Tessuti flagship store in Liverpool draws on historic Liverpudlian architecture, classic Italian style and cutting-edge digital moments to set a new benchmark for destination retail.
Designed by Counterfeit Studio, the newly acquired landmark flagship is located in Liverpool ONE and translates Tessuti’s premium fashion identity into an adaptive, digitally enabled retail environment.
Brand experience and adaptive retail concept
Tessuti’s 37-year history is built on a passion for sourcing the latest premium designer brands. Born out of a desire for self-expression, escapism and aspiration, these values informed Counterfeit Studio’s creative response.
As Counterfeit Studio founder Murray Aitken explains, the new direction had to resonate deeply with Tessuti’s customer. The solution is an adaptive store able to showcase launches and activations clearly, creating a flexible and dynamic platform for both new and established brands.
Liverpool Overhead Railway as architectural inspiration
Given Liverpool’s unique sense of identity, Counterfeit Studio drew from the city’s culture to define a site-specific design language. Rather than relying on obvious references, the studio looked to the Liverpool Overhead Railway, known locally as the “Dockers Umbrella”.
The historic structure’s archetypal arch profile becomes the basis of the store’s architectural language. The motif is replicated throughout the space, including three digital arches at shopfront level that connect the two-storey façade and occupy the large glazed surface.
Digital architecture and visual merchandising zones
Around the central escalator void, a large stainless steel lozenge is punctuated by arches that echo the engineering scale of the Liverpool Overhead Railway. This element becomes a strong store signature while guiding the customer’s gaze upwards.
Above the central atrium, an XL format digital screen forms a key focal point. Elsewhere, the arch motif supports wayfinding, marking destinations such as fitting rooms and brand areas.
Three-level layout and destination retail planning
The 22,000 square feet store is arranged over three levels, with two floors dedicated to trading. The ground floor presents core brand apparel from Stone Island, Fiorucci, Billionaire Boys Club, Versace, A.P.C, Norse Projects and C.P. Company.
Six large digital columns are positioned around the central escalator void. These “heat zones” combine product display and digital content, creating canvases for brand activations and drawing customers through the store.
Service areas, footwear and VIP experience
A curved stainless steel cash desk sits at the rear of the ground floor, highlighted by a sharp line of neon light that defines the service zone. Opposite, a large flexible heat zone is designed for local pop-ups and activations.
Men’s and women’s fitting rooms are located in the rear corners of the floor, with dedicated VIP rooms for top-tier customers. The upper floor is accessed via twin escalators and includes defined destinations for footwear and accessories.
This level also includes a Sneakers ER space, where customers can bring footwear and luxury bags for rejuvenation and repair. A large cash desk, Click and Collect station and VIP changing rooms continue the focus on refined service.
Italian materials and contemporary finishes
Materials such as terrazzo, brass and marble are used across both levels. These classical Italian materials, associated with timeless style, are juxtaposed with contemporary digital moments, brushed stainless steel surfaces and neon accents.
Texture and pattern come from rough stucco surfaces, offsetting the clean lines of fixtures and furniture. The result is a modern and aspirational fashion retail environment with a strong material identity.
Location Liverpool
Area 2043 sqm
Design Counterfeit Studio
Photos courtesy French & Tye
Counterfeit Studio
Counterfeit Studio is a London-based multidisciplinary design agency with over 20 years of experience in interior and architectural design. Its work is underpinned by craftsmanship and material exploration, delivering tangible experiences that connect people and brands in places and spaces.
by AN Shopfitting Magazine no.171 ©