With a history spanning more than two hundred years, Heal’s remains a go-to store for contemporary design and discovering emerging talent. As part of its ongoing retail strategy to provide the best in-store and online experience possible, Heal’s has opened a new concept showroom in The Queens Building on London’s Westbourne Grove.
Will Hobhouse, chair of Heal’s, says: "We are two years into a programme of change to ensure Heal’s remains at the forefront of British design, and more importantly, to put the customer at the centre of all we do.
"Shopping habits have changed beyond recognition in the past ten years and we needed to respond to the new consumer digital age and how customers research and shop. Service, whether online or in-store, is paramount and we know that the changes we are making will ensure we’re at the top of our game."
A stone’s throw away from Kensington Gardens and prime avenues for high-end fashion and designer boutiques, the new Heal’s concept showroom is situated beneath 16 individually-designed residential apartments, on the ground floor of The Queens Building - formerly an art deco cinema. The new showroom houses one of the most comprehensive lighting collections in London, catering for all specialist lighting needs and bringing Heal’s innovative style and service back in the heart of West London.
In addition to being a prime destination for specialist lighting, the Queens showroom offers Heal’s Styling Service with a dedicated, interior expert team on hand to discuss interior projects, using Heal’s extensive collection of exclusive and designer furniture, stand-out fabrics and made-to-measure services. As the one-stop shop for interior designers and specifiers, the new showroom also includes an all-encompassing library of designer fabrics for customers to browse through in-store.
Remaining at the forefront of British design, Heal’s has embraced the latest technology to offer a unique retail experience. Integrating the retailer’s new website, set to launch in August in conjunction with the showroom opening, the fully-digital store features a range of multimedia displays that pay homage to the cinematic heritage of The Queens Building.
Heal’s at Queens has been designed and project managed by British designer and former finalist of Heal’s Discovers, Matthew Elton, who was instrumental in launching Heal’s Ambrose collection in 2014. All the fixtures, fittings, along with the bespoke kitchen showcased in-store have been designed and produced at the Heal's workshop by Elton and his team.
To coincide with the new showroom opening, Heal’s has announced that it now offers this expert, bespoke design services directly to its customers.
Matthew Elton comments: 'It’s been a fantastic journey working with Heal’s, from the Ambrose A-Frame collection through to the design and build of the new Heal’s store. The Queens Building is a local landmark; the team and I are proud of what we've created, and feel privileged to be part of the Heal’s programme of change.
"Growing up in London, I always knew of Heal’s and what it stands for. Now, in my new role heading up the Heal’s Contract Furniture/Kitchen and Shop-fitting division, I have a hand in keeping that tradition going."
