The Face of Retail

Designing first impressions that last

— it’s about identity, atmosphere, and experience. At the heart of it all lies the Retail Façade: the face of the brand, the first impression, and the invitation inside. Here are 6 key insights from Concept i Founder/CEO Geoffrey Morrison on how to craft powerful and purposeful Retail Façades that resonate.

Read more: iNews—The Face of Retail

AND THE WINNER IS …. CITYSTARS!

Citystars, Katameya, Cairo

2025 | RLI Retail and Leisure—Future Project Award, RLI Global, Londoner Hotel, London, UK.

2024/25 | Best Retail Development – International at International Property Awards – Global, Strand, London, UK.

2024 | MECS+R Shopping Centre and Retailer MENA Awards – Gold Award Winner for Design and Development “Visionary Concept “ at Retail Congress MENA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Citystars Katameya, a 245,000 sq.m mixed-use development in Cairo, has been awarded the RLI Future Project Award at the 20th Global RLI Retail & Leisure International Awards on June 25th, 2025 in London! Concept i are the lead designers for the project, including master planning, architecture, and retail interior design.

“We are absolutely delighted” says Geoffrey Morrison, Founder/Managing Director of Concept i “This is the second global class award received by the project after winning the 2025/25 “World’s Best” Retail Development at the International Property Awards, MECSC&R Visionary Project Award in 2024. It’s even more special to be part of RLI’s 20th Year celebration, marking 2 decades of Jayne Rafter and her teams relentless energy, passion and connectivity in this amazing sector.”

Read More: iNews – The Global RLI Awards 2025

How Retail Spaces are Evolving to Become Cultural, Social & Experiential Hubs

The retail landscape is undergoing a thrilling transformation, driven by cutting-edge technology, a commitment to sustainability, and ever-evolving consumer expectations. Retail spaces are no longer just places to shop; they are becoming vibrant cultural, social, and experiential hubs. Concept i has identified seven innovative trends that are set to revolutionize the future of the retail industry.

Read more: iNews – Top 7 Trends

CONCEPT I WINS WORLD’S BEST

Citystars, Katameya, Cairo

2024/25 | Best Retail Development – International at International Property Awards – Global, Strand, London, UK.

2024 | MECS+R Shopping Centre and Retailer MENA Awards – Gold Award Winner for Design and Development “Visionary Concept “ at Retail Congress MENA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

A massive “congratulations” to Citystars, ARCO and the entire development team for this outstanding achievement. Last night, Citystars Katameya, Cairo won the prestigious Best International Retail Development at the 2024/25 IPAX Global International Property Awards held at the Savoy Hotel, Strand, London.

Set in vibrant New Cairo, Citystars Katameya is a vast, 1.2 km long, mixed use development spanning a 245,000 sq m. site. The project is conceived as the “Birth of a New Star”, fusing lush, sustainable landscapes and spectacular retail-tainment, with luxurious residential, hospitality and Grade A office space. It will set a new benchmark for life-style destinations in Cairo, one of the world’ greatest, most rapidly expanding Metropolis. Concept i is the lead Design Architect and Interior Designer, working together with Turner Const. Int. (PM), ECG (Arch/Eng.), Accor (Hotel and Residences), RCG (Retail Consultants), Kristina Zanic Assoc. (Residential/Hotel Interiors), PLandscape (Landscape Design), DJ Coalition (Lighting), Shaker (M,E&P), CKP (Hospitality Consultants) and more.

The International Property Awards celebrate the highest levels of achievement by companies operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry. An International Property Award is a world-renowned mark of excellence.

CITYSTARS KATAMEYA, CAIRO – BEST RETAIL DEVELOPMENT EGYPT AND AFRICA!

Following its Gold Award (Visionary Concept) at the 2024 MECS+R and MENA Awards, CITYSTARS KATAMEYA, Cairo, is now shortlisted for the Best Retail Development Project in Africa (Regional Level) by the International Property Awards for 2024-2025. The project is now a strong contender for the overall International award, showcasing its exceptional innovation and design.

Congratulations to ARCO, Citystars, and our talented team of designers and support consultants. Thank you to The Middle East Council of Shopping Centres & Retailers and International Property Awards for recognizing this unique and trend setting project in the retail industry.

Concept i is proud to be the Lead Architect and Interior Designer for the project.

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS! THE ALL NEW “TOPS CLUB”

The new mega membership store “TOPS CLUB” in Bangkok

Concept i congratulates Central Food Retail Co (CFR) and Central Retail Corporation on the grand opening of their new mega membership store “TOPS CLUB” in Bangkok on Sept 28th 2022. The newest of Central Groups eight retail concepts, Tops Club is a “never before seen” retail member club offering imported consumer goods and premium products from over 20 countries, in an innovative 15,000 sq m warehouse format. Product displays are fun and interactive with over 40 sampling points set up throughout the store. Membership is easily accessible, seamlessly integrated with Central’s extensive consumer network. The concept will elevate retail to the “next level” as an ultimate destination for food, product quality, choice and price point.

Concept i was appointed as the Lead Consultant for this flagship project and provided comprehensive services for Master Planning, Architecture and Interior Design, Retail/Operational Consulting, and assisting CFR with the Due Diligence process.

Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g_UED2ZA

SLAM, DUNK, SWISH! – 4 Global Future Design Awards 2020

Global Future Design Awards 2020. Established in 2016, the GFD 2020 Award is one of the world’s most prestigious awards for high-rise architecture. It recognizes outstanding ideas that redefine Architecture design through the implementation of novel technologies, materials, programs, aesthetics, and spatial organizations along with studies on globalization, flexibility, adaptability, and the digital revolution. It is a forum that examines the relationship between the Architecture and the natural world, the Architecture and the community, and the Architects and the city.

Concept i are honoured to be awarded GFDA 2020 for 4 of our projects. See below for further information:

Projects Name: Seacon Head Office | Whey Aye | Citystars | Spring City 66
Awards: Winner | Third Award
Project Link: http://www.architecturepressrelease.com/winner-seacon-head-office-by-concept-i/
Project Link: http://www.architecturepressrelease.com/winner-whey-aye-by-concept-i/
Project Link: http://www.architecturepressrelease.com/3rd-award-spring-city-66-by-concept-i/
Project Link:  http://www.architecturepressrelease.com/3rd-award-citystars-by-concept-i/

PHYSICAL DESIGN

Consumers still appreciate the ‘touch and feel’ experience of physical spaces – however, their role needs to be redefined. Now is a key time to capture attention from new customers. Communicating reasons to trust and ensuring a “first-time-right” encounter is more important than ever.

BREATHING SPACE

Shopping Centres should provide more indoor-outdoor areas where customers can enjoy fresh air, active recreation, green space, outdoor seating, pet-friendly areas and events, representing an intersection of physical and online shopping. These spaces will become the new lures to enhance customer engagement and confidence in safety.

PUBLIC SPACE

Historically there has been a drive towards greater density in our retail and leisure developments – however we now need less intensive planning strategies that balance both commerce and critical health. With each project typology, we are investigating new technologies, circulation patterns, people densities and pinch points, to help reduce risk.

RETAIL SPACE EFFICIENCY

Businesses are strategically adjusting their operating space as they do not require as large a service area. Retailers, especially F&B, fashion, cosmetics and personal care, are shifting their focus heavily towards e-commerce.  The fastest adapters will downsize their store & seating areas to have bigger fulfilment centres and delivery/pick-up areas.

‘Retail reimagined: The new era for customer experience’, Periscopes for McKinsey, August 2020