Timmermans is a Belgian family-owned footwear store. After 145 years in the footwear and leather business, they found themselves at a crossroads: the next generation was about to take over. Timmermans decided to mark this occasion by opening a new 400 mᒾ venue.

Aware of the ascent of online retail, Timmermans wanted to play to their strengths by offering customers a tailored shopping experience that stimulated the senses. You can feel the shoes and clothes. You can touch them. Slip them on. Even smell them. That’s where a physical store trumps its digital equivalent.

We translated this sensorial advantage into an innovative store layout based on the four elements: earth, water, air and fire. And worked closely with Timmermans to establish this vision across the interior.

The concept of the four elements resurfaces throughout the entire store. Display systems and volumes in red travertine, raw concrete bricks, blackened wood and tree logs hint at earth and fire, while cathedral glass, semi-transparent curtains and Oskar Ziet’s Plopp stool add water and air to the interior.

Unlike most retail stores, Timmermans’ new store isn’t simply constructed of fixed shelving and display walls. We added a curated selection of individual tables, columns and furniture, all of which can be rearranged at will. This gives the freedom to switch things up when a new collection arrives.