Glastonbury Abbey
Glastonbury Abbey has undergone a multi-million redesign and build of their secondary spend areas including the cafe, retail and ticket office aimed at enhancing visitor experience and ensuring the site's long-term sustainability. SS+A were appointed to undertake a complete retail package within the space of just three months.
The refreshed Shop is part of a broader initiative to create a more inviting and accessible space for visitors and the local community. The project, funded by the Town Deal initiative and with contributions from various heritage funds, addresses the need for modern, accessible facilities and improved commercial offerings.
SS+A, known for their innovative approach as Architects of Ambience, played a crucial role in developing the shop's retail strategy. The SS+A team, including Catrina Hicks, Danny McLean-Low, Mhairi Holland and Jane Le Bon brought decades of experience in retail, merchandising, and customer experience to the project.
Process
Site visit, data analysis + knowledge gathering
Story review + idea generation
Buying plan + process
Ordering + range plan finalisation
Pre-opening set-up and visual merchandising
Their comprehensive work ensured alignment with the Abbey’s overall strategy and interpretation, with the team providing expert guidance on visual merchandising and shop layout. SS+A also developed strategic product zoning plans, carefully designed to enhance the customer journey and seamlessly integrate with the site’s interpretive narrative.
Outcome
The comprehensive work carried out ensured alignment with the Abbey’s overall strategy and interpretation. SS+A developed strategic product zoning plans, building strong commercial stories and sourcing from local makers to enhance the unique historical local connection. The team also provided expert guidance on visual merchandising and shop layout. Carefully designed to enhance the customer journey the transformed new retail offer seamlessly integrates with the site’s interpretive narrative.
Stephen Spencer, Ambience Director at Stephen Spencer + Associates said; "We are thrilled to have played a part in enhancing the visitor experience at Glastonbury Abbey. Our focus was on creating a retail environment that not only drives commercial success but also enriches the visitor's connection to this historic site. Projects like this are the reason we love what we do."
“The new Shop is a significant improvement, and Stephen Spencer + Associates have been instrumental in creating a retail space that truly reflects the spirit of Glastonbury Abbey. Their expertise in product selection, merchandising, and financial planning has been invaluable. We are very pleased with the outcome.””
