Navigating a new world

STANFORDS

mapping a retail store regeneration

Stanfords is the world’s largest map retailer, and a destination for explorers, adventurers and travel junkies.  But after 100 years in the same London location, this iconic brand wanted to create a new retail experience: more diverse in offer and broader in attraction.

Indoor staircase area decorated with hanging model hot air balloons and antique airplane models, with framed maps and pictures on the wall, and a large 'Stanfords 1853' sign on the black wall.
Storefront sign displaying the word "Stayfords" in cursive black font with "EST. 1853" beneath it.
Stanfords store, featuring an assortment of books, maps, and unique items, creating a vibrant, well-curated space
A wooden rack holding decorated umbrellas, with a colorful world map umbrella at the right.
A book titled 'Five-Minute Mindfulness: Walking' resting against three globes on a surface. The book cover features illustrations of people, animals, and nature scenes.
A black mountain bike with a pink seat and a black bag attached to the rear, parked in front of a large stack of cut logs in a forest, with tall trees and greenery in the background.
Close-up of a globe sitting on a table with a black shelf filled with illuminated globes in the background.
View inside Stanfords store, looking up at displays filled with books, maps, and travel essentials, creating an inviting atmosphere.

This meant repurposing the space to do new things: having a platform for emerging authors; opening a space for live events; a café for meeting and sharing; areas for corporate hospitality … and more.

Crowd of people gathered in a room with British flags and globe decorations, viewed from above.

A contemporary metropolitan emporium aesthetic opens up the whole essence of adventure. Celebrating Stanfords’ spirit, expertise and the explorers, is an illuminated wall of globes from classical to digital, showcasing a world of discovery across the ages.

Bookshelves with books about U.S. states and maps in a bookstore or library.

Ultimately, a new chapter for Stanfords: reframing the references and making it a travel destination in its own right.

Interior of a bookstore with shelves filled with books, art supplies, and decorative items, including a staircase and framed maps or artwork on the walls.
A hand holding a disposable coffee cup with a black lid. The cup has a black label with the words "STANFORDS Coffee House" and a steaming coffee cup logo, over a background of a city map.
A handwritten note on a vintage map background that reads, "I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." - Susan Sontag.
A room decorated with model planets and hot air balloons hanging from the ceiling, along with framed maps and pictures on the wall.
A white and gray curly-haired dog sitting on a map of Mount Rainier with a black harness and a leash.
Close-up of an old, ornate stone building facade with the word "STANFORD" in gold letters. The building features decorative windows, intricate moldings, and a purple-tiled roof, seen from a low angle against a blue sky.
A vintage globe of Africa on a wooden shelf among other globes in a store.
Front view of a bookstore named 'Stanford's' with large glass windows and white brick exterior
Books with maps and comics on a bookshelf in a store.
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