Black Ivy Design Designs a Bold New Flagship for The Cream Store in Sheffield’s Burgess House

The Cream Store has officially opened its new flagship store in Sheffield. The new 280-square-metre retail space, designed by Black Ivy Design, marks the premium fashion retailer’s second store in the UK. The store is wrapped around the corner of Charles Street and Cross Burgess Street, fronting the Five Ways junction, and heralds the next phase of a significant regeneration plan of the area.

Founder and Director of The Cream Store, Manish, said:

“This is not just a retail space. Every nuance of both of our stores in the UK – from branding to the interiors, to how we plan to activate the space by collaborating with local businesses – is designed to bring the local community together. Working with the interior design experts at Black Ivy Design on our new flagship, therefore, has been paramount to The Cream Store landing with purpose, here in Sheffield.”

Housed on the ground floor of the iconic Burgess House, The Cream Store combines elegance, creativity and bold design choices to create a space that captivates upon entry. “The focus of this project was on delivering a unique shopping experience, with a sleek, modern interior scheme to blend seamlessly with the exceptional customer service we are renowned for,” added Manish.

Black Ivy Design brought its hospitality expertise into play throughout all design stages, blending premium materials, striking textures and a carefully curated palette to create a space that feels both elevated and welcoming.

Leanne Armstrong, Founder of Black Ivy Design, said:

“We took our inspiration from the fabric of the building and from Sheffield, the ‘Steel City’. The design is all about creating an environment where every detail, including lighting, surfaces, the sensory touchpoints and the flexibility of the space, makes the customer feel connected to the brand and its story. Our use of natural materials and subtle, contrasting textures invites customers to explore the space and immerse themselves in the experience of The Cream Store.”

The design of the store incorporates several unique elements, including:

Bespoke lighting installations: Black Ivy Design wanted to create an eye-catching lighting installation, seen from the street, so shoppers can be drawn in by the branding of The Cream Store from all angles of the junction. In addition to this being a creative accent, the foliage around the installation cleverly hides the air-conditioning unit. Elsewhere, neon signs are used to subtly create zones and smartly display merchandise.

Natural materials and soft textures: a blend of natural birch wood, stone, steel and plush textiles are used throughout the two-level store, contributing to a tactile and sensory shopping environment that reflects the brand’s commitment to quality.

Fitting rooms: the fitting rooms have been designed as an extension of the store floor, with the same design language and cosy lounge areas, featuring modular furniture.

A seamless shopping experience: the main desk has been designed as an island, rather than a check-out desk.

Sustainability-focused design: the store design incorporates eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, underscoring The Cream Store’s dedication to environmental responsibility. Even the upholstery is locally sourced or made.

Manish added:

“Collaborating with Black Ivy Design on our flagship store has been an inspiring journey. From the beginning, Leanne and her team truly captured the essence of our brand, translating it into a space that feels both luxurious and accessible. Their attention to detail, from the selection of materials to the seamless flow of the layout, has resulted in a store that not only looks stunning but also enhances the customer experience in ways we hadn’t imagined.”

With its dynamic and thoughtful design, the new flagship is more than just a store – it’s a destination. Offering an experience that balances high-end fashion with the comfort of a welcoming space, which can adapt at a moment’s notice, The Cream Store flexes a bold interior design scheme that elevates the brand and sets a new standard in retail experiences.

Share

About Alys Bryan

Alys is a knowledgeable design editor who is focused on instigating conversations, both online and in-person, with industry experts which challenge, educate and advance the commercial interior sector. Her training and 15 years of professional experience as a furniture designer for the commercial sector makes her uniquely placed to lead Design Insider as Editor
View all posts by Alys Bryan →