Following its debut last year, the Super Happy Store is once again occupying space in Düsseldorf's KÖ Galerie. The pop-up retail format opens its doors on 31 October and will showcase products from independent labels from Monday to Saturday between 10:00 and 19:00 until 31 December. The concept was developed by Lisa Florack, Prof. Katharina Drasdo and Lorenz Uhl, whose Düsseldorf-based platform Super Happy Project complements established retail structures through interdisciplinary partnerships.
For the current temporary occupancy, the number of participating creatives has been expanded substantially. Following a nationwide open call, a total of 100 designers and brands from various disciplines qualified for a presence in the city-centre retail space. The format provides participants with direct access to brick-and-mortar retail at a high-footfall shopping location.
Expansion to include curated activity zones and events
In addition to the regular product line-up, the interim let incorporates experience-oriented elements. Included for the first time is the Super Sticker Shop, which sells designs by independent artists in partnership with the company StickerApp. This is complemented by artistic demonstrations such as the drawing of custom portraits and live tattooing.
- —Opening on 31 October featuring live tattooing by Düsseldorf studio Roar Ink, musical accompaniment and a bar area
- —Weekly live sewing of bespoke bags in November with the Happy Pieces Atelier by designer Sina
- —Product tasting by producer Mellow Monkey from Giessen on 29 November
- —Reading by illustrator Nele Jongeling from her graphic novel on 11 December
Importance of flexible formats for shopping centre operations
For the centre management, the repeat occupancy represents a targeted enhancement of the tenant mix. Alexander Balzer, Centre Manager of KÖ Galerie, stresses that the combination of independent brands and changing events brings fresh momentum to the shopping arcade. Continuing the collaboration builds on the success of the first edition and highlights the potential that flexible space utilisation holds for established retail locations.
The founding team also emphasises the value of testing grounds in city-centre retail. The partnership with KÖ Galerie's management demonstrates that renowned retail properties are open to fresh approaches, creating a constellation that effectively brings together creativity, culture and commercial retail space.
