Industry Spotlight - ITAB
ITAB navigates a changing world shaped by sustainability, digitalization, and AI technology. Modern store design is about meeting consumer expectations with attractive and inspiring environments, while brand identity and flexibility demand the designer’s full attention.
Johan Reimblad, Purchasing Manager at ITAB Sweden, talks about the growing importance of digitalization. ITAB’s offering has evolved from initially consisting of the company’s digital design tools to now including advanced analyses of customer flows, purchasing patterns, and security solutions. This is particularly important in their projects for grocery retail, fashion, home improvement and interior design, consumer electronics, cafés and service stations, pharmacies, as well as health and beauty. “We are seeing an increasing share of interactive solutions in our various concepts, where they form a natural part of the customer experience,” says Johan.
Examples include self-checkout stations and interactive screens that allow customers to search for product information, place online orders, and view in-store messages. Johan believes that the role of AI will grow—not only for the customer experience but also within ITAB’s analytical tools.
Sustainability in focus
ITAB’s customers are demanding sustainable solutions, which the company sees as an opportunity. To ensure a longer lifecycle for store furnishings, design and material choices are adapted to facilitate reuse and recycling. Johan explains: “When we develop store fittings, we do so with a clear sustainability focus. The lifecycle of the interior is extended through conscious design and a re-use perspective.” This sustainability focus applies to all markets where ITAB operates and meets different requirements depending on whether it concerns grocery retail or, for example, fashion and beauty.
Tailored design for different markets
Johan also discusses how ITAB’s design is adapted to different markets. In Sweden, we are used to self-checkout counters with gate solutions, but this is not the case throughout Europe. “The checkout area and lighting vary significantly between markets and are adapted according to customer preferences and regulations,” he explains.
The stores of the future
Looking ahead, Johan believes we will continue to see a mix of larger department stores and strong brands. “We may see hybrid solutions where a café is combined with clothing, interior design, and click-and-collect orders,” he says, emphasizing how ITAB’s design is always adapted to the specific needs and customer flows of each market.