The new Clinique Laboratories retail concept, which was the result of a collaborative design process between the beauty and skincare brand’s internal design team and UXUS, launched in Shenzhen in December 2020 and illustrates the science behind every Clinique product. It was initially developed for the Chinese market to drive brand awareness and consumer engagement, and is now being rolled out globally. It’s been designed for today’s savvy consumer, who has high expectations for in-store interactions and prioritise a curated, customisable experience. 

The retail design merges a futuristic lab environment with the clean aesthetics integral to Clinique to bring skin science to life and educate consumers on the benefits of their products. Playful and dynamic storytelling brings warmth and approachability to the brand to generate excitement and interest around the different Clinique ranges. Incorporating interactive phygital touchpoints, a new graphic language, and sensorial storytelling, the space provides customers with a 360-brand immersion and enables customers to experience the full Clinique service offering. 

The Clinique Laboratories experience is curated for every customer through a series of interactive tools that focus on unique skin profiles. The brand’s proprietary diagnostics tool Clinique Clinical Reality™ located at the entrance and throughout the space utilises facial scanning software to analyse skin and provide custom skincare and beauty solutions. The ‘Discovery Table’ at the heart of the space encourages exploration, showcasing new launches along with a curated selection of bestsellers. Consumers are invited to learn about and trial products and create a custom-fit skincare regimen. In addition, the ‘Community Bar’ is a communal area dedicated to consultant-led, high-touch services, providing consumers with an entirely bespoke and elevated experience. 

The design of the space is grounded in Clinique’s familiar brand language. The recognisable colour palette alongside illuminated surfaces and lighting solutions create a backdrop for the products to stand out. Easily browsable display walls showcase Clinique’s range of products across skincare and beauty. Graphics illustrating textures and ingredients immediately engage consumers, while layered messaging and curated storytelling highlight the benefits and purpose of each product.

The fresh retail approach for Clinique evolves their brand DNA into a future-proof strategy for 21-st century purpose-driven customer journeys. The space cultivates a sense of community through skin school services that amplifies Clinique’s thought-leadership on the world of beauty and product efficacy.