OBI MACHBAR / Cologne Mini DIY shop, source of inspiration, workshop and event location – the OBI MachBar reflects the creativity of its target group and gives ideas in 2D a three-dimensional space. Omnichannel strategy Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok: DIY has millions of fans. OBI knows this, and blends together the online and offline experience in a unique concept: the OBI MachBar. 

A concept store in the heart of Cologne. 250 m² large and a self-built paradise for the young DIY community. The idea behind it: to offer a haptic DIY experience to the urban target group who OBI mainly inspires digitally. 

In their lunch break, after work or in a spontaneous visit during a shopping trip. Hosted workshops are at the core of the concept. These offer the target group the chance to make the seasonal ideas they have already seen on social media come to life. The materials are available in the shop. Together, participants build, hammer and paint on a large workbench – a symbol of the community spirit. 

There are also live events in keeping with the concept, which can be found on the Instagram channel or the HeyOBI! app. And if you want to tinker around at home in peace, QR codes will guide you to material lists and instructions. And so the circle closes. Multifunctional brand space This requires a space that reflects the brand and the DIY spirit, while being modular and versatile. 

The workbench that runs through the room is therefore made up of individual modules and is multifunctional – the shop interior simply adapts to each event and DIY theme. All natural pine wood furniture, shelves and perforated walls were built and planned by us. Just like the interactive CREATE by OBI style mixer, which combines building materials with technology. Of course, all materials can be found in the OBI product range and were selected with sustainability in mind.

 The corporate design, architecture, building materials and technology creatively intertwine and embody OBI’s DIY spirit: ‘With us you can build ideas and relationships, have fun and feel a sense of pride. Join in!’ Prototype for more city centres The “MachBar” (which means both “doable” and “Doing-Bar”) is the first of its kind and is so far planned as a pilot project. 

But the concept can easily be rolled out to other cities, simply following the design brief from Cologne. After just a few days, we can already see: the MachBar idea is not only a hit with the target group but is also helping to revitalise the city centre. Perhaps it will inspire other brands as well.