Merit was asked to create robust, practical brick displays that improved product visibility, supported easier decision making for customers, and aligned with Jewson’s evolving store format. We were appointed to design and deliver a new brick display solution that would work across multiple branch layouts while maintaining consistency and durability.
Branch of the Future programme – Jewson is one of the UK’s leading builders’ merchants, serving both trade professionals and the construction industry nationwide. As part of their Branch of the Future programme, Jewson wanted to modernise how core building materials, including bricks, were presented in branch.
The Branch of the Future concept brings innovative features inspired by the Group’s successful branch concepts in the Nordic countries, Germany and Austria. This development is part of an ongoing journey to optimise and modernise their branch network across the UK.
Working closely with the Jewson team, we addressed the inherent challenges of displaying bricks at point of sale. Due to the significant weight and solid construction of the bricks themselves, traditional product displays were impractical, difficult to install, and often lacked long-term stability. At the same time, it was essential that customers could still experience the look, texture, and quality of the product in a meaningful way.
To overcome these constraints, we developed a modular display concept that would showcase the appearance and tactile quality of the bricks. Throughout the development process, we recognised the end solution would need to retain the visual impact of full brick displays, without the logistical challenges traditionally associated with them.
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We developed a modular display concept that would showcase the appearance and tactile quality of the bricks.
Throughout the development process, we recognised the end solution would need to retain the visual impact of full brick displays, without the logistical challenges traditionally associated with them.
Using the modular display system allowed us to prioritise strength, stability, and ease of installation, while also creating clear, consistent surfaces for product messaging and pricing information.
To ensure the final design met both operational requirements and customer-facing expectations, prototypes were produced and tested in a live retail environment to assess load-bearing performance, material finishes, and day-to-day usability, before moving into full production.
The modular construction, with changeable labels, enables product ranges to be refreshed or reconfigured over time without the need to replace the entire unit, ensuring flexibility and long-term value across the estate.
Built to withstand the demands of a busy merchant environment, the display balances long-term durability with a clean, modern aesthetic that aligns with Jewson’s Branch of the Future store design.
During planning, we addressed the inherent challenges of displaying bricks at point of sale. Due to the significant weight and solid construction of the bricks themselves, traditional product displays were impractical, difficult to install, and often lacked long-term stability.
To overcome these constraints, we developed a modular display concept that would showcase the appearance and tactile quality of the bricks.
Throughout the development process, we recognised the end solution would need to retain the visual impact of full brick displays, without the logistical challenges traditionally associated with them.
The final brick display was delivered as a robust, modular unit capable of securely presenting multiple brick types, while remaining simple for branch teams to merchandise, maintain, and update.
Following the review of initial concepts and the installation at the Farnborough site, Jewson selected a modular display system designed for rollout across all their Branch of the Future locations.
The final brick display was delivered as a robust, modular unit capable of securely presenting multiple brick types, while remaining simple for branch teams to merchandise, maintain, and update. Clear product labelling, structured layouts, and integrated branding made it easier for customers to compare options, supporting faster, more confident purchasing decisions at point of sale.
Built to withstand the demands of a busy merchant environment, the display balances long-term durability with a clean, modern aesthetic that aligns with Jewson’s Branch of the Future store design. Its modular construction, with changeable labels, enables product ranges to be refreshed or reconfigured over time without the need to replace the entire unit, ensuring flexibility and long-term value across the estate.
As a key element of the Branch of the Future concept, the new brick displays elevate the presentation of a traditionally functional product category. By improving visibility, organisation, and consistency across branches, the solution enhances the in-branch experience for both trade and retail customers, while providing Jewson with a scalable system that can adapt as ranges and store formats continue to evolve.
