Jewson brick display solutions
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.
Divisions involved
Client overview
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.
Project brief
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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Key objectives
Solutions
Modular display system
A modular display was developed to showcase the appearance and tactile quality of the bricks while offering a more practical retail solution.
Retaining visual impact
The design was created to deliver the impact of a full brick display without the weight, space and logistical challenges traditionally associated with one.
Clear product presentation
The system provided strong, stable display surfaces for product messaging and pricing, while making installation straightforward across different retail environments.
Prototype testing
Prototypes were produced and tested in a live retail environment to assess load-bearing performance, material finishes and day-to-day usability before full production.
Flexible configuration
Changeable labels allow product ranges to be updated or reconfigured without replacing the complete unit, providing greater flexibility across the estate.
Durable, authentic finish
The finished display combines long-term durability with a clean, modern aesthetic designed to complement Jewson’s Branch of the Future environment.
Visual showcase / Deliverables
Implementation
- Included in this project
Plan
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.
- Included in this project
Design
To overcome these constraints, we developed a modular display concept that would showcase the appearance and tactile quality of the bricks.
- Included in this project
Deliver
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.
- Included in this project
Install
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.
- Included in this project
Upgrade
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.
Key learnings
- Prototypes are key to developing the 'right' outcome in challenging displays
- The process of development is essential to understanding the customers’ needs clearly
- Look at non-traditional solutions for traditional challenges