Member Article

The Shopper Agency looks to worldwide expansion as it becomes part of global organisation Outform

The Shopper Agency, which has its head office in Leeds, has become part of global retail experience and manufacturer hybrid Outform.

Following an equity restructure, Outform, which has 250 employees, has become a significant shareholder in The Shopper Agency, in the first collaboration of its kind entered into by either party. Becoming a group will enable both companies to strengthen their global capabilities, working together to provide fully integrated, 360° retail innovation solutions.

The Shopper Agency, now in its fifth year, has tripled in size in the past 24-months, adding international brands such as Karndean, Lucas Bols, SHS drinks, Bernafon and Fanatics to its client list, and growing to a team of 18 people. Offering expertise in behavioural research, shopper marketing and retail design, the company develops innovative customer experiences for some of the most shopped brands and retailers around the world, including longstanding clients Philips, Microsoft and PlayStation. Although remaining headquartered in Leeds, the new partnership means the company now also has offices in London and Miami. Thirty-five per cent of its business is currently outside of the UK.

By integrating Outform’s global strategy, design, manufacturing, and support capabilities, The Shopper Agency will be able to provide global services more easily as well as cost-effective regional activations.

Outform works with clients including Google, Samsung and Apple, among others, to provide innovative end-to-end retail and brand solutions, ranging from initial research and strategy to mass production and post-installation and support. Its aim is to become the global leader in experience innovation.

Martin Fawcett, founder of The Shopper Agency, said: “This is a very exciting time for The Shopper Agency, at a critical point in our business plan. Integrating with Outform bolsters our existing capabilities and scalability whilst reinforcing plans for growth. It opens huge global opportunities for both teams, allowing us to help more brand and retail owners to future-proof their customer experience.

“Consumers now live and shop in the experience economy – they no longer look to buy just products and services, but seek something more authentic, memorable and shareable. Today, attracting new consumers or keeping existing ones engaged takes us beyond price, convenience and location. The Shopper Agency’s expertise coupled with Outform’s manufacturing heritage and global production abilities will offer clients truly comprehensive and unparalleled solutions. With the enhanced reach and support the collaboration will provide, we can empower brands across the globe with greater control over their retail spaces, product launches, brand compliance and retail distribution.”

James Haggas, managing director of Outform EMEA, said: “Outform has made some significant global investments in recent months and we are delighted to embark on a joint strategy and growth plan with The Shopper Agency. Together we are seeking to partner with brands who recognize the need for innovation both in the online and physical realms. We can take consumer experience to a whole new level.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Shona Nutter .