In 2023, the Hamburg-based outdoor retailer Globetrotter realized a landmark project with its Re:Think Store by predominantly using recycled materials in the store’s construction. On April 23, 2024, the Handelsverband Deutschland (HDE), or German Retail Association, awarded this innovative store concept a special prize as part of the “Store of the Year” awards.
The creative concept and retail design for the RE:THINK Store were developed by dan pearlman. The implementation was carried out by loom shopexpansion. The retail format was well-received in the industry and garnered additional prestigious awards, such as the Red Dot Design Award. The “Store of the Year” special award was yet another accolade for the sustainable store construction project. The award is presented annually in five categories by a jury comprised of industry experts. The ceremonial award presentation took place during the Retail Property Congress in Berlin.
Globetrotter’s CEO, Andreas Bartmann, and Mareike Heubel, Head of Visual Merchandising, accepted the award along with the dan pearlman team during a formal gala in Berlin. “We are very proud of this special recognition. We are also pleased with the attention it brings to our passion project,” said Andreas Bartmann. “Through scientific monitoring of the Re-Use project, we were able to convincingly demonstrate the potential CO2 savings inherent in our concept. The insights gained are already being incorporated into current projects, and we hope to inspire others to follow our lead.”
The Re:Think Store boasts a 94 percent reuse rate and 97 percent less CO2 emissions compared to a similar project. Nearly the entire setup of the previous tenant, an electronics store, was adopted and creatively repurposed, supplemented by additional used furniture and materials. Only the lighting system was replaced with a new, more energy-efficient system.
Globetrotter is a sustainability pioneer: In 2023, Globetrotter ranked among the top five companies in the “Resources” category of the German Sustainability Award. In 2024, the company received the coveted award as the industry leader in the sporting goods retail sector. Established in Hamburg in 1979 as the first special store for expeditions, survival, and trekking, Globetrotter has grown into one of the largest outdoor retailers in Europe. The company name stands not only for expert advice and quality equipment in the outdoor and travel needs sector but also for sustainability. The stores offer customers services such as repair services, equipment rental, and second-hand equipment.
