In April 2017, MARC O’POLO opened the world’s first concept store of the Swedish brand in Usedom: The MARC O’POLO STRANDCASINO located at the famous beach promenade in Heringsdorf. The name of the store was inspired by the historic beach casino, which stood at the center of the popular seaside resort in the 19th century. In 2017, MARC O’POLO breathed new life into the original idea of the 1897 concept store, cooperating with its’ long-standing franchise partner Pier 14. The new concept unites the seaside flair oft he Baltic Sea with Scandinavian influences. Since 2010, the retail experts of the dan pearlman Markenarchitektur have been working on strategy and design of the MARC O’POLO store concept, which is implemented internationally and which was also used as the inspiration for the new Strandcasino. Additionally to the store design, dan pearlman was engaged in the concept of the new catering sector. With this unique combination of gastronomy, lifestyle and fashion the MARC O’POLO STRANDCASINO becomes the new heart of the Heringsdorfer promenade on more than 1000m². We thank MARC O’POLO, Ann-Katrin Nehmert, the Pier14 business group, and Knoblauch Ladenbau for the cooperation.
Based on the brand’s corporate identity, a new visual world was created for the MARC O’POLO STRANDCASINO, which is reflected in all areas. The result: A new destination comprising casual fashion, lifestyle and a smart gastronomy concept on 1000m², spread over an outside and inside area. The modern, urban atmosphere serves as a passe-partout for what people wear on their skin and for the culinary delights they enjoy. The interior space of the MARC O’POLO STRANDCASINO is divided into three floors and comprises a total of 750m². The outside area with a surface of 300m² is designed as terraces spread over several levels. According to the store design, dan pearlman also designed parts of the new catering sector – the restaurants O’NE, O’ROOM by Tom Wickboldt, and O’DELI. To complete the concept, the store design team of MARC O’POLO led by Ann-Katrin Nehmert created the wine bar VINO’. MARC O’POLO approached its franchise partner Pier 14 and the managing directors of the group of companies – Jana and Gert Griehl and Stefan Richter – for the realization of the concept store. On behalf of Pier 14, Stefan Richter comments on the success of the MARC O’POLO STRANDCASINO: “Our expectations were far exceeded!” Pier 14 stands for fashion, lifestyle and cuisine on the Baltic coast. With more than 120 employees and 13 stores, the company provides its guests with an experience that is beyond shopping and dining. Konrad Knoblauch was responsible for the development and implementation of the shop construction. The lighting concept was developed by Elan.
The MARC O’POLO STRANDCASINO was awarded the prize Store of the Year 2018 and the MAPIC Award 2018 in the category BEST NEW RETAIL CONCEPT. The O´ROOM by Tom Wickboldt in the MARC O’POLO STRANDCASINO received a Michelin star in November 2017.
