PROFESSIONAL BLOG
APRIL 17, 2024 • 6 MIN READING
With these two production methods, we solved the task of creating the new sales displays for Jan Thomas Studio.
On behalf of Make Studio, we have developed and produced sales displays for Jan Thomas Cosmetics for all VITA stores in the country. Read how Plexx/Opido solved both the requirements for elegance for Jan Thomas Cosmetics and usability for the VITA stores.
Geir Bergh
Head of Office, Plexx
Plexx has worked with the design studio Make Studio on many exciting projects. Make Studio has broad expertise in design and concept development for the retail industry. Last year they were commissioned to design a new sales display for Jan Thomas Cosmetics. The sales display will be placed and used in all VITA stores in Norway.
Based on several successful collaborative projects, Make Studio contacted Plexx to have the sales displays developed and produced.
How we went about finding the best solution
For VITA and Jan Thomas Cosmetics, it was essential that the sales displays were both elegant, accessible to the customer and user-friendly for store staff, so that they knew which products should be where at all times.
In addition, it was desirable that parts should be easy to replace and that it should be possible to expand with additional modules. Not least, it was important that the shelves should look just as good after several years of use.
From 3D sketch to prototype tested in store
After discussions and various proposals, the conclusion was that the sales displays should be produced using milling and laser cutting of plastic. Based on the design from Make Studio, we developed 3D-drawn sketches that became the basis for the prototypes delivered to the customer.
These were tested in real environments with products placed before adjustments were made. This ensured that proportions, angles and practical use worked before we went into series production.
"The various parts of the sales display are laser-cut and milled, and then manually assembled. This makes it possible to change inserts as new products are released from the cosmetics brand."
Delivered fully assembled with silk-screened logo
The sales displays are delivered to VITA stores fully assembled with a silk-screened logo, making them easy to use. Each unit is quality assured before it leaves the workshop.
The modular structure means that inserts can be quickly replaced when Jan Thomas Cosmetics launches new products – without having to replace the entire display.
That's why we chose milling and laser cutting
Milling
CNC milling provides precise cutouts, pockets and three-dimensional details in acrylic and other engineering sheets – perfect for positioning each individual product box accurately in the right place.
Laser cutting
Laser cutting produces clean, polished edges with no post-processing, and lets us cut complex contours quickly. Ideal for sheets, fronts and decorative elements in acrylic.
Modular construction
The parts are assembled manually, so inserts can be swapped when the product range changes – and the display can be expanded with additional modules as needed.
Stays beautiful over time
The right choice of materials, edge treatment and screen printing ensure that the display looks just as good after years of use in a busy retail environment.
Questions and answers
Plexx was commissioned by the design studio Make Studio, which was responsible for design and concept development. The end customer is Jan Thomas Cosmetics, and the displays have been delivered to all of Norway's VITA stores. Make Studio and Plexx have a long and close collaboration across several retail projects.
The sales displays had to be elegant enough to promote the Jan Thomas Cosmetics brand, while being accessible to the customer in the store and user-friendly for the store staff. It had to be easy to see which products belong where, parts had to be easy to replace, and the solution had to be expandable with more modules. Not least, the shelves had to look just as good after several years of use in a tough store environment.
After discussions and evaluation of various options, we concluded that the combination of milling and laser cutting of plastic provided the best overall solution. Milling provides precise pockets, recesses and three-dimensional details so that each product has its exact place. Laser cutting provides clean, polished edges and allows us to cut complex contours quickly and cost-effectively. Together, the methods provide high precision, rapid iteration and an exclusive surface that suits the cosmetics brand.
Based on Make Studio’s design, we developed 3D-drawn sketches of each module. These were the basis for the prototypes that were manufactured and delivered to the customer. The prototypes were tested in real environments with actual products placed on the shelves, so we could uncover everything from sight lines and reach to how easy it is to replenish goods. Adjustments were made before we started series production.
The various parts are laser cut and milled, and then manually assembled into finished modules. This allows inserts to be changed as Jan Thomas Cosmetics launches new products, without having to replace the entire display. The construction is also designed so that existing displays can be expanded with more modules if needed.
Yes. The sales displays are delivered to VITA stores fully assembled, with the silk-screened logo in place. This means that store staff don't have to spend time on assembly — they can position the display, stock it with products, and have it ready for customers right away.
Absolutely. Plexx has extensive experience in developing and producing sales displays, POS solutions and store fixtures in acrylic and other technical plastics — everything from prototypes to full-scale roll-out in an entire chain of stores. We are happy to work with design agencies or directly with the brand, combining milling, laser cutting, thermoforming, gluing and screen printing as the project requires.
Do you need sales displays or store furnishings made of plastic?
If you have any questions about the project, or would like information about milling and laser cutting of plastic — please contact us.