We value our ability to think outside the box, and our work with Torpedo 7 is no different. In the early part of 2020, Torpedo 7 approached GDM to undertake the design and development of fixtures and fittings in their new Newmarket store, their brief was to “bring the outdoors in”, based on Torpedo 7’s overarching vision and brand ethos.
When considering our approach, GDM used the same base structure dimensions and built on that with an updated look and feel, incorporating darker stained timber, dark charcoal coloured steel and the use of little chrome. This approach ensured the compatibility of existing hardware and facilitated the reuse and repurposing of existing equipment.
The resulting finish reminds the customer of the great New Zealand outdoors.
To top it off the GDM team came up with some signature structures to bring the outdoors in. The standout feature is a storage unit styled on a Department of Conservation hut, complete with AstroTurf wall and a beautiful natural timber slab bench seat out the front. The perfect place for an explorer to take shelter and spend time appreciating their surroundings. The hut is not all looks though as it provides storage for sleeping bags and shoes. The bench seat also doubles as a shoe fitting area. The structure behind the hut takes clip in storage units but does not look like a typical wall. The whole structure is also modular, making it relatively quick and easy to install.
Once customers find the right boot fit while sheltering at the hut, they can go for a “tramp” over the GDM custom made footbridge. The bridge has been built to give a similar feel to a bush track with ridged timber on one side and large pebbles on the other. The perfect place to test out new footwear for a correct fit.
Not only did Torpedo 7 request that store fixtures bring the outside in, but they also required them to be built with sustainability at the forefront of the mind. All timber and steel used within the store is recyclable and many of the infill panels and door panels (supplied by T7) are made from recycled Torpedo 7 plastic shopping bags.
GDM were tasked with designing fixtures and fittings for about 80% of the store, resulting in 20+ new fixture products. The end result is a minimal number of vendor supplied fixtures in the store generating consistency in look and feel across the store, improving customer experience and allowing them to feel the true ambience of the store, as the focus is on displaying products cohesively.
A clever feature of the store is the Z-wall. This is a zig zag type wall, which follows one side of the store, incorporating fitting rooms and storage facilities. The wall is kit set, making the install easy and extremely cost effective.
While the finished store looks incredible, and the customers are thrilled with the result, it did not come without some significant challenges. We had to work with an unusually shaped store, with columns and large window spaces. This meant consideration of the space was incorporated into all design decisions.
Accessing the store during construction was difficult so it was essential to have well organised logistics and great support onsite with Three Sixty working with us on the installation.
Customer Testimonial – Justin Lowe, Noel Leeming and Torpedo 7
Torpedo 7 engaged GDM to design and build a suite of new fixtures for our new flagship store in the Newmarket Westfield development.
GDM worked with us to design, concept, prototype and test the new fixtures. They manufactured and delivered the required elements for our new store on time and in budget.
GDM installed certain key elements onsite and worked alongside our installation partners 360 to achieve a great result.
The store looks great and we have since rolled elements of the Newmarket store into subsequent stores.