Charity retail has undergone a quiet revolution in recent years. No longer confined to the image of ‘thrift store’ bargain bins, organisations like Shelter are embracing thoughtful design-led spaces that inspire customers, enhance the shopping experience and ultimately generate more income.
Shelter Scotland’s Botanics Community Shop, Glasgow
The brief
Shelter Scotland’s Botanics Community Shop brief called for a fresh and modern aesthetic aligned with its brand identity, while ensuring customers felt welcome to browse in a comfortable environment. Accessibility was also a priority, with a ramp replacing an existing step to make the shop easier to navigate for all visitors.
Natasha Spyrou, shop development manager at Shelter, said: “We wanted customers to feel like they’re stepping into a curated high-end retail space that also supports a meaningful cause.”
The project aimed to create a contemporary boutique-style experience that still feels welcoming and community focused. With average weekly footfall expected to exceed 500 visitors, the store needed to balance style, durability and inclusivity.
Client: Shelter
Contractor: Interact Interiors
Flooring Contractor: Lochiel Flooring Scotland Ltd
Sector: Retail
Product: WP423-SR Avena, Opus Enhance
Area: 83 m2
The above image features Avena from our Karndean Opus Enhance collection.
The concept
The charity sector is experiencing increasing competition so the store refit aimed to ensure that customers feel inspired with a modern aesthetic and clean product displays that are a pleasure to browse.
The Opus Enhance range was the perfect solution, offering durability, safety and a contemporary natural style. Engineered with commercial specifications in mind, Opus Enhance comes with a practical 2.55mm thickness with a 0.55mm wear layer and a rougher surface texture to give an improved slip resistance rating of 36.
Beyond aesthetics, sustainability played a central role in the project. Shelter’s retail strategy aligns with the government’s Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) and Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) standards, ensuring materials are selected with environmental responsibility in mind. The durability of Karndean flooring means that over time there is a reduced need for replacement, making this a cost-effective and sustainable choice for high-traffic spaces.
The above image features Avena from our Karndean Opus Enhance collection.
The look
At the heart of the redesign is Avena from the Opus Enhance collection. Chosen for its streamlined blend of soft beige-grey tones and subtle flowery grains, Avena comes in an extra-wide 9” x 48” plank format to create a sleek yet characterful finish. Ideal for busy retail settings, the flooring not only delivers visual impact but also helps reduce installation time.
Heather McIntyre, Building Surveyor of Shelter, said: “Karndean flooring has delivered the cohesive, modern aesthetic we wanted while reducing environmental impact. The feedback we’ve received about our new look has been overwhelmingly positive. Our staff, volunteers and customers are all delighted with the store’s transformation.”
