Fiskars

Rolling Out a Global Retail Refresh

The Challenge

Fiskars was undertaking a global refresh of its retail presence for key brands within the Fiskars group. The concession floor was at risk of feeling dated and did not reflect the brand’s evolution. Each territory also posed different requirements, from architectural regulations to shopper behaviours, calling for an approach that balanced global consistency with local relevance.

The Response

We helped Fiskars roll out a flexible, scalable and globally consistent retail concept across six countries, including up to 30 stores in China and a flagship Selfridges site in London. By working closely with the client, adapting to regional specifics, and taking ownership from concept to implementation, we delivered seamless results worldwide.

Long Story Short

O12 partnered with Fiskars to deliver and implement retail concepts across 50+ global sites over the last six years. From concept development through to production management and quality control, we offered an end-to-end service model built on proficiency and flexibility. We tailored designs to suit regional standards, without compromising the core visual identity. Collaborating directly with the client, we ensured each store stayed true to the updated concept while reflecting local nuance.

The Finer Details

Design work began with a close collaboration with the brand team, allowing us to drive and guard the creative concept from the outset. This ensured that each store was grounded in a strong and consistent visual language that accurately reflected the brand’s identity. While consistency was key, adaptability was essential. We took great care to ensure the core concept translated effectively across various regions, tailoring materials and finishes to comply with local regulations and cultural expectations, without compromising on the integrity of the design.

Our global reach throughout the collaboration was extensive. In China, the concept was delivered to around 30 retail stores, responding to an ambitious rollout plan. In Japan, we managed 10 stores, and in markets such as Singapore and Australia, we completed several high-profile stores - 2 in Singapore and 5 in Australia. Each project required deep local insight, agile project management, and a clear understanding of how to align with Fiskars’ evolving retail goals across vastly different markets.

When commissioned to develop the House of Waterford flagship concept, we were given the opportunity to elevate the creative vision to its highest form. Working from the ground up, we expanded the scope and richness of the concept, pushing boundaries to deliver an experience that was bold, immersive, and distinctly premium - dialling it up to 11. It was a defining moment in the collaboration, demonstrating both our creative capability and the trust placed in us by the client.

A key strength of this long-term partnership was the flexibility of our delivery model. We adapted to localised needs in each territory, whether it was sourcing alternative materials, adjusting to regional construction methods, or responding to logistical challenges. This flexibility was instrumental in maintaining the consistency of execution across such a diverse footprint.

Over the years, we built a deep relationship with the Fiskars team, grounded in trust and proven results. Our understanding of the brand’s evolving needs allowed us to act with a high level of autonomy - working directly with contractors across continents, managing on-site implementation, and ensuring the final delivery matched the original vision. This collaborative, hands-on approach is what enabled us to consistently bring the concept to life on a global stage. Each store, whether a small cosmetics concession or a full-fledged flagship, was a testament to that shared commitment.

Project Deliverables

Strategy & insights
Creative concepts
Technical design
O12 are easily approachable and very professional, they adapt to challenging timetables and near impossible tasks to make sure that all projects are executed on time. The team are an important asset, and made it possible for Fiskars Vita brands to execute consistent retail concepts globally.

Pirjo Kujansuu-Kinnunen - Retail Design Manager