"Be the Experience" Store: Opening von Kapten & Son

For the German backpack brand Kapten & Son, we as architects took on the exciting task of redesigning the flagship store in Cologne. On an area of 130 m², we developed a concept that embodies the guiding principle “Be the Experience” and transforms the store into an inspiring environment.

Our goal was to create a store that optimally showcases the Kapten & Son brand and its lifestyle products. Innovative elements such as the “Magic Mirror” and the “Packing Table” make the shopping experience interactive and unique. The “Magic Mirror,” for example, allows customers to see themselves from all angles.

The centerpiece of the store is the “Packing Table,” a specially designed wooden cube with a metal frame and storage solutions, where customers can directly test backpacks and bags. Various items such as laptops, tablets, and books are available for customers to fill their desired products and check the carrying characteristics.

Another section of the store is dedicated to suitcases. The room, with its metal-clad walls and oval windows, resembles the interior of an airplane. Here, customers can check the carry-on suitability of the suitcases—another practical innovation. Glasses are elegantly displayed on the walls in a separate area, while a Scandinavian-style bench and circular wooden mirrors complete the minimalist look.

Our design combines clear aesthetics and functionality, creating an experience that goes beyond mere sales. The new Kapten & Son store in Cologne invites customers to engage with and test the products up close—fully in line with the “Experience Store” concept.

Architecture, Interior: Schwitzke & Partner
Size: 130 sqm
Service: Storeconcept
Pictures: Kapten & Son