British Display Society rebrands as British Creative Retail Association
The British Display Society (BDS), a charity organisation with over 60 years of history, has announced a significant rebranding in response to the evolving landscape of the creative and visual merchandising industry. The leadership team, including Director and Vice-Chair, expressed the organisation’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation among both established professionals and students who are the future of this sector.
Operating as a charity, the BDS aims to lead the charge in visual merchandising, display, experiential design, and creativity. Historically focused on window displays, the society has adapted its focus to encompass a broader range of areas, including pop-up stores, customer experiences, marketing activations, and product launches. This shift aligns with industry trends and the diverse skill sets that professionals now deploy in their work.
In a move to stay relevant and reflective of contemporary practices, the BDS recently welcomed new leadership, with Paul Symes stepping in as the new Chairman alongside the Vice-Chair position now held by a long-standing member of the society. This leadership evolution is coupled with the society’s intention to update its branding.
Following consultations with industry professionals and student forums, the BDS has decided to change its name to the British Creative Retail Association. The natural progression reflects the diverse and innovative talents currently shaping the industry. According to the society, the name change is significant, as it encapsulates the scope of creative work in retail and aligning it with modern academic courses, which have transitioned from purely visual merchandising to incorporate terms like Fashion Marketing and Branding.
As part of this rebranding effort, the BDS plans to update its graphics and branding in the coming months. However, the process involved considerable deliberation and consultation to ensure that the new name resonates well with the community it represents.
The BDS also emphasised its role in nurturing industry creativity, committing to continue supporting current and future professionals through educational initiatives, which include a comprehensive online course designed by experienced experts.
Members of the industry are encouraged to join this new chapter by visiting the society’s updated website. Furthermore, the BDS will showcase its initiatives and student work at the VM & Display show, where attendees can engage with the team and learn about becoming a member.
As the British Creative Retail Association explores this fresh trajectory, it aims to honour the creativity that drives the retail industry season after season, looking forward to a future filled with innovative collaboration and professional growth.