MASAMICHI KATAYAMA ON THE FUTURE RELEVANCE OF THE PHYSICAL RETAIL SPACE

In a world of uncertainty and an evolving e-commerce landscape, where does the physical retail space retain relevance? From over 40 years designing retail interiors, who else is more equipped to answer this question and predict the future? Masamichi Katayama from Wonderwall, of course, who also happened to design AMBUSH®’s first physical space: AMBUSH® WORKSHOP. Situated in Tokyo’s Harajuku neighborhood in the heart of Shibuya, the store’s unassuming entrance leads you through a white portal that opens into the world of AMBUSH®, from a floating counter to adaptable and interchangeable shelves and tables that supports the ever-evolving and unlimited creativity found inside. We speak with Katayama on AMBUSH® WORKSHOP’s design concept, and his thoughts on the importance of physicality in retail — and where it stands in the future.