In the dynamic world of retail, where brand identity often lives primarily online, the move to physical spaces requires a delicate balance of brand heritage and architectural innovation. Songmont partnered with ARCHSTUDIO to bring their vision to life, resulting in a series of stores that are not merely retail spaces but immersive experiences, each a thoughtful translation of Songmont's core values into a tangible environment

Founded in 2013, Songmont has distinguished itself as a pioneer in experiential bag design. Drawing inspiration from Eastern philosophy and self-awareness, the brand emphasizes functionality and timeless aesthetics, aiming to enhance user experiences in modern lifestyles. Following significant online success, Songmont sought to deepen its connection with customers by expanding into physical retail, entrusting ARCHSTUDIO to design its inaugural stores.

Songmont's new stores are strategically situated in various cities, occupying prime locations on high-profile shopping streets and within iconic malls. Recognizing the diversity of spaces, from street storefronts to uniquely shaped mall interiors, ARCHSTUDIO avoided a generic approach. Instead, they developed an adaptable design strategy that maintained brand consistency while responding to each location’s specific context.

The brand’s Chinese name, “山下有松” (Shan Xia You Song), meaning “distant sky, towering mountains with pines underneath,” became a central design motif. This poetic imagery inspired the use of natural elements like mountains and pines as key design metaphors. ARCHSTUDIO conducted extensive research into diverse landscapes - wind-sculpted canyons, coastal reefs, classical garden rockeries, and bamboo groves - translating these natural scenes into spatial expressions that reflect regional culture, site conditions, and product display needs.

Understanding that Songmont is a women’s bag brand, ARCHSTUDIO ensured that femininity was integral to the spatial identity. The ruggedness of natural rock formations was softened and reinterpreted through a user-centered lens, creating spaces that feel warm, bright, and inviting, rather than harsh or cold. The resulting shopping experience is fresh, joyful, and relaxing. Faced with tight design and construction timelines, ARCHSTUDIO adopted a streamlined approach. They utilized factory-prefabrication and on-site assembly, primarily using CNC-engineered laminated wood and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). Precise site measurements were taken early in the design phase to inform 3D modeling and factory verification, ensuring accurate fabrication and efficient on-site assembly. This systematic method balanced customized design with scalability, enabling a smooth rollout of multiple stores.

Songmont’s retail stores are more than just places to purchase bags; they are strategic assets that enhance the brand's market presence. The unique, custom-designed spaces reinforce Songmont’s identity and create immersive experiences that digital channels cannot replicate. These physical touchpoints foster trust, affinity, and emotional connections between the brand and its customers. Through their collaboration with ARCHSTUDIO, Songmont has successfully translated its brand ethos into tangible, engaging environments that resonate deeply with its audience.