The store of inspiration, Robinsons, is set to elevate the city’s retail landscape as it unveils plans for Dubai’s first in-store vertical garden created by world renowned botanist Patrick Blanc. Dubai, UAE, October 11, 2016: International department store Robinsons, founded in Singapore in 1858, is scheduled to launch for the first time in Dubai towards the end of March in Q1 2017 at Dubai Festival City Mall. Robinsons hosted celebrated botanist, Patrick Blanc, at a unique concept pre- launch event that had school children planting the first plants for the store’s inspirational eco-design concept. Patrick Blanc, the globally renowned visionary and creator of the Vertical Garden, has partnered with Robinsons to develop the Middle East’s first in-store vertical garden within the soon-to-be-launched store of inspiration.
Aiming to Inspire Dubai’s future generations of eco enthusiasts, Patrick Blanc engaged young minds from the Deira International School and the German International School of Dubai in an interactive session to discuss the benefits of an eco-friendly lifestyle. The latter school was selected based on the recent establishment of the institution’s sustainability committee, with a focus on educating students about environmental protection and green living. Patrick Blanc spoke passionately about specific plant species that are best suited to the local environment and the development of a vertical garden and fascinated the children with his engaging manner and keen interest in developing a more sustainable future. In order to promote its eco-friendly ethos, Robinsons offered the school children healthy vegan refreshments and snacks at the event. As part of the event, the young guests were instructed on proper planting techniques and encouraged to cultivate their green-thumb by being temporary care givers to each of their plants until the store’s opening in March 2017. Upon launch, Robinsons will welcome these plants and these mini botanists again to add their nurtured greens to live as part of the store’s eco environment. At the event, Patrick Blanc also unveiled his vision for the store’s vertical garden, a concept he believes is integral to laying the foundations for an environmentally-conscious mindset within the city. “I’m proud to be associated with a brand which is bringing an eco-friendly consciousness to life as part of its store environment in the Middle East. The concept has been inspired by the brand’s Singaporean heritage and gives a nod to Singapore’s urban landscapes, meshing; art, design, & cultural dimensions,” explained Patrick Blanc, botanist and artist. The Vertical Garden, which will be showcased on the exterior façade of Robinsons as well as the interior atrium, will extend over 3 floors, showcasing over 308 species of foliage, many of which will be the first of their kind to the region. “We are honored to partner with Patrick Blanc, whose passion and vision has been essential to the development of our brand’s eco ethos. The Patrick Blanc Project is our initial step and our first showcase of how we aim to reimagine a sensorial experience for our in-store Robinsons patrons,” said Thierry Prevost, Managing Director of Fashion and Department store in Al-Futtaim Retail. Robinsons, highly regarded as Singapore’s legacy retailer, will offer the region the full spectrum of contemporary fashion from accessible to luxury with a focus on novelty and style, including a coveted new-to-market brand portfolio. Please save the date for the opening of Robinsons, your store of inspiration, coming to Dubai Festival City on 26th March, 2017.
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