Reid Nakou joins The General Store as head of retail and design

Reid Nakou has joined independent marketing agency, The General Store, as head of retail and design.

Nakou joins after spending almost 11 years with Westfield and Scentre Group, most recently as the design leader of the architecture practice. Nakou has been at the heart of some of the best retail environments, developments and experiences in Australia and New Zealand. These include, Westfield Chermside, shortlisted for “Best Shopping Centre in the World” at the 2018 World Architecture Festival, the multi-award-winning Pacific Fair and game changing Westfield Newmarket in Auckland.

Nakou says he’s excited to join The General Store “because of the endless opportunities to define and drive the future of retail. To create something which doesn’t yet exist – in a creative and collaborative culture with like-minded people.”

The General Store is a multi-disciplinary marketing agency and works with clients like BBQs Galore, BWS, Freedom Furniture, Rebel Sport and Salvo’s Stores. In 2021, The General Store won Inside Retail Supplier of the Year, and for its work on Rebel Sport won both Store Design of the Year and CX of the Year.

Matt Newell, partner and CEO, explains that The General Store’s retail design and CX division has experienced considerable growth over the last two years: “Retailers are increasingly looking to reimagine their in-store experiences as customer expectations soar.

“We are committed to attracting the best talent in the industry so that we can better meet the challenges facing our retail partners.”

Danny Lattouf, partner and CSO, explains that Nakou joins to lead a strong team with ambitious plans to further grow the retail and experience design discipline for the agency: “Reid is a powerhouse strategic thinker and a world class creative leader. His passion for bringing the future of retail to life for customers is something our clients are going to absolutely love.”

With Nakou on board, Lattouf said the agency is rounding out its recent recruitment of architectural and interiors talent in the retail and hospitality sector. Most recently onboarding Paul Morrison as project director, alongside senior interior designers Kristy Mackay, Ana Marre and Anna Tang.

Says Lattouf: “Retail is in a time of massive disruption. It’s exciting to be bringing such a talented team of design innovators to the table to help seize the opportunities.”