# Swank Wine Stores Alko in Finland By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2008-09-08 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alko-finland References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2008/09/scandinavian-designers-reinvent-an-iconic-wine-shop-brand.html) & [alko.fi](http://www.alko.fi/frontpage) You might think that a state-owned wine store’s design doesn’t matter since it already possesses a monopoly; Alko in Finland, however, bucks that perception with their [swank new decor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/d142). Alko designers Aleksi Hautamäki and Anders Nord didn’t need to scope out the competition for this Finland project, but they did need to create a space that would appeal to every type of consumer. Where other wine shops use traditional display cases and dark wood, Alko contains [light Douglas fir throughout the building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retail-environment). Also at Alko are key design features that blend tradition with innovation. A light installation hangs atop the stairs, drawing customers to the service area and [downstairs wine boutique](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/curated-european-wine). A logo comprised of cotton strings using a traditional weaving technique from Finland appears near the checkout lines. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Customization](https://www.trendhunter.com/customization) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Innovative Wine Store Designs:** Designing wine stores with unconventional materials and modern lighting installations can attract a wider range of customers. - **Blending Tradition with Innovation in Retail:** Incorporating traditional elements and weaving techniques into modern retail design can create a unique and memorable customer experience. - **Revitalizing Monopolistic Retail Spaces:** Reimagining the design of state-owned retail stores can enhance customer engagement and challenge the perception of monopoly-driven businesses. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Wine Retail:** The wine retail industry can benefit from adopting innovative store design strategies to differentiate themselves and attract a larger consumer base. - **Interior Design:** The field of interior design can explore creative ways to blend traditional and modern elements to create visually appealing retail spaces. - **State-owned Retail:** State-owned retail industries can discover opportunities to revitalize their stores and reimagine customer experiences through innovative design concepts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tavern-Style Glassware Showrooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bobo.md) - [European Wine Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thatchers-wine.md) - [Adaptive Wine Workspaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flint-wines-office.md) - [Vibrant Non-Alcoholic Wine Labels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kally-wines.md) - [Winemaker Milan Showrooms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/masciarelli-tenute-agricole.md) - [Sleek Smart Wine Cabinets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wine-climate-cabinet.md) - [Curated Intimate Retail Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alaa-flagship-store.md) - [Scandinavian Aesthetics-Forward Shop Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scandinavian-aesthetics.md) - [Chic Boxed Wines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wine-in-a-box.md)