Case Study
From Vision to Retail Experience — Aura Store (A unit of Auroserive Trust)
A complete reimagining of a lifestyle shop into a
multifunctional retail, café, and event space for the Sri
Aurobindo Society. Guided by the values of Aspiration,
Unity, Radiance, and Abundance, the project combined
concept development, branding, merchandise curation,
interior design, and operational strategy into one seamless
experience.
Detailed Overview
The Aura Store project, undertaken for the Sri Aurobindo Society, was an
integrated design thinking initiative aimed at transforming a lifestyle and
gift shop into a multifaceted retail space. The objective was to create a
space that combined retail, travel services, events, and a café, all aligned
with the values of Aspiration, Unity, Radiance, and Abundance.
Challenges
The project required:
- Closing down the previous lifestyle store and managing inventory disposal
- Developing a new concept with a cohesive vision across multiple functions
- Designing an engaging retail space in collaboration with architects, designers, and contractors
- Creating a curated merchandise plan with handcrafted products, spiritual books, and items from the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville community
- Establishing an organic café using a shipping container structure
- Creating the store’s branding, including name options and logo design
- Hiring, training, and building a motivated team to support the new business model
Solution
The project was executed by:
- Leading the closure process and streamlining inventory management
- Providing creative direction and working closely with architects and designers to develop an inspiring retail environment
- Developing the store’s branding, including conceptualizing name options and designing the logo to reflect the core values
- Implementing a comprehensive merchandise strategy that emphasized quality, aesthetics, and spiritual purpose
- Collaborating with specialists to establish the café infrastructure and menu design
- Establishing effective store systems, staffing plans, and customer engagement strategies
- Driving innovations and process improvements to ensure smooth operations
Results
The Aura Store emerged as a vibrant and meaningful space, blending retail, hospitality, and community engagement. The store’s curated product selection,
inspiring layout, and distinctive branding aligned with the guiding values of Aspiration, Unity, Radiance, and Abundance. Staff were trained to deliver
exceptional service, and the café successfully attracted both locals and visitors seeking organic food and meaningful experiences.
The Aura Store project successfully combined creative vision with strategic execution. The transformation resulted in a thriving retail space that
embodies the spiritual values of the Sri Aurobindo Society while offering an inviting experience for customers. The project highlights the value of
integrated design thinking in creating innovative and purposeful retail spaces.
