Charbonnel et Walker was founded in 1875 and is one of Britain's finest and oldest chocolatiers, receiving the Royal Warrant as one of the few chocolatiers to Her Majesty The Queen. 

In 2004, one of our long-term clients, London-based CADA Design, were appointed to design a concession for Charbonnel et Walker at Saks Fifth Avenue, New York, and have since designed a number of their International retail outlets. 

CADA Design was recently commissioned to refurbish the Canary Wharf store to meet the expectations of the modern shopper, appointing Datum to fit-out and deliver the new look store which had to be completed in a 3 week window.

The scheme included new walls and ceiling with feature bulkhead carrying new backlit signage, new air conditioning, electrical and lighting installation along with all associated building services. A new Arabescato stone floor was laid with Arabescato also used on a number of the display fixtures.

CADA’s design incorporated a monochromatic scheme that showcases the brand's iconic pastel packaging. New black stained timber perimeter display units include integrated LED strip lighting to highlight the product whilst a feature back wall again included Arabescato with white solid surface material along with a white tiled back wall on which the Royal Warrant is mounted.

The designers removed the conventional counter to open up the space and to allow a seamless interaction between staff and customers, which gives the customers the freedom to explore the store — to browse, taste and engage with the products.

Commenting on the new store, project lead, Caroline Hamlett said: "Each Charbonnel et Walker project we deliver is unique. We always strive to develop the concept through design, functionality and deliver commercial benefit to the client.”

The project was completed on time, with experienced and attentive project management from Datum pro-actively dealing with the challenges and coordination issues that arise from working in the highly secure and sensitive Canary Wharf Shopping Centre. 

Commenting to one of Datum’s directors about the scheme, the client’s project manager, Chris Harris of Design Directive, said: “Finally, could you please pass on my personal thanks to your full team for a well presented project – I appreciate there have been a few difficult moments but overall the project was well run and is a credit to your team — I know the client is pleased.”

The success of the scheme is demonstrated by a 20% increase in sales since the store's re-opening.

Charbonnel et Walker Photography Copyright Andrew Hendry (@andrewhendryimages) — All Rights Reserved

We’re delighted to announce that we have recently launched our new website. We appointed our retained PR and marketing agency, Opera PR, and they have created a brand new site that is well laid-out, easy to navigate and is informative. 

A number of our recent projects and news are featured which we hope you will find interesting.


We hope you also enjoy exploring our new website.