Editor's Note
This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “Chai Zi Tang Opens New Concept Store: Walking in”, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
Lifestyle Taiwanese brand Chai Zi Tang has opened its first independent concept store, following its previous locations at Eslite Songyan and Nanshi. The concept store is situated on Yongkang Street and was designed by InFormat Design Curating, a firm the brand has collaborated with before. The design brings layers of mountain scenery into the space, fully embodying the brand's spirit of 'walking into Taiwan's mountains and forests.' InFormat's director, Wang Yaobang (also known as Gezi), explained the design concept at the opening event. Join MOT TIMES for an in-depth look! The storefront sign of the Chai Zi Tang concept store features inkjet-printed ceramic tiles, a highlight of the design. When thinking of tile art created from numerous ceramic tiles, one might first recall Portugal's famous blue-and-white Azulejo tiles. Now, at Chai Zi Tang, you can see a uniquely Taiwanese tile painting. The newly opened concept store's sign was specially produced in collaboration with a local kiln in Yingge, using inkjet-printed ceramic tiles to present the brand's visual identity. The floor tiles mimic the texture of shale. (Photo Credit: Chai Zi Tang) Chai Zi Tang not only insists on using local raw materials but also explores Taiwan's local craftsmanship. For this concept store, the ceramic tiles were made in partnership with Yingge's Yubang Kiln Industry, which even paused one of its production lines to create the sign's tile painting. Additionally, the store's floor uses inkjet-printed tiles with 21 patterns simulating shale textures to create a delicate feel. Gezi, the director of InFormat responsible for the spatial design, noted that inkjet technology allows for greater possibilities in tile patterns, making it easier for artists to combine their work with ceramic craftsmanship in the future.
How does one create a sense of tranquility and spaciousness in a narrow, street-house-like space in a bustling urban area? InFormat brought 'layers of mountain scenery' into the space. Upon entering, visitors are first greeted by the silhouette of Taiwan's mountain ranges. Taiwan's abundant mountain resources are a source of pride that Chai Zi Tang wants to proclaim. Behind the three-dimensional cross-section of Taiwan formed by mountain lines lies a 3D-printed Snow Mountain range, which took ten days to complete. The experience area of the Chai Zi Tang concept store features imagery of Taiwan's mountains, and the lighting fixtures are made from recycled glass by Hsinchu's Spring Pool Glass. (Photo Credit: Chai Zi Tang) Chai Zi Tang founder Zhao Wenhao believes that a store should not be limited to a mere 'commercial space' for selling products. With this in mind, he positioned the sales counter at the far end of the long store, allowing customers to first experience the mountain imagery and greenery upon entering. This creates a distinction between the front 'experience area' and the rear product area. The store's sink and walls are made from reservoir sediment. The gentle, non-abrasive texture of the edges was carefully polished by craftsmen, and the joint between the sink and the mud structure was specially treated with a scraper. (Photo Credit: Chai Zi Tang)
The copper base of the scent bottle is made of solid material, and the entire production process requires craftsmanship from four different factories. (Photo Credit: MOT TIMES) The prominent sink in the experience area also has a story. It is made by coating wood with reservoir sediment, furthering the brand's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. Reservoir sediment building materials have a wide range of uses; not only the sink but also the store's walls are made from it. Gezi explained that Taiwan can now process reservoir sediment into four colors. Chai Zi Tang chose two for its store, with the white offering a texture different from ordinary paint and having moisture-absorbing properties. If you are familiar with Chai Zi Tang, you are likely impressed by its packaging. The brand invited Taiwanese artist Mu Ran to create woodcut prints for its visual identity. Mu Ran incorporated the brand's representative product, 'bitter tea seed oil,' and the four mythical beasts symbolizing fortune, prosperity, longevity, and happiness into the artwork, conveying the blessings embedded in Chai Zi Tang's products. This design also appears on the concept store's sign tile painting. Above: Chai Zi Tang's contract farms are located in Yilan, Hualien, Miaoli, Taichung, and other areas. Bottom left: The packaging design comes from Taiwanese artist Mu Ran's woodcut prints. The opening gift for purchases over a certain amount is this travel set! Bottom right: The packaging of Chai Zi Tang's bitter tea seed oil is also thoughtful. The petal-shaped wooden lid comes from Taichung's Quanxian Woodware Factory, and the glass bottle, like the store's lighting, uses Spring Pool Glass. (Photo Credit: Chai Zi Tang)
'If the land of Taiwan has it, we look to the soil' — adhering to this philosophy, Chai Zi Tang is also dedicated to developing contract farms. Currently, it has six farms across Taiwan from north to south. The most recommended item for the concept store's opening is, of course, the representative bitter tea seed oil, made from the annual harvest at the recently established Lushan contract farm in Hualien. Additionally, Chai Zi Tang recently collaborated with 'Weed Day' (Lin Zhiyu), a participant in the 2018 Taipei Biennial, and plans to launch a mild and gentle 'weed tea' with the flavor of Yilan's Chaoyang community. Every corner of the Chai Zi Tang concept store embodies the brand's commitment to promoting local culture and craftsmanship, as well as its respect and admiration for the land of Taiwan. Take advantage of the opening specials to visit Chai Zi Tang on Yongkang Street and explore and share the beauty of Taiwan!
Source: Read the original article | Published: April 12, 2019