The Art of Retail - Rethinking Museum Shops
Saturday 6 September —
12:00
- 12:45
The Talks — Hall 6
Description
As consumer behaviours have shifted over recent years, how has the world of museum retail evolved? Discussing the crossover and dynamic synergy between art, design and retail, moderator Roddy Clarke will be joined by Emmanuel Plat of MoMA, Virginie Perreau of the Grand Palais, Alberto Brusamolino of Musee Rodin and Ed Simpson from London's National Portrait Gallery.
Participants
Emmanuel PlatDirector of Merchandising - MoMA Retail
Ed SimpsonBuying and Product Development Manager - National Portrait Gallery, London
Alberto BrusamolinoProduct marketing and retail manager, shops - Musée Rodin
Virginie PerreauSales and Marketing manager - GPRmn
Roddy ClarkeJournalist
Emmanuel Plat
Director of Merchandising - MoMA Retail
Emmanuel Plat is the Director of Merchandising for MoMA Retail. Since 2012, he has played the lead role in shaping the merchandising strategy for MoMA Retail. Plat has been instrumental in establishing MoMA Design Store as a platform for new product launches, working closely with The Museum of Modern Art’s curatorial. Prior to joining MoMA, Plat built a 19-year career in merchandising, marketing, and administration with the Conran Group. After opening the Paris store, Plat was later tapped to manage the launch of The Conran Shop opening in Manhattan in 1999. He acted as President of the Conran Group’s US business from 2004-2011. Currently, Plat sits on the Steering Committee of NYCxDESIGN and continues to be a thought leader in the design and merchandising community.
Ed Simpson
Buying and Product Development Manager - National Portrait Gallery, London
With an MA Fine Art from the University of Edinburgh and a Masters in Art, Space and Nature from Edinburgh College of Art, Ed’s practice spans both commercial and cultural sectors, with a strong emphasis on innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. Ed began his career as a practicing artist, exhibiting internationally while gaining experience in commercial and public galleries such as Gagosian and Serpentine. This dual perspective sparked a passion for the non-profit art sector, leading to working seven years at Tate. There, he progressed from Buying Assistant to Buyer, spearheading special projects and curating Tate Edit—the design store at Tate Modern—where he led the inaugural Makers Open Call, championing emerging and diverse creative voices. In 2021, Ed joined the National Portrait Gallery (NPG) during its landmark redevelopment, Inspiring People. As Buying and Product Development Manager, he played a key role in reimagining the gallery’s retail vision, shaping how its rich heritage and contemporary programming are reflected in merchandise and shop design. At NPG, Ed manages retail strategy across a dynamic exhibition programme—from Paul McCartney’s photography to the Six Wives of Henry VIII—and collaborates with high-profile artists and designers, including Tracey Emin and Luke Edward Hall, to create exclusive editions and capsule collections. Ed remains dedicated to fostering new talent and staying ahead of cultural and consumer trends- even co-founding his own business selling vintage and hand crafted homewares-, tailoring creative retail strategies to resonate with diverse audiences and institutional identities.
Alberto Brusamolino
Product marketing and retail manager, shops - Musée Rodin
After training in photography and art history at the MI21 School in Paris, Alberto Brusamolino began his career in Florence, his hometown, working in various fashion boutiques, including Ultra and Luisa Via Roma. He also designs and creates window displays for several brands. He later moved to Paris and collaborated with several fashion houses on special art projects and the creation of retail concepts. In 2002, he joined the sales team at the Musée Rodin, where he was responsible for product marketing and visual merchandising for the shop. From product research, design to implementation, from window display to merchandising, each reflection and each project represents a new challenge, supporting the brand's values, its history, and a certain style.
Virginie Perreau
Sales and Marketing manager - GPRmn
A graduate of ESCP Business School, Virginie Perreau has spent her entire career working in sales and marketing for cultural establishments. Her passions for culture and commerce are continually intertwined in her career path, which she began at the Forum des images as sales and marketing manager. At the same time, she studied art history at the École du Louvre. In 1996, she joined Paris Musées, where she worked for seven years as Distribution Manager. In 2003, Virginie joined GPRmn as deputy manager for Louvre’s museum shops, before being appointed head of Musée d'Orsay’s shops. From then on, her career at GPRmn continued, making her head of the major museums shops, then deputy sales and marketing manager at DCM. Since May 2023, Virginie has been Sales and Marketing manager.
Roddy Clarke
Journalist
A graduate of Cambridge University’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Roddy Clarke is a design writer looking at the social and environmental impacts of design. With a background in restoration, Roddy covers topics such as circularity, responsible design, and the presence of traditional craft in a contemporary society. Contributing to titles such as The Financial Times and Forbes, Roddy also hosts and speaks across various industry events while also consulting with brands to help them navigate their way to a greener future through transparent and honest communication. Roddy also works as an interior stylist for a variety of brand-related projects.