At times when future prospects for retail space are uncertain, e-commerce brand engelbert strauss successfully decided to invest in physical shopping experiences. Flagship store Oberhausen is the fourth store designed by brand architects plajer & franz studio for the retail company. The craftsmen's working world and emotional values play a fundamental role in the store design. Materials and tools from the customer's working environment are playfully integrated into the design and product presentation, creating appealing accents and providing references to the various craft professions.

alexander plajer is CEO and co-founder of plajer & franz studio. the berlin-based agency for intelligent brand architecture was founded 1996 together with his partner werner franz. earlier, alexander plajer gained international experience in new york, working at richard meier & partners architects and by working with clients from the unites states, the middle and far east. for over two decades now, plajer & franz studio's impressive and frequently published portfolio has been the result of this creative and imaginative partnership – running innovative projects focused on quality down to the very last detail with a great sense of style. so far, the studio has brought to life projects for renowned clients such as GALERIE LAFAYETTE, PUMA, PORSCHE DESIGN, KARL LAGERFELD, SHINSEGEAE, SOGO and many more in the field of retail design, interior design and architecture, working with a holistic comprehension of brands and tailor-made concepts.

engelbert strauss, german brand manufacturer of workwear, working shoes and industrial supplies, is based in biebergemünd near frankfurt am main. In addition to the mail order business, the company has also been operating flagship stores since 2008. the "workwearestores" in hockenheim, munich-bergkirchen, biebergemünd and oberhausen, are designed by plajer & franz studio.