OUR STORY
Founded in 1990 by Gay and Bruce Briggs, Rare Basic is a British visual merchandising and retail display company with a heritage spanning more than three decades.
What began with a single product has evolved into an internationally recognised business, working with leading retailers and global brands to bring creative ideas to life through innovative design, bespoke product development and visual merchandising.
Our story is one of creativity, resilience and constant evolution.
THE 1990s — WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Rare Basic launched with just one product: the flatback body. At a time when retailers were looking for cost-effective display solutions, it proved an instant success, finding its way into stores ranging from Fortnum & Mason to BHS and Littlewoods, and countless independents in between.
The product quickly gained international recognition, establishing Rare Basic as a trusted name across the retail display industry and laying the foundations for everything that followed.
THE 2000s — REDEFINING RETAIL DISPLAY
Having established a strong presence across the UK high street, Rare Basic worked with many of the country's leading retailers, including Debenhams, Next, M&S and Arcadia.
This era marked a significant milestone with the launch of our first full mannequin — pioneering what we believe was Europe's first fully recyclable mannequin.
Our London showroom became something of an industry institution. Part creative hub, part meeting place, it was known for its unconventional spirit, memorable parties and a bar in place of the traditional boardroom. It was a place where ambitious ideas were encouraged, creative partnerships flourished and concepts became reality.
As our clients' needs evolved, so did we. Moving beyond traditional display models, we embraced technical innovation and advanced product development, experimenting with distinctive finishes including concrete, paper, fabric, smoked and frosted effects. Our focus was on pushing creative boundaries while developing durable, high-quality products designed for the demands of retail environments.
Retail has never stood still, and neither have we.
Through economic uncertainty, changing consumer behaviour, Brexit and the transformation of the traditional high street, Rare Basic has continued to adapt, innovate and deliver.
Operating from the UK, we bring a 360-degree approach to visual merchandising and retail display, combining creative thinking, technical expertise, product knowledge and hands-on project management.
Our strength lies in our ability to evolve alongside our clients. We understand that every project presents a different challenge, and we pride ourselves on finding the right solution — from the first idea through to final delivery.
THE 2020s — EVOLVING WITH RETAIL
TODAY — BESPOKE BY NATURE
Today, under the leadership of Gay and Bruce's daughter, Chloe Scarlett, Rare Basic works with major international retailers, supermarkets, fashion houses and sports brands on bespoke, project-led product development.
Working closely with our clients at every stage, we turn ideas into tailored solutions that reflect each brand's identity, commercial objectives and creative vision.
More than 35 years on, our philosophy remains the same: creativity, collaboration and the confidence to do things differently.
We don't stand still. We evolve, innovate and bring ideas to life.
