Cockburns of Leith; combining heritage, education and value into a retail environment

Cockburns of Leith is a heritage wine merchant and importer with a trading history dating back to 1796.  Under the ownership of Murray Capital since 2010, it is now an integral subsidiary of Wine Importers Edinburgh Ltd. Murray Capital also own Chateau Routas a vineyard in the heart of Provence, France which currently produces c. 20,000 cases of estate grown wine sold on trade and through the Cockburns of Leith retail unit in Frederick Street, Edinburgh.

 The ongoing ownership and care of brand legacy, values and sustainability are crucial for a company like Cockburns of Leith.  Considerations such as to how the retail team demonstrate superlative customer service and great pride in belonging to a heritage brand, through to the cost value and sustainability of each material used alongside how the brand is embodied throughout the customer experience without significant cost outlay, forms part of the decision-making process. Every detail and aspect of each customer touch point is carefully thought through.

 Supertonic were engaged to design and fit out the stately Georgian Edinburgh retail premises, merging the refurbishment of two challenger brands: Chateau Routas and Cockburns of Leith into a cohesive customer experience and environment.

 Part of the brief was to help define and clarify the brand while raising awareness of its value.  Considerable effort went into breaking down all aspects of both the Cockburns of Leith and the Chateau Routas brands to help explain the intention and synergy of each element of each. Supertonic identified that the heritage of Cockburn’s of Leith aligned to the quality, sustainability and knowledge of the team from Chateau Routas should come together in a carefully crafted retail interior supportive of a series of flexible education and taste experiences. By curating core product ranges to enable a cohesive customer experience, Supertonic considered every last detail – from the display of product through to the play of colour, light and texture throughout the flexible retail space.

 Symbiotic of the design approach were discussions regarding the tiled mosaic in the doorway step, a significant cost for a small piece of work.  However, the WOW factor created by this entrance delivers significant cost value, inviting customers to step inside while also creating clear brand distinction.

 Supertonic were praised for their hands-on approach with particular reference to planning, communication and end to end project management skills.  The client noted that they “didn’t have to worry” as Supertonic took charge of the project.  Of particular note was the Supertonic approach to  problem solving while never letting go of the end vision and outcome.

 You can visit the Cockburns of Leith retail experience at

48a Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1EX

 Or visit their website at https://www.cockburnsofleith.co.uk