ARIAT, ECQ SYDNEY
Built for Performance, Flexibility and Volume Retail
Ariat, a globally recognised brand in performance footwear and apparel, continues to strengthen its presence in Australia with the opening of its new ECQ Outlet store on 25 March 2026. Known for producing durable boots, workwear and Western-inspired apparel, Ariat has built a strong reputation among farmers, equestrian riders and rural consumers.
Operating locally through Just Country Australia, the brand required a retail environment that reflects its practical, performance-driven identity while supporting the demands of an outlet setting. Having previously partnered with Apex Display on their Brisbane DFO store, Ariat looked to recreate a similar look and feel, while refining the space to better suit their evolving retail needs.
Design Objectives
The client sought a retail fitout that combined durability, flexibility and strong brand presence. Key goals included:
- Creating a consistent look aligned with their existing Brisbane DFO store
- Designing a flexible system to accommodate a wide variety of products
- Supporting high-volume stock display typical of an outlet environment
- Maximising both display and storage within the same footprint
- Delivering a cost-effective solution suited to budget requirements
Location: Sydney, NSW
Company: Ariat, Just Country Australia
Industry: Western Wear
Designer: Maple Brown Designs
Shop Fitter: Total Fitouts – Surry Hills
Completed: March 2026
Products Used in the Fitout
- UniSlot™ Cube
- UniSlot™ Wallmount
- Adjustable Pipe Clothing Racks
- Retail Display Plinths
- Plinths with Custom Storage
- Custom Nesting Display Tables
Finishes
- Metal Finish: Black Satin
- Timber Finishes: Polytec Prime Oak Woodmatt
Implementation
Apex Display worked closely with Ariat, their shopfitter and project team to deliver a tailored fitout solution that addressed both merchandising and storage challenges.
The UniSlot™ system formed the core of the design, with black metal components paired with Prime Oak Woodmatt shelving to create a warm, durable and cohesive retail environment. Customisations were made across multiple elements of the fitout, including deeper UniSlot™ Cube units to accommodate bulk boot box storage while maintaining a strong visual display.
Additional custom joinery pieces, including nesting tables and plinths with integrated storage, were developed to enhance both functionality and presentation across the store.
The Challenge
As Ariat’s first store in Sydney, the project required a cost-effective solution that could handle the demands of an outlet retail environment. A key challenge was balancing large volumes of stock, particularly bulky boot boxes, with a clean and engaging in-store presentation.
Apex Display addressed this by modifying the depth of the UniSlot™ Cube system, allowing for both front-facing product display and integrated storage behind. Wider 600mm shelving was also introduced to better accommodate denim and apparel ranges.
During installation, an unforeseen structural support post was required for the back wall display to support the LED signage. Although the UniSlot™ components were already in production, Apex Display worked closely with the client and builder to reconfigure the planned bay widths, ensuring the final outcome remained seamless and aligned with the overall design intent.
The Outcome
The completed ECQ Outlet store delivers a practical, high-performing retail space that reflects the Ariat brand. The combination of modular UniSlot™ fixtures and custom elements allows for efficient merchandising of both footwear and apparel, while supporting the high stock volumes required in an outlet environment.
The use of black metal and timber finishes creates a strong, authentic aesthetic that aligns with Ariat’s rugged brand identity, while the flexibility of the system allows the store layout to adapt as product ranges evolve.
Why Choose a Modular Fitout Over a Traditional Custom Build?
A modular retail fitout offers greater flexibility, faster installation and long-term cost savings compared to traditional custom joinery. Systems like UniSlot™ can be reconfigured as your product range changes, without requiring a full refit, making them ideal for outlet stores and evolving retail environments.
Talk to Apex Display about a modular fitout designed for your store.