Top Secret Kit Kats

Back to something that really annoys me, companies who have a 'No Photo' policy for something that's open to the public and has absolutely no reason to be secret.

I've posted examples in the past and I'll continue to rant as long as companies carry on with the stupidity of it.

The latest example I came across was what is promoted as the largest sweet shop in the world, Candylicious at Dubai Mall.

Outside there are two big, prominently displayed signs:



Yep, a sweet shop banning photography because...ermmmm.

What is the thinking behind it? I just don't understand.

It's a big but bog-standard sweet shop selling Kit Kat, Mars Bars and the like, some nuts, pick & mix sweets - the stuff you get in any supermarket, mall, sweet shop.

Is it a secret shop design then? Well, it's a public area so it can't be secret can it.

In spite of the design concept rationale (I'll get to that in a second) it's an absolutely bog-standard sweet shop - shelves around the walls, some island displays, coloured spots dotted around the floor.

But 'No Photography' is allowed.

Funnily enough, on October 26 Time Out published a gallery of sixteen photos, of the shop and close-ups of chocolates which are on sale there.

Here's the first shot from Time Out's gallery:




Told you, absolutely bog standard design.

You'd be surprised how often designers come up with a design, then write the rationale afterwards to sell it to the client.

Keep the picture of the shop in mind as you read what they say about it:

"Introducing a brand new concept - Candylicious combines candy and the world of imagination in a hip and fashion forward candy store. Located right infront of the aquarium, you cannot miss the vibrant colours and millions of wonderful candy (sic) from this fun and entertaining store.

Candylicious is an abstract concept representing fantasy, joy and irreplaceable childhood memeories. (sic)"

Anyone know anyone from Candylicious? If you do, please ask them what their rationale is.

They made a policy decision that they'd ban photography of their shop. Why? What do they need to keep secret? What is it that they won't allow to be photographed even though it's open to full public view?





The Time Out gallery is here.