Meet Max Mamaev from Spacefor

People Behind the Space: Spacefor

 

Max Mamaev from Spacefor

Max Mamaev from Spacefor

 

Spacefor offers a game-changing approach to offline retail, blending the flexibility of eCommerce with the allure of a physical storefront. The brainchild of Max Mamaev, a visionary digital creative and founder of the production company Department, Spacefor is more than just a showroom—it's a curated space where brands come to life and meaningful connections are forged.

 

In this feature, Max shares the inspiration, vision, and future of Spacefor, giving us a glimpse into how he’s redefining the retail experience.

 

Spacefor Pavillion Pop Up Shop in Britomart

 

  1. Tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to create Spacefor?

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  1. Spacefor emerged from a simple question: how can eCommerce brands create meaningful, in-person experiences without the constraints of traditional retail? I was inspired by the opportunity to reimagine how online businesses can engage with the physical world, and what the future of retail looks like, making it flexible, intentional, and focused on connections rather than just transactions.
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Spacefor Rebe Pop Up in Britomart

 

  1. What was your vision behind the design and functionality of Spacefor?

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  1. The vision was to create an environment where brands can easily come to life. Every detail is intentional—modular fixtures for adaptability, technology to enhance the functionality and customisation, and a premium aesthetic - so that it doesn’t feel like a pop-up (a term we try to avoid). We work closely with Clark Bardsley on the physical aspects of our offering.

 

  1. We wanted to bring everything together, removing all barriers for offline activations.

 

Spacefor Pavillion Pop Up Shop in Britomart

 

With Spacefor offering flexible, short-term leases, what excites you most about providing brands with this kind of opportunity?

 

  1. For the majority of brands, we were their first encounter with the offline world—their first chance to meet and talk to customers IRL. Knowing we can provide such an opportunity is very fulfilling.

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  3. I love seeing how our spaces transform each time a new experience comes to life. Whether it’s a first-time in-store experience for an emerging brand or a large product launch for a global brand, the energy and ideas we see on the floor are incredible.

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  5. It’s exciting to see brands build deeper connections with their community and realize the potential of blending online and offline experiences.

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Spacefor Pavillion Pop Up Shop in Britomart

 

Spacefor has been a disruptor in the industry, reconnecting people with brands in a physical store - who have been some of the most exciting brands to use Spacefor?

 

    1. From a consumer perspective, Spacefor has a lot in common with art galleries. We curate brands and experiences to give the public a chance to discover something new and inspiring. Not to play favorites, but it was amazing seeing brands like Allpress, Porter James Sports, Rebe, Honest Wolf, Moodi Blends, and Logitech create something unique.

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  1. If you could invite any three brands to showcase their products in Spacefor, who would they be and why?

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    1. I’d love to see more global brands launching into new markets with our help. Brands like RAINS, Ami Paris, Represent, and Jacquemus do exceptional work blending online and offline experiences in other markets.
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Special Studio Pop Up Store at Spacefor

 

What has been your proudest moment so far with Spacefor?

 

    1. Being part of the journey for brands and founders. Seeing the connections brands make, the products people touch, sense, and try—it all contributes to building long-term value for those brands. Knowing we play a role in creating these meaningful experiences is something I’m really proud of.
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Spacefor Pavillion Pop Up Shop in Britomart

 

How does your background in digital creativity and production influence the way you approach the design and operation for Spacefor?

 

    1. Alongside Spacefor, I run a creative production company Department, where most of the work we do is in the digital space. To me, it feels like a natural extension. The spaces are physical touchpoints, so the work is very similar—it’s just executed in a different medium.
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Are there any exciting plans in the pipeline for Spacefor?

 

    1. We are working through opportunities to expand geographically and to reimagine what the store of the future looks like.
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Spacefor Pavillion Pop Up Shop in Britomart

 

With a seamless blend of creativity, adaptability, and innovation, Max Mamaev’s Spacefor has become a beacon for brands seeking to make their mark in the physical retail world. From enabling first-time in-store experiences to hosting major product launches, Spacefor continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the retail space.

 

As Max and his team look toward reimagining the future of offline experiences, the journey of Spacefor is a testament to the power of design, connection, and bold ideas.

 

  1. Interested in showcasing your brand at Spacefor? Click here to view the listing.

  

Enjoyed this article?
Read our People Behind the Space feature with Sarah Jayne Kavali from BRAD'S
 

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