Young Women Disruptors of Retail Design 2026: Manon Foucraut

Originally from France, Manon Foucraut studied interior design, but her connection to retail started much earlier than that. Growing up, her father worked in the industry, selling point-of-sale software to stores, so conversations about how retail businesses and customers experience were very much part of her childhood. That environment naturally sparked a curiosity in her, and she chose to focus her internships in retail design studios, where she began to understand how spatial design, branding, and customer experience come together in a physical space.

At the age of 21, she made a move that would prove pivotal: relocating to India. It was a particularly exciting moment as many international brands were entering the market, and the retail landscape was evolving rapidly.

Working on projects like Superkicks Mumbai and The Sleep Company Bangalore, Manon actively searches for the distinctive twist that makes each space memorable, and she brings that same spirit to how she leads. According to the team, she has fostered an environment where even the most junior designers are encouraged to contribute ideas, challenge assumptions, and propose bold concepts.

What continues to drive her is the belief that a store is never just a place to display products. It is where a brand's identity becomes something you can actually feel, and where customers form real, lasting connections.

Outside of work, Manon paints and doodles, a creative escape that lets her step away from the professional side of design for a moment. At home, she has two very cute cats who are, by her own admission, extremely talented at providing distraction and gently reminding her to slow down.

What is the best part of being a retail designer?

For me, the most exciting part of retail design is that it is deeply human and customer- centric. A store is not just a branded space, it becomes part of people’s daily lives. Understanding their behaviour, how they move through the environment, and what kind of experience they are looking for is essential.

What I also find fascinating is how retail is evolving. Today, they are becoming places of experience, interaction, and community. We worked on a project for Reise Moto, a motorcycle gear brand, where the store was designed as a place where riders can connect. They organise talks, presentations, and gatherings for the riding community directly inside the store. So the space becomes more than a retail environment, it becomes a meeting point for people who share the same passion.

What is the biggest advantage of being a woman in retail design?

I think the real advantage is the diversity of perspectives that women bring into the design process. In my experience, women designers often develop a strong attention to the small details that influence how a space feels. In retail, where the goal is to create environments where people feel welcome, curious, and engaged, that sensitivity to detail can be a real strength

What is the top challenge as a woman in retail design?

Like in many areas of life, being a woman can come with its own challenges, and our industry is not completely separate from that. One thing I have noticed is that while there are many women on the creative and design side, there are still very few women involved in the construction and execution side, whether with vendors, contractors, or on-site teams. It is not necessarily a challenge in itself, but it is something that stands out to me.

Favourite retail project and why?

Honestly, I often say that my favourite project is yet to come. With every project, my team and I try to push the boundaries a little further, so I always feel the most exciting ideas are still ahead of us.

But if I had to choose one, I would mention the Joker & Witch store. Even though it’s a relatively small format, it’s a project I really enjoy because it is packed with thoughtful experiential touchpoints. The concept was inspired by card games, with a playful, casino-like atmosphere that reflects the bold personality of the brand.

Your dream project

It might sound a little bit cliché, but my dream project would be designing a wine store. As a French person, even though I have been living in India for many years, the culture of good wine is still something very close to me. What excites me about this idea is the incredible storytelling potential around it.

Advice to fellow and upcoming women in retail design

My first advice would be: never be shy to speak up. When you are a junior designer, you actually bring something very valuable, which is a fresh perspective. You see things with new eyes, and that can lead to interesting ideas. Of course, not every idea will be feasible or aligned with the brand, but expressing it is often the starting point for developing something even better.

Another important lesson in creative work is not getting too attached to one idea. In design, ideas can feel very personal because you invest time and energy into them. But if a concept gets rejected, it usually means that a stronger idea is still waiting to emerge.

Favourite travel destination and why?

One trip that really stayed with me was Ladakh. I visited about four years ago, and the landscapes there felt almost surreal. What struck me the most was the incredible diversity of the scenery. In a relatively small area, you move from dry desert landscapes to snowy mountains, then to the greenery of the Nubra Valley, sand dunes, and crystal- clear lakes. The contrasts are truly breathtaking.