Visual Merchandising & Store Design - April 2011

Experience Retail Now APRIL 2011

A Pvmsd.com RIL 2008

APRIL 2011 LIVERPOOL |

T.G.I. FRIDAY’S |

SUPERVALU |

MANNEQUIN TRENDS |

SIGNAGE & GRAPHICS PRODUCTS

A STEP UP

Mexico’s Liverpool takes a fashion-forward leap T.G.I. Friday’s gets a restaurant refresh Top 3 mannequin trends Supervalu makes a local connection in Minnesota

Experience Retail Now

APRIL 2011 Vol. 142, No. 4

CONTENTS

COLUMNS

24

4

FROM THE EDITOR

6

VMSD EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

8

THE GOODS

Starbucks’ new logo Session Highlights: EuroShop Obituary: Alton Doody IRDC Registration Opens

12 DESIGN DETAIL

Icebreaker gets touchy-feely in New York

16 NEXT STORE

Steps to integrating social media with store design

44 CREATIVE KICKSTARTS

Using group blogs to unite co-workers, inspire clients

46 SHOWROOM

Signage & Graphics

55 AD INDEX 56 CHECKING OUT

20

Rising star Leonard Barszap

F E AT U R E S 20

THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY AGAIN!

America’s original happy hour restaurant refreshes its look from the outside in.

24

CABIN IN THE WOODS

Supervalu uses local design references to connect with a Minnesota community.

31

MAD FOR MANNEQUINS

VMSD looks at the latest attention-grabbing trends in mannequins and forms.

38

ON VMSD.com

IN WITH THE NOW

Trend zones put fashion at the center of Liverpool’s redesigned department store in Mexico.

Exclusives in March BREAKING THE MOLD

On the cover Liverpool remodeled its Polanco, Mexico, store with

improved circulation patterns, a neutral color palette and added fashion displays, including mannequins in its signature pink color.

PHOTOGRAPHY: OMS, CHRISTIAN DOHN, TOBIAS HARRIS, CINCINNATI

Follow VMSD on 2 APRIL 2011 | vmsd.com

Inside Icebreaker’s experiential store environment.

L.A. WOVEN

Missoni makes its L.A. debut with a store wrapped in metalwork.

FE

FROM THE EDITOR

Hungry for Change

11262 Cornell Park Drive Cincinnati, OH 45242 P: 513.421.2050 | F: 513.421.5144 vmsd@stmediagroup.com | VMSD.com

The pressure’s on for supermarkets and traditional grocers to stay flexible and focused.

It’s not until you try to change your habits that you realize just how much you’ve come to depend on their, well, routineness. Over the last couple of months, frustrated by quickly rotting produce and the absence of some of my favorite products on the shelves, I decided it was time to try a different grocery store. The new chain offered a recently remodeled store, an in-house coffee shop and several amenities that were lacking at my old one, which was acquired by a new owner a year ago.

It’s been a slow transition. My brain still goes on autopilot as I continue to create my weekly shopping list based on my old store’s layout.

Efforts to learn my way around the new store easily add 30 minutes to my Saturday afternoon chore. Sure, I know the milk is hidden all the way in the back corner, but what about soap, lotion and toothpaste?

Why can’t I find the pasta?

But I’m willing to plug forward. Why? Because the reward – better store environment, better selection – is so appealing. And because I feel better shopping there.

But that doesn’t mean my new store should rest on its laurels. More and more retailers are selling fresh produce and groceries, including Walgreens and CVS. Some malls are bringing in supermarket chains as anchors – a role once reserved for department stores. “The idea is that if people come to the mall to buy food, they’ll buy other merchandise as well,” Dan Fasulo, managing director, Real Capital Analytics (New York), told Bloomberg.

All of this highlights the need for supermarkets to stay flexible and tuned in with today’s shoppers. Supervalu Inc., the third largest U.S. grocery company, plans to double the number of locations of its “extreme value” grocery Save a Lot, while also opening community-inspired supermarkets. (See “Cabin in the Woods” on page 24.)

Safeway Inc. plans to open 26 new stores in 2011, the highest number in four years. Meijer is investing $75 million in a remodel project for select stores in Ohio and Michigan. Kroger Co. is pushing its ownbrand products as an alternative for price-sensitive shoppers.

“If there’s any consistent in our industry, it’s change,” Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s president and ceo, told Supermarket News.

The National Retail Federation says it expects retail sales to rise 4 percent in 2011, the biggest increase since 2006. However, slow job growth and rising prices, including food, gas and apparel, will continue to keep consumers in a cautious mindset.

All retailers, from food to specialty apparel, should make sure they’re ready and willing to keep the changes coming.

4 APRIL 2011 | vmsd.com

EDITORIAL Editor Anne DiNardo anne.dinardo@stmediagroup.com Senior Art Director Kimberly Pegram kim.pegram@stmediagroup.com Assistant Editor Whitney Harrod whitney.harrod@stmediagroup.com Editor at Large Steve Kaufman steve.kaufman@stmediagroup.com New York Editor Eric Feigenbaum European Editor John Ryan, London

SALES Publisher Eastern U.S. / Eastern Canada Murray Kasmenn murray.kasmenn@stmediagroup.com P: 770.578.2577

Business Development Manager Western U.S. / Western Canada

Donna McKerrow

donna.mckerrow@stmediagroup.com P: 770.650.8233 x339

Business Development Manager International

Patricia Iannelli

patricia.iannelli@stmediagroup.com Via G. Rossini 16, 21100 Varese, Italy P: +39.0332.240285

C O R P O R AT E President Tedd Swormstedt Design Group Director Kristin D. Zeit Audience Development Director Christine Baloga Production Coordinator Keri Harper Senior Event Manager Kristy Lohre Director of Book Division Mark Kissling Reprint Information 800-925-1110, ext. 399

CUSTOMER SERVICE / SUBSCRIPTIONS

800.421.1321 (U.S. and Canada only) P: 513.421.2050 F: 513.421.6110 customer@stmediagroup.com 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. EDT

r e p r e S e N t i N g i d W e x c l u S i v e lY i N t h e u . S .

152 West 25th Street New York, N Y 10 0 01 m a N N e q u i N S

•

f o r m S

•

•

212-627-2809

•

www.lfs-trimco.com

d e c o r a t i v e S

•

d i S p l a Y S

EAB

vmsd editorial advisory board

r e ta i l e r s Bevan Bloemendaal Senior Director, Global Creative Services Timberland Rick Burbee Divisional VP Home Design/ Trend Sears Holdings Corp.

Amy Garrigan VP, Brand Development Family Christian Stores

Jose Raul Padron Senior Visual Manager Godiva Chocolatier

Beth Harlor Associate Director – CBDi Design Procter & Gamble

Tracey Peters National Visual and Merchandising Manager Holt Renfrew

Jack Hruska Executive VP, Creative Services Bloomingdale’s

Max Carmona Senior Director McDonald’s USA

victor johnson Director, Store Environment White House | Black Market

Tim Cox Director, Creative Services Publix Super Markets

Jeffrey Key Store Environment Manager Store Planning Lowe’s Companies Inc.

DAVID CURTIS Director, Store Design North America Starbucks Coffee Co.

hak kim Director of Store Design Tumi

matt davison Director, Store Design and Planning Kohl’s Department Stores

Lynn Knutson Visual Merchandising Program Manager Harley-Davidson

Linda Fargo Senior VP, Fashion Director and Store Presentation Bergdorf Goodman

Jay Kratz Architect, Senior Design Manager Store Design Luxottica Retail

Tracey finger Senior Manager Retail Creative Apple

sharon lessard Chief Design Officer SuperValu Inc.

Jason Floyd Director, Store Development GameStop Inc.

Dave Lindsey Corporate VP, Store Planning Nordstrom david milne VP, Architecture and Design Carlson Restaurants Worldwide

DESIGN /industry CONSULTANTS Tom Beebe Creative Consultant/Stylist

Jim Crawford Executive Director Global Retail Executive Council

Ken Pray Director, Store Design The Kroger Co.

Steven Derwoed Principal Callison RYA Studio

reginaldo reyes Senior Design Lead Target

peter dixon Senior Partner, Creative Director Prophet

Kevin Ruehle Store Layout, Senior Director, Prototype Design & Evolution Walmart

Bruce Dybvad President Interbrand Design Forum

Todd Taylor Director of Design Darden Restaurants Inc.

Lee Peterson Executive VP, Creative Services WD Partners todd rowland Director of Design, Retail Little

randall stone Senior Partner Lippincott

Les Hiscoe VP, Retail Group Shawmut Design and Construction

Parisa Zander Director, Worldwide Visual Merchandising, Store Design Microsoft

tara o'neil Chief Creative Officer Perennial Inc.

Brian Shafley President Chute Gerdeman

Bryan Gailey VP Retail Design Director Arc Worldwide

Jan Tribbey VP, Store Design & Construction Victoria’s Secret Stores Limited Brands

Kevin O’Donnell Founder Thread Collaborative

Randy Sauer Principal MulvannyG2 Architecture

niki fitzgerald VP, Managing Creative Director Graphic Design FRCH Design Worldwide

James Sloss VP, Design|SPACE Macy's Inc.

Dimitri Vermes VP CBX rachel zsembery Associate Bergmeyer & Associates

david hogrefe Managing Director Fitch

ail Now nce Ret Experie

mar ch

2011

.com vmsd2008 mar ch

OCTO BER

OCTO BER 2010 MARvmsd CH 2008 .com

Experie nce Ret ail Now

2010 |

FOREVER 21

hTed luxury elig hD ate-cover rktsis to chocol Tu Istanbul diva trea

STARBUCKS

…whenever you want it.

Miho Koshido Creative Director JGA

Michael Bodziner Principal Gensler

Stephanie Picone VP, Marketing/Visual IZOD Retail

Get the best information

jeffrey hutchison President Jeffrey Hutchison & Associates

|

MY.SUIT

Go

|

SANTA MONIC

winners s: all the rds: ward gn awa Square rDI Desi in Times ns le lands ostaale post erop connectio aero makes its rt retailing ort irpo airp A PLACE

|

RETAILING

ABROAD

|

FURNITURE

• Receive monthly print editions of VMSD magazine

|

SURFACING

• Receive the weekly VMSD e-newsletter • Search vmsd.com anytime

Visit vmsd.com/subscribe to start your subscription today.

April 2011 | vmsd.com

CO F F E E

Starbucks

dishes on

TALK

its global

store des

ign strateg

y

VMSD Reta iler of the Forever Year: 21 My.Suit gets stylish in New Yor Top inte k rnational retail mar kets

Already a subscriber to VMSD? Lock in your subscription by visiting vmsd.com/renew.

BOUTIQUE

Available in the United States, South America and Central America through

Available in Canada through

86 6.6 4 5. 7032 ex t. 327

mondomannequins.com

021'2B906'B/$<2876B$35B B LQGG

$0

TG THE GOODS

CO U R T E S Y O F STAR BUC KS COFFEE CO., SEATTLE

Edited by Anne DiNardo

The Mermaid Stands Alone It’s been 40 years since Starbucks opened its first location, a small retail space in Seattle’s Pike Place Market.

Millions of venti lattes later (or is it latte ventis?), the retailer launched an anniversary celebration featuring, among other things, a new logo and what it describes as a “new instore look focusing on the iconic siren.”

No, that peculiarly alluring mermaid with her two scaly, finned tails has not disappeared from the logo. What is gone, however, is the ring of words around her announcing STARBUCKS COFFEE. Instead, the company is

letting the little mermaid speak on her own for the brand. But what’s she saying?

“Our new logo [honors] our deep coffee heritage,” chairman, president and ceo Howard Schultz announced, “while allowing us to grow in exciting new ways.”

The obvious speculation – and the announcement was not without speculators – was that this allows Starbucks to introduce a new line of non-coffee-related merchandise.

A celebration in March unveiled the new siren in stores in Beijing, Paris, London and New York. —Steve Kaufman

REGISTRATION GOES LIVE Mark your calendars for April 15 when registration opens for the 11th annual International Retail Design Conference.

This year’s event runs Sept. 7-9 at Parc 55 Wyndham in San Francisco. For more information and to sign up to become an IRDC Insider and receive discounts, visit irdconline.com.

8 APRIL 2011 | vmsd.com

TG

the goods fast fact

14,400

Square footage of Walmart’s first Express store, scheduled to open in Gentry, Ark. Source: Bloomberg, March 9, 2011

In Remembrance: Alton Doody

10 April 2011 | vmsd.com

Sharon Lessard

ignaz gorischek

james damian

session highlights from EuroShop “The customer of today does not have the loyalty of the customer before.”

That was the message from James Damian, former executive at Best Buy, talking to an audience of 200 retail executives and design professionals at EuroShop’s Retail Design Conference in February. Damian was joined by Supervalu’s Sharon Lessard and Neiman Marcus’ Ignaz Gorischek in discussing “Store Design Trends across the U.S.,” a session presented and moderated by VMSD. Damian challenged the audience to think of ways to bring relevancy to their brands and offer something that will keep customers coming back. “The art of the transaction is not enough,” he said.

Lessard and Gorischek offered examples of how their companies are adapting to meet shoppers’ changing needs.

“We’re really emphasizing the neighborhood,” said Lessard in discussing Supervalu’s diverse supermarket formats. This fall, the company will unveil a new Shop ‘N Save in Pittsburgh, Pa., as part of a community revitalization project. “It will be the first full-service grocery store in the area since the 1980s,” she said.

Speaking on the luxury sector, Gorischek discussed Neiman Marcus’ new Last Call Studio, which launched last year in response to the recession. “People still wanted fashion and value,” he said.

Check out VMSD’s May issue for more coverage of EuroShop 2011. x ­ – Anne DiNardo

Cou r t es y of Ch u te G erd em a n, Col u mbus , O h io ( Doo dy ); e hi/ros e n da h l ( euro sh o p )

In March, Alton Frederick Doody Jr., 76, a retail and marketing visionary and business mentor, died after a battle with cancer.

Doody had a successful career as a marketing professor at The Ohio State University before launching his worldwide consulting practice. In 1976, he formed The Doody Company to assist retailers in the design and reformatting of their stores by looking at how to display and merchandise product in a manner that would promote sales.

This past February, more than 100 friends, former employees and colleagues gathered with Doody at the offices of Chute Gerdeman (Columbus, Ohio) to celebrate his career and influence on the retail design industry.

“Doody’s retail marketing vision lives on today in the evolving processes used by many successful retail marketing service companies,” Denny Gerdeman, co-founder of Chute Gerdeman, wrote in a blog on VMSD.com reflecting on the gathering (shown above with Doody and Chute Gerdeman’s co-founder, Elle Chute).

“Major retailers the world over can trace part of their success to the revolutionary principles and ideas he introduced.”

How well do you know Amtico?

For over 40 years, Amtico International has been bringing you the best quality, styling and innovations in flooring.

Get to know the Amtico International family of brands.

Visit us online at amtico.com.

BB22 - Back to Black GN11 - Composite Calcium

DD

D E S I G N D E TA I L

By Anne DiNardo

5

4

12 APRIL 2011 | vmsd.com

Icebreaker TouchLab New York

1

Concept: This New Zealand adventure apparel brand has New Yorkers saying, “I can’t believe this is wool.”

For more images of the Icebreaker TouchLab, visit VMSD.com.

1 CEILING RIBBON

A c-shaped loop covered in shag-pile carpet is 100 percent New Zealand wool and was inspired by the work of native artist Len Lye whose works “pay homage to the energies of nature,” says Icebreaker design director Fred L’Ami.

2 MANNEQUINS

Twenty mannequins – 10 male and 10 female – illustrate the layering system behind Icebreaker garments, as well as the line’s complementary colors.

3 FLOORING

To convey a message that “nature is better than plastic,” the brand turned to natural building materials, including American oak flooring.

4 TOUCHLAB GALLERY

2

Seasonal garments get the spotlight inside this illuminated cove display, further encouraging customers to touch the brand’s silky merino fabric.

5 VISUAL CUES

Graphics throughout the 2500-square-foot store focus on telling the brand story and product highlights. The store’s most prominent graphic is a 12.8-foot high image of a merino sheep. Now that’s a lot of wool! x

PROJECT SUPPLIERS RETAILER

Icebreaker, Wellington, New Zealand DESIGN

Adrian Nancekivell Design, Auckland, New Zealand ARCHITECT

SawickiTarella Architecture & Design, New York AUDIO/VISUAL, FURNITURE, CEILINGS, PROPS AND DECORATIVES

team CIS, Capital Improvement Services, New York

3

TY COLE , NEW YORK

FIXTURES

Cormark, Des Plaines, Ill.

FLOORING

Baltic Wood Products, Newark, N.J. LIGHTING

Lightolier, Fall River, Mass.

MANNEQUINS/FORMS

Mondo Mannequins, Hicksville, N.Y. SIGNAGE/GRAPHICS

Granata Signs, Stamford Conn.

Merisel, New York DAC Group, Wellington, New Zealand For a full list of suppliers, go to vmsd.com.

vmsd.com | APRIL 2011

13

CALL FOR ENTRIES 2010 RETAIL RENOVATION OF THE YEAR

Last year’s winner

VMSD RETAIL RENOVATION

COMPETITION The editors of VMSD invite all design firms, construction companies, retailers and suppliers to

Renovation - Specialty Store, Sales Area under 10,000 square feet U N D E RG RO U N D, C A LG A R Y, A L B .

Ruscio Studio Inc., Montreal Photography: Leeza Studio, Longueuil, Que.

Full coverage of the 2010 competition is in the September 2010 issue of VMSD, pages 20-26, or online at VMSD.com.

submit store renovation projects for consideration in this one-of-a-kind competition.

DEADLINE: April 18, 2011

For more information and entry forms, visit VMSD.com.

(Look under “Competitions” on the Hot Topics page.)

Questions: Contact editor Anne DiNardo at anne.dinardo@stmediagroup.com or by calling 513-263-9337.

IDW group in the USA by the exclusive distributor Lifestyle Trimco.

Presentation Feb. 2011 in NIKKO Hotel D端sseldorf.

NS

nex t store

By Jim Crawford

Rules of Engagement

There’s a right way to integrate social media and mobility with store design to engage your shoppers.

cussion about the impact of social media on store design. While the participants were all brilliant and top of their fields, the conversation was actually rather dry, as each of us struggled with the realization that virtually every example we could think of was really about “mobile retail,” not “social media.”

It was this epiphany, rather than the social media content, that struck home: Today’s mobile phone enables shoppers to do anything in the store that they used to do at home, with or without the participation or permission of the retailer.

Social media is a concept that certainly has a lot of hype around it, even sparking an Academy Award nominated movie about the founding of Facebook.

The Facebook URL and icon have become ubiquitous in ads and signage, and the English language

Above Centiva used its

vinyl flooring product to create a QR code on the floor of its EuroShop booth.

16 April 2011 | vmsd.com

has seen the introduction of words like “tweet,” “defriend” and “status update” in the past couple years.

For the most part, retailers have been quick to jump on the tools offered by social media companies like Facebook and Twitter. In 2010, about 50 percent of retailers had pages on Facebook. But for most retailers, social media remains more of an elusive goal than a practical tool to generate profits. Real ROI is hard to quantify, complicating the already fuzzy impression of the impact of the Web on the store experience and sales. Missteps abound, amplified instantly through millions of Web users: Kenneth Cole’s tweet comparing the troubles in Egypt to his spring collection instantly spawned a firestorm of criticism on Twitter, including a parody account that

attracted as many followers in one day as the real designer had in total.

Given the vagueness of the investment return and the potential pitfalls from doing it wrong, who could blame store designers from shying away from social media?

Lori Schafer and Bernie Brennan, authors of the book “Branded! How Retailers Engage Consumers with Social Media & Mobility,” certainly would. “The store simply hasn’t caught up with the rapid evolution of the digital and online worlds,” says Brennan.

“There’s an enormous opportunity and now is the time to address that schism.”

The book offers a number of case studies of how retailers like Starbucks, JCPenney, Zappos and Best Buy are using social media and mobility to engage with their shoppers, both online and, increasingly, in-store.

Brennan and Shafer offered up some specific insights into how store designers can begin to explore social media and bring it into their discipline.

Execution, both in technology and process, must be flawless “Most of the experiences store designers have had with technology have been that it doesn’t work,” says Brennan. While there are numerous examples backing up this point of view, it can’t be used as an excuse on either side: Store designers need to learn how to use the technology, and IT departments need to learn how to support it in-store. Both Schafer and Brennan are quick to point out that social media excellence isn’t a substitute for being best-in-class in the other essentials of retailing, either. “Having great social media doesn’t help if your pricing model is off, for example,” says Schafer. “You can have a great multichannel experience but shoppers still won’t buy if they think your prices are too high.”

Store designers need a more powerful seat at the table With social media requiring the active support and participation from virtually every department within the retail enterprise, coordinating the shopper experience has become even more important. The store designer needs the support to play an active role in creating this experience, both in and out of the store.

“High-level executive buy-in to the role of the store

Tabe rna Re ta i l , Lo s Ang el es

Last fall, I participated in a roundtable dis-

Bernstein VMSD March 2011:Bernstein March AW

TOP MODEL SCULPT

9/2/11

15:05

Page 1

WWW.BERNSTEINDISPLAY.COM WWW.MC-COLLECTIONS.COM

SHOWROOM: 151 WEST 25TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 10001 T. 212.337.9578 F. 212.337.9579

NS

nex t store

designer is a must,” says Brennan. The rapid introduction of shopper-facing technology disrupts the traditional balance between “business” and “IT,” so active leadership from store design is essential to making social media work with the in-store environment.

Social media is rapidly moving out of showcases and into the mainstream retail environment While Times Square flagship stores in New York have long used digital “tricks” to showcase the brand, most of the experiences playing out on 50-foot-high digital screens in front of these stores don’t translate into the hundreds or thousands of locations those chains operate across the country. “Social media is, by definition, about sharing and communicating,” says Schafer. “So it’s becoming more ubiquitous and more powerful as it spreads through chains.” One example is Metropark, a Los Angeles-based specialty apparel chain that has installed screens in hundreds of its stores that share tweets from customers in other locations. “This is bringing the social experience into the store experience,” adds Schafer.

It has to work simply for the shopper in the store Though social media has a low learning curve compared to some technologies (the fastest growing user segment on Facebook isn’t young tech adopters, it’s 45- to 54-year-old women), bringing it into the store creates an expectation in the shopper’s mind that it will be a working part of the retail environment. And if they need it, help will be at hand. “We promote to the shopper that they can use their phone to read a QR code and get all sorts of great information when they’re in the store. But what happens when they

can’t quite read it using their phone?” asks Brennan.

“The sales associates don’t know how to support it, so the shopper is left even more frustrated.” Retailers deploying social media applications into the store must consider how to support shoppers when challenges do arise.

It’s still always about the design In March, the store design industry converged in Düsseldorf at EuroShop to see the latest trends in everything from mannequins to wallcoverings.

Though technology was a focus at the expo, most of the solutions showcased were in areas other than social media. But one vendor, vinyl flooring vendor Centiva, stood out with a QR code on the floor of its booth. The display was remarkable in how it brought the worlds of mobile technology, social media and design together:

• It shows off their product. The QR code was actually assembled of cut vinyl pieces, so it literally shows the company’s capabilities.

• It’s intuitive. Many QR codes take the user “somewhere,” but the integration of the well recognizable “F” makes it obvious that this will lead to the company’s Facebook page.

• It’s beautiful. In the end, store design is about art and experience and inspiration, and this shouldn’t stop with social media being a part of the mix. Colors, textures, feelings and themes must continue to be the driving forces behind a design, with new technologies like mobile and social media stepping in to support the vision, instead of the other way around. x

Jim Crawford is executive director of the Global Retail Executive Council (grec), an international association, and a principal at Taberna Retail, a global retail shopping experience consulting company. You can reach him at http:// about.me/jimcrawford.

What’s Coming Up in May Merrell steps out with a new concept prototype

18 April 2011 | vmsd.com

A.R.E. Retail Design Awards

A new graphics look recharges Corripio’s Santo Domingo electronics store

Lightfair exhibitor preview

America’s original happy hour restaurant gets its groove back.

By Steve Kaufman, Editor at Large

20 April 2011 | vmsd.com

J. Brou g h Sch a mp Ph oto g ra ph y, Ba lt i m ore , M d.

Thank God it’s Friday Again!

T.G.I. Friday’s has been an American icon since it opened on Manhattan’s Upper East Side in 1965, a pioneer in what national media were calling the “swinging singles scene.”

Recently, though, Friday’s did what any 45-yearold swinger would want to do: ensure that it’s still as relevant, innovative and appealing as it was when it was that cheeky, irreverent symbol of the ’60s. And so, this most American of casual dining restaurants turned to a partner in the U.K. for a little mod support. It asked London’s Harrison Design Co. to help contemporize and innovate its design.

Harrison had recently redesigned the Friday’s location in Birmingham, U.K., after a fire left nothing but an empty shell. The redesign proved so successful that it became the model for a new flagship concept that debuted last winter in Westbury, N.Y., Friday’s very first suburban location back in 1982

Left T.G.I. Friday’s debuted its

nationwide rebranding campaign last fall with this renovation in Westbury, N.Y. Much of the focus, not surprisingly, is in the bar area, where the restaurateur claims to have invented happy hour.

Below The rebranding included a

refashioned exterior, with the old sandstone tower getting a new cladding of black granite for the promise that “something new and special is going on in there.”

(and the one where the potent Long Island Iced Tea cocktail was invented).

The impact begins on the exterior, where the tower bearing the logo was reclad, from sandstone to black granite. “We wanted to signal, right from the first external glance, that something new and special is going on here,” says David Milne, vp of architecture and design for parent company Carlson Restaurants (Carrollton, Texas).

Inside, the focal point had always been at the bar, where Friday’s claims to have invented the happy hour.

But the renovation has literally raised the bar, making it the convivial center of energy and activity again.

“The wooden soffit was made higher,” says designer Philip Harrison, “and the televisions were moved up into the soffit, so they weren’t as much in your face.”

The new design also lowered the walls around the bar area so that the activity can be seen, heard and vmsd.com | April 2011

21

Right An object wall of sports

references and Friday’s memorabilia is intended to connect the guest to local culture and to the restaurant’s 45-year history as an energetic gathering place.

Below A newer, richer materials palette includes solid wood tables, a return to the original warm red booths and a timber-veneer ceiling stained with Friday’s signature red and white stripes.

Opposite A long, 16-seat “sharing table” in the bar is meant for single diners who want to watch TV, tap into the restaurant’s Wi-Fi capability or meet other single diners.

22 April 2011 | vmsd.com

enjoyed from anywhere in the restaurant.

Designers added a long 16-seat “sharing table” to the bar area, where guests can tap into the restaurant’s Wi-Fi capability and singles can use it as a social opportunity to meet other singles, giving the whole place a communal social spirit. All the other tables were raised to a variety of heights, so that the bar can be seen from anywhere in the restaurant.

The dining area, too, was upgraded and new red booths were installed, along with solid wood tables.

Red was the original interior color but, says Milne, “over the years, we’d gone from red to dark blue and black. It had become cold and uninviting. Now we’re back to warm.”

Designers also took this opportunity to refresh the restaurant’s materials palette. A real pressed-tin ceiling replaces the old molded ceiling material. The red and white striping in the bar area is actually stained wood, not painted gypsum board. And striped redand-white pendant lights over the tables are the mod-

ern version of Friday’s long-gone Tiffany-style lamps.

Stained redwood planks in the bar area with backlit lettering proclaim, “In Here, It’s Always Friday!”

“That’s what the brand was originally about,” notes Milne, “the relief and excitement that it’s Friday and the weekend’s here.”

There’s also plenty of pop culture memorabilia. An entire history wall is filled with an entertaining collection of old T.G.I. Friday’s menus and marketing materials, photographs and newspaper and magazine articles.

There are local cultural references in the Westbury restaurant, too, especially sports – such as a display of tennis balls tying into the nearby site of the U.S. Open – but specific team references were downplayed.

“Team sports have the potential to polarize your guests,” says Milne. “In New York, for example, too many Yankee references and not enough Mets can have a negative effect.” x

project suppliers Retailer

Carlson Restaurants, Carrollton, Texas Design

Harrison Design Co. Ltd., London Audio/Visual

E.L. Media Group, New York Furniture

M.S.W. Inc., Joplin, Mo. Architect

Carrell, Poole &Yost Architecture, Dallas General Contractor

Wathco Inc., Braselton, Ga. For a full list of suppliers, go to vmsd.com.

vmsd.com | April 2011

23

The coffee shop and dining area in the new supermarket were outfitted with antler chandeliers, lodge-like furniture and a big stone fireplace for cold winter days.

24 APRIL 2011 | vmsd.com

M ARK STE E LE , CO LU M B US , OH I O

CABIN IN THE WOODS

Left The association with a

north woods lodge begins at the entrance, an A-frame construction with metal shingles made to look like oversized logs.

Widespread outdoor references help Supervalu create a lodge-like grocery for this Minnesota community.

By Steve Kaufman, Editor at Large

The Minnesota lakes country, two-and-a-half hours north of Minneapolis-St. Paul, is an outdoorsy resort area that teems in the summertime with canoeing, fishing, kayaking, water skiing and the like. So when Supervalu-supplied grocer Chris Quisberg built his new Pequot Lakes store last year, the local design references seemed obvious enough: plenty of wood logs, a water-and-sky-blue palette and green pine tree graphics.

“Local relevance of store design is always our corporate focus,” says Harry Steen, creative design manager for Supervalu Store Design Services (Eden Prairie, Minn.). “It’s our mantra.”

But the designers aimed for something more subtle and sophisticated than a few fishing references.

They wanted to create an entire rustic environment reflective not only of the resort cabins that proliferate in the area but also of the full-time population that lives and works there, in the small towns and on the farms.

The local architectural references start right at the entrance, a dramatically vaulted A-frame

construction with metal shingles made to look like oversized logs, stacked stone pillars and exposed aggregate concrete on the front walls.

A pine tree logo over the door is repeated throughout the inside of the store, first in a large cut-tile floor design just inside the entrance and again on signage that marks the checkout stations.

Much of the signage, in fact, is meant to reference the area. So cabin-shaped aisle markers are named after various local lakes: Norway Lake, Whitefish Lake, Clear Lake, etc. And some of the merchandise departments also use local references, like the Sibley Lake Deli and Pequot Creamery. In other cases, woodsy outdoor terminology marks merchandise departments, like meats (Butcher Block).

Above A pine tree logo is

repeated throughout the store and over the front door. The departmental signage also makes woodsy references, like the refrigerated meat cases being called the Smokehouse.

vmsd.com | April 2011

25

Above Local references, such as the Sibley Lake Deli, help drive home the store’s brand image. So do design elements like the logs over the counter, held in place by actual logging chains.

26 April 2011 | vmsd.com

Genuine canoes hanging from the 26-foot ceiling bear the signage for the seafood (Lakeshore) and produce (Farmstand) areas.

“These canoes are not some designer’s fabrication,” says Steen. “We acquired them from local resorts. They’re really used, old and beat-up.”

Some of the departments are also marked by large black-and-white murals that the retailer commissioned from a local photographer. There’s a dramatic winter scene over the frozen food case, and one of fishermen casting from shore over the meats and seafood.

And then there are much more subtle uses of local references. Some of the signs are hung from the ceiling by actual logging chains. “This is a logging community,” says Steen, “so full-time residents will

recognize the authenticity immediately.” Signage in the shape of split logs hangs over some of the frozen food cases, announcing cheese, milk and ice cream.

Dyed concrete flooring and abundant custom woodwork contribute to the warm, earthy appearance of the store’s interior. Vintage pressed tin is used as a wall treatment. There’s a big stone fireplace in the coffee shop and dining area, which also features deer antler chandeliers and vintage iron lanterns on the wall. And there’s an outdoor patio complete with cabin-inspired deck furniture for the milder weather.

In the fresh market department, fruits and vegetables are displayed in oak orchard bins meant to evoke produce merchandising of a century ago, and also in moveable refrigerated display pods. But these

Above Dyed concrete flooring and abundant custom

woodwork contribute to the rustic appearance of the store’s interior.

Below The oak orchard bins in the produce department

are meant to reference the look and feel of old-time grocery stores. The refrigerated pods are moveable, for reconfiguration during the resort area’s off-season.

pods were designed for more than mere atmosphere.

Since local authenticity is a major component of the design, the retailer had to acknowledge the Minnesota weather. Even though the boaters and water skiers of July and August are replaced by snowmobilers and cross-country skiers in January and February, store traffic recedes in the winter. And most of the freestanding fixtures are on casters, able to be unplugged and moved around – or even taken off the floor – as the seasonal volume diminishes.

“The area has its full-time residents,” says Steen, “and there are certainly year-round indoor activities here for tourists, like antique shops and great restaurants. But this is still Minnesota. When the temperatures plummet and the snows swirl, even the hardiest locals stay at home.” x

Project Suppliers Retailer

Pequot Lakes Supervalu, Pequot Lakes, Minn.

Design and Architect

Supervalu Store Design Services, Eden Prairie, Minn.

Refrigerated Cases

Hill Phoenix, Conyers, Ga. Gondolas and Shelving

Lozier, Omaha, Neb.

Bakery Display and Cases

General Contractor

Structural Concepts, Muskegon, Mich.

Lighting

For a full list of suppliers, go to vmsd.com.

Nor-Son Inc., Baxter, Minn.

Amerlux, Fairfield, N.J. Lithonia, Conyers, Ga. Millwork, Service Counters and decor

Capital Wood Products, St. Paul, Minn.

vmsd.com | April 2011

27

Feed Your

Hungry for Inspiration...

now that meaty design projects are back on the table?

Get your fill at the International Retail Design Conference, where industry-leading designers, architects, planners and visual merchandisers converge each year to refuel and recharge. At IRDC trends are examined, technologies are explained, strategies are revealed, connections are made.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three non-stop days of learning, networking and scribbling feverishly in your idea notebook.

Sign up for the IRDC E-Newsbrief at irdconline.com and get program updates, speaker Q&As and registration discounts delivered to your inbox.

emerald sponsors

Presented by

r

international retail design conference September 7-9, 2011 Parc 55 Wyndham | San Francisco irdconline.com RegIstRatIon opens In apRIl

presenting sponsor

For sponsorship opportunities, contact murray kasmenn at 770.578.2577 or murray.kasmenn@stmediagroup.com.

From the Editors of

green retail design Martin M. Pegler Green is “in” with more and more architects, store planners and visual merchandisers turning to green solutions to satisfy both eco-aware retailers and their knowledgeable shoppers. But green retail not only makes environmental sense; it also makes dollars.

Knowing no borders, the green movement is sweeping across continents and affecting store design. In this new title, Martin M. Pegler takes you on a world tour of assorted retail environments. From top designer boutiques to outdoor experiences. From markets and food halls to dining spaces.

From showrooms to exhibits and store windows. Green Retail Design showcases LEED certified stores, as well as those that are reusing, repurposing, reclaiming and recycling in other ways. Take a first look at the future of store design.

Hardcover, 8½ x 11, 256 pages ISBN 0-944094-68-6

4995

$

Sign up for ST Media Group’s Online Bookstore Newsletter for announcements of new books, discounts andother special promotions at http://bookstore.stmediagroup.com.

QTY

BOOK #94

Shipping

TITLE

UNIT

Green Retail Design

PRICE

$49.95

name company address

UPS Ground ($8.00 /item)

UPS Standard to Canada ($10/item)

city

Airmail ($20.00/item)

country

TOTAL

phone

state

zip

fax

email Return by mail with check or money order (U.S. funds) to: ST Media Group / ST Books / P.O. Box 632799 Cincinnati, OH 45263 / USA

* For complete shipping options, see our online bookstore. Airmail delivery requires 2-3 weeks.

Ohio residents please add 6.5% sales tax. Payment must accompany all orders. Satisfaction guaranteed. Book(s) may be returned within 15 days for a full refund (excluding shipping).

Prices subject to change. Most orders shipped within 2 business days of receiving order. Please allow up to 2-3 weeks for delivery.

CALL TOLL FREE 866.265.0954

n check n visa n master card n amer express card no. exp. date name on card (print) signature

FAX COMPLETED FORM TO 513.744.6999

Order Online http://bookstore.stmediagroup.com

By Anne DiNardo, Editor

MAD FOR MANNEQUINS VMSD spotlights the latest mannequin trends that every retailer should be talking about.

Mannequins, historically hailed as the silent salespeople within retail spaces, are getting a bigger voice thanks to some fresh and innovative styles populating the showroom floor.

“We’ve gone through a long period of simple, quiet mannequin presentations,” says Sal Lenzo, president, Lifestyle/ Trimco (New York). “I think everyone got bored and wanted something more interesting to tailor to their brand.”

VMSD first noticed the shift at the A.R.E. Retail Design Collective last December, and the displays at EuroShop certainly confirmed it.

So what’s grabbing attention now?

Think new and unusual textures, long and lean figures and designs that harken back to better days. “Contemporary clothes on a vintage-inspired mannequin create a tension of opposites that makes the presentation more engaging to the customer,” says Sean Sager, visual director and creative consultant, CNL Mannequins (Buena Park, Calif.).

Take a look at three of our favorite trends over the next six pages.

Style Guide:

LONG AND LEAN She’s 9 feet tall!

SILVESTRI CALIFORNIA “HARRIET”

GENDER MANNEQUINS “YOUNG AND RESTLESS” 32 APRIL 2011 | vmsd.com

S OA R I N G H E I G H TS

A resurgence of long and lean models on the catwalks and pages of fashion mags has some mannequins reaching new heights. For men, it’s all about slim silhouettes to accentuate trendy fitted shirts or skinny jeans. And don’t forget about playing with proportion. “One has to find ways to take the human body into different directions. Proportion becomes a key element in which to take inspiration,” says George Martin, vp, design and presentation, Patina-V (City of Industry, Calif.).

Either way you play it, the result is a more dramatic merchandise presentation.

PLAY WIT H P RO P O R T I O N : Oversized heads Elongated necks Unusual head settings Dramatic hands and feet

RHO

GOLDSMITH

“BONAMI FASHION QUEENS”

“ANASTASIA”

PATINA-V “SKETCHBOOK”

THE MORE THE MERRIER

RALPH PUCCI “MOTION”

Cluster these long and leggy lines in multiples for more effect and drama

vmsd.com | APRIL 2011

33

BERNSTEIN DISPLAY | MC “MODERN CLASSIC”

Style Guide:

TEXTURES “ TO U C H A N D F E E L ” R E TA I L E X P E R I E N C E

I see color, I see prints, I see ... a wealth of new textures and finishes ready to stand out in a sea of white and black glossies. These styles not only show individuality and character (without the cost of sculpting a new line), but they’re also a great way to make mannequins feel like they’re part of the store environment.

LIFESTYLE/TRIMCO “SKYE”

CNL MANNEQUINS “MODERN VINTAGE COLLECTION”

34 APRIL 2011 | vmsd.com

UNIVERSAL DISPLAY & DESIGN “DUAL”

ATREZZO BARCELONA “PHILADELPHIA”

TELL A STORY WITH TEXTURE

Vintage = Couture Papier mache = Earthy Leather = Residential

BONAVERI “FASHION MODEL COLLECTION”

MONDO MANNEQUINS “ VERIPLEX”

Style Guide:

VINTAGE

ADCO GROUP “FLAIR VINTAGE MILLINERY HEAD”

SUPERIOR MODEL FORM “VINTAGE”

36 APRIL 2011 | vmsd.com

A T I M E L E S S LO O K

Don Draper would feel at home in a room full of these vintage lines. While references to the past appeal to shoppers and retailers because they’re timeless, these vintage styles also align with the return to handcrafted in visual merchandising displays. For shoppers, they impart the message that they’re buying something special and long-lasting. As the saying goes, “Everything old is new again.” x

SEVEN CONTINENTS “ATHENA”

ST Y L E F I X

Think vintage for an antidote to lookalikes and saturated minimal looks

MANEX FRANCE DISPLAY “IDEAL VINTAGE MANNEQUINS”

GRENEKER “HABERDASHERY” AND “RETROSPECT”

SIEGEL & STOCKMAN “HAND MADE PAPER FINISH HAUTE COUTURE”

vmsd.com | APRIL 2011

37

By Jenny S. Reising, Contributing Writer

In With the Now

With 80 stores throughout Mexico – and nearly 80 years of experience under its belt – high-end department store chain Liverpool certainly understands Mexican culture and particularly its loyal customer base. “It’s a store for the whole family, and the way Mexicans shop. Going to the store is a family event,” says Claudia Cerchiara, vp at FRCH Design Worldwide (Cincinnati). “They have a cultural expression: ‘Family is everything.’ ” Looking toward its “future customers” – namely, teens – Liverpool has begun unveiling new store designs that convey a more fashion-forward image.

Its six-floor Polanco store had undergone piecemeal renovations since its 1970s opening in an iconic building, which also housed two floors of corporate headquarters. When those offices were relocated to a new building, the retailer took the opportunity to 38 April 2011 | vmsd.com

OM S , Chri sti a n Do h n, To bi a s Harri s, Ci nci nn ati

Liverpool revamps its Polanco store with fashion trend zones and a future-forward design that’s in touch with its Mexican clientele.

This page Trend zones inside

Inset A six-floor gray, pink

Liverpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s redesigned Polanco store act as style guides, providing a summary of what you can find in the department with an emphasis on the hottest merchandise.

and white painted-metal sculpture is suspended above the curved stairwell.

Design firm FRCH based the concept on feathers and layers of movement.

vmsd.com | April 2011

39

Above In the “nuestra casa”– the housewares department – a circular display incorporates light laminated-wood fixtures and a playful chalk-like graphic that lend a bistro feel.

Right Overhead,

curved light and dark gray lines act as natural wayfinding and create an architectural language in the store. A dash of pink, Liverpool’s signature color, is added inside the cosmetic department.

40 April 2011 | vmsd.com

revamp its interior and elevate its fashion offering.

FRCH was tapped with creating a contemporary look that would attract new customers without alienating the existing ones.

The design team’s first task was to connect the building’s interior with its architectural footprint.

“The building is a triangular shape with curved sides but the rooms were square,” says HeeSun Kim, design director at FRCH. A new boulevard concept complements the exterior architecture, adds feminine curves and lets customers discover the store as they go through it.

FRCH also dialed up the light and dialed down the color. White ceilings and reflective white tile floors create a bright, neutral backdrop for the merchandise. Light and dark gray lines overhead act as natural wayfinding, following the curved layout while lending masculinity to the design. Splashes of color

Above White displays make

Right In the furniture

the merchandise pop in the women’s shoe department.

Acrylic rods placed in front of the gray flower graphics are designed to reflect light and add sparkle.

department, an open ceiling with suspended track lighting puts the emphasis on the merchandise, while wood flooring adds warmth.

– including Liverpool’s signature hot pink – appear sparingly to reinforce the brand and punch up the otherwise neutral space. “The main idea was to conserve the feminine attitude of the store, but not so much that it would turn off male customers,” says Iliana Davila, project manager at Liverpool.

The expanded space also allowed designers to introduce trend zones, which highlight a carefully edited sample of the store’s premier offerings. “The trend zones really respond to this new customer and the family as a whole,” explains Paul Lechleiter, chief creative officer at FRCH. “People want advice, and trend zones give people ideas about what’s cool, what’s now, mixed with more traditional merchandise.”

Black rectangular boxes and red and black mannequins lend a fashion-runway feel in the men’s and women’s trend zones. Ceiling-mounted and perimeter hardware allows for modularity. For example, mannequins can be suspended from above, while graphics are changed seasonally to keep the displays fresh.

To keep customers moving up through the space, designers introduced iconic elements on each floor: a collections area on the men’s floor, a full-sized carrousel on the children’s floor and a furniture tower on the top floor. And a colorful, dangling sculpture accentuates the building’s curved central stairwell.

The Polanco store is already benefiting from the redesign. Sales at the restaurant, which relocated from the third floor to the ground floor, are up 20 percent, people are spending more time in the store, and the new design is attracting new customvmsd.com | April 2011

41

Project Suppliers Retailer

Liverpool, Mexico City, Mexico Design

FRCH Design Worldwide, Cincinnati Outside Design Consultant

Lighting Workshop Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y. (lighting) Fixtures

Grupo Huitzilin, Mexico City, Mexico PC Proyectos, Mexico City, Mexico Flooring

Above In the decorative

home-furnishings department, merchandise around the perimeter is displayed on ceiling-hung metal shelving against a dark background, while white shelving and dark wood fixtures are used for displays at the center.

42 April 2011 | vmsd.com

ers, says Davila. But time will tell whether the new design, which Kim calls a “hyperprototype,” will make its way into other Liverpool stores.

In fact, FRCH has created several store designs for the retailer – one opened in 2010. Davila says Liverpool will decide mid-year which design direction to pursue in future stores. But, as Cerchiara notes, “In Mexico, they don’t roll out the same design; they evolve. And this design is really a continuation of ideas that will evolve with the customer.” x

Grupo Porcelanosa, Mexico City, Mexico Lighting

Lightmex, Mexico City, Mexico Mannequins/Forms

Mondo Mannequins, Hicksville, N.Y. Greneker, Los Angeles Expor Mannequins, Sao Paulo, Brazil Window Mannequins, Carros, France For a full list of suppliers, go to vmsd.com.

CK

c r e a t i v e k i ck s t a r t s

By Cristina Ferrari and Lara Roller

Fuel for the Fire

A group blog might be just the thing to help co-workers inspire each other and the design community at large.

means of keeping a positive and thoughtful point of view about design in the marketplace. But with so many avenues and modes of electronic communication, it can be overwhelming. At FRCH, in an attempt to simplify and bring focus, we started to think about the different channels in new ways: Twitter as a news ticker, a place to share headlines;

LinkedIn as a newspaper with all of the living details about our firm; Facebook as a cocktail party, a place to share our culture; and our new blog – Creative Fuel – as a magazine, the avenue for sharing our experiences and unique points of view.

The idea for Creative Fuel was hatched over lunch one day on Cincinnati’s Fountain Square, when we decided that a blog was the perfect outlet to express our creative energy. As a starting point in the process, we benchmarked our favorite blogs, including Design*Sponge and The Cool Hunter, and noticed a consistent theme. The content was always fresh, and it was genuine – never contrived or written in “marketing speak” – with real personality and a distinct point of view. We felt passionately that Creative Fuel should do the same, and that it would not

44 April 2011 | vmsd.com

be the channel for overt self-promotion. Through our research we soon realized that the biggest challenge wasn’t starting the blog, but creating a framework that would be sustainable over time. Here’s how we did it.

Ten heads are better than one It’s easy to start a blog. Maintaining it is the tricky part. We began by bringing together a small team of contributors: The goal was to spread the workload across 10 people, with each of us responsible for two posts per month. We picked individuals across studios and disciplines to ensure that our contributors represented an eclectic mixture of thoughts, interests and expertise, and encouraged them to share their passions.

We created a post schedule with deadlines for accountability. Making the time commitment manageable is the key to success. Our contributors are asked to submit their blogs before noon on their assigned day and each post is edited for quality control before it goes live on the site.

Peer accountability is a great motivator. We meet as a contributor group over lunch once a month to trade ideas and share success stories, and have found that it helps spark a sense of shared responsibility.

We’re all more likely to honor our commitments when we feel that our peers are relying on us. A trade-off policy helps, too; contributors are responsible for finding a replacement if they’re unable to post on their assigned day.

Test before going live The best way to learn is through trial and error. We recommend that you go ahead and set up a blog and start writing and posting for a few weeks or months, giving yourself time to work out the kinks – before you launch the blog to the world. In our case, we blogged for two weeks before approaching senior management with the idea. Having a writing sample from each of our contributors, a name for the blog and an actual demo to walk them through made the sell-in process go very smoothly. We could prove that the idea would be a successful business tool, rather than just theorizing about it.

We got the green light and continued to refine our template and logo design, writing bios for each of the

ka ren b oyh e n , c i n ci n nat i

A sound social media strategy is an integral

FusionTech A proprietary infused color and coating process applied to aluminum, FRP, glass, ceramic, wood and fabric. FusionTech provides endless color and surface options that are fully customizable, yet cost effective.

contributors and reorganizing the post schedule for an optimal rhythm of information. We then launched the site internally on the FRCH intranet and opened up the floor to suggestions. Finally, with six weeks’ worth of content under our belts, we went live, promoting the site externally to our clients and industry.

Create unique categories or tags You’ll want to “tag” your blog content with terms or categories relevant to your business, so that you can improve your organic search rankings. At the same time, the categories must be driven by your contributors’ personal passions. For instance, we use the category “Things that get me through the day” to post some of our creative inspiration, including Top 5 Jams of the Week and Sketch Pad Doodles. The Top 5 Jams of the Week was an idea born from our resident DJ, Marty McCauley, as a way for him to share some of the music that inspires his design work. “Elements: The Lab” is another category that we use to share great resource design materials and furniture.

Our only rule for contributors on what to post is that they must be able to answer “yes” to at least three of these four questions: 1. Does this topic inspire you?

2. Does this topic demonstrate FRCH’s authority in design, architecture and brand strategy?

3. Does this topic represent FRCH’s culture?

4. Is this a topic you would discuss with a client or potential client?

Celebrate!

Once you’ve established your blog and maintained a steady rhythm of posts, it’s time to share it with the world. Make an event of it by engaging the entire organization and your industry. For the Creative Fuel launch party we used the blog to encourage people to vote on their desired party experience. Poll results dictated the food, music, drink selection and entertainment, ensuring there was something for everyone.

We’ve found that Creative Fuel has become core to our culture as an organization. It’s linked to our website (www.frch.com) for our external audience and displayed predominantly on the front page of our intranet for the FRCH employees.

It serves as a conversation piece and source of inspiration, engaging people from every position and discipline across the firm. Clients such as Harley-Davidson, Hilton Hotels and Macy’s have all commented on the success of Creative Fuel and especially appreciate the diverse range of topics we share.

Above all else, it’s important to celebrate the key to any blog’s success: its contributors. The most rewarding outcome of building Creative Fuel has been collaborating with and learning from each of the architects, designers and strategists who have given their time and shared their passions. We appreciate all of the effort and support from across the firm and are continually inspired by how much we can accomplish together. x Cristina Ferrari is a senior brand strategist and Lara Roller is a senior interior designer for FRCH Design Worldwide (Cincinnati).

Boris loves the FusionTech Red Rust on the display wall.

Get to know Boris at www.advtechnology.com/Boris

Innovation in Decorative Laminates 800.849.1320

VMSD_ad.indd 1

•

www.advtechnology.com

3/4/11 7:35 AM

VS

VMSD SHOWROOM

LIGHT IT UP Signage for retail stores is trending toward an illuminated approach with the integration of LED lightboxes, blinker lights and edge-lit border systems to call attention to in-store messaging. In addition, a number of new products allow retailers to add graphics to shelves, sales floors and ceiling structures with minimal modification and ease of installation. The products on the following pages illustrate some of these ideas. For more, visit vmsd.com.

Outwater Plastics Industries Inc. outwater.com The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LED Crystal Light Box for Cable Shelving Hardware includes suspended floor-to-ceiling cables and double-sided acrylic sign holders with hardware and transformer. Can be used for wall-to-wall, ceiling-to-floor and wall-to-floor applications.

Dana Industries Inc. danaindustries.ca Featuring a double flag 90-degree heat bend for flexibility, Dana Blinker comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Unit can be affixed to existing data strips, with four blinking lights to choose from.

Moss Inc. mossinc.com The Radiance line of fabric LED lightboxes is available in 40-, 80- and 100-mm. thicknesses. Offered in two styles: a flat, side-lit panel for low-profile needs and a grid array for permanent applications.

46 APRIL 2011 | vmsd.com

The Retail Industry’s Complete

Online Resource

Connect. Discover. Grow.

● Expanded project galleries with more photography ● Better search capabilities ● Simplified structure ● New blogs and perspectives ● Lively commenting and other social networking tools ● Improved navigation Log on, register and network with today’s retail design leaders, thinkers, movers and shakers.

vmsd.com Plus: Industry News, ‚ New Products, Buyers Guide and Calendar!

vmsd.com | december 2008

55

VS

VMSD SHOWROOM Signage and Graphics

Gyford StandOff Systems standoffsystems.com Wire-Lite suspension system uses 3â &#x201E;64-in. stainless steel with a variety of connectors, tensioners, panel clips and mounting bases. Can be used to suspend and mount signage at various angles and adaptations.

Lifestyle/Trimco lfs-trimco.com Clip on Sign Holder fits a variety of shelves and comes in custom sizes and finishes.

Harbinger harbingersign.com The company retrofits existing outdoor signage with LEDs, including channel letters and digital signage.

LSI Graphic Solutions Plus lsi-industries.com The LEDgraphics line combines energy-efficient LEDs with custom graphic elements, including printed or CNC cut shapes. Styles include back-, edge- or front-lit, as well as colored or white illumination.

48 APRIL 2011 | vmsd.com

Identity Group/AdMart admart.com Multipole Promo Kiosk holds graphics inserts, overlays, banners, shelves, display rods and literature pockets for a variety of signage combinations.

Coloredge New York & Los Angeles coloredge.com ColorEdge Visual, one of the Merisel business units, has installed the Durst Rho 500R Superwide Roll-to-Roll UV Inkjet Printer. The unit utilizes a color-white-color print process that applies a layer of white ink between two color layers for optimal visual impact.

D|Fab dfabdesign.com

Fairfield Displays & Lighting Inc. fairfielddisplays.com

SoffiteLite is a lightweight, modular panel system for creating the illusion of architectural bulkheads or defining departments. Can accommodate pre-applied graphics.

Light Pocket combines acrylic panels with LEDs to create a lightbox with a bright white edge-lit border.

Units can be powered by and suspended from cables for hanging in multi-unit configurations. x

vmsd.com | April 2011

49

RD

regional directory An advertising service for local or regional display and fixturing companies and national companies with local distributors and/or sales offices.

The Products & Services (P&S) Codes and the Business Classification Codes in each listing are defined as follows:

1. Animations 2. Architectural and Building Components 3. Audio/Video 5. Ceilings 6. Design Services 7. Decoratives and Props

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

Fixtures Flooring Furniture Lighting Mannequins, Forms Materials Signage & Graphics Supplies & Equipment

16. Wallcoverings 17. Security A- Manufacturer B- Importer C- Distributor

Alpina Manufacturing

3418 N. Knox Avenue (60641).

P: 800-915-2828. F: 800-217-9431.

E: sales@fastchangeframes.com. www.fastchangeframes.com.

[A • International • 6.7]

L­ ISTINGS/ADVERTISEMENTS To appear for one year, payable in advance. 1" or 2" Ads require digital art. For information and rates for advertising in the Regional Directory please contact Victoria Wells, Directory Coordinator p: 800.925.1110, ext. 393, f: 513.744.6993, e: victoria.wells@stmediagroup.com

Arizona

San Diego

Flagstaff

FARKAS STORE EQUIPMENT

3008 E. Pine Dr. (86004). P: 928-526-9194.

F: 928-526-8004. Contact: Nancy Panlener [C • 12]

660 10th Ave. (92101). P: 619-232-0060.

F: 619-234-1413. Contact: Christie Lee. E: farkas123@earthlink.net. www. farkasstorefixtures.com.

[B.C • 3.7.8.10.12.13.14.15.]

Nevada

California

Holiday Foliage Inc.

Las Vegas

MANNEQUIN RECOVERY

City of Commerce NICONAT MFG. CO. STORE FIXTURES DISPLAY

2624 Yates Ave. Commerce, CA (90040). P: 323-721-1900. F: 323-728-7893. E: vicentv@ niconatmfg.com. www.niconatmfg.com.

Contact: Vicent V. [A • 7.8.10.11]

City of Industry PATINA-V

15650 Salt Lake Ave. (91745). P: 626-9612471. F: 626-333-6547. Contact: Robert Lade. [A • 7.10.12]

2592 Otay Center Dr. (92154). P: 619661-9094. F: 619-661-8382. E: info@ holidayfoliage.com. www.holidayfoliage. com. [A.B • 6.7.9 • International]

Santa Monica HANG-UPS UNLIMITED

1904 14th St. (90404). P: 310-453-3806.

800-461-8154. F: 800-426-4877. E: info@ hangups.com. www.hangups.com. Contact: Lionel Freeman. [A • 15]

las vegas manequins

3230 Polaris Avenue, Suite 21, Las Vegas, NV (89102), 702-987-5830, Fax: 702838-4463, Email: info@lvmannequins.com, Website: www.lvmannequins.com. Contact: Alison Wainwright. National. (C•12)

New York Kingston ZEE WIG STUDIO, INC.

333 Wall St. (12401). 8P: 45-331-0995.

F: 845-338-9352. Contact: Zee Caplan, Gita Zanger. [A.B • 12]

Los Angeles DISPLAYS BY JACK

Canada

1030 E. Valencia Dr., Fullerton, CA (92831).

P: 714-578-9100. F:714-578-9111. E: sales@ displaysbyjack.com. www.displaysbyjack. com. Contact: Eric Wang, Ken Lin. [B • 8.12.15]

Alberta Edmonton VALUE STORE FIXTURES­

9115 Stadium Rd. P: 780-420-0345.

800-535-2279. F: 780-426-7072. E: value@valuestoresfixtures.com. www. valuestorefixtures.com. Contact: John Koyko.

[C • 8.12.15] WESTMOUNT STORE FIXTURES

Illinois Chicago THE SIGN CENTRE­

5221 N. Long (60630). P: 773-286-4599. F: 773-286-8799. E: thesigncentre@aol.com.

Contact: Bob Dismang, Guy Dismang.

[A • 14]

8520-106A Ave., Edmonton (T5H 0S4).

P: 780-424-8950. 800-561-1951.

F: 780-425-8578.

E: fixtures@westmountstorefixtures.com. www.westmountstorefixtures.com.

Contact: Norman Vesala. [C • 6.8.12.15]

British Columbia Vancouver­

R.A.P. Retail Associated Products

EDDIE’S HANG-UP DISPLAY LTD.­

4630 Cecelia St., Cudahy, CA (90201). P: 888560-3493. F: 888-560-3496. E: info@rapstfx. com. Contact: Robert Palmer [A • 7.8]

60 W. 3rd Ave. (V5Y 1E4) P: 604-708-3100.

F: 604-688-8230. 877-433-3437. www. eddies.com. Contact: Morry Gaerber, Allen Gaerber. [A.B.C • 6.7.8.11.12.13]

50 APRIL 2011 | vmsd.com

regional directory

Ontario Toronto­ ALL TEAM GLASS AND MIRROR LTD.­

281 Hanlan Rd. (Woodbridge) (L4L 3R7). P: 905-851-7711. 800-363-4651. F: 416-7452692. E: allteamglass@allteamglass.com. www.allteamglass.com. Contact: Mark Timoll. [A • 2.8.13]

International

GOLDEN RACK CO. LTD.

9 Fl., No. 185, Chung Shan N Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. P: 886-2-2596-2185.

F: 886-2-2595-7406. 886-2-2593-5851.

Factory: Huicheng Folk-run Industrial District, Nan Huan Rd, Xinhui Jiangmen City, Guangdong, China. E: gdrack@ms31.hinet. net. www.goldenrack.com.tw. Contact: Mr. C.C. Kuo. [A • 12]

RD

OMNI-POWER CO., LTD.

4F, 348, Sec. 7, Cheng Te Rd., Taipei, Taiwan.

P: 886-2-2826 3500, F: 886-2-2822 0039.

E: sales@omni-power.com.tw www.omnipower.com.tw Contact: Evan Lee. [A • 8.12]

Republic of China Bon Display Fixture Co., LTD

122 Cheng-Kung 3rd Road, Nan Tou City, Taiwan R.O.C. P: 886-49-2252000, F:88649-2251227. E: lisa@brightdisplay.com. tw; connieH@brightdisplay.com.tw. www. brightdisplay.com.tw. Contact: Ms. Lisa Lai or Ms. Connie Hwang. [A • International • 8.12]

OPPORTUNITY EXCHANGE “ Opportunity Exchange” is a means for retailers, manu­facturers and designers to exchange information on job openings, positions wanted and search services. For more information contact Victoria Wells at 513-263-9393 or Email: victoria.wells@stmediagroup.com.

Business Development Executive Needed B&N Industries is an innovative designer, manufacturer and provider of products and services for the retail, architectural and consumer industries.

Location: Burlingame, CA Responsibilities & Requirements • Prospect California business opportunities within existing companies and new markets • Establish, build and manage client relationships at multiple levels with key decision makers • Deliver sales presentations to design, architectural, retail and hospitality companies • Manage the sales process from discovery to account development, negotiations and closing • Organize and clearly communicate pertinent information relating to the customer, order, or project to the internal support team • 5 years + proven sales experience in retail display / store fixture industry • Demonstrated ability to build strong and lasting relationships with clients • Assimilate industry product information and account knowledge into a sales strategy • Ability to influence and persuade to achieve desired outcomes

Visit

vmsd.com for more career opportunities.

Please send your resume to kkirby@bnind.com

vmsd.com |

APRIL 2011 51

2011 solu tions sp otlight A paid advertising service of VMSD Magazine.

Back to Black Vamp & Composite Calcium

Multipole™ Promo Kiosk is a versatile in-store marketing aid which helps you create a never-ending variety of promotional displays. Utilize graphic inserts, overlays, banners, shelves, display rods and literature pockets in any combination to feature a product or in-store promotion. Change promotions as often as you like without replacing the stand

admart

alpolic

AMERLUX

Amtico International's flagship brand Amtico pioneered a new product category that combined the look of natural materials with the performance benefits of synthetics. Developed to perform in the toughest of environments including retail, Amtico is manufactured with the industry's thickest wear layer and offers more flexibility in size and formats than any other LVT.

www.alpolic-usa.com

www.amerlux.com

Amtico International

This sustainable collection, part of ASI Decorative Surfaces, creates maximum design impact for minimal cost in two extraordinary product groupings, Sublime and Retro. With the luxe look of quilted or embossed leathers, animal skins, hammered metals, and all unbelievably textured, you can create, refresh and renew for enhanced retail environments.

See what tomorrow’s designers can do in this competition that brings student designs to life. This PAVE competition for students is sponsored by B+N Industries. The contest attracted entries from five countries. B&N Industries is working with the 12 finalists to produce prototypes of their design. Booth #4111, Globalshop, March 28-30.

Our new Modern Classic Mannequin Collection features fiberglass figures with upholstered heads and torsos in textured vinyls and tactile woven fabrics. Paint color and finish can be coordinated with fabric selection. Each female and male of the series is available in two standing poses and one seated. Headless versions by request.

Centiva, a US manufacturer of luxury vinyl tile, works with retailers to provide a floor that supports their brand.

The in house color matching, custom design, and cutting capabilities allow limitless possibilities for creative expression, brand emphasis, and way finding. All Centiva products come with a 20-year Commercial Warranty.

Architectural Systems, Inc.

B+N ndustries

www.admart.com

Ornamental Surfaces

www.archsystems.com

CNL mannequin’s is an American company positioned in Los Angeles, China and France. Custom designed and basic mannequins are produced in fiberglass, roto-molded unbreakable polyurethane, and eco-friendly products. CNL’s new collections are inspired by vintage industrial materials, offering finishes including: cement, papier-mâché, linen and tea-stained forms and raw polished fiberglass.

cnl mannequins www.cnlmannequins.com

52 APRIL 2011 | vmsd.com

www.BNind.com Globalshop Booth #4111

Flooring without Limits

bernstein display www.bernsteindisplay.com

SOFFITLITE™

d|fab

Centiva www.centiva.com GlobalShop booth #4208

DuPont provides a LifeCycle Based Solution with Tyvek® media for wide format banners, displays and bags.

Known for its lightweight strength and outstanding printability, Tyvek® is also recyclable. Through its Authorized Printer Network and select recycling providers, DuPont provides a way for retailers to create beautiful in-store campaigns and recycle them afterward.

SoffitLite™ is a time-saving solution for interior drop partitions and ceiling features. This lightweight, modular panel system produces the illusion of architectural bulkheads, defines feature areas and draws focus to departments – all without the dust, time and trades involved in standard framing and drywall construction. SoffitLite™ can feature pre-applied graphics.

www.dfabdesign.com

www.amtico.com

DK Display www.dkdisplaycorp.com

DuPont™ Tyvek® Graphics www.tyvekretail.dupont.com GlobalShop Booth #2855

2011 solu t ions sp ot light A paid advertising service of VMSD Magazine.

CRIMP With a steel frame that balloons from super slim to totally tubular, Crimp, the latest collection from Elevations inc., is an appealing balance of strength and beauty. Seen here in polished chrome and natural wood, Crimp is available in a wide selection of colors and finishes; and is set to debut at Global Shop 2011.

Elevations inc. www.elevations.com Global Shop Booth #3826

The Runway Collection, custom created by Fusion Specialties exclusively for Guess? by Marciano, is made from our proprietary E-FlexTM, a highly durable and environmentally friendly material.

fleetwood www.fleetwoodfixtures.com GlobalShop Booth #3811

Counter Display Accessories

Holiday Foliage introduces its collection of Red Metal Holiday Trees. As a four season Visual Display company specializing in the manufacture of Christmas dĂŠcor, Florals, Metal and Wood Fixtures, Holiday Foliage can customize any of its product to fit your budget and store environment.

We offer a full line of products that will enhance your counter display presentations. Our Counter Display Accessory line includes jewelry and millinery displays, shoe and shirt/ blouse displays many of which are available in a myriad of new, custom patterned and printed finishes.

Shown here are our Male Millinery Heads with a Granite Finish.

GenesisDisplayUSA www.GenesisDisplayUSA.com

interbrand design forum www.designforum.com

Fusion Specialties www.fusionspecialties.com

goldsmith www.goldsmith-inc.com

jpma www.jpmetalamerica.com GlobalShop Booth #4202

Holiday Foliage Inc. www.holidayfoliage.com GlobalShop booth #2515

juno lighting www.junolightinggroup.com GlobalShop Booth #4045

BREAKTHROUGH LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY GenLED Lighting, a global leader in LED lighting products, will introduce its new generation of LED (light emitting diodes) retrofit lamps at Global Shop in Las Vegas. The new line of lamps will offer color temperatures, energy efficiency and long life suited specifically to the retail market.

gen LED www.archsystems.com Globalshop Booth # 3257

LEED For Retail Innovative Stoneâ&#x201E;˘ developed LEED For Retail tile, countertop and wall collections utilizing reclaimed, nontoxic materials, lessening the impact on natural resources and contributing to beautiful, clean, healthy indoor and outdoor environments. These principles apply to the way Innovative Stone runs its company, using recycled, efficient, sustainable practices.

innovative stone www.innovativestone.com

lifestyle/trimco www.lfs-trimco.com GlobalShop Booth #2245

vmsd.com | APRIL 2011

53

2011 solu tions sp otlight A paid advertising service of VMSD Magazine.

Marlite Mag 625

SKETCHBOOK 2

Marlite’s new Mag 625 is a unique light duty display system with a magnet-secured holder for merchandising accessories. The simple square design can be incorporated into wall panels, floor fixtures, platforms and tables. “MAGnify” your presentation with Marlite’s innovative single point display system.

Introducing Sketchbook 2, a new men’s mannequin line compatible with the original Sketchbook series of women. The collection consists of nine male bodies including a sitter and features two new male heads. All bodies have abstract feet with removable heels. The line is available in your choice of color.

PD connects brands with shoppers through premier visual merchandising solutions and instore environments, and we’re helping many of the world’s leading brands. PD has two core service divisions: PD Solid, for permanent and semi-permanent fixtures and displays, and PD Tempo, for seasonal and temporary displays and signage.process display

The LS202 delivers the lighting equivalence of a conventional 75-watt halogen MR16 lamp with a 70% power savings and up to ten times the lamp life. The LS202 features the latest in LED technology utilizing warm, neutral and daylight white color temperatures with a 23 degree beam spread.

The dimmable LED lamp has no UV or IR, is 21 Watts and has a 50,000 hour lamp life. Unit is available in 120V/277V. times square lighting

Marlite, Inc.

Patina-V

PD Solid & PD Tempo

Times Square Lighting

www.marlite.com Global Shop Booth 4338

www.patinav.com

www.pdinstore.com

www.tslight.com

“These Best Buy tables in Las Vegas feature LED lighting in a brilliant blue.

This photo shows only a small area of the new learning stations that demonstrate wireless interactivity between devices. The new fixtures sell a suite of products, and let customers download apps, as well as explore interactive TVs and the latest technology.”

TRIAD Manufacturing www.triadmfg.com

54 APRIL 2011 | vmsd.com

Trion® WonderBar®

Add facings, boost sales and cut labor with WonderBar, the world's most versatile bar merchandiser system featuring: no-tools universal mounts; plug-in or saddle-mount hooks; bar-mount expandable wire trays; bar mount wire baskets; auto feed; label holder systems; cooler air baffles and more.

TRION INDUSTRIES www.TrionOnline.com/wonderbar Globalshop Booth #4049

VMSD Magazine www.vmsd.com GlobalShop Booth #5150

vmsd advertising index

page

AI

p r o d u c t/ s e r v i c e s h o w c a s e

CarlStahlDecor_VMSD_Apr2011:Layout 1 3/2/201 © A paid advertising service of VMSD Magazine.

advertiser

45

Advanced Tech

1

11

Amtico Int’l

17

Bernstein Display

55

Carl Stahl DecorCable

OBC

IFC

3

DK Display

9

Dupont Tyvk Graphics

7

Econoco/Mondo Mannequins

IBC

15

5

43

Alpolic/Mitsubishi Chemical FP America Inc.

Suspend your ideas with clarity and transparency.

Centiva by Intl. Floors of America CNL Mfg.

Goldsmith IDW Lifestyle/Trimco Lightfair

30, 55

ST Bookstore

28/29

VMSD Int’l Retail Design Conf.

47

vmsd.com

19

Yunker Industries

800-444-6271 sales@decorcable.com

www.decorcable.com

2011 Special Spotlight

VMSD (ISSN 0745-4295) is published 12 times annually by ST Media Group International Inc., 11262 Cornell Park Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45242-1812.

Telephone: (513) 421-2050, Fax: (513) 362-0317. Annual rate for individuals in the U.S.A.: $48 USD. Annual rate for subscriptions in Canada: $76 USD (includes GST & postage); all other countries: $98 (Int’l mail) payable in U.S. funds. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright 2011, by ST Media Group International Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for product claims and representations. Periodicals Postage Paid at Cincinnati, OH and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: VMSD, P.O. Box 1060, Skokie, IL 60076.

Change of address: Send old address label along with new address to VMSD, P.O. Box 1060, Skokie, IL 60076.

For single copies or back issues: contact Debbie Reed at (513) 421-9356 or Debbie.

Reed@STMediaGroup.com.

Subscription Services: VMSD@ halldata.com, Fax: (847) 7639030, Phone: (847) 763-4938.

52 Admart Custom Signage 52 Alpolic/Mitsubishi Chemical FP America Inc. 52 Amerlux 52 Amtico Int’l 52 Architectural Systems 52 B+N Industries 52 Bernstein Display 52 Centiva by Intl. Floors of America 52 CNL Mfg. 52 D|Fab 52 DK Display 52 Dupont Tyvk Graphics 53 Econoco/GenesisDisplayUSA 53 Elevations 53 Fleetwood Fixtures 53 Fusion Specialties Inc. 53 GenLED 53 Goldsmith 53 Holiday Foliage 53 Innovative Stone 53 Interbrand Design Forum 53 JP Metal 53 Juno Lighting 53 Lifestyle/Trimco 54 Marlite 54 Patina-V 54 Process Displays 54 Times Square Lighting 54 Triad Mfg. 54 Trion Industries

The best resource for books, videos, and CDs for the visual communications industries.

bookstore.stmediagroup.com

vmsd.com | APRIL 2011 55

co

Checking Out Interview by Anne DiNardo

Leonard Barszap This rising star says the future of retail design entails taking a few cues from the hospitality sector.

What does winning the 2010 PAVE Rising Star award mean to you?

The fact that the nomination came from one of my clients, Linda Lombardi at Godiva, is the most rewarding part. It wasn’t just the design alone, but rather the relationships I’ve been able to build and the value I brought to our client that won this award for me. I’m also very proud of the design work and collaboration with my colleagues at d-ash design.

What drew you to a career in architecture?

I always did art growing up and would build sculptures out of anything I found. To me, architecture seemed like a way to be able to create sculpture on a grand scale.

As a senior designer at d-ash design, you have LEED - Interior Design & Construction Certification and are a member of the local U.S. Green Building Council. Why is green building important to you?

Architecture is all about transforming environments. While I want all of my designs to achieve exactly this, I don’t want it to be at the detriment of the environment.

Your background includes designing for hospitality, mixed-use and educational projects. How do you approach a project?

I try not to focus on any particular project type as it can be a limited way to view things. Almost every retail project is mixed-use and the same is true of hospitality.

In his own words Three elements integral to today’s shopping experience are ... lifestyle, localization and fun.

My dream client is ... anyone who’s passionate about design, wants to push the envelope, is clear about their message and understands that design elevates the shopping experience.

When I retire, I will … travel the world. I love seeing how the world ticks.

How do you design an environment that focuses on a brand’s culture and lifestyle?

I believe merging the philosophy behind hospitality and retail design is integral to the success of retail stores in the future. A perfect example of this is the redesign for Godiva, where a café was introduced, making the store a destination in itself to relax, socialize and experience chocolate.

By creating these kinds of environments, visiting a retail store becomes more about a community, culture and lifestyle experience.

What’s the biggest challenge facing young design professionals today?

The current state of the economy is hindering young people from getting their foot in the door and getting real experience. I think that a lot of talented people are going to be forced out of our profession due to the lack of available jobs.

Name one lesson you learned while studying at the University of Texas at Austin that you still carry with you today.

To take criticism and not take anything too personally. I bring ideas to the table, but as part of a team, the best idea for the project wins. When you’re designing, you’re balancing the needs of the client, the site and the user, while doing creative problem solving along the way. Knowing when your idea isn’t the best one is a skill, too. x

56 April 2011 | vmsd.com

3%

3/8/11 3:46 PM

Flooring created foreverystepyoutake... while shopping.

1• 888 • CENTIVA www.centiva.com

Event Contour Victory

ISO 12647-7 Digital Control Strip 2009

Centiva’s highly durable flooring allows limitless possibilities for creative expression and brand emphasis in retail environments.

Centiva_VMSD_April11 Page 1