Images property of Chute Gerdeman

With only days to go before EuroShop opens in Düsseldorf, Germany on February 26, the Chute Gerdeman team is busy organizing their lists of the “must sees.” The last exhibition, held in 2008, attracted more than 104,000 visitors from 93 countries. With numbers like that, it’s no surprise that EuroShop is the industry’s largest international trade fair.

Top of our list is a visit to ECOpark, the new sustainable building and furnishings area. We’re also looking forward to MQ Mannequin City, and EuroShop Designer Village, which will showcase the latest retail projects and innovative and distinctive design concepts. Of course, we’ll be touring EuroConcept (fixtures and lighting); EuroCIS (technology); EuroExpo (event construction), and all the 17 other buildings that keep earning this show its reputation as the event-of-the-year.

Image property of Chute Gerdeman

Stay tuned for daily updates live from the show. Bess Anderson, Director of Visual Strategy and Brian Shafley, President and Chief Creative Director, will be on the ground in Düsseldorf reporting for us. In the meantime, check out this photo gallery of some of our favorites from the 2008 EuroShop EXPO.

Images property of Chute Gerdeman

Let’s take a trip down memory lane. Remember the clever Dior scaffolding that looked like the classic Lady Dior handbag? That scaffolding is long gone and a much better structure is in its place. Recently, one of our colleagues strolled by that very Dior in New York and snapped this photo of its modern exterior that pays homage to their past. This larger-than-life illustrated beauty is brightly illuminated and looks striking at night. Magnificent, isn’t she?

Image via Bhldn's Facebook page

Ever since a little birdie told me that Urban Outfitters Inc. was launching a new venture—a brand devoted to bridal fashion and wedding accessories—as a bride-to-be, I have been anxiously awaiting its launch. Bhldn (pronounced ‘beholden,’ which means ‘to keep’ in Dutch) appropriately unveiled its e-commerce site, in the spirit of love, on Valentine’s Day. It’s also just in time for the summer wedding season. Well played, Urban.

For awhile, there’s been a gap in the bridal market that retailers are finally noticing. Brands like J.Crew, Ann Taylor, The Limited, and White House Black Market are filling that niche by adding more chic, less traditional wedding apparel and accessories to their offer. Now, it’s Anthropologie’s turn. Believed to have enough life of its own, Bhldn was inspired by the ultra-femme, stylish brand but Urban Outfitters decided to develop it as a freestanding endeavor. Kristin Norris, Bhldn’s Managing Director, told WWD, “We’re confident that we’re filling in space that no one’s filling in…Traditionally, people got married in churches. Now, they’re getting married on beaches and mountaintops. We’re building our assortment for the ultimate end use.”

Read more…

Image property of Chute Gerdeman

If you’re a frequent Gerdeblog reader, you know that we’re all about traditions at CG. You’ve read about our Fourth of July Pie Contest and our annual Pumpkin Carving Event at Halloween—next up, our first report on CG’s Annual Chili Cook-off! This tradition has been running for an impressive seven years straight. Read more…

Image property of Chute Gerdeman

New York in December can mean many things to many people. To those in retail, it means just one thing: fabulous windows and great display. Our eyes are always keen to spot the next big visual trend and this year we saw a predictable evolution of the vintage/artisan theme that’s been influencing visual for the last year. We’re describing it as “urban-chic warehouse,” and after visiting the Retail Design Collective show and our favorite visual showrooms, our observations were confirmed. Read more…

Image via online.wsj.com

Westin Hotels & Resorts has recently announced a new partnership with athletic brand New Balance. Catering to busy lifestyles, Westin offers apparel and running shoes (with disposable insoles) for guests who want to workout during their stay.

Image via westinnewbalance.com

Taking it a step further, they also provide local three-and five-mile running maps available for download on their website, and travel-specific fitness programs for an in-room, equipment-free workout courtesy of the New Balance Fitness Ambassador and Exercise TV trainer, Holly Perkins. And if you’re staying at the hotel for a marathon, they have special turn-down gifts geared towards the athlete with “performance/fuel” goodies for the race and “good luck” wake-up calls.

As an avid runner, I can attest to how difficult it to maintain your workout routine while on the road—you either forget your gear or don’t have room to pack it. Knowing that Westin is there to help its guests stay inline with their fitness goals is much to be admired.

The offer is currently only available in 10 of their locations but is being rolled out chain-wide this year. I, for one, can’t wait! Check out the Westin website for more information or to find a Westin currently participating in this offer.