 Image via WWD |
We Love Kate Spade
We’ve loved the Kate Spade brand for a long time. But, what we’re loving even more is the announcement of a new line, Kate Spade Saturday, targeting a younger demographic and at a lower price point. We’re excited about the news and looking forward to seeing what this means for the in-store environment. Kate Spade New York stores are known for the brand’s signature storytelling style and colorful brand personality, and we’re hoping “Saturday” will bring the same upbeat energy. Stay tuned; you know we’ll be watching. |
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Image property of Chute Gerdeman
On a recent retail tour in San Francisco I spotted BCBGMAXAZRIA utilizing their windows in a clever and creative way. All three windows were turned into oversized iPads, complete with functional app icons allowing you to connect with their brand through their website, Facebook and Twitter. Talk about integrating your customers’ online and in-store experience! Read more…
Images via 3form
I am really impressed with the new patterns from 3form’s 100 Percent Collection. This collection has been around for a while now, and I have always loved that this product of resin panels is made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyethylene. The website notes that over 1,000 plastic milk bottles are used to make one panel, which eliminates tons of waste from the landfill! The material is chemical resistant so it’s suitable for horizontal work surfaces, even in healthcare. It can also be used in exterior applications and will not fade in the sun.
Image via 3form
LineUp is the newest addition the 100 Percent Collection. The patterns are so crisp and clean, especially for being constructed entirely from recycled materials. The color choices really pop and it’s clever that the pattern runs in two different directions (latitude and longitude). LineUp portrays a feeling of luxury, and it would be beautiful for specialty tabletop surfaces in a retail store.
Image via 3form
IRDC 2011 wrapped up with the IRDC party at Vessel and the much-anticipated announcement of the Iron Merchant VI: Visual Merchandising Challenge winner. This year’s Iron Merchant challenge was to create a visual display featuring the 2012 Boat Shoe Collection from Timberland. Each team had one hour and were provided with a window cage, mannequin, tools and supplies including a secret ingredient, water.
Image property of Chute Gerdeman
The Yellow Team, led by team leader ChadMichael Morrisette, took home the big win. Their theme was “Don’t Lose Your Grip.” The display was clean, whimsical and streamlined to focus on the product. It included hand-detailed branding with the Timberland logo drawn on the store window. Supporting the theme, a “life saver” or life preserver was made of boat shoes and included Life Savers candies in the mannequin’s hand. The back wall features an interesting pattern reflective of the shoes’ tread.
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Rob Forbes, founder of Design Within Reach and PUBLIC Bikes, took to the stage for the closing keynote session, “Visual Immersion and the Retail Mindset.” Forbes created both Design Within Reach and PUBLIC Bikes with the mission to provide well-designed products to a broad market. One of the key ingredients to success and fulfilling his mission is breaking the rules.
Image via SanFranista.com
As a self-described “streetwalker,” Forbes traveled the world exploring cities like Amsterdam and Paris. He was able to observe a revitalization of urban centers and public transportation, inspiring his newest venture PUBLIC Bikes, a San Francisco-based company that sells European-style bikes.
Based on his success in creating community-focused retail, Forbes urged retailers to find a way to be more relevant in the urban environment. He discussed the reversal of a 50-year trend, stating that cities are culturally changing and urbanism is the future. This creates new realities for retailers and gives them the opportunity to become a part of the movement and take some risks.
Want to learn more? Check out VMSD magazine’s Q&A with Rob Forbes.
This year’s IRDC conference was a true success in providing thought-provoking sessions and feeding our hunger for inspiration. We’re looking forward to see what next year’s conference will bring in the Windy city!
A note from the editors: Look for Gretchen’s full report on IRDC conference sessions in the Fall issue of The Gist.
Image property of Chute Gerdeman
We wrapped up Day 2 with a trip to San Francisco’s Ferry Building to see what the famous European-style food marketplace had to offer. From little shops with handmade and locally grown products to unique food establishments, it’s clear why this is a cherished culinary destination.
Image property of Chute Gerdeman
My two favorite spots were Il Cane Rosso and Boccalone. Il Cane Rosso, meaning the red dog, features an Italian-inspired menu with local products, such as pasture-raised meat and poultry, and dairy and cheeses.
Image property of Chute Gerdeman
Also with a focus on Italian, Boccalone features handmade artisan meats sliced-to-order, hot and cold panini sandwiches and the world famous Boccalone Salumi Cone.
Day 2 of IRDC 2011 started off with the recognition of this year’s VMSD/Peter Glen Retailer of the Year Award. The prestigious award is given annually to a company that meets the criteria of retail excellence: innovation, service and intelligence. Previous winners include Target, Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. This year’s award was given to Whole Foods Market. In 2008 and 2009, the height of the economic downturn, Whole Foods began to suffer as consumers wondered if they needed their product. Whole Foods could’ve compromised, but instead they stuck to who they are and continued to innovate, and are now seeing the success of staying true to their core values of quality standards.
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Image via Jim Crawford, Taberna Retail
Seasoned IRDC speaker, Jim Crawford from Taberna Retail, took to the stage in a session entitled, “Next Store: Unifying Technologies to Enhance the Retail Store Experience.” This year we saw many retailers implementing new types of technologies in-store. Jim shared some of those successes and how to create a unified experience in-store. He reminded us that technology does not equal innovation and that we should not think of things as multi-channel, but instead as customer touchpoints: On the Go, At Home and In the Store. He went on to discuss the role that technology needs to play in store—to attract, inspire and engage—in order to be successful. He closed the session highlighting Five Keys to Innovation:
Image property of Chute Gerdeman
Following an insightful day of educational sessions, it was time to hit the streets of San Francisco to see some of the best of what the Bay has to offer. From high-end retailers, like Barneys and Cartier, to specialty stores like Jon Fluevog and Vince, you’ll find it all here. However, it was two mainstream retail brands that caught my eye. With San Francisco being home to the headquarters of Gap and Banana Republic, it was no surprise to find these flagship stores stepping it up a notch.
Banana Republic’s stores have gone Mad after recently launching their Mad Men Collection, a limited-edition line for both men and women created by BR in collaboration with the show’s Emmy-winning Costume Designer, Janie Bryant. Meanwhile, Gap’s flagship was busy showing off their 1969 collection. Check back soon for more details about these and other stores, plus some fantastic food gems like retro burger joint, Super Duper.
