With GlobalShop 2012 just days away, the Chute Gerdeman team is looking forward to taking part in our industry’s premier event for store design, visual merchandising and at-retail marketing. We’ll be on the ground in Las Vegas from beginning to end, February 29-March 2—walking the show, meeting with clients, partners and friends, and keeping up on the latest happenings in retail trends and technologies.

If you’re going to GlobalShop, be sure to attend Chute Gerdeman’s session on Wednesday, February 29. The conference session, “When Visual Creativity Trumps Budget: What Indie Retailers Can Teach Big Brands,” begins at 1:30pm. Chute Gerdeman’s VP, Intelligence & Brand Strategy, Joanna Felder, VP, Visual Strategy, Bess Liscio and VP, Brand & Marketing, Jay Highland, will co-present the session. More and more, real retail innovation is showing up around the corner and in the neighborhood at our favorite independent stores. Whether it’s an old-school “Mom & Pop” or a one-off new shop, small, indie retailers are showing the big guys how it’s done, and done well. The CG team will incorporate lessons learned from the retailer perspective, and present ways in which major retail chains could incorporate some big ideas.

In addition to Joanna, Bess and Jay, several other Chute Gerdeman associates will be on hand, including Denny Gerdeman, Elle Chute and George Nauman, in the new Design Inspiration Showcase. If you would like to arrange a meeting, feel free to contact us at cgevents@chutegerdeman.com or just stop by Booth 3044A.

Be sure to check back before, during and after GlobalShop as we’ll be blogging live from the show, with some on-the-fly observations and retail reporting from Sin City. This year, what happens in Vegas will be featured here!

We look forward to hearing from you or catching up at the show.

Image via http://www.cscarts.org

Many are familiar with their iconic mid-century modern chairs, and perhaps even their short 1968 educational film, Powers of Ten. But there is a deeper story behind the influential duo design team of Charles and Ray Eames. The Columbus Society of Communicating Arts (CSCA) invited filmmaker Bill Jersey to present his recent documentary, Eames: The Painter and the Architect, this past Thursday night at Columbus’ Gateway Film Center.

A small group from the CG office was part of the 170+ audience composed of creatives from the local community who viewed the screening. Afterwards, many attendees participated in a Q&A with the producer. The film not only takes a deep journey inside the studio walls of the Eames office, but also looks at the lesser-known personal lives of Charles and Ray. The film includes insightful interviews from some of the individuals who worked directly with the Eames. Additionally, behind-the-scene clips show the extent of the their extraordinary genius and influence.

If you have not had the fortune of catching a screening in your area, you can purchase your own copy on DVD.

Images via retaildesignblog.net, facebook.com/TideDryCleaners, wwd.com

Editor’s Note: Once in awhile we come across something noteworthy and we want to share it with our readers. However, due to a variety of reasons (it’s too new to obtain research, it’s in a far-away land that we can’t quite reach, etc.) we don’t quite know what to do about it other than tell you “Hey. This is amazing and you should know about it.” Show & Tell is a collection of those recent things.

1. The all new, almost 13,000 square foot Louis Vuitton Étoile Maison superflagship calls Rome home. The space it inhabits was previously the historical Spazio Étoile, Rome’s oldest movie theater. A three-story grand staircase is very open and allows light to flood the space. Giving a nod to the previous occupant, the first ever Louis Vuitton 19-seat cinema was created to make this location unique. Click here for more information and dozens of photos of the store.

2. Tide Dry Cleaners has resurfaced. We originally reported on this trend—manufacturer brands offering retail services—back in 2010. The Procter & Gamble concept will be opening a 3,000 square foot location near Chicago next year. The eco-friendly dry cleaner is open 24/7 and offers same day service and alterations. Bonus, your laundry smells like Tide after you pick up your garments. For more, read this Chicago Business article.

3. J. Crew’s newest endeavor, Ludlow Suit Shop, is inspired by the Ludlow suit—originally introduced at the brand’s beloved Liquor Store. The 2,100 square foot space in Tribeca is slated to open this month. The men’s shop will offer Ludlow suits, Thomas Mason shirts, Italian leather shoes and neckwear. Tailors will be on hand to give customers the perfect fit. And don’t forget to monogram your suit with your initials while you’re there. Check out this link for more.

Sometimes our retail inspiration comes from big cities or overseas, and sometimes all it takes is a trip to our local grocery store. My Giant Eagle has been undergoing renovations over the last several months. Most of my trips there are just for fresh produce, but as I’ve watched the departments each go through their individual unveiling of improvements, I was encouraged to browse a little more and explore what was new.

Image property of Chute Gerdeman

What I stumbled upon was a beauty department…wait, did I just say department? Yeah, I guess I did, and with good reason. The typical health and beauty area has gone through a real transformation or beauty rejuvenation. From the flooring to the signage and lighting, the environment has definitely been elevated.

Read more…

Image property of Chute Gerdeman

Collegiate-inspired design is a growing trend I’ve seen emerging in retail across the globe, from New York to London to Dusseldorf. Well-known brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren have been the champions of this trend for many preppy enthusiasts, from summer celebrations of “Prep World” to constant evolutions of diffusion lines (think Ralph Lauren spin-offs like Denim & Supply and Rugby) in order to give this customer base what they’re craving. Knowing the global expanse of these brands and styles is one thing, but witnessing it first-hand over the pond confirmed just how much of the market prepsters hold.

Read more…