Image property of Chute Gerdeman

We used to think camp was just for kids, but our field trip to Fisher’s Future CAMP proved us wrong. Hosted by The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, CAMP (Columbus Advertising & Marketing Powwow) assembled an all-star panel of professionals from a wide range of companies, all with an eye on the future of marketing in the new economy. A few of the expert minds leading the conversation were John Sass of Scotts Miracle-Gro, Brad Bobenmoyer of Team Detroit, and Chute Gerdeman’s very own Joanna Felder, Director of Creative Strategy, and George Nauman, CMO, among others. The dialogue was energizing and inspiring, and CG was proud to be a part of the event.

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Images property of Chute Gerdeman

Bess and Brian—our faithful Chutie “snaparazzis” in Düsseldorf—soaked in as much as they could at EuroShop. They’ve been on-the-go, non-stop, but they still made time to send a few notes to the team back home. On their list of key takeaways:

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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.”

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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…