WASHINGTON — During NRF's BIG Show next week, attendees will be able to meet the people behind some of the world's most well-known retail store designs. The NRF DESiGN STUDiO provides a unique opportunity where creative minds and retail design firms can come together to share expertise, talents and ideas. The STUDiO will be open Monday, January 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday, January 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in conjunction with NRF's Annual Convention and EXPO at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.
"We've gathered the best and the brightest in retail store design and have placed them in one central location to share their insights," said Daniel Butler, NRF vice president of merchandising and retail operations. "The STUDiO is a one-of-a-kind experience where retailers can network with design firms and leave with a holistic understanding of the creative store design process."
Laid out like a gallery, the center of the DESiGN STUDiO serves as a "Design Genius Bar" where brainstorming sessions will take place. It will also highlight special tools and interactive features to enable participants to gain an understanding of design, branding and visual merchandise. The surrounding area is where the design firms and their executives will be representing their firm and displaying past projects.
The STUDiO will feature more than 10 design firms including: api+, Bergmeyer, Design Forum, FRCH Design Worldwide, Graj + Gustavsen, GRID2, Hybridia Design, JGA, Little, Miller Zell, RYA Design Consultancy and Watt International.
NRF's STUDiO was designed in partnership with Watt International by Jean-Paul Morresi and Matt DeAbreu.
Educational sessions and book signings will also take place within the STUDiO throughout the two days it is open. Sessions include:
Monday, January 14, 10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Italian-born and international award-winning architect Giorgio Borruso, Principle of his name-sake design firm, will discuss some of his most famous projects and share his perspective on design
Speaker: Giorgio Borruso, Principle, Giorgio Borruso Design
The Value of Design
Monday, January 14, 11:45 a.m - 12:30 p.m.
Hear from Brian Dyches of Watt International who will discuss how proper store design can be one of the best returns on investment a company could make
Speaker: Brian Dyches, Vice President Consumer and Market Strategy, Watt International
Tuesday, January 15, 10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Author and executive Marc Gobe will reveal strategies behind his successful use of emotional branding through store design and will explain the meaning behind the phrase "brand ambassador" Speaker: Marc Gobe, President, CEO and Executive Creative Director, Desgrippes Gobe
Design Thinking: The Next Competitive Advantage
Tuesday, January 15, 3:45 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Two fundamental kinds of thinking co-exist and often collide in business organizations: analytical thinking and design thinking. Guests at this session will learn the differences.
Speaker: Roger Martin, Dean, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
A Greener L.L. Bean
Tuesday, January 15, 2:45 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
L.L. Bean's Ken Kacere and Bergmeyer Associates' Joe Nevin will discuss L.L. Bean's commitment to the environment as they embark on the expansion of their outdoor lifestyle store.
Speaker(s): Joseph Nevin, Jr., Senior Principal, Bergmeyer Associates; Ken Kacere, Senior Vice President, Retail Stores, L.L. Bean.
