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Retail – it’s all about DESiGN. Where are we going? Where have we been? How did we get here? Have these questions and more answered by visiting the NRF DESiGN STUDiO located on the 4th Level of the Javits Center during NRF’s annual BIG Show. Meet face to face with the most influential leaders driving the future of retail – the individuals who create the real-time space where consumers make decisions.
If you have not attended the NRF’s BIG Show recently, you have missed out on a very exciting new addition - the DESiGN STUDiO. NRF has partnered with design firm of record, Miller Zell, Inc. to create a specialized space – a new dimension – dedicated to retail design. The STUDiO brings together top retail design firms and the marketing, branding and store planning professionals of retail for an unprecedented opportunity for the exchange of ideas, insights and perspectives.
Attendees will gain new perspective on the planning, strategy and behind-the-scenes work necessary to enhance the shopping experience and keep retail environments relevant. “We created the STUDiO with the express intention of educating all levels of retail design decision makers - C-level executives, store planners and branding strategists - about store design and store planning,” said Daniel Butler, Vice President, Retail Operations for National Retail Federation.
Miller Zell is overseeing creation of the 2009 STUDiO from concept to implementation, and the focus is on “Design Innovators”.
“This is an exciting time in retail despite the dire economic climate,” said Vice President & Director of Design, Keith Curtis, of Miller Zell, and designer of this year’s STUDiO. “Now is the time when innovation is born, and I cannot think of a better occasion to celebrate the individuals and innovations of the past that have shaped the retail environment as we know it today.”
“Retail design used to be an art limited to large department stores,” said Butler. “Now, with the proliferation of specialty stores, retailers are finding that they lack the expertise necessary to execute quality store designs that bolster sales. Companies like Miller Zell have stepped into that space, making the retail environment a valuable tool for building a bridge between the retailer and the shopper.”
It was almost 3 years ago that the STUDiO had its debut. Since then, there has been incredible growth and interest in this venue dedicated to bringing the retail industry together around the topic of design. Through the STUDiO, retailers and manufacturers alike will gain a better understanding of the retail landscape of tomorrow, while experiencing firsthand some of the most exciting retail innovations of today.
“The STUDiO is a place where all aspects of marketing, planning and design converge – a place where those challenged to guide their business forward can experience firsthand the latest and solutions and technology available,” said Curtis.
About Miller Zell
Miller Zell (millerzell.com) is a leader in strategic retail consulting specializing in retail design, shopper insights research & analysis, store implementation and in-store digital technology, serving some of the world’s best known brands. For over 30 years, Atlanta-based Miller Zell designs and builds award-winning selling environments across retail sectors including grocery, financial institutions, dealer-based businesses, restaurant chains, consumer products, and mass merchandise.
About the DESiGN
“The vision for the 2009 DESiGN STUDiO was to create a commanding “brushstroke” that breaks through the visual noise of the conference and allows the eye to focus on a bold and dramtic gesture. The key design component is a series of overhead ribbon-like fabric banners that form the unifying element that flows through the STUDiO and ultimately cascades down to create the backdrop to the conference stage. A variety of blue hues was integrated to create a soft and soothing space that acts as a non-competing canvas for the expression of individuality by the participating design firms. A number of powerful graphics have been placed throughout the STUDiO to pay homage to iconic retail innovations and the minds that brought them forth. Ultimately, this year’s STUDiO provides a harmonious landscape that transforms the hall into a gallery that showcases the creative work of our industry and captures the essence of inspiration.” – Keith Curtis.
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alex.davis[.]millerzell.com 
