Optimistic Retailers Seek Inspiration in Vegas

Retailers converged this week in Las Vegas for the Global Shop Expo despite trying times throughout the industry.  Economic uncertainty, a global credit crisis and eroding consumer confidence have forced many retail executives to put expansion plans on hold while they shore up their core operations.  Store planners and retail designers have also been forced to shift their priorities away from work on new construction to focus on renovation of existing retail environments. 

Visual Merchandising and Store Design (VM+SD) magazine recently addressed this challenging business climate in its annual design firm survey.  Principals and senior designers at some of the country's top retail design firms indicate that there is still work to be done.  They say the top chains have yet to cancel any projects on the books, but the work is moving at a much slower pace than it had in recent years.   In the meantime, store planners and designers are looking at ways to renovate existing spaces, as well as make small, but fresh and dynamic design improvements to give their brands new life.  The goal is to create comfortable and value-oriented shopping environments that will keep customers coming back when their disposable income rises.

These executives suspect that food/grocery as well as discount and warehouse clubs will do well as consumers scale back on restaurant dining and non-essential purchases.  Surprisingly enough, they also think much of the design work may come from the banking sector.  Despite bearing the brunt of the economic turmoil, design leaders expect a rash of recent bank buyouts will mean renovation and re-branding of local branches under their new ownership.

For more on the outlook for retail design, read the VM+SD survey.

Lamin-Art Kicks off 25th Anniversary of Pearlescence

Lamin-Art gave GlobalShop attendees a special sneak peek of what is sure to be our most exciting new product introduction ever!  In conjunction with the 25^th anniversary of our innovative Pearlescence^® collection, we are planning to expand our current Pearlescence Solid Colors from 18 to 50 colors, plus offer each of these colors in any of 6 distinctive finishes (including 2 exclusive new finish options).  Do the math; that's 300 original high-pressure decorative laminates to choose from!
 

The new Pearlescence collection won't be available until June, but subscribers to The Source can see a preview by visiting www.pearlescence.com.

The Versatility of HPL: Retail Signage

We're always looking for interesting applications of our premium high-pressure decorative laminates.  Among the more interesting uses for laminate--retail signage.  At the Rick Case Luxe Collection Automotive dealership in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, our 3017-Figured Satinwood is used prominently as the background for signage promoting their selection of first class cars from makers such as Aston Martin, Porsche, Mercedes, and Lamborghini.  The pristine and simple elegance of this rich, exotic wood print adds to the warmth and luxury of this car lover's wonderland.  The stunning scene of the automotive collection shows that our Premium Wood Prints can support such a high-end product and also displays the versatility of HPL.  See this and other unique installations of Lamin-Art high-pressure decorative laminate in our online portfolio.

Enabling Green: Tip #6

The long winter has ended and we'll soon start to see the first buds of spring flowers blooming.  Landscaping plays a huge role in the overall efficiency and sustainability of a building, either commercial or residential.  Here are just a few suggestions for creating eco-friendly landscapes that compliment your approach to green building design.  You can even incorporate these concepts in your home landscape design:

1. Use native plants:  Flowers, trees, and shrubs that are native to your geographic location typically require less maintenance and water than exotic plants.  Because they have already adapted to your region, they are also less susceptible to pests and disease, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
2. Plant a tree, reduce energy use:  Deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the fall make any building or home more energy efficient.  The shade they provide in the summer cuts down on air conditioning, while the sunlight that spills through bare branches in the winter can add some natural warmth to your home during the day.
3. Collect rain water:  Storing rain water in barrels and using it to irrigate your garden is a great way to reduce water consumption.  Rain water is naturally soft, chemical-free, and plants love it. 
4. Use organic products, fertilizers, and compost for landscape maintenance.

For more information on Lamin-Art's eco-enable project, visit www.laminart.com.