More and more companies are introducing modern contemporary, open-concept, creative, bright and spacious working environments.  With corporate giants such as Google and Pixar demonstrating great success with their non-traditional workplaces, an increasing amount of people are embracing the idea.  These new concepts have proven to be a stimulus for the human mind and an inspiration for innovation.  Open-concept office work space encourages collaboration and synergy amongst all teams making for a more productive and effective work environment.  Most of all, it emphasizes the company’s creativity and personality.

Retailers are beginning to recognize the benefits of using digital displays to influence consumer decisions. It allows consumers to create their own individual experience based on the digital elements they choose to interact with. As demonstrated in the photos, this technology has been implemented in-stores using touchscreen components to help educate consumers, provide ease of navigation while displaying virtual images of the product on the user’s body without having to physically try it on. Interactive technology such as this has helped brands increase their sales (ie. 85 percent increase in sales at the Tissot concession in-store). For more information click on the Tissot photo.

Apple just recently opened the doors to their stunning new store on the weekend in France.  Set in a former bank, the Paris Opera Apple Store is a refreshing sight in comparison to the usual mall Apple Store.  Unobtrusive and respectful of the Parisian cityscape, the new store is a delightful amalgamation of historic architecture, innovative technology, and stunning product design.    

A peak at the surrounding Parisian cityscape. 
What would retail experiences be like if all major companies integrated their brick and mortar stores uniquely to their local environments?
What if there were no such thing as 40 page in-store guidelines to adhere to?

New Yorkers are lucky to have the recent addition of the Bowery Nike Stadium in their neighbourhood for the World Cup this year.  Completed in May 2010, Nike Stadiums are multi-purpose event destinations.  With stadiums already in Berlin, London, Milan, Paris, and Tokyo, the Bowery visual-experience can be summed up as an organically-strewn triangle sports party. 

Featuring an interesting use of pegboard for visual effect, the layering of micro pegboard over macro not only provides a sense of depth and acts as a product highlighting tool, but also paves the way for huge functionality and versatility in the future for the mixed-use environment.   From the images, it appears that the walls and merchandise can be playfully planogrammed like a game of tangrams – indicating a sign of smart and adaptable retail design.