Feels on Brand

Retail projects take time, months to be specific, so let’s talk current project kick-off dates! If you’re dreaming of opening a new store, refreshing your current space, or launching a campaign this coming Spring or Summer, now is the moment to start planning. Retail projects require coordination across vendors, fabrication, visual merchandising, and internal approvals. Starting early ensures you get the strategy, storytelling, and execution your brand deserves. Here’s a quick breakdown of when your project should officially kick off based on your goals: 📌 Spring New Store or Major Remodel → December Kick-Off New builds and remodels take the longest, from architectural coordination to custom fixtures and 3D render approvals. Beginning in December ensures you have the time needed for a smooth construction and installation window. 📌 Spring Store Refresh → January Kick-Off If your goal is to enhance storytelling, update storefronts, or boost engagement for Spring, January is the perfect time to begin. Store refreshes move faster, but still require thoughtful design, vendor sourcing, and installation planning. 📌 Summer Campaign Launch → February Kick-Off Seasonal campaigns transform the in-store experience. Starting in February gives you enough time to adapt campaign directives, plan store-by-store variations, and ensure every touchpoint feels cohesive and strategic. ✨ If you want your Spring and Summer retail moments to shine, you need to reserve your spot on our design calendar now. Send us an inquiry or head to our planning page to secure your timeline.

From the beautiful custom fixtures to a large sitting area, we can't pick our favorite part of Columbia Sportswear Company's newest location! Want to learn more ways to create an engaging retail location? Click the link below to steal big brands' winning strategies! https://lnkd.in/gj8cUYxy

Want to outshine your competitors this Holiday Season? We’ve got you. 🎁✨ 👉 Scroll through our 5 tips for increasing foot traffic, then check out the insights below for even deeper takeaways. 1. Create Bold & Playful Storefronts With endless options competing for attention, your storefront needs to stop people in their tracks. Bold colors, creative signage, and personality-packed design spark curiosity before a customer ever steps inside. 2. Design Window Displays for Pedestrians To become the obvious choice, your windows must tell quick, compelling stories. Curated product displays that speak directly to passersby help them understand what you offer in seconds. 3. Lean Into the Unexpected Getting customers inside is only half the battle — keeping them engaged is where the magic happens. Unexpected materials, playful layouts, or surprising design details turn your store into an experience, not just a shop. 4. Host a Workshop or Event Blurring the line between retail and experience can dramatically impact sales. DIY classes, cozy coffee nooks, or small event areas give people a reason to linger longer and return more often. 5. Add Localized Elements Thoughtful local touches create a sense of relevance and authenticity. Whether it's maps, photography, or cultural nods, localized details help both visitors and locals feel connected to your brand. Want more tips from our expert retail designers? Join our mailing list for design insights, project planning guidance, and strategies to boost customer engagement delivered straight to your inbox! 📬

In a world of ultra–fast fashion, outdoor and performance brands like Levis’Store, The North Face, Arc'teryx Equipment, Cotopaxi, PUMA Group, YETI, and lululemon, are leading the pushback with in-store repairs and customization. Instead of promoting constant consumption, they’re championing longevity, personalization, and gear that’s built to last. Read our latest retail insights to learn how these services deepen customer connection and how you can incorporate them into your retail space.

Columbia Sportswear Company's Mall of America location just reopened its doors, and we couldn't be more impressed with this new space! From the selection of materials to the huge footwear area complete with plenty of seating, this store was designed to invite customers to come inside and stay awhile. Congrats to the entire Columbia team on the opening of this new retail space!

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again (and again… and again): “Seating areas increase sales!” 🪑💸 Yet somehow, we still hear the same objections: ❌ “No one will actually use them.” ❌ “We’ll lose valuable product space.” ❌ “Customers will just hang out, not shop.” But here’s the truth, seating areas aren’t wasted space. They’re strategic design tools that: 1. Increase time spent in your store (aka higher conversion rates) 2. Strengthen your brand identity 3. Create a sense of belonging 4. Root your store in the community 5. Open the door for meaningful storytelling moments The retailers winning right now aren’t just selling products, but are creating places customers want to spend time in. Ready to elevate your retail space? Follow us for more retail design insights! ✨

It's hard to pick our favorite elements of the newest Anthropologie store in Perrysburg, Ohio, but the creative merchandising easily made the list! Mini-curated environments inside retail spaces act as storytelling zones, are great for highlighting product pairings, and break up floor plans to create variety and interest. Congrats to the entire Anthro team on your newest location!

Salomon's newest store wasn't simply designed for transactions; it was designed for connection. With biophilic elements and a minimalistic aesthetic, this space is the perfect hub for future community events.

The Nike  House of Innovation in NYC isn’t just a store; it’s a masterclass in retail design. 🏙️✨ Here’s what makes it unforgettable and how any retailer, no matter the size, can use the same strategies: 1️⃣ Storytelling Elements – Every inch of the store tells Nike’s brand story. Innovation, movement, and empowerment. Even small retailers can do this by using signage, photography, or displays that highlight your brand values and mission. 2️⃣ Generosity of Space – Nike uses open layouts and sightlines to invite exploration. Smaller stores can apply this by creating visual breathing room.  Use intentional product spacing and smart space planning to make areas feel open and inviting. 3️⃣ Immersive Displays – Interactive displays invite customers to experience the brand, not just shop. Small spaces can create immersion with tactile materials, digital screens, or live product demos. 4️⃣ Shop-in-Shop Moments – Nike dedicates zones to different product lines, creating mini brand worlds. Smaller retailers can mimic this with visual merchandising. Add themed displays or distinct sections that guide customers. Big or small, the strategy is the same: make your space a place customers want to explore. 👀 Which of these design ideas would you try in your store first?

Have you noticed local retailers leaning into hosting weekly and monthly events? BUFF® understands that retail is transforming, and sticking to a simple transactional model is no longer enough to make a retailer successful. Want to learn more about how to cement your retail location in the community? Head to our blog to learn the best strategies! https://lnkd.in/gq6e9dqa