PRECEDENT RETAIL RESEARCH

The first retail space that I am referencing is a floral shop called Bloom at the W Hotel in New York, NY. According to the author, this space is defined as a CONCEPT SPACE. Concept space is defined as creating a space that is intimate and provides a challenging environment. The nature of the merchandise is the main emphasis of the concept store. This type of retail application is focused on many styles and genres, such as art gallery, art installation, and bars.clubs. The architect for the store is Janson Goldstein Architects located in New York, NY. The space was created to view the making of floral arrangements but also a space to spend time in. The facade is a 13 foot glass construction to allow the passerby to see into the store. There is a pool set into the floor that contains water plants to add to the theatrical mood of creating floral arrangements. There is a consultation area, where one can meet and discuss their purchase. This area is designated by an area lined with retractable drapes so that the space can function and public or private space. The display stands or troughs are oval shaped and made of tarnished stainless steel. The flooring is a neutral concrete slab, and the flooring also draws attention to the reflecting pool. The area for making bouquets and floral arrangments is set up like a bar. There is a stainless steel countertop with shelving behind that holds a variety of vase sizes and shapes. The floorplan , pictured below, shows the simple open plan and the images of the space reflect sophistication and a feeling of romance.

Information was taken from The Inspired Retail: Attract Customers, Build Branding, Increase Volume

Another retail space that I am researching is the service oriented store. A good example of this space is the Canyon Ranch's Living Essentials in Las Vegas, Nevada. The store is a health and beauty boutique. The space serves as a companion to the spa and the fitness center. The space is approximately 1200 square feet boutique. They are trying to incorporate the vision of the project with the entire brand to create a uniform design solution for the corporation. Canyon Ranch's Living Essentials was designed by the architect, MOVK. The motif for the space is based on botanicals, i.e. abstraction of an aloe plant, to emphasize healing and relaxation. The space was designed to counteract the typical Vegas setting, using simplicity and references to the natural color schemes of the desert. The desert theme is reflected in the materials, such as the river stones that outline the floor and a combination of light and dark woods. The lighting also promotes a relaxed setting, and lanterns are used in the fitting room. The epitomy of the sense of relaxation was the water wall on the 13 foot paneled wall. The plan is not shown in this excerpt, however, there are very good visuals of the space and the use of built-in furniture for displays.