Displays & Signs

Reflecting the brand tagline, “Never Stop Exploring,” the new global prototype of The North Face is meant to inspire customers to get outside and experience the great outdoors. Designed by Gensler, the store has a sleek, streamlined modern look and is composed of natural elements and textures. Trail markers, built of wood, stone and metal, distinguish the retailer’s core categories: outdoor, action sports and performance.

New York City -- Oakley has opened a store in New York City’s Times Square. The shop features an Oakley Custom bar where customers can create their own renditions of Oakley eyewear and goggles. An on-site etching machine allows customers to personalize their designs with engraving.

Redmond, Wash. -- Apparel retailer Rue21 has selected PlayNetwork to produce and program in-store music and messaging for 672 Rue21 retail sites in 44 states.

The rue21 stores will be the first to feature PlayNetwork’s new MC550 media player, which which enables businesses to securely deliver immersive entertainment programming featuring music, video, digital signage and branded messaging content.

By Jeff Weidauer, jweidauer_@_vestcom.com

One of the drawbacks of today’s connected global economy is the pervasive homogeneity in nearly everything. One can visit any state -- indeed, nearly any country -- and see many of the same stores and restaurants offering the same products.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — As part of Earth Month in Illinois, Gov. Patrick Quinn Tuesday morning toured a Walgreens drug store in Oak Park, Ill., that features the first geothermal energy system used in a chain drug store in the country, Walgreens stated in a release.

The system, which went live when the store opened last October, has reduced the store's expected energy usage by 60%.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- 3M announced that it has launched the first-of-its kind Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape.

Scotch Magic Eco-Friendly Tape (including refillable dispenser, packaging and tape) is made from more than 75% renewable or recycled materials, the company reported. The boxed refill roll, including packaging, is made from more than 65% renewable or recycled materials. 

Corona, Calif. -- The Promenade Shops at Dos Lagos, in Corona, Calif., announced it has changed its name to The Shops at Dos Lagos. This change kicks off the branding re-launch and includes a new logo design, website design, URL address to ShopDosLagos.com, and signage.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Lowe’s announced that it is celebrating Earth Day by giving away trees. On April 23, Lowe’s, in partnership with American Forests, will give away one million tree saplings to customers during in-store Earth Day celebrations nationwide. When planted, these one million trees will eventually produce more than 260,000,000 pounds of oxygen annually, providing air for more than 670,000 people for one year, according to the company.