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RANDOM NOTES

Crabtree & Evelyn’s new 1,220-sq.-ft. prototype, at Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, Ill., pays homage to the brand’s heritage while reflecting the modern sensibility of its marketing and product line. Serene colors and ivory-colored fixtures with blue accents establish a relaxed environment. Elements of the prototype, designed by RGLA Solutions, Schiller Park, Ill., will be customized for individual stores to reflect regional character.… Bloomingdale’s has landed in South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, Calif., with a splash, opening a 291,000-sq.-ft., three-level showcase whose facade glows white at night. The local palette is reflected in the store design, which has a more casual attitude than the chain’s New York City and San Francisco flagships. Still in the works are two four-star restaurants, including one in partnership with chef/restaurateur Charlie Palmer, who will also operate a wine store on site. The next Bloomies opening is set for this fall, in Chevy Chase, Md.… Ed Hardy is set to open a two-level, 5,500-sq.-ft. flagship in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. The hot new company (it was founded just last year) specializes in apparel and accessories for men, women and children inspired by the designs of famed tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy. Other upcoming locations include Miami Beach, Fla., and Los Angeles (at the Beverly Center).… High-end British stationery retailer Symthson opens its first West Coast location this summer, in Beverly Hills. The 2,000-sq.-ft. store will house a small museum featuring items from the company’s archives, including examples of Princess Diana’s and Sigmund Freud’s personal stationery.

NEW PROJECTS

Chute Gerdeman Retail, Columbus, Ohio, has been retained by the National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers (NASFM) to lead a re-branding effort to reflect the group’s long-term strategic direction. The new brand strategy, which will include name, identity and logo, will be unveiled at NASFM’s annual convention in November.

COMPANY/PERSONNEL UPDATES

Fitch, Columbus, Ohio, has appointed Mark Miller as studio director to lead one of the creative teams in the Columbus studio. He was formerly with The Longaberger Co. … Robert G. Lyons and Associates, Schiller Park, Ill., is now operating under a new corporate entity known as RGLA Solutions (RGLA).