From the Whimsical to the Luxe, Fitting Rooms Get Dressed Up

Fitting rooms are finally getting their due: More space, better lighting, common areas with seating for family and friends, themed design accents, and new amenities are just some of the improvements being rolled out to what, for many shoppers, is the No. 1 touchpoint in the store.

Here’s a look at some stylish new entries:

1 New Balance’s sports positioning is echoed in the fitting rooms of its Warrior-Brine Outlet Store in Allston, Mass. The store is located in a refurbished old factory, and the rooms are designed as mini-locker rooms, complete with an athletic bench and locker room “wallpaper.”

2 At Barbie Shanghai, in Shanghai, China, the girls’ dressing rooms are designed to evoke the playful notion that the girl is doll-sized, under a dress. The curtain operates like an oversized hoop skirt, and is lowered with a motor.

3 The fitting rooms at p.s. from Aeropostale, the new kids’ retail format from Aeropostale, are in keeping with the store’s kid-friendly environment. Polka-dot graphics make the area stand out from the neutral-toned store.

4 A series of curved screens made of white ribbons in tension make the fitting room area at The Room, the high-end retail space at Hudson Bay Co., Toronto, a memorable and high-fashion experience. The circular fitting rooms are accented with blue and green fabrics.

5 Fitting rooms defined by colorful overscaled graphics contribute to the fun at LittleMissMatched, in Downtown Disneyland, Anaheim, Calif. With a signature product of socks that don’t match, the store uses graphics to reinforce its message of fun and creativity.

6 Damask wall coverings, chandeliers and halo-lit wall mirrors add a touch of glamour to the fitting rooms at teen apparel chain Mandee, Clifton, N.J. The dramatic rooms reflect the new, sexy, fashion-forward look of the store.