STORE SPACES

Report: Target to test vertical farming — in its stores
Target Corp. is planning to test an agricultural process that involves growing plants indoors in precisely programmed conditions. The discounter plans to test vertical farms within select U.S. stores, according Business Insider. The idea grew out of the Food + Future CoLab, a collaboration between Target, Ideo and the MIT Media Lab.
AT&T goes big in San Francisco, puts modern spin on historic building
AT&T is pulling out all the stops in San Francisco, opening its largest, most elaborate and most tech-centered store to date. The new, two-level 24,000-sq.-ft. flagship is housed in an historic building located next to the busy and popular cable car turnaround on Powell Street. Constructed in 1908, the building has been restored from floor to ceiling back to its original Baroque architectural design.

Registration now open for SPECS/2017

SPECS, the “Retail Event for Store Innovation,” has officially opened registration for its 53rd annual conference, to be held next March. SPECS/2017, exclusively produced by Chain Store Age, is a diverse, dy-namic and engaging window into the world of retail, offering an annual opportunity for education and networking. A lineup of more than 30 workshops and sessions will cover topics and issues that impact store de-sign, construction and maintenance.
Safe Stores: Five Design Ideas to Help Customers Feel Safer

With the FBI calling the attack at Crossroads Center in St. Cloud, Minn., that injured eight people a “potential act of terrorism,” the public’s fear about safety has been heightened. In fact, the news these days is saturated with danger signals. Some people feel the threat of public spaces more acutely than others.
Whole Foods’ new store format has digital foundation

Whole Foods Market opened its third store under its new banner, 365 by Whole Foods Market, on Wednesday, in Bellevue, Washington.

The 30,000-sq.-ft. store boasts a strong digital presence, reported GeekWire, from digital signage to digital scales.
First Look: Lou & Grey, New York

The more casual sister of Loft and Ann Taylor has opened its first location in New York City.

The store, in Manhattan’s Flatiron district, reflects the easy-going, laid-back approach of the merchandise on display, with a design that evokes a soft, clean feeling. It features marble tables and fitting rooms that evoke a lounge space – floating curtains in linen with pink velvet stools.
Chain Store Age announces SPECS/2017 Advisory Board

Chain Store Age announced the selection of the Advisory Board for SPECS/2017, the annual retail event for store innovation produced by CSA and attended by retail and food-service executives involved in the planning, design, construction and maintenance of stores and restaurants nationwide. Now in its 53rd year, SPECS will host its 2017 conference in Orlando, Florida, at the Gaylord Palms, March 12-14. The event will focus on what’s next, and what is shaping the future of retail.
Q&A: Combatant Gentlemen CEO Discusses Move to Brick-and-Mortar
Build-A-Bear Workshop going out to sea

Build-A-Bear Workshop is teaming up with one of the world’s leading cruse lines. The retailer has entered into a partnership with Carnival Cruise Line to bring its retail-entertainment experience to the line's fleet. The first Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea will debut aboard Carnival Dream, and is expected to be in place aboard all 25 Carnival ships by summer 2017.
Barnes & Noble adds attractive concept to campus stores

Barnes & Noble has previously ventured into new product categories such as e-readers and toys and games, but the bookseller is going further outside its established niche than ever before.