STORE SPACES

Participate in flooring survey — and enter to win gift card
New York -- Quality flooring is a critical component of every store, and today's retailer has more options than ever before.

CSA, in partnership with Tennant, would greatly appreciate your perspective on store flooring, including material preferences, performance factors, and maintenance needs.
Strategic appointment by Fitch
Columbus, Ohio -- Retail and brand consultancy Fitch has announced a new senior appointment in North America.

Michelle Fenstermaker returns to Fitch in the role of strategy director. She will lead the team and be responsible for spearheading strategic planning and vision for Fitch North America.

Industry vet joins Gensler

San Francisco -- Gensler announced that Jim Crawford has joined its lifestyle team as director of strategy and experience design. Crawford most recently served as chief experience officer at Chute Gerdeman, where he was responsible for integrating technology into award-winning store and experience design projects.

At Gensler, Crawford will utilize skills to enhance the firm’s practice and work with clients in multiple industries connecting digital and physical design with business and consumer objectives.
Pollo Tropical redefines store experience

Cincinnati – A redesign has upped the customer experience and increased sales at casual-dining chain Pollo Tropical.

The 120-plus-unit, Caribbean-themed casual-dining chain, part of Fiesta Restaurant Group, recently underwent a store redesign as part of a national growth strategy and repositioning, with the efforts led by FRCH Design Worldwide.
A.R.E.: Good times ahead, especially for retail construction

New York -- The Association for Retail Environments is bullish on the future.

The organization is predicting good days ahead for the U.S. economy in general and retail construction in particular. According to A.R.E.’s economic advisors, all indicators show that the 2016 economy in the U.S. will grow faster than it did in 2015. And while economic growth will slow in the back half of 2015, it will not be negative.
Adidas takes high-tech experience on the road

Portland, Ore. -- Adidas is taking its act on the road and letting shoppers get up close and personal with its high-tech footwear.

Adidas has launched “Boost Experience by Adidas,” an interactive mobile space celebrating Adidas products and its “Boost” cushioning system. To see a video of the space, which will tour the country’s top running events, click here
Benjamin Moore opens new DC

Montvale, N.J. -- Benjamin Moore has opened a 90,000-sq.-ft. state-of the-art distribution space in the Landover Logistics Center in Landover, Maryland.

The new LEED-certified (Silver) center will accommodate expansion and enhance service in the fast-growing Mid-Atlantic and Southeast markets, as well as support distribution of an expanded line of Benjamin Moore & Co. latex products.
A.C. Moore DC going solar

Moorestown, N.J. -- Pro-Tech Energy Solutions has been selected by A.C. Moore to install a 3.48MW rooftop solar installation.

The rooftop array will be installed on the A.C. Moore distribution warehouse and headquarters in Berlin, New Jersey. Part of a cost-saving and sustainable energy initiative, the rooftop array will cover approximately 432,000 sq. ft. and utilize string inverters to provide maximum control over energy supply.
EnTouch Controls in running for 'Tech Titan Awards'

Richardson, Texas -- EnTouch Controls, a leader of energy management as a service (EMaaS), has been recognized as a finalist for the MTBC 2015 Tech Titans awards in the “Emerging Company Innovation” category. Winners will be announced at the 15th annual Tech Titans Awards Gala on Friday, August 21, at the InterContinental Dallas Hotel.
Report: Raley’s considers smaller, urban format

West Sacramento, Calif. – Raley’s Supermarkets is considering hitting the big city. According to The Sacramento Bee, Raley’s is evaluating the launch of a smaller “farmer’s market” store format aimed at hip urban dwellers.

The format would focus on healthy and locally produced items. If Raley’s goes ahead with the concept, it could take up to two years to roll them out. Raley’s is considering opening two of the urban stores in downtown Sacramento.