DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION

Understanding in-store shopper behavior is key to designing environments that promote product purchase. But retailers must overcome numerous hurdles to get shoppers to notice a product, let alone buy it.    Toward that goal, we recently conducted research in six stores nationwide to identify shopper behavior patterns and generate insights into the retail experience. Mobile eye tracking headsets were employed to observe actual shopper behavior and to measure key levels of engagement at three stages:  

Actress and fashion entrepreneur Sarah Jessica Parker is betting on Las Vegas.   Parker, who gained global fame as the star of "Sex and the City," has opened her fledgling retail brand's second freestanding location, at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The store, SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker, offers the label's full collection of shoes, handbags and accessories in a stylish, upscale environment. It is located in Bellagio's Promenade retail corridor.   

At Home Group continues to expand its store network in the Lone Star state.    The fast-growing retailer announced the grand openings of three locations in the greater Houston area, including a newly redeveloped store in Katy, Texas, that opens on July 19. Construction is underway on stores in Pearland and Richmond, Texas, that are slated to open in the fall. The Katy location is one of seven At Home stores in the greater Houston area, and one of 26 in Texas.   

A premium outerwear best known for its signature goose-down jacket with fur-trimmed hood is expanding its fledgling store footprint.    Canada Goose Holdings Inc. announced plans to open three additional retail stores this fall, with locations in Boston, Calgary (Canada), and Tokyo, Japan. Also opening this fall are two previously announced stores in Chicago and London.   

After a nearly two-year absence, Toys "R" Us is returning to Times Square — but not on a permanent basis.  

Global retail and brand consultancy Fitch has appointed Andy Barlow creative director.     Barlow will relocate from the U.K. to lead multi-disciplinary creative teams, and work closely with the leadership across North America to grow and broaden the region’s offer. With over 25 years of design experience, agency and client side, Barlow has worked with Tesco, Harrods, and Amazon among others.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has brought its updated store environment to Tysons Corner Center, Tysons, Va.   The location is one of seven new concept stores the retailer will open by yearend. Abercrombie debuted the new look in February, at Polaris Fashion Mall in Columbus, Ohio. It has also opened at Lenox Square, Atlanta, Georgia, and at Somerset North, Troy, Michigan (Somerset North).  

Timberland has opened a new concept store that will be completely transformed with a new theme and products every six weeks.