Oei Design Helped build BABW's interactive showroom

Oei Design has been in the news recently for helping to create Build-A-Bear Workshop's first interactive showroom in New York City. We are very proud of our accomplishment and long relationship with such a fun company. The showroom is located inside the New York Infusion studio. It will remain open for weeks, providing a glimpse into the new interactive fixtures of the re-imagined stores. Included are some end-result photos from the opening. (By appointment only.)

Retail Spaces Myths

What are the 5 myths of retail spaces?

1. Neutral walls are a must.
2. Stick with fixtures designed especially for your type of store.
3. All your fixtures must be flexible. 
4. You can't afford an interior designer. 
5. The big retailers know best. Copy them. 

Read explanation behind each myth here : http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/224374, then visit Oei Design portfolio to schedule an appointment with an award-winning design firm!

BOFFO Taking Pop-Up Stores to Next Level

Who really goes shopping for just the clothes anymore? In today's world, a retailer must work harder than ever to convince consumers to log off their computer browsers and foray into the world of touch, sound and sight. Unfortunately for retailers, consumers want more than the simple ability to try clothing items on - they want to be entertained. Many have gone on about the current trend of retail-"tainment" but few have actually ventured far enough out of the box to make a profound impact on the physical shopping environment.

For more information please visit: http://albertaretail.blogspot.com/2012/02/boffo-taking-pop-up-stores-to-next.html

Pop-Up Shops Turn Educational.

Staffed by nurses and specialists from Cancer Research and local hospital the Royal Marsden, the shop is the scheme’s first foray into retail spaces, and will be later joined by a second, similar venture in Haringey. Pop in and it could even be a life-saving shopping spree.  - Matthew Bremner

Click on the link to read more on how this Pop-Up Shop is educating their community on Cancer awareness: 
http://now-here-this.timeout.com/2012/10/04/lets-talk-cancer-pop-up-shops-turn-educational/

It Takes A Village To Raise A Bear

Maxine Clark, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop states, "There were many supporting partners that have contributed to a highly innovative brand experience." She continues by stating, "We worked with companies and individuals who are leaders in their industries, many with which we have had long term relationships."

Among the supporting partners, Clark names such leaders as: Scottsdale-based Oei Design, Chicago's Adrienne Weiss Corporation, and St. Louis-based architects and construction Epoch Design Group and Studio Productions.

Click on the following link to read Business Wire's article which discusses Build-A-Bear's story, their release of their newly retail entertainment design, and some of the cool new features you can expect to see in the next 6 new stores of the only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail entertainment experience:

http://money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?date=20120927&feed=BW&id=15607908#scptid

Build-A-Bear Grand Opening in St. Louis

Oei Design has an established collaborative design relationship of 16 years with Build-A-Bear Workshops. From the beginnings of designing their first prototype retail environment - to their latest major store overhaul of incorporating technology. We have witnessed Build-A-Bear evolve from their signature bear building process to incorporating digital interactive displays and features in order to target the youth who grew up with iPhones and tablets.

Here's an inside look at the West County Center's Build-A-Bear grand opening in St. Louis, MO:

CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Maxine Clark, at the red ribbon cutting ceremony.

Store front view of West County Center's Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Incorporating digital displays for a high-tech sensory bear building experience.

Store interior view of the latest Build-A-Bear's interactive features: an upgraded "bath tub," where the stuffed bear gets a digital bath and bath toys make virtual ripples. Kids can also browse a database of animal noises to be built into their V.I.B. (Very Important Bear).

12 Crucial Consumer Trends 2012

We wanted to share these trends with you - you need this if your want to influence or shape your company's direction in 2012!

This year, much as in previous years, some brands may be staring into the abyss, while others will do exuberantly well. And while we can’t offer any help to defaulting nations or bankrupt companies, we do believe that there are more opportunities than ever for creative brands and entrepreneurs to deliver on changing consumer needs. From Canada to Korea. Hence this overview of 12 must-know consumer trends (in random order) for you to run with in the next 12 months. Onwards and upwards...See full article here: http://trendwatching.com/trends/12trends2012/

Pop-Up Store Perspective

I wanted to share this quote with all of you - I love the way Megan describes the use and experience of a Pop-Up Store. ~ Kim Kunasek

"While the women hope to have a permanent shop someday, Williams says she appreciates the unique benefits of a pop-up store.“It lets us build our brand for the future and fine-tune and hone our style. Plus, there’s something almost performance art about creating a full retail and gallery experience for just a short time." 

~  Megan Williams, co-founder of The Lesters Store

(For more about the Lesters Store in Geyserville, CA, and the origin of its name, visit their website. )

Oei Design Is In Az Business Magazine!

Radio Spot!

Oei Design was on KKNT's radio show on August 13th to discuss the current role of "Pop-Up Stores" in retail design! Have a listen! http://t.co/RXLOZfe