What's Now - Retail Stores that Feel Right at Home

Though you know by now that I love going shopping for clothes, it’s tempting to buy online, at home in my pj’s. There’s the internet, TV shopping channels and infomercials at the disposal of Materialista™! Today the retail store experience has to compete with all that.

Visiting retail stores is business and pleasure for me! In the trade, we call it ‘competitive shopping’. I take mental notes of the interiors, which enables me to develop and customize on-trend materials, realizing the design vision of the retailers and designers I work with. A favorite right now is the influence of residential feel in retail. The new Tod’s store on Rodeo Drive is a great example. It features living room-like areas throughout, and the warm, dark herringbone wood floors paired with modern furniture really translates the luxury comfort of the brand.

Kramer Design Group
Photo courtesy of Business Wire

This weekend I’m off to the mall to see the Talbots that just opened in Paramus, N.J., introducing their “Tradition Transformed” concept. Did you know the brand is now catering to a more design-conscious customer?

The space is divided into ‘rooms’ with decorative elements.
The store, with the Crystallized Glass Stone flooring ASI supplied throughout, compliments the polished look of the merchandise, perfect for the stylish career woman (like me!). Inspired by a fantasy closet, the spacious fitting rooms let your friends hang out while giving their ‘yay’ or ‘nay’ on how things fit (honesty please!).

Destination shopping is not only about the space or the next up-and-coming designer, but about feeling welcome when you walk in. Fred Segal knows this, and why it’s one of my favorite stops on the West Coast. They’re a family-owned company too, and have the same philosophy on hospitality as we do in our own showroom. It’s also where I always find that special item to add to my wardrobe!

The allure of stores like these makes it easy to put down my laptop and GO shopping!