From: Janes, Mike
Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2000 9:21 AM
Subject: Designing for Retail -- holiday story idea

Greetings—Mike Janes here at The American Institute of Architects (AIA) in Washington.

As the shopping season quickly approaches, you may be looking for some trendy (yet new) retail story ideas. If so, I've got an idea that might be right up your alley.

How do retailers work with architects to develop stores that appeal to the shopping habits of their customers? Can good retail design attract new customers and affect the bottom line? Will more retailers mimic companies such as Crate & Barrel, which employs its very own architects to create unique and individually-designed buildings for each of its stores across the country? As the line between shopping/entertainment/dining/art becomes increasingly blurred, how are architects creating distinct spaces that make a Hallmark shop look different than a museum, or a fine-dining establishment different than a Applebee's? How is the onslaught of Internet shopping sites influencing how retailers/architects are designing stores? Can freestanding or semi-detached retail stores perform better than in-Mall stores? Why?

Let me know if any of this piques your interest. I can put you in touch with any number of architects and firms who are doing this kind of work, perhaps even some in your locale.

I'll be away, of course, for the rest of this week for Thanksgiving holiday. I'll return on Monday, November 27, so feel free to contact me either today or after the holiday if you'd like to explore these ideas. Best wishes, and have a great Thanksgiving.

Mike Janes
Director, Media Relations
The American Institute of Architects
(202) 626-7467
mjanes@aia.org

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.