A.R.E. News

2010 PAVE Gala to be held at The Pierre

Retail luminaries will gather to celebrate the next generation of retail design at the Planning and Visual Education Partnership's (PAVE) 2010 Gala, Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010, from 7 to 11 p.m. at The Pierre in New York. The event includes cocktails, dinner, music, and awards. Now in its 14th year, the Gala is a major fundraiser for PAVE, which will award over $65,000 in grants and competition awards throughout 2010.

Going to EuroShop? Look for A.R.E.

On Sunday, February 27, A.R.E. will sponsor two events at EuroShop 2011 designed to provide networking and information-sharing opportunities for North American attendees. Mark your calendars and look for more information on a special A.R.E. Shoptalk and the North American Reception.

Stylesight's Renee Labbe Headlines San Francisco Shoptalk

A.R.E.'s Shoptalk returns to San Francisco this fall, offering retailers valuable visual merchandising trends information and networking opportunities. The events is scheduled for October 7 and will be hosted by Sephora,

PAVE’s fourth annual Rising Star Award now accepting entries from retailers

July 8, 2010—In keeping with its mission of nurturing and encouraging young talented individuals to ensure the future of the retail design and visual industry, the Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) has launched the 4th Annual Rising Star Award to recognize the achievements of individuals who have demonstrated talent, vision, and implementation in the retail environment. For the 2010 awards, retailers are invited to nominate an individual (under 35 years of age) who works in retail design, visual presentation, or contract design and is a proven innovator and leader among peers.

PAVE now accepting applications for its Helping Hand Fund

June 29, 2010—The Planning and Visual Education partnership (PAVE) is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for the Helping Hand Fund. The PAVE Helping Hand Fund provides grant funds to accredited two- and four-year educational institutions to enhance the quality of programs and services for students entering into careers in the retail design and planning and visual merchandising industries. Now in its third year, the Helping Hand Fund will award up to $15,000 in grants to educational institutions.

PAVE accepting Student Aid Program applications

June 24—The Planning and Visual Education partnership (PAVE) is now accepting applications for the Student Aid Program. This program, now in its second year, provides financial assistance to students entering into careers in the retail design and planning, and visual merchandising industries. The program was developed to support PAVE’s mission of supporting students studying in the field of retail design and planning and visual merchandising.

Retail Design Collective off to a strong start

May 17, 2010—A.R.E.'s Retail Design Collective (formerly The NADI Show) is positioned for significant growth this year, as 27 companies have already committed to participate. Retail Design Collective, under A.R.E.'s management since 2007, provides an unmatched opportunity for retailers to view product lines in depth, while also gaining inspiration from the innovative showroom displays. This year's Collective takes place December 8-10.

2010 Design and Sustainability Award winners announced

March 11, 2010—The Association for Retail Environments (A.R.E.) celebrated the 39th anniversary of its awards presentation on Wednesday, March 10, during an awards ceremony in the Venetian Hotel. The presentation, held the end of the first day of GlobalShop, presented 60 awards to 47 projects for the innovation and quality of their retail environment designs, including best individual elements and sustainable environments. Jennifer Beesley, Vice President-Director of Visual Merchandising for Cost Plus World Market Inc. served as master of ceremonies.

PAVE announces PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge finalists

Jan. 19, 2010—The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) is pleased to announce the 12 finalists for the PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge for college students in store design, interior design, visual merchandising, and industrial design programs. This new competition offers students a chance to see their designs come to life, gain exposure at a major industry trade show, and win cash awards.

PAVE Gala celebrates the best in retail design

Dec. 17, 2009—On Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2009, retailers, designers, and industry suppliers gathered at PAVE’s 13th Annual Gala at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City to celebrate and show their support for the future of the retail design industry. The Gala event drew a crowd of over 470 influential retailers, designers, and industry suppliers from companies including Macy’s, Godiva Chocolatier, Target, Sony Electronics Inc., Shopko, J. Crew, Miss Jackson’s, Chute Gerdeman Retail, Bergmeyer Associates, Gensler, TPG Architecture, FRCH Design Worldwide and many others. The event raised over $100,000 for PAVE’s educational programs. Eleven students with winning projects in the Student Design Competition and eight educators were able to attend the event through seats donated by industry companies.