A.R.E. News

Retail Design Collective brings new ideas, innovation and inspiration

New York, NY (March 28, 2012) — A.R.E.’s Retail Design Collective, scheduled for Dec. 5-7, 2012, will feature a new conference and showroom format, with an expanded lineup of both new and returning showrooms. New York, NY (Narch 28, 2012) — A.R.E.’s Retail Design Collective, scheduled for Dec. 5-7, 2012, will feature a new conference and showroom format, with an expanded lineup of both new and returning showrooms.

PAVE Accepting Nominations for 2011 Rising Star Award

The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) calls for nominations for its 5th Annual Rising Star Award to recognize young retail visionaries. Retailers are invited to nominate individuals (under 40 years of age) working in retail design, visual presentation, or contract design who are proven innovators and leaders among peers. This free award program seeks nominees who demonstrate originality; passion for their work; intuitive decision making; a willingness to take risks; ambition; persistence and resourcefulness to achieve effective results; a big-picture, "what's next?" mindset; professionalism and appropriate business etiquette; and the desire to seek inspiration from unexpected sources.

PAVE launches PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge for Students

The newest opportunity for students to gain prototyping experience and industry-wide exposure has just been launched with the 2011-2012 PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge. The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) offers this contest, sponsored and presented by B+N Industries,to give students a chance to see their designs come to life, win cash awards, and showcase their work at a major industry event, GlobalShop 2012.

PAVE Accepting Applications for Student Aid Program and Helping Hand Fund Grants

The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) is now accepting applications for its 2011 grant programs, benefiting college students and educational institutions. PAVE has awarded $75,000 in grants over the last three years to students and schools to benefit the industry's future. The Student Aid Program, now in its third year, provides financial assistance to students in educational programs preparing them for careers in the retail design and planning, and visual merchandising industries who are experiencing financial difficulties that may prevent them from continuing school. PAVE's Helping Hand Fund provides grant funds to accredited two- and four-year educational institutions to enhance the quality of programs and services for students in programs leading to careers in the retail design and planning and visual merchandising industries.

PAVE's 2011 Student Design Competition Sponsored by Sephora

The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) continues to shape tomorrow's retail designers and visual merchandisers with the launch of its 17th annual Student Design Competition. Open to college-level students in retail planning, merchandising, and branding programs, the competition is incorporated into the curriculum of many schools due to the hands-on experience it affords students. With a global reach (last year's competition drew 440 entries from four continents), the competition focuses on store design and visual merchandising challenges for high-profile retail brands. Sponsoring this year's competition is beauty trailblazer Sephora, known for presenting a range of brands in a consistent and compelling way in its 400-plus stores worldwide. "All of us on the PAVE Board are proud to have Sephora as the sponsor for this year's Student Design Competition. Key retailer support such as Sephora is providing is so important to help educate the upcoming young talent with real-world design challenges. This also creates an awareness with students of opportunities and the potential of an exciting career in our industry," said Denny Gerdeman, PAVE president and co-founder and CEO of Chute Gerdeman.

Fall Shoptalks mark debut of A.R.E. Design Trends Report

A.R.E.'s Fall round of Shoptalks returns to Dallas and San Francisco, when the popular educational and networking events up the ante with the premiere presentations of A.R.E.'s first-ever Design Trends Report. The report is being developed through a comprehensive review of A.R.E.'s extensive library of cutting-edge new retail projects and displays. The thoroughly researched and well-presented report will be organized into trend stories to provide attendees with inspiration for their upcoming design challenges. "At A.R.E., we have realized we are sitting on a treasure trove of information that can benefit retailers and designers," said Executive Director Klein Merriman. "Because our goal as the industry's non-profit association is to grow the industry, we intend for this new report to serve as an industry-wide resource for design trends and creative inspiration."

Retail Design Collective Builds Momentum

Following a successful 2010 event, A.R.E.'s Retail Design Collective (formerly The NADI Show) is poised for continued growth in 2011. Retail Design Collective, scheduled for December 7-9, 2011, will offer retailers a unique showroom event with an exclusive collection of the world's top visual and design resources. The showroom format provides attendees with an unmatched opportunity to view product lines in depth, while also gaining inspiration from the creative showroom displays. New ancillary events are planned for 2011, including a color and materials trend seminar and attendee party.

Retail Environments magazine app now available

Our Retail Environments magazine app is now available—FREE—for tablets and smartphones, including iPhone, iPad, and Android phone and tablet devices. The app includes current and past issues of the digital edition of the magazine, which is published specifically for the people shaping retail today—retailers, designers, and industry suppliers. The digital edition features must-read business information, behind-the-scenes reports on new retail projects, materials and design trends, news about A.R.E. and its members, and your direct line to A.R.E.’s Supplier|Connect search. Once you've downloaded each enhanced issue, you can return any time for offline reading.

Supplier|Connect launches two apps to connect retailers and suppliers

A.R.E. has launched two new apps for Supplier|Connect, the search function connecting retailers to the hundreds of A.R.E. member suppliers and designers. For office use there is the Supplier|Connect desktop interactive directory; for on-the-road use, there is Supplier|Connect mobile for smartphones.

Gerdeman to Lead PAVE Board

Leading PAVE as the foundation continues the momentum of a banner year is newly elected President Denny Gerdeman. Elected by the PAVE Board of Directors during a March 27 meeting in Las Vegas during GlobalShop, Gerdeman said he is excited about launching the foundation's new initiatives and enhancing existing programs.

PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge Winners Announced

PAVE announced the winners of the PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge for college students in store design, interior design, visual merchandising, and industrial design programs. This competition, sponsored and presented by B&N Industries, offered students a chance to see their designs come to life, gain exposure at a major industry trade show, and win cash awards. Prototypes of the top twelve designs were on display during GlobalShop 2011, March 28-30 in Las Vegas.

The Growth Initiative begins April 4: Online Skills Development Program to increase sales

Offered in association with The Manufacturing Institute and Growth Development Associates Inc. (GDA), The Growth Initiative is an online education program that enables small, medium and large manufacturers to more effectively grow their businesses by rolling out carefully designed sales campaigns. Launching April 4, the program begins with an introductory webinar. Participants are coached through a 90-Day Campaign involving sequential online skill modules and certification tests and the application of module-specific skills in the field. A web forum provides additional campaign support, FAQs and insight.

PAVE's new logo signifies industry relevance

To better reflect its growing role within the industry, PAVE caps off a record-breaking year in 2010 with the development of a new logo. Created in partnership with Green Bay, Wis.-based ad agency Arketype, the new logo provides a modern, vibrant brand identity for PAVE in its outreach to students, educational institutions, and donors. "The launch of a fresh new logo marks our most recent accomplishment toward increasing the awareness of PAVE and communicating its relevance in our field," said Bill Goddu, PAVE Board member and vice president of marketing for Fleetwood Fixtures. With unprecedented levels of industry participation, PAVE is providing more educational support than ever. In 2010, the organization awarded over $65,000 to students and educational institutions, partly through its design competitions for students -- the Student Design Competition, sponsored by Godiva Chocolatier, and the PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge, sponsored by B&N Industries. PAVE's Helping Hand Fund is helping to bring innovative programs to life at educational institutions, while its Student Aid Program assists students facing dire financial situations.

A.R.E. Design Award winners announced

Out of a record-breaking 298 entries, 37 projects were singled out to receive 54 awards by judges during the judging held in New Orleans January 27-28. Awards standings, including Grand Prizes, Store of the Year, Fixture of the Year and Visual Presentation of the Year, will be revealed onstage during the A.R.E. Design Awards in Las Vegas on March 28, 2011. The ceremony will take place the end of the first day of GlobalShop in the Venetian Ballroom of the Venetian Resort from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. The ceremony will include a cocktail reception followed by the awards presentation. Five hundred industry leaders are expected to attend. Christine Sturch, market interior design and brand coordinator for Whole Foods Market, will emcee the event.

Retailers find inspiration at 2010 Retail Design Collective

Retailers from all over the world joined holiday crowds in New York December 8-10, turning out in strong numbers for A.R.E.'s Retail Design Collective, which took place at showrooms throughout the city. With more showrooms than ever, the December market week provided an encouraging preview for the year ahead. Showrooms reported strong traffic and buyer interest, as retailers sought new ideas to entice shoppers to buy.

PAVE Announces 2010 Rising Star Winner

The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) presented its 2010 Rising Star Award to Leonard Barszap, LEED AP ID+C, studio design manager of New York-based d-ash design. The award presentation took place during the 14th Annual PAVE Gala, Dec. 8 in New York City.

PAVE Gala raises over $110,000 to benefit education

Record-breaking attendance and committed sponsors boost proceeds of PAVE’s 14th Annual Gala to an unprecedented $110,000-plus to benefit retail design and visual education.

PAVE Announces PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge Finalists

The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) is pleased to announce the 12 finalists for the 2010-11 PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge for college students in store design, interior design, visual merchandising, and industrial design programs. This competition, sponsored and presented by B&N Industries, offers students a chance to see their designs come to life, gain exposure at a major industry trade show, and win cash awards.

Retailers Head to New York for A.R.E.'s Retail Design Collective

A.R.E.'s Retail Design Collective takes place Dec. 8-10 at 7 W New York, 7 W. 34th St., and major showrooms throughout the city. With 36 showrooms and conference sponsors, this year's event is the largest yet. Special events during Retail Design Collective will include the PAVE Gala, a fund-raiser benefiting retail design students, scheduled for December 8 at The Pierre. Also, The Retail Design Institute will sponsor a pre-show tour of Limelight Marketplace, followed by a reception at 7 W New York. Conference sessions focusing on visual merchandising and store design trends will feature leading retailers including Harry Cunningham of Saks Fifth Avenue, Brad Lenz of Liz Claiborne, Diana Bernal of Van Cleef & Arpels Inc., Paul Olszewski of Macy's, Tom Davidson of The Food Emporium, and Lauren Shaw of Louis Vuitton North America.

PAVE Awards $15,000 to Schools through the 2010 Helping Hand Fund

PAVE announced the recipients of its 2010 Helping Hand Fund grants. Created in 2008, the PAVE Helping Hand Fund provides funds to accredited educational institutions to enhance the quality of programs and services for students entering into careers in the retail design and planning, visual merchandising, and interior design industries. The Fashion Institute of Technology was awarded $2,500 for a project to recognize the 100th anniversary of the March 25, 2011, Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. LIM College was awarded $6,000 for The Green Lab-A Sustainable Materials Lab and Research Center. This project will create a resource for students and industry alike. The Sage Colleges-Sage College of Albany was awarded $6,500 for the creation of a "Smart Studio." The school will transform and upgrade their existing technology, procuring a SMART Board Interactive White Board.

PAVE Awards $10,000 to Students through 2010 Student Aid Program

The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) has awarded $10,000 in grants to students through its 2010 Student Aid Program. The grants were distributed to seven students representing seven schools across North America: Art Institute of Portland, OR; Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York; Humber College, Toronto; Sage College of Albany, New York; Salem College, Winston-Salem, NC; University of Cincinnati, OH; and University of Memphis, TN.

PAVE Announces PAVE the Way 3D Design Challenge for Students

The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE) has launched the 2010 PAVE the Way, a 3D design challenge for college students in store design, interior design, visual merchandising, and industrial design programs. The competition offers students a chance to see their designs come to life, gain exposure at a major industry trade show, and win cash awards.

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.