Architect Kevin Kennon conducts an insider’s tour of six boutiques in Soho, each location illustrating a different aspect in the evolving experience of retail design. As a longtime architect for high profile retailers, including Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, Kennon is focused on shaping the merchandising environment of the future.
Apple: The brand that started the revolution in retail design, with stores featuring open, minimalist spaces; a hands-on merchandise experience; and a staff more oriented to support than sales.
Warby Parker: A library-like interior reinforces the purpose of the product—eyeglasses—at this pioneer of translating online shopping into brick-and-mortar venues.
Camper: This merchant rejects repetitive store design by using a different architect for each of its locations; each outlet has its own unique identity.
Nixon: Personalization and participation are paramount at this shop, where customers design their own watches by choosing individual elements—band, faces, cases—and wait as it is assembled for them at a customization bar.
Blackbody: Designed by Thierry Gaugain, the interior of this lighting store embodies the intersection of science and design; the collaborative environment becomes an immersive retail experience.
Artemide: At the final stop on the tour, enjoy refreshments while learning about the Soho Design District’s history as an incubator of creativity.
*Tour starts at Apple Soho (103 Prince Street, New York, NY 10012)
BOOKINGS
Free admission. Registration highly recommended. For queries please contact: Terese Nguyen nguyen@hausmanllc.com
