June 2, 2011
I’m always amazed at the number of Cincinnati and northern Kentuckians that I meet who have never been to Findlay Market. If you’re looking for an inspirational experience to start your weekend, this is the place to go on a Saturday morning.
May 17, 2011
May 13 was the 2nd annual FRCH clean-up day at the Gardens at Greenup. Never short for volunteers, there was plenty of help refurbishing the playground between the two residents’ buildings.
April 12, 2011
In spectacular fashion, the FRCH activities comittee has pulled off another outstanding company event.
March 22, 2011 1 Comment
A recent business trip to Connecticut had our team determined to see something more of this beautiful state beyond our hotel. On an evening that was warm enough to hint at spring, we drove the country backroads from Meriden to the shore town of Clinton. A right turn at Town Marina Road did not disappoint. This residential road, filled with 19th century homes, eventually led to a small marina and lobster shack, which were the quintessential picture of small town New England.
February 23, 2011 1 Comment
Using Chuck Taylor All Star footwear (648 pairs!), Converse created a 40 foot long American flag in their new store at 560 Broadway in New York. Not quite a showstopper because of the interior corner location, it’s still a clever and effective way to grab your attention because of the sheer quantity of shoes.
January 27, 2011
Appropriately titled ”The Big Show”, NRF recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of it’s annual Convention and Expo at the Javits Center in New York. Having personally attended this event in 2009 and 2010, it was extremely encouraging to see the large number of participants this year. The show ran for 4 days, with a broad array of sessions, super-sessions, and Expo Hall vendors to keep one constantly in motion. Most of the sessions on Sunday and Monday were standing-room only, a dramatic departure from years past. The threat of a snowstorm definitely lightened the crowds on Tuesday and Wednesday.
January 5, 2011 1 Comment
It’s the absolute truth when I tell you the radio was playing the Hollies’ old catchy tune “Bus Stop” on a recent trip to Lexington, KY. What better reason, then, to stop and look at a few of Lexington’s very unique bus stops, and find out the story behind this program?
The bus stops are the projects of Art In Motion ( AIM). According to AIM’s website, their goal is “to make Lexington a more vibrant, livable city through the fusion of public art, public transit, and public spaces.” The shelter shown above, on Newtown Pike, is called “Bluegrass”. Read more of this post
December 8, 2010
A quick trip through IKEA (if there is such a thing!) recently has reminded me of what I love about this store. The merchandise and it’s presentation is what draws you through the space, and it’s done in such an amazingly simple manner.
November 9, 2010 1 Comment
I don’t wear their clothes, but I can’t help it, I love this store! .
The new Forever 21 flagship store at 1540 Broadway (Times Square) opened this summer. There are four levels, and reportedly 90,000 square feet. If you start at the bottom floor, there is apparel, but the Shoe department is the big draw. Mens and Kids are a big component of the floor above that, complete with a treehouse display. Makeup and Jewelry are just below the main floor, with plenty of apparel here also. The Jewelry and Accessories area houses a huge “play table” that creates a place to mix, match, and try on. The main floor is the place to shop if you’re looking for Forever 21′s trademark merchandise….inexpensive, trendy, contemporary looks. This main floor uses the volume of space well, with large fashion graphics.
The store is open until 2:00 a.m. on weekends, and the music is loud but not offensive (even for me!) . This only adds to the energy and vibe that is part of this store experience. When I visited the store in August, the visual merchandising gave a nod to the store’s New York location, predominately by parking a taxi display at the escalator well. This store is a must-see if you’re shopping in new York.
October 6, 2010 1 Comment
We live in a world where no one misses an opportunity to advertise their brand. From buses to billboards, stores to stadiums,we, as consumers, have started to become oblivious to the advertised goods constantly paraded before us. A recent trip to Lexington, KY, however, changed my perception of such blatant advertising, because the graphics not only captured the spirit of the event, but actually enhanced it.
From now through October 10, Lexington is host to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Held every four years, 2010 marks the first time this prestigious event has been held on U.S. soil. On the afternoon leading up to the opening ceremony at the Kentucky Horse Park, I spent time touring the education center and visiting the booths with their beautiful equestrian saddles, boots, apparel, and equipment.
Alltech, the primary presenting sponsor for the event, branded the wayfinding and informational signing with equestrian imagery to add character. This temporary signing was well executed, with Alltech taking subtle credit. Bold graphic statements by Rolex, Reem Acra, Makers Mark and Ariat converted simple structures into works of art and added an air of anticipation. Alltech wrapped the main grandstand bleachers in an equestrian scene and national flags that palpably stated “here’s where the excitement will happen.”
“Kentucky Welcomes the World” is the tagline for this exciting event. Visit the Kentucky Horsepark and Lexington to join in this historic celebration and take a glimpse into a world that most of us know little about.
Entry pavilion signing and walkway graphics were informational and inspiring.
The horse symbol for the games, executed in lights and crystals, inside the Alltech Pavilion.
Simple gestures from Rolex and Tarter helped create ambiance.
