Jamie Butler went from running a kitchen and homewares business from a retro-inspired truck that became a well-known attraction at farmers’ markets, to owning a much-loved store that has community firmly in its heart. by Michelle Hespe Jamie Butler has always loved beautiful and useful pieces for the home and kitchen and built up a career as a homewares buyer.…
CONTINUE READINGInspiration Magazine: Inspiration
Useful tips and resources prepared by business, industry and design experts to help retailers grow their businesses!
Wings of Success
gia Global Honoree—Westwing Brasil—initially made its name and garnered its millions of followers online. Today however, its physical stores are proving to be just as popular, and as wonderfully creative, as its online campaigns and editorially led content. by Michelle Hespe Westwing Brasil was launched in December 2011 as a subsidiary of the German Westwing…
CONTINUE READINGImmersion in the Weekend Life
The Argentinian gia Global Honoree—PAUL French Gallery—is a hidden sanctuary where relaxed weekend vibes are celebrated through an eclectic curation of beautiful products in a market-like atmosphere. by Michelle Hespe “We wanted to keep the original environment exposed, as we believe in bringing the original sense of things to the surface. To not hide them. We…
CONTINUE READINGEmbracing New Fine Living
Some might assume that an ultra-modern store selling tech-based brands in a steel and stucco tunnel might lack warmth and a sense of hospitality. However, hengstyle is a haven where customers can relax, connect and immerse themselves in the finer things in life. by Michelle Hespe Taiwan’s gia-winning store – hengstyle – is devoted to “enriching life without boundaries.”…
CONTINUE READINGThe French Connection
The French Global Honoree in the 2021-2022 gia awards—La Maison Pernoise—is housed in a charming stone barn in the South of France. The business was born from passion, imagination and the creative drive of a woman who knows that dreams and wishes can be turned into reality. by Michelle Hespe Old stone houses have always inspired Lau Dejente. As a young girl she would…
CONTINUE READINGThe Art of Organization
We speak to Sharon Tindell— President and Chief Merchandising Office at The Container Store — for an insider’s view of how this iconic 40-year-old retailer retains its coveted spot as the leading organizational store in the U.S. by Michelle Hespe People love to buy things. To own things. It’s what most of us do — gather things to improve our lives or add something…
CONTINUE READINGCultivating Your Concept
We chat with Wolfgang Gruschwitz about how to create a successful concept retail store. by Michelle Hespe “What is your story?” That would be the first question that Wolfgang Gruschwitz would ask if you engaged his team to develop a successful retail store. Wolfgang is a consultant in the field of retail design, as well as juror for the IHA Global Innovation Awards (gia), and…
CONTINUE READINGRetail: A Mix of Science and Art
Anna Berry is Partner and Head of Buying, Gifts, Cook and Dine, at John Lewis & Partners in the UK. After three decades with the company, she continues to inspire the industry by approaching buying as a mix of science and art. by Michelle Hespe Who doesn’t love a beautiful, immaculate department store filled with exciting things to see and do? Lights showcasing shiny…
CONTINUE READINGInspiring the Industry: Katrina Markoff
by Michelle Hespe Katrina Markoff is a highly-creative chocolatier and the founder of Vosges Haut-Chocolat, a Chicago-based chocolate maker that inspires people to open their minds and travel the world through chocolate. As is the case with most successful business ventures, there was a defining moment that created the seed from which Vosges Haut-Chocolat would grow…
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