Kevin Kennon of Kevin Kennon Architects will lead a retail design walking tour event for NYC X Design Week. The tour of six boutiques in SoHo will illustrate 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. Admission is free, but registration is highly recommended. RSVP Terese Nguyen nguyen at hausmanllc.com