The Windy City plays host to the 21st Annual
GlobalShop, April 16-18 at McCormick Place West.
The largest annual show dedicated to retail
design, visual merchandising and shopper
marketing, attendees can meet more than 600
suppliers offering the newest products and
services. During the educational sessions, JGA
chairman Ken Nisch and Manoel Alves Lima,
principal of FAL, Brazil, will conduct a seminar on

Thursday, April 18th at 10:30 am, Crossing
Borders: Six Global Trends Impacting Your Retail
World. Six global realities are facing retailers today
- whether their businesses are coming, going or
defending their territories. Being prepared for
these international maneuvers can help you win
the tough battle for the consumers' minds and
wallets. To register for the event, or Ken's global
session, click here.

Now Open: Westlake
Ace Hardware

Celebrating its grand opening on March 15, Westlake Ace Hardware just opened their new prototype in Bolivar, Missouri. The store opening helped to expand the hardware store chain's market in southern Missouri, while showcasing their fresh prototype, "Uniquely designed to deliver a noticeably superior shopping experience for their customers," according George Smith, CEO of Westlake Ace Hardware. A new signing and decor package, outdoor garden center, and realigned department adjacencies are among the new design elements. More here.

Now Open in India:
Baggit

Just opened in Kormangala, Bangalore is the newest fashion accessory store: Baggit. Designed in collaboration with FRDC (India), Baggit's signature fixtures provide a fresh way to organize the store and create reinvention by season or merchandise mix. This award-winning Indian retailer of handbags, wallets, and footwear pioneers fashion at its holistic core. "Enhance the beauty inside and out," says company founder, Nina Lekhi, whose company features vegan-approved fashion accessories. For more about Baggit, click here.

Taking Flight: Ultra
Diamonds Airport Kiosk

The newest Ultra Diamonds location recently opened at BWI Airport in Baltimore. With its prominent position at the confluence of concourses and levels, the Ultra Diamonds kiosk promotes a 360 degree brand presence, while preserving the spacious views to the airfield. The signage and display boxes are built into the canopy, which also supports the diamond case lighting. Within its small footprint, the Ultra Diamonds store displays a broad selection of diamond jewelry and watches in custom walk-up and walk-around showcases and niches.

Project Showcase: Cacau Show in Sao Paulo, Brazil

With over 1,300 stores, Cacau Show is Brazil's largest food-focused concept and franchise organization. The JGA designed retail prototype reflects the brand's Brazilian roots and heritage, executed with a global perspective. The store's chocolate waterfall, an eight-foot high cascade of chocolate, becomes a highlight in the window flanked by suspended display elements that incorporate graphic, product, and visual accents. If you plan to see Ken Nisch speak at the ReDesign Conference in Sao Paulo on May 16th - don't miss a sweet trip to Cacau Show. For more, click here.

Wharton Advertising 20/20: Ken Nisch on Advertising = Experience
FRDC+JGA: A Winning Team at the VM&RD Awards in India
Crain's Detroit Business: Ken Nisch on The New Age of Wireless Transactions
Chain Store Age: New Prototype Opens for The Cellular Connection

International Perspectives: A View From the Mideast, by Sulaiman Al-Adasani

DDI Magazine recently featured a global perspective on the state of the retail industry. Among the contributors was Fantasy World Toys President and Founder, and JGA client, Sulaiman Al-Adasani, who shared his views on the region and its potential for growth. The interview follows between DDI Executive Editor Alison Embrey Medina and Sulaiman.

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What does the economic/retail landscape look like currently in the region you serve?
The economic environment within the Middle East is still buoyant, being driven by high oil prices; thus translating into more disposable income per family unit. This in turn is driving the need for more retail innovation and a better experience. The traditional franchise models for tried and tested concepts are benefiting from this drive. However some innovation is also coming from home grown concepts, which are adding a much needed local flavor to the landscape.

What nuances does the Middle Eastern market have that the rest of the world might be blind to?
One of our main nuances tends to be the lack of a structured supply chain network for products. As in other markets, product availability is not seen as a hindrance due to strong supply chain and well established distribution networks. However in general this is not the case in the Middle East, as most of the onus tends to fall onto the retailer,

which can impact business and also restrict variety for the consumer.

How are consumers changing?
In general, consumers are changing due to the effects of globalization and new opportunities for travel. Therefore this exposure is driving greater consumer expectations and demand. As well, this is supporting better product selection and more innovation within retail environments.

What new retail trends are you seeing?
Global brands continue to proliferate. Upscale shopping environments, which support this proliferation, are benefitting from this surging need. Trends for bricks-and-clicks concepts are also showing signs of growth, but opportunities remain untapped. The long term vision related to multi-channel opportunities need to be future-focused.

How do you see retail stores changing in the next five years?
I see a lot of organic growth. However innovation, value and service will probably be the main differentiators in determining whether a retail concept succeeds. I also personally see many home grown concepts becoming more organized, translating into better designed and more innovative store environments.