Commentary

A recent article in Chain Store Age highlights the findings of a study by the technology services company, Mindtree, whose “Shopper Survey 2016” addresses how “good old fashioned human sales associates” can drive consumers from thinking about making a purchase to actually making one.  Remember that traditional, low-tech customer service still can prompt shoppers to follow the path to purchase.  And…

AIRPORTS: “WOW” DINING EXPERIENCES TAKE OFF   by Samir W. Mashni More and more airports are following the trend of developing food and beverage concessions that provide a spectacular dining experience.  Today’s travelers want great food, amazing services and a stunning atmosphere.  The days of fast food chains and overpriced meals are gone.  Now a traveler can expect…

RETAIL REINVENTION WAS NEVER ABOUT OMNI-CHANNEL By Andrea Weiss As retailers continue to reel from yet another quarter of declining in-store traffic and challenging sales, a small, but growing group of retailers are waking up to the reality that truly re-inventing retail shopping experiences will require more than buzz words, “shiny object” technology, new digital job…

The annual VM-RD Design Awards were recently held in India, recognizing the most memorable retail projects of 2016.  JGA and its Indian partner, FRDC were recognized with awards in multiple categories, both collaboratively and individually.  The competition recognized projects in 23 categories, and awarded 11 awards to JGA and FRDC and their clients, where innovation in design propelled them to the top. JGA Chairman, Ken Nisch,…

Why the Future of Retail Needs to Move Beyond Advertising     By Yoram (Jerry) Wind and Catharine Hays, with Alexa de los Reyes “By 2020, advertising will shift from being an additive element to being an invisible, inspirational, and indispensable part of product and service experiences.”               –Karl Isaac, Head of Brand Strategy and Innovation, Adobe…

Detroit Named City of Design: First American City Designated by UNESCO… Detroit was recently named the first and only American city to receive the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) City of Design designation.  Joining a global network of cities committed to investing in creativity as a driver for development and cultural vibrancy,…

Congratulations to Shop! – the global non-profit trade association dedicated to enhancing retail environments and experiences. JGA is proud to be a member of the Shop! organization that represents more than 2,000 member companies worldwide and provides value to the global retail marketplace through leadership in: Research (consumer behavior, trends, futures), Design (customer experience design, store design, display design,…

Congratulations and thanks to our JGA clients for their support and inspiration, as six of our branded environments have been recognized among the best of the year in multiple design competitions. Greenbelt Magazine Marketplace-Boise Greenbelt Magazine Marketplace has been named First Place Winner as the “Best New Local Concept” in the 2016 Airports Council International “Excellence in Airport…

Shopping malls are becoming the 21st century version of ghost towns.  While mall owners blame the trend on the closing of anchor stores, like Macy’s, JC Penney and Sears, the real reason behind the demise of malls is that shoppers have lost interest.  Since 2010, more than two dozen enclosed shopping malls have closed, and an additional…

Editorial from Ken Nisch, Chairman – JGA, Retail Environments Magazine (January – February 2016) Permanent Temp Spaces: Beyond Pop Ups and Traditional Brick and Mortar Landlords could create the infrastructure for a series of spaces that go beyond popups and traditional brick-and-mortar.  Enthusiastic associates with a chronic case of Millennial boredom are ripe for the next retail…