The greening of retail, self-service kiosks and the continued evolution of digital signage were among the hot topics at GlobalShop 2008 (March 18 - 20, Chicago). This year’s show, attended by more than 16,000 visitors from around the globe...
The greening of retail, self-service kiosks and the continued evolution of digital signage were among the hot topics at GlobalShop 2008 (March 18 - 20, Chicago). This year’s show, attended by more than 16,000 visitors from around the globe, also featured a 32-session conference program that offered education on subjects ranging from in-store measurement to chocolate. As an added attraction, several GlobalShop exhibitors partnered with Macy’s on State Street to support the retailer’s spectacular Floranova flower event and introduce Chicago-area consumers to the latest in retail design.
GlobalShop, the world’s largest annual retail design and in-store marketing show, returns to Las Vegas March 23 – 25, 2009. Booth space for the 2009 show is already 80 percent sold out.
“The success of this year’s show once again reinforced that GlobalShop is the premier resource for the latest in trends, innovation and relationship-building,” said Doug Hope, the founder of GlobalShop. “The show offers the information, tools and contacts that help companies both grow and evolve their businesses.”
This was the case for one visitor that provides print and graphic design solutions to the retail marketplace. “We want to be able to offer digital as an option, so I came to GlobalShop with a purpose—to learn more about digital signage,” said, Lou Radivoyevitch, CPSS, RAD Graphics, Inc. ( Cleveland , Ohio ).
“During GlobalShop’s Digital Signage Day, I gained valuable insights on the growing opportunities provided by digital signage and the show helped introduce me to ways today’s digital technology can address the evolving needs of the marketplace,” adds Radivoyevitch.
Self-service kiosks also took center stage at GlobalShop 2008. These interactive stations, which allow customers to seek products and product information in retail environments without the help of store personnel, were featured in the i3: In-Store Interactive Ideas area. “This is a growing area of interest to our attendees because self-service enhances the retail experience. Kiosks help the consumer narrow his or her choices while at the same time exposing them to more options,” said GlobalShop Show Director Tim Fearney.
Another major focus of GlobalShop 2008 was the environment. The idX Green Product Challenge, which recognized the most innovative and practical green product, debuted this year. Exhibitor Pan Pacific Mfg. ( Hayward , Calif. ) took home the award package valued at $10,000 for its “Poly Denim” bag product, which is made from 100-percent recycled plastic bottles.
Conference sessions on environmentally friendly retail design also generated great interest. “LEEDing the Way – Environmentally Friendly Retail Design,” provided participants in-depth tips for going green. It also offered insights into the development of the Green Exchange in Chicago , which will be the country’s first commercial real estate development designed for the advancement of green business when it opens in June 2008.
“I came to the show to learn about new trends, especially with regard to green marketing and design,” said Joy Albritten, store development administrator, Big 5 Sporting Goods ( El Segundo , CA ). “I learned a lot about sustainability and I was also able to make some great contacts.”
GlobalShop 2008 also marked the official introduction of an exciting industry metric. “Nielsen In-Store: Looking at Retail Through The Consumer Lens” informed attendees about a new measurement tool that will change shopper marketing strategies as well as impact store design and marketer spending.
“It was really good to hear that the metrics for measuring this field of media is as good as Nielsen’s system of measuring print and TV media,” said Art Schwank, VP national accounts, FHC Marketing ( Chicago , IL ).
Visitors to GlobalShop’s six pavilions were introduced to a variety of innovative solutions in categories such as store fixturing and construction, at-retail marketing services, visual merchandising and digital media. Those who stopped by Macy’s Floranova event also had the opportunity to experience many of these products and concepts in an actual retail environment.
The retailer’s 2008 spring flower show, which began March 13 and ran through March 30, featured the glorious flowers, music and art of the Latin world. This year’s event also showcased the work of several GlobalShop exhibitors that created exciting displays and visual merchandising systems to complement the Floranova art.
Among the highlights of items provided by GlobalShop exhibitors was a giant beanstalk or “Lebo” vine (named after this year’s feature artist) that sat in the center of Macy’s Walnut Room restaurant. The creation was made of metal wire and fabric and designed to portray artist David LeBatard’s (Lebo) signature South Beach style. Other items from GlobalShop exhibitors ranged from traditional fixtures and flat LCD screens that animated Lebo’s art to huge hanging mobiles and fiber optic sculptures.
“The Macy’s event offered exhibitors the opportunity to showcase product in a meaningful way and, for us, provided a chance to support an important customer,” said William J. McHenry, president, Elevations Inc. ( South San Francisco , Calif ). “We were invited to create the fixture collection in Macy’s Frango Candy Department .
We looked for a solution that would fit the retail shopping experience and work well in the department. We then customized our Zephyr fixtures to complement the flower show’s design. The event brought our product line to life for visitors.”
The show heads back to Las Vegas in 2009 and many exhibitors have already made plans to be there.
“We have already purchased our space and we will have an even larger booth at next year’s show in Las Vegas ,” says John I. Bonney, director of sales, Centiva, a flooring company located in Florence , Ala.
For many exhibitors however, the show continues to be a critical part of their business plan no matter where it takes place.
“GlobalShop provides the ideal venue to introduce innovation. I have been at every GlobalShop except the first and I meet new potential customers every year,” said McHenry. “In addition to new U.S. prospects, this year we met new contacts from South America , Canada and Europe . I am looking forward to next year in Las Vegas .”
For more information on GlobalShop 2009 in Las Vegas , visit www.globalshop.org. or call 770-291-5409.
ABOUT GLOBALSHOP
Since 1993, GlobalShop has been the major source for the most innovative technology, products and services in the in-store marketing and store design industry. It has become the world’s largest annual store design and visual merchandising exposition and conference.