DMD Ltd.

ADAPTIVE RETAIL

phanusiak — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:08:37 +0000

For several years now DMD has created Adaptive Retail Design programs that facilitate store openings, minimize leasehold improvements and deliver consistent, branded stores. Read more in this article published by the Association of Retail Environments.

THE GREEN HOUSE

phanusiak — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:16:15 +0000

Just this spring, DMD completed its second renovation for the renowned Toronto Zoo. This former greenhouse (yes, it really was a greenhouse!) required rejuvenating in order that it that it would reflect the zoo’s current retail strategy. Utilizing our knowledge of the brand and market, DMD made substantial improvements to the space.
Particularly unique and spectacular is the sun-deflecting scrim that spans the space. With the image of a forest canopy printed on it, it makes the visit more interesting and impactful as well as effectively reducing the solar load and moderating the temperature.
In order to make the store as environmentally friendly as possible, gondolas are reconditioned units from another retailer, custom fixtures are made from bamboo and the graphics substrate is biodegradable. The store has been a huge hit and, like the main gift store, significantly improved sales have resulted.

MOBILICITY STORE DESIGN

phanusiak — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:06:09 +0000

New wireless company Mobilicity has just opened 38 stores throughout the GTA in a burgeoning new wireless marketplace. The new store and dealer kiosk designs are the work of DMD Retail Design, one of North America’s leading independent firms. Every detail of the new retail stores was designed to convey Mobilicity’s brand message of unbeatable value coupled with a new approach to wireless.
Mobilicity challenged DMD to create an instantly recognizable design that was clean, fresh and straightforward with emphasis on the colour magenta. The new stores had to have an urban theme and communicate the simplicity of the brand proposition to Canada’s multicultural market. Furthermore, in keeping with Mobilicity’s value and simplicity-based positioning, the design had to be inexpensive and easy to maintain and install.
“DMD didn’t just create a smart retail design concept – they delivered a holistic solution that works in every sense of the word,” says Sara Moore, Mobilicity vice president, marketing. “The vibrant yet simple look-and-feel of Mobilicity stores and kiosks reinforces our affordable, simply designed unlimited wireless plans. The fact that DMD can implement store designs quickly and affordably also gives Mobilicity a competitive advantage in efficiently rolling-out our growing network of dealers.”
DMD created an adaptive retail design and fixture program that allows Mobilicity to open everything from point of sale kiosks to full size stores in a matter of days instead of months. The adaptive nature of the design gives Mobilicity a tactical advantage and helps them get to market sooner and establish their brand presence quickly.
“Mobilicity’s roll-out schedule required that dozens of stores were ready to open simultaneously,” adds David Milne, president of DMD Retail Design. “To make this happen, the design had to be smart, simple and easy to install. The overall retail experience reflects a direct and uncluttered format that is easy to understand.”
Each store was prefabricated and installed rather than built on site. DMD worked with Mobilicity and its dealer network to create site-specific applications of the design program. The adaptive nature of the design means that vendors can take the design assets and fixtures of the store with them if they choose to move to a new retail space.
DMD Retail Design was selected because of its long design history of designing wireless retail stores. Over the past decade DMD has designed stores for AT&T, Revol, T-Mobile, Bell Canada, Ariel, Voicestream and TBayTel. Mobilicity challenged DMD to produce a distinctive and bold design that was unique from all other wireless stores.
The results of DMD’s design concept can be seen in 38 stores across the GTA and will also be seen in future roll outs across Canadian cities in the coming year.

INVICTUS AT DMD RETAIL DESIGN

phanusiak — Wed, 05 May 2010 13:57:53 +0000

Invictus at DMD Retail Design
W&R SETA Delegates Learn The Art and Science of Retail Design

On Friday, April 23, DMD hosted five members of a delegation from South Africa to share their knowledge of “The Art and Science of Retail Design”. The five delegates are participating in the “Demand Stimulation” stream of a program that included a six-week visit to Penn State University, New York City and Toronto. They were immersed in learning about all aspects of North America’s retail industry.

The participants went through an extensive selection process prior to coming to North America and represent the future of retail management in their country. Upon completion of their four-month immersion course in retailing, they will return to South Africa to instill change and innovation within their various retail employers.

Our guests included Ayanda Noganthshi Strategic Process Manager at Builder’s Warehouse, Godfrey Mogoe, General Manager Operations at JDG Trading, Nazeer Jadwat, Head of Department, Human Resources at Ideals, Thami Gumede, Store Manager at Boxer Superstores and Zoey Rylands, General Manager, Franchise RSA at Woolworth. Many of these potential executives have post secondary education and all have extensive experience in their respective positions.

During their visit to DMD, we spoke of the importance of retail design, the effect it can have on the customer and on the business, as well as the tools designers have in hand. The delegates asked many questions and enthusiastically gained insight into the importance of creating a great, branded retail experience.

While we at DMD are often asked to speak on various aspects of retail design at conferences and with our clients, we found this a particularly exciting session. Quite simply the group was as passionate about the power of retail design as we are!

You can learn more about the organizers at:
http://www.wrseta.org.za/
http://www.immersionlab.com

L to R: Zoey Rylands, General Manager, Franchise RSA, Woolworths, David Milne, President DMD Retail Design, Godfrey Mogoe, General Manager Operations, JDG Trading, Thami Gumede, Store Manager, Boxer Superstores, Ayanda Nogantshi, Strategic Process Manager, Builder’s Warehouse, Bruce Smith, Vice President, DMD Retail Design, Nazeer Jadwat, Head of Department, Human Resources, Ideals

L to R: David Milne, President DMD Retail Design, Nazeer Jadwat, Head of Department, Human Resources, Ideals Ayanda Nogantshi, Strategic Process Manager, Builder’s Warehouse and Zoey Rylands, General Manager, Franchise RSA, Woolworths.

L to R: Thami Gumede, Store Manager, Boxer Superstores & Godfrey Mogoe, General Manager Operations, JDG Trading.

THE ART OF GREETING

phanusiak — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:08:15 +0000

The Art of Greeting, by Kimberly

Trying hard not to sound redundant, but it is true that in our big world, there are a lot of people. Here in Canada, we are fortunate that our expanse of space per person is generous. Even in a large city, we can sometimes find ourselves walking a street and be the only person on it. The early mornings I spend dog walking are often solitary, but a quick ‘Good Morning’ is all it takes to acknowledge another person when you find yourself meeting up with them. Having that greeting returned is like receiving a hug. Some people I have shared the side-walk with, have hung their heads down, inspected their shoes or looked in the opposite direction to avoid acknowledging me.

Though it does sting a bit, I know that there will be someone else around the next corner that will wish me a good morning when I say it to them, and may even beat me to it. We just happened to be in the same place at the same time, and I would certainly not push a good morning on anyone.

But in retail, it is a completely different situation. This is about your clients. They have come into your store, either because they like the way it looks or because they have previous experience with your brand, they’ve chosen to come to you. You already have their attention. Give them yours!

Paco Underhill, of Envirosell Inc., a research and consulting company which specializes in retail, agrees with greeting everyone. Just don’t do it in the customer decompression zone. This is the place where the shopper is in transition, and they need time to adjust to their new surroundings.

He also says, never ask anyone if they need help, as this gives them the opportunity to say no.

Paco Underhill’s research has found that the average shopping mall stay is now down to approximately one hour, with 11.27 minutes spent in a store if the person is a buyer. This goes down to 2.36 minutes for non-buyers. This result is greatly affected by store design and displays. 60% to 70% of purchases that are made are unplanned.

Keep communication friendly, and easy. Staff should make sure that they do greet everyone as soon as they are able to, without the appearance of snubbing a person that they may currently be assisting to greet a newcomer.

“Could you please wait a moment, I’ll be right back?” Any reasonable person will say, “Yes.” And will appreciate your good intentions towards them, as well as toward another shopper when they hear you say, “Good morning! While I’m with another customer, please feel free to look around and I’ll be right back if you need any assistance.” No reasonable person will be offended by this. Each person has been greeted personally, and knows that they are important, and that they will be looked after.

Bob Phibbs, the Retail Doctor, says, leaving a customer alone can cost your company big money. 80% of customers never return to a business where they have perceived indifference from staff. 80% want to be noticed……and 100% want a friendly greeting.

This ain’t no dog walk.

THE GREENHOUSE @ THE TORONTO ZOO

phanusiak — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:29:09 +0000

Last year, DMD was awarded the opportunity to design and project manage the rejuvenation and re-branding of the Toronto Zoo’s “Zootique” Gift Shop. After a successful opening last June, increased sales and very positive feedback from visitors, as well as zoo staff, the Toronto Zoo has asked DMD to give their “Greenhouse” Gift Shop a much needed face lift. The fantastic new “Greenhouse” Gift Shop is scheduled to open May 2010. Check out the Zoo’s hours and upcoming events here.

NIKE IN VANCOUVER

phanusiak — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:21:12 +0000

DMD created two exciting new stores for Nike in Vancouver, home of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. This YouTube visual tour demonstrates DMD’s expertise in retail design.

NEW WEBSITE

phanusiak — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 22:13:46 +0000

We just built a new website and we’re still playing around with it. Take a look around, check out what we’ve been up to, and please ignore any Latin text place holders. We hope you enjoy!

REVOL WIRELESS

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:36:21 +0000

In order to grow, Revol Wireless required a new store design program that would appeal to a broader customer base and that would not demand huge amounts of capital. Communicating Revol’s great value, flat rate plans and freedom from ‘fine print’ contracts was also important.

DMD developed a distinctive, unique and compelling retail environment that is economical to build and therefore true to the brand. Large-scale graphics communicate Revol’s unique programs as well as deliver the brand messages. With the vanilla shell complete, installation can be done in a day.

Revol is now rolling out the program across its stores in the mid west.

PRESS – DMD IN A.R.E. ONLINE

admin — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:18:29 +0000

Nature Calls at the Zoo

Designers respond with creativity and conservation

by Tracy Dillon

Incorporating recycled and reconditioned materials, this redesign of a souvenir gift store popular for more than two decades builds on the sustainability values of the Toronto Zoo… > MORE