DMD’s biggest challenge was that Yamaha needed the design in a hurry – so we hurried! Chris Seldon of Yamaha Canada said “Under incredibly tight time lines, DMD supplied us with a creative solution that meets all of our objectives. This includes presenting our great guitars in a compelling manner.”

That’s music to our ears. Thanks Chris, for the opportunity to work on your really cool project!

Over the 2-hour visit, our seven student guests learned how design can impact the shopping experience and were intrigued by the process DMD follows in generating a unique, branded retail environment.

“The group was most impressed with your multi-disciplinary approach to design.  The ways in which the projects paired graphic and structural elements was really interesting.” commented Luther Young.

The students also learned about what designers do on a day-to-day basis and the diversity of design skills required to successfully complete a retail program.

“CMU has a strong focus on using drawing and digital modeling to build upon one another.  It was nice to see this academic approach used in a professional setting.”

We at DMD can only hope that, by sharing some of our thoughts and ideas, some of these fine, young designers will choose retail as the canvas for their talents.

You can learn more about Carnegie Mellon’s School of Design at:

http://design.cmu.edu/

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.

2:27mins