July 27, 2005—Epicenter Holdings, Inc., an affiliate of Sheldon Gordon, chairman of Gordon Group Holdings, has announced its partnership with WalkerGroup, an award-winning full-service architecture and interior design firm, to design the Epicenter Collection’s flagship location.
The design goal mirrors Epicenter’s vision to create a first-of-its-kind shopping destination that brings together online, catalog and in-store retailing. Epicenter and WalkerGroup will work together to create a modern, state-of-the-art, fluid environment that provides a genuinely new consumer experience unlike the traditional mall or department store.
The Epicenter Collection was formally announced in May and is expected to open in 2006 at the Polaris Fashion Place in Columbus, Ohio. The Collection will bring new use for mall anchor locations; expose retailers of all stripes to new growth opportunities; and bring consumers a distinctive shopping experience that combines in-store and online shopping. The design will reflect Epicenter’s vision by integrating the physical and virtual experience for the shopper in a unique architectural environment.
“In our search for a design partner, we spoke and met with the leading firms in the country,” said Tony Lee, CEO of Epicenter. “WalkerGroup offered unique experience and expertise in architectural and specialty retail design, visionary philosophy, and commitment to our belief in the creation of a new retail and architectural model. They can provide us with a comprehensive, fully integrated solution; from branding strategy and corporate identity, to space planning, store design, visual communications and project implementation. The Epicenter vision depends on the seamless integration of all of its elements.”
For more on WalkerGroup, visit the company Web site.
