DDi - April/May 2010 - (Page 18)

18 | Design Snapshot See Spot Run By Jessie Bove, Managing Editor t Healthy Spot, dogs are more than just pets—they’re family. This message is part of the vision that inspired co-founder Andrew Kim to create Healthy Spot, a retail concept focused on providing a healthy life for all dogs through proper nutrition, hygiene, socialization and education. Following the success of Healthy Spot’s first store in Santa Monica, Calif., which opened in 2008, the company once again teamed up with Santa Monica-based design firm AkarStudios to design their second location in West Hollywood. Amplifying the design palette of their initial design, AkarStudios’ design team sought to transform the empty shell of a former c-store space Healthy Spot unveils its second location for dog lovers in West Hollywood A Photos: Randall Michelson Photography, Los Angeles into an iconic, urban retail venue for dog lovers, explains Sat Garg, design principal for AkarStudios. Located on Santa Monica Boulevard, the new eco-friendly store is built largely from sustainable materials and offers organic and green products for dogs, as well as grooming and daycare services in a modern destination store. The large, open space measures about 3,200 sq. ft. and boasts a high ceiling, wide aisles with glossy white industrial epoxy flooring, bamboo-veneered display units, elevated fixtures for customer exploration and energy-efficient lighting. A glass-encased area at the front entrance of the store welcomes visitors with a glimpse of the doggie daycare, complete with grass patch and fire hydrant. “The large glass windows on the exterior presented an unequivocal chance to create a stage-like setting for the daycare area along the building storefront—in full view from the welltraversed street below,” Garg notes. Distinct areas are blended together with colorful, custom-designed graphic wall murals and branding images, which take center stage in the store’s brand presentation, Garg says. “The design of the graphic patterns was created by our studio to give the store its unique brand identity,” he adds. Combining modern minimalism with vibrant colors and graphics, Healthy Spot’s second store offers a multifaceted customer experience for dog lovers and man’s best friend. www.ddimagazine.com | April/May 2010 http://www.ddimagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DDi - April/May 2010

DDi - April/May 2010
Contents
From the Editor
Newsworthy
Consumer Insights
Greentailing
Editor’s Choice
Design Snapshot
Channel Focus: Department Stores
Sporting Authority
Lighting Super Section
Lighting the Way
Viva Mexicano
Right Light
Product Spotlight
GlobalShop Show Coverage
Calendar
Advertisers
Classifieds
Think Tank

DDi - April/May 2010