Wenger Wins Store of the Year

3/29/11 - Last night, the Association for Retail Environments (A.R.E.) recognized the best in retail design, store fixtures and visual presentation at its annual Design Awards celebration. This year’s Store of the Year was awarded to the first U.S. retail flagship for Wenger, Maker of the Genuine Swiss Army Knife, in Boulder, Colo. Designed by the Denver office of Gensler for Boulder-based retailer Established Brands, the store was meant to connect the outdoor adventure-loving community to the 116-year-old brand through materials and graphics.

A 15-ft.-by-9-ft. woven wall sculpture of hand-cut pine logs wrapped in twine is featured at the rear of the store. In addition, the entire collection of current knives is displayed, along with the “Guinness Book of World Records’” World’s Largest Knife, creating a destination gathering space. A hand-painted wall art mural based on vintage Swiss travel posters provides a colorful visual focus that directs customers to the back of the store, while also referencing the rich history of the legendary brand.

The Wenger store also took home the Grand Prize for the Hardline Specialty Store up to 3,000 sq. ft. category this year.

Click here to read the original article from DDI Online.