This “Playhouse” shop was designed to reflect the spirit of playfulness and imagination that characterizes the Strong Museum of Play. The museum’s devotion to the history and exploration of play served as inspiration to our retail concept leaning on the childhood nostalgia of classic toys and games. Tetris and Jenga inspired our design for the structural columns providing a strong visual and display opportunity that is a nod to two historically famous games.
Bright colors, playful patterns, and interactive elements are embedded in every aspect of the space inviting guests to escape into their own world of games and imagination.
A simple merchandising system accommodates the variety of products on display, while flexible hexagonal and trapezoid shelves provide opportunity to create varying product focals and feature displays.
The hexagonal ceiling tiles create dimension and promote depth for a heightened interest and bold presentation from floor to ceiling.
The Creator Lab serves as a dedicated space for visitors to engage in various hands-on activities, unique toys, and creative projects. Workstations equipped with art supplies, crafting materials, and interactive tools allow visitors to unleash their imagination and creativity. The hexagon cutouts built into the Creator Lab wall reinforces the visual look of the perimeter presentation while serving as visual merchandising display for activities that can be done at the table.
Whimsical and fun graphics add to the lively ambiance of the gift shop experience and provide a sense of discovery as shoppers navigate the store. Bold colors that run from the walls up across the ceiling serve as a backdrop to the messaging and dimensional elements, contributing to the creative notion of ‘coloring outside the lines’.