Objective
To create an environment that mirrors the world of the Hot Topic customer by connecting social and technological components into the shopping experience.
Result
This evolved prototype is feature-rich interactively, from the access to online music listening to stations where shoppers can co-create micro-manufactured tunes as well as create their own designs for t-shirts.
Design Elements
- The storefront’s externally illuminated letters are sandwiched between the inside and the outside of the glass to create a dimensional effect, as if the glass is slicing through them. A storefront highlight is the unique twisted acrylic prisms where projected images mirror what is being displayed on the back wall screen of music-related media images.
- The point of difference within this new concept is the use of the organic, technical, and in many cases, transparent shapes, along with internal illumination for accessory fixtures.
- The addition of a staging area for performance opportunities allows the space to be easily transformed into a show-ready environment. Between shows, certain elements give a performance area vibe but still work in the shopping environment; including the ceiling metal grid, the stage flooring with imbedded LED’s, theatrical lights, cameras and the back area “green room,” that also functions as a portable fitting room, clearance zone, or can convert to a pre-show staging area.
- Anchoring the rear of the store, the wall provides a changeable background for the bands and performance groups and also accommodates social media elements that can offer customer recognition, as well as a window as to the various activities that are happening from in-store or theatrical venues, to musical performances and celebrity or musician interviews.
- A "pod" approach to the cashwrap is contained within a three foot-by-three foot area. There are two of these pods within the store; yet being wireless, they can be relocated anywhere within the space. Display fixtures for body jewelry are designed floor-to-ceiling, rotatable, and are supported at the bottom with a shoe display that emulates the "wave" ceiling element, bringing the feel down to eye-level.
