HDI wins worldwide award for new store prototype.

Horst Design International (HDI) of Cold Spring Harbor, NY, has been awarded the Grand Prize by the National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers for their creation of a new distinctive interior prototype for Woolrich Inc. in its North Conway, New Hampshire store. This is HDI's fourth, international retail design award.

A spokesperson for NASFM says that the judges were impressed with the fixturing and store design HDI used to develop Woolrich's new image. The 170 year old Woolrich Inc. is the nation's oldest continuously operating apparel marketer and manufacturer.

"In a bold departure from Woolrich's chain of 25 existing stores, the updated design scheme combines a simple yet modern look using sleek outdoor materials like natural wood, adobe, stone and stucco fabrications punctuated by galvanized steel, explains Fidel Miro, Design and Planning Director at HDI. Color bands of outdoor red and navy (Woolrich colors) accent the steel on floor fixtures and the perimeter walls of the store.

"HDI's concept really makes the merchandise come, says Angel Oliver, Vice President/retail for Woolrich." "High-tech industrial aesthetics add a sense of drama and excitement and special lighting frames the view of the lifestyle graphics between the wall fixtures. We are seeing an increased traffic flow of younger customers who enjoy the store, and sales are skyrocketing as a result."

Celebrating its 30th year, the NASFM awards ceremony was held on March 22 in McCormack Place, Chicago to recognize retailers, designers and store fixture manufacturers. NASFM presented 26 outstanding merits, 13 grand prizes and 13 special merits, one overall store of the year and one overall fixture of the year. Display & Design Ideas was the presenting sponsor of the awards program.

According to the NASFM judges, this year's winners successfully integrated the technology, services and comfort into well branded store designs. The judges also saw a renewed interest in colors and the use of authentic materials and continued application of curves and luminescence.

Horst Design International, a retail planning and design firm is ranked among the top 30 design firms in North America. The firm is credited with over 45 million square feet of successful store imaging for all types of merchandise.