Horst designs contemporize Lester's.

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Using innovative architectural solutions & sophisticated details, HDI, based in Cold Spring Harbor, renovated the former 15,000 s/f Tower Records store--transforming it into the largest facility of the Lester's chain. The store features expanded departments catering to an upscale consumer.

The store features a modern, high-style, cutting edge environment. Highlighting the walkway is a row of hanging white globe lights, sculptured columns and visual features. Curved walls creating open arches, back-lit features, architectural screens, etc. add interest throughout the store. Steel and fabric superstructures with rear projected TV screens enliven the space and offer various focal points throughout.

The store is segmented into individual departments highlighted by a huge customer service counter with circular dropped ceilings at both the front and rear of the store. The decorative ceilings incorporate a variety of lighting sources to showcase the merchandise in a dynamic fashion. Lester's signature colors of a muted neutral palette serve as a backdrop to showcase the various product lines.

Each department has its own motif and image with distinctive flooring, a myriad of unique lighting sources, and wall coverings that relate to the specific customer. HDI consistently designed custom merchandising systems in all areas. Some are steel and glass with an aluminum satin finish, for a high tech--fashionable look. The children's department includes colored lacquer finishes for the fixtures and floating plexi glass shelves hung by aircraft cable in the shoe department.

Wall coverings and lifestyle photos also appeal to different customers in the specific departments. In juniors, there is a grey wall covering with a 3D fibrous photographic image showing its relationship to textiles. For the women's department, a black and white Filigree Braid pattern gives it a more sophisticated feeling while geometric lines and mirrors permeate the young adults areas. Unique circular screen walls divide the women's department from the young men's sections.