Retail Design Institute News

PINK SLIP AT GRAND CENTRAL TERMINAL
May 26, 2009



TPG Architecture completes new store concept for Pink Slip at Grand Central Terminal, New York

TPG Architecture's Retail Studio recently celebrated the opening of Pink Slip, a new 750 square foot lingerie retail concept at Grand Central Terminal, according to TPG Managing Directors Alec Zaballero and Diana Revkin.

Margo Andros, the owner of Pink Slip, retained TPG for full architectural and design services, from prelease feasibility and concept design work needed to answer the RFP process necessary to secure the space at the terminal, to full architectural and fixture design, construction documents and construction administration. Based on the success of the store design, Andros even returned to TPG for packaging design, including tags, gift boxes, and bags. TPG was challenged to create a fully integrated brand experience that would set Pink Slip apart in the lingerie market, while addressing the unique needs of the commuter clientele.

David Palachek, Design Director at TPG responsible for the project states, "Everything was geared towards a rushed commuter having the best customer experience in the short, hurried time they have to shop. They have to be able to get in, find exactly what they need or want, and get out as soon as possible, yet still feel that they have had a unique and stylish experience." This attention to the shopping experience led to the design of a suite of custom fixtures, all geared towards organizing the large numbers of SKU's, and maximizing product quantities. Says Palachek, "unlike a standard shopper, the commuter doesn't have time to wait for a sales associate to find their size or retrieve an item from back stock. If it's not there, and they can't find it, the sale is lost."

To create a sense of style and glamour for the space, TPG turned to New York of the 1970's for inspiration. "There's such a wealth of inspiration to be taken from that time period," says Palachek. "From Halston's apartment, to the sculpture of Donald Judd, I wanted the space to be about that glamorous and sexy time that was unique to Manhattan." This inspiration expressed itself through extensive use of chrome, glass, and milky white acrylic on the sales floor, culminating in the fitting rooms, whose walls are upholstered in white patent leather with chrome banding. "We wanted for that one precious moment for the customer to feel that she was the sexiest woman in Manhattan."

Pink Slip is located in the Lexington Passage at Grand Central Terminal, and opened May 1.


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