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Writer's pictureHeartland

Heartland - March 2024 Newsletter

Updated: Mar 27



 

February Event Recap: 360 Westport


FEB. 29, 2024 - Members of the Heartland Chapter enjoyed a networking Happy Hour and behind the scenes tour of the newly-opened 360 Westport in St. Louis.


Hey there, fellow Retail Design enthusiasts!

 

Michael here, Vice President of the Heartland Chapter of the Institute. Just over three weeks ago now, on Leap Day, I had the opportunity to make the trip from Kansas City to St. Louis to join our Chapter’s 2024 Kick-off Happy Hour at the newly opened location of 360 in Westport Plaza! If you missed it and haven’t already heard, this event did not disappoint.

 

Our group of over a dozen arrived right as the penthouse bar opened, and we enjoyed some delicious bites and cocktails while Cynthia from PARIC (the general contractor on the project) gave us a tour of the space, pulling back the curtain, both figuratively and literally, as she shared highlights of the buildout and what went into creating such a stunning hospitality space.


While it was a bit chilly outside for our group to enjoy the expansive outdoor patio with sweeping sunset views to the West, the grand space still felt connected to the scenery, truly living up to its name with generous 360-degree views of the St. Louis area. Somehow striking that perfect balance between classic and modern, industrial and refined, our lively crew agreed: 360 Westport is a destination not-to-be-missed! Along with the newly open Soda Fountain, Westport Social and other exciting businesses moving into the classic development, 360 Westport is truly setting the tone for a long overdue revitalization of this classic St. Louis retail and entertainment destination.


Here's a few photos from our tour:



Coming out of the cold and gloom of the winter months, I definitely appreciated the chance to get out from behind my screen to see old friends and make new connections within our local Retail Design community! I hope you’ll consider joining us for our next event on April 16th at 4pm, where we will tour the flagship location of up-and-coming cannabis retailer Kind Goods. Based on our conversations with the friendly folks at Kind Goods, we expect the tour will no doubt alter your perception of this burgeoning retail niche, whether you’re someone who partakes or not. Check out the event details below, and register today!

 

See you there!!


Michael Trenary, RDI

Vice President, Heartland Chapter

Retail Design Institute


 

Our Next Event:


Store Tour
Kind Goods
Fenton Flagship

Tuesday, April 16, 4:00 PM



As one of the few dispensaries in the state of Missouri that serves cannabis flower ‘deli-style,’ Kind Goods offers a great customer experience in a modern space.


Join us at their beautiful flagship location at Gravois Bluffs in Fenton, MO, where we’ll take a behind-the-scenes tour from the team behind the design... it’s sure to alter your perception of this unique and burgeoning retail sector!


Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 4:00pm CT*

180 Gravois Bluffs Cir, Suite B

Fenton, MO 63026


*In order to help us ensure that the Kind Goods team is able to meet their government-mandated staff-to--customer ratio, please register as soon as possible, and plan to show up to the event by no later than 4:20pm, when the tour will commence. Late arrivals will not be guaranteed admission.



 

Save the Date!


Networking Event + Tournament
Chicken N Pickle
St. Charles, MO

Thursday, June 20, 2024 UPDATED!


It's the fastest growing sport in North America, and lately has given many defunct big box retail spaces a second life. See what all the fuss is about, and if you're game, take part in our very first Chapter Pickleball Tournament!



 

IRDC 2024 is in Kansas City!





This year's International Retail Design Conference - retail's hottest event - will be hosted right here in the Heartland in downtown Kansas City, MO October 9-10.


Become an IRDC Insider and get all the details HERE!


Our chapter will be helping our friends at VMSD magazine showcase KC's top retail spots. Do you have any suggestions for places we should scope out? Contact the Heartland Chapter Board and let us know!


 

Calling all Marketing, Communications, and Social Media Experts!


Looking to get more involved with the Institute? WE WANT YOU!**


Our Chapter Board is looking for a Marketing & Communications chairperson. Responsibilities will include designing event communications, assisting with our Newsletter, and helping maintain our Social Media presence (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.)



** Board positions are voluntary and unpaid. Board Members must have a current membership in the Institute, be available to meet (remotely) on a weekly basis, and have strong graphic design, written, and verbal communication skills. (We think this is an ideal role for a Student or Emerging Designer!)

 

Come Join Us!


Retail Design Institute Heartland Chapter is a fun place to connect, network, learn and have a good time. Be part of a global non-profit networking organization dedicated to the advancement of retail and retail design. The Retail Design Institute is a collaborative community where ideas, knowledge and a passion for design are shared at local levels.


RDI members enjoy a variety of benefits such as priority access to events, networking and educational seminars, access to members-only areas of the website, job postings, emerging retail trend information and access to other Chapter events.


Come join us by clicking HERE!


 

A Big 'Thanks!' to our International Sponsors & Partners!






Interested in becoming a Chapter or Event Sponsor? CONTACT US!


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