Retail:
Utopia Women's Fashions

Unique point of sales design anchors ultimate fashion experience

Lorraine and Jim Thornton observed a growing need for an upscale women’s clothing store in the burgeoning and increasingly sophisticated Harford Market. Seeing that residents were tired of traveling to Baltimore, D.C. and Virginia for quality fashions, they set out to establish the “Ultimate Fashion Experience” in Bel Air. They interviewed several architects and selected ADW for their “experience” approach, passion, and local relationships.

ADW embraced the commission with intensive research and interviews with local high end women’s clothing customers. Armed with this insight ADW concepted a classic, but trend setting environment within a 3,000 square foot space in a upscale new retail building in the heart of Bel Air’s development envelop. Strategically positioned next to Josephs A. Bank (a men’s clothier) and a custom jewelry store, the exterior windows have been designed as displays reminiscent of New York’s “Fashion Row.” Step inside and a pavilion featuring additional product cases immediately catches the customers attention. Looking into the store the point of sales (P.O.S.) is a central focus, with it’s “U” (Utopia) shaped counter with stepped glass accessory displays and sparkling fabric canopy billowing with the flow of the HVAC system. A “tech” lighting system in a U shape over the P.O.S. provides MR16 pinpoint lighting on displays and set the relaxed mood for the experience. Commercial grade vinyl flooring with the look of rich Mahogany and wood cabinets for clothing displays. Silk flower arrangements add color and are spotted by the specialty lighting.

Flowing through the space there is a men’s sitting area with adjacent men’s accessories for sale. Just past, you discover private dressing and fitting areas in the rear corners with a personal computerized sales area between. Sales consultants can research available product, sizes, etc… that are available from the “B Level” fashion designers Private restrooms appointed in country club/spa fashions and an office and product breakdown area completes the store. Utopia is carefully building a sound client base, using this captivating design as a tool, to produce “the ultimate fashion experience!”