Ohio: The Heart of It All

Not counting the many large, annual conferences we attend (and a new one this month that we’re excited about, C-star, in Shanghai), the trips that often reap the biggest rewards for our editors in terms of industry news and insights arise from informal visits to retailers, designers, educators and suppliers. And, while that regularly entails racking up airline miles on the way to major retail destinations like New York, Montreal, Miami and Los Angeles, more often, these visits have focused on the many retail-related companies accessible from Ohio’s I-71 and I-75 corridors.

When I mention my home state to certain urban sophisticates (not to mention my hometown – Cleveland), I’ll sometimes glimpse a quick flash of pity. However, anyone really in the know in this business will instead nod appreciatively, recognizing Ohio’s standing as an industry powerhouse: headquarters to myriad retailers, consumer brands and the creatives that support them.

And, in case you need a refresher, here’s a list of some big players who call the birthplace of aviation home: Limited Brands, Macy’s, The Kroger Co., Wendy’s, Jo-Ann Stores, DSW, Procter & Gamble, Developers Diversified Realty (DDR) Corp., Chute Gerdeman, WD Partners, Fitch, FRCH Design Worldwide, Big Red Rooster and BHDP Architecture, not to mention several design school programs that regularly earn accolades for their students’ work and lauded curriculums.

Since joining VMSD, I’ve made it a goal to meet with as many of these players who will see me. Last month, on one of many treks south from my Cleveland office to VMSD’s Cincinnati headquarters, I made an easy detour to the Columbus office of Chute Gerdeman. Located in an historic brewery in the city’s booming Brewery District, I was greeted by Elle Chute and Denny Gerdeman, respected industry advocates and co-founders and co-chairs of the award-winning, retail branding and design firm. CEO Brian Shafley and Chief Creative Officer Jay Highland then took me on a virtual tour of recent domestic and international projects and a physical tour of their energetic space. Over a couple of hours, I learned much about Chute Gerdeman’s history, its goals, and its view of the broader industry’s opportunities and challenges. These insights help inform our coverage and compel us to stay on top of this fast-paced field.

In our May issue, Chute Gerdeman, along with dozens of other firms, are featured in our annual Retail Design Firm Resource Guide (see page 30), a comprehensive listing of design, architecture and construction firms from around the world. While you’re at it, check out the number of firms from Ohio … proudly representing.