RESEARCHING ATTITUDES TOWARD retail in the post-pandemic world, a survey from Drapers reported that 53 percent of Gen Z and millennial respondents say physical stores were their preferred shopping channel in 2023. More than half of Gen Z and millennials say they flock to physical stores specifically for gathering in-person with friends and family, according to the survey. Despite the tech booms, brick-and-mortar stores are needed – and wanted. VMSD’s annual Retail Renovation Competition is rooted in the importance of physical retail – taking a forgotten or outdated brick-and-mortar space and giving it a new life for people to enjoy. Consider this year’s Retail Renovation of the Year winner, Los Angeles-based Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL). With a design inspired by religious architecture and ancient beauty, its store transformed a historic yet deteriorated building in New York into a shoe-worshipping mecca.

Retail Renovation of the Year:

• Athletic Propulsion Labs
  Conversion: Specialty Store, Sales Area Under 10,000 SQ. FT.
  Submitted by: Schimenti Construction Co.
  Notable Contributors: Al-Jawad Pike

Retail Renovation of the Year First Place:

• Mercado Gonzalez
  Conversion: Supermarket
  Submitted by: Shook Kelley
• crate & barrel flatiron
  Conversion: Specialty Store, Sales Area Over 10,000 SQ. FT.
  Submitted by: Crate & Barrel – Architecture
  Notable Contributors: Perkins Eastman Architects, DPC
• Bucherer time dome
  Renovation: Specialty Store, Sales Area Under 10,000 SQ. FT.
  Submitted by: Bucherer
  Notable Contributors: Outform (design), Kenneth Park Architects (Architect of Record)
• Petco Union Square
  Conversion: Specialty Store, Sales Area Over 10,000 SQ. FT.
  Submitted by: Arcadis
• Studio B by Bettinardi
  conversion: Specialty Store, Sales Area Under 10,000 SQ. FT.
  Submitted by: RGLA Solutions

Honorable Mention:

• LCBO Laird
  Submitted by: II BY IV DESIGN
• Woods
  Submitted by: MG2
• El Palacio de Hierro Satélite
  Submitted by: TPG Architecture
• Ben Bridge
  Submitted by: RGLA Solutions
• 7-Eleven Foodvience
  Submitted by: Reactor Sverige AB
• PC Richard and Son Southampton Luxury Kitchen Showroom
  Submitted by: In-Store Experience
• Keilhauer Showroom New York Flagship
  Submitted by: Figure3
• Sunbelt Store of the Future
  Submitted by: Miller Zell