The Wiz

The Wiz flagship, located on Fifth Avenue in New York, is an electronics store unlike any other. The store's mission is to focus on customers'interaction with all the entertainment technology and services available. So along with the wireless phones and DVD players come cable, Internet and phone services, music, movies, and even a Ticketmaster. Designers at Retail Planning Associates (Columbus, Ohio) splashed the new store with deep blue, starting at the store's entrance, where a digitally printed, water-like wallcovering and a fiberoptic planetarium-like dome welcomes shoppers. The high-tech atmosphere is carried out through an open ceiling with backlit, perforated-metal panels that form a circular space, highlighting feature products. “Flex Zones” feature interchangeable graphics, and large graphics act as secondary walls to hide wires and cables. Realistic wood veneer flooring warms the modern space and stands out from the blue carpeting, delineating specific merchandise areas.

DESIGN TEAM: Retail Planning Associates, Columbus, Ohio — Doug Cheesman, ceo; Diane Perduk Rambo, executive vp and director of creative and studio operations; Paul Hamilton, senior environmental designer; Perry Kotick, senior lighting designer; Jim Penn, senior planner; Dave Spurbeck, documentation specialist; Beth Mulick, project coordinator; Steve Sukokiks, implementation specialist; Scott Hagely, project director CLIENT TEAM: The Wiz, New York — Tosso Koken, executive vp, sales and marketing; Ed Petterson, vp design and construction; Charlie Better, project director; Marcel Lamberti, director of facilities services; Frank Riggio, design director; Ralph Bernardo, visual merchandise director; Steve Marciano, design manager SUPPLIERS: Atlas Carpet Mills, Los Angeles (carpet); Gerbert Ltd., Lancaster, Pa. (flooring); Sherwin-Williams, Cleveland, and Benjamin Moore Paint Co., Montavale, N.J. (paint); Wilsonart, Temple, Texas; Nevamar, Odenton, Md.; and Formica, Cincinnati (plastic laminates); Morton Powder Coatings, Reading, Pa. (special finish); Armstrong World Industries, Lancaster, Pa. (wallbase); PermaGrain Products, Newtown Square, Pa. (wood flooring); Dan Binford & Associates, Cincinnati; Knoll, E. Greenville, Pa.; and Haworth, Holland, Mich. (furniture); Action Group, Columbus, Ohio (TV towers); J&S Construction, Woodhaven, N.Y. (perimeter wall units and gondolas); P&S Professional, St. Petersburg, Fla. (music browsers); Neriani, Windsor, Conn. (millwork)