UPS World Services

In a world where everyone seems to be “FedExing,” UPS felt the need to reinforce its position as a “global carrier” — an important distinction in the delivery market.

Set in a prime Manhattan location, the new UPS World Services store is designed to instantly convey the packaging company's capabilities and heighten its retail presence. At this store, service representatives aren't standing behind a counter accepting packages; they're on the floor guiding customers through the shipping process. Customers can also track a package's journey via video and Internet monitors.

UPS trademarks brown are prevalent throughout the store. Counters are constructed from brown MDF and the warm-brown flooring is comprised of cork and sisal. Also prominent is the company's iconic globe. A large steel and copper (brown) globe rotates behind a service counter and a globe graphic doubles as door handles. Even bow-tied package string appears as a window mullion.

CLIENT: United Parcel Service, Atlanta

DESIGN: Pentagram, New York — James Biber and Michael Gericke, partners; Michael Zweck-Bronner, associate; James Cleary and Tonya VanCott, architects; Su Mathews and Maggie West, graphic designers

GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Ambassador, New York

SUPPLIERS: Paul Herbert Woodworking, Torrington, Conn. (cabinetry and fixturing); Pentagram, New York (graphics); Lightolier, Fall River, Mass., and Edison-Price Lighting, New York (lighting); Abet Laminati, Englewood, N.J., and Formica Corp., Cincinnati (laminates); Dale Travis Associates, New York (signage); Vomela, New York (wallcoverings)

PHOTOGRAPHY: Andrew Bordwin, New York