VMSD.com | May 9, 2008

Macy’s is Looking Overseas Names a new executive to explore opportunities for international expansion Nike Nearing the Finish Line Two companies open a co-branded store to take aim at high school athletes Best Buy’s Calling England Acquires 50 percent share of Europe’s largest cell phone retailer Retail Pulse Question of the Week: What if you could take a peek into shoppers' baskets? Island Jewel A.R.E. gives its top design award to Landmark, a Philippines supermarket Sitting Pretty The new face of beauty looks to meet women’s wants with exclusive product mixes, personal-based services and more room to play.		Experimental Tastes Safeway pairs its private label brands with a fast-casual dining concept called Citrine. The goal: to spice up the grocer ’s own in-store food offering. New Retail > Food Retailer/Restaurant

	Industry News For the Week of May 5th Visual Merchandising Intl.’s Forms Featured in Martha Stewart Living; Con-Tech Hires Sales Manager; Triad Expands Production Facility		People & Ideas Tim Cox The lowdown on the best pizza in Lakeland, Fla., and why breaking the “10 items or less” law is never a good idea.
	Competitions The Best in Retail Design Winners in the 2007 ISP/VM+SD International Store Design Competition		Events Island Jewel A.R.E. gives its top design award to Landmark, a Philippines supermarket
	Architecture/Facades A Treasure Shines Join our designer-on-the-scene for an inside look at the shimmering new Tiffany’s in New York.		Customer Amenities Sector Spotlight: The Dinosaur Wears Prada Department stores are refocusing on merchandise selection, store design and customer amenities to deliver a 21st Century experience.
	Decoratives and Props Magic in the City It’s hard work to create that most wonderful time of the year.		Design and Services Commune With Nature You might uncover your best ideas out there in the woods.
	Fixtures Chicken Soup for the Sole At New Balance, it’s always been more about fit than fashion.		Fixture Components Night at the Museum Alessi’s store on Madison Avenue fuses museum-style with fun.
	Flooring Casa Palacio Everything is open in this Mexican luxury home furnishings store.		Furniture Simply Chic Seoul Bros.’ quick-service Korean restaurant employs clean lines, sleek furnishings and a contemporary mural for a modern-day dining experience.
	Green Retailing Creating a Greener Bean A small fixture manufacturer’s expertise in working with reclaimed wood will help an L.L. Bean prototype store seek LEED accreditation.		In-Store Digital Media NHL Powered by Reebok The only thing missing is the fights.
	Lighting Making the Light Decision What does lighting have to do with customer service? Everything.		Mannequins and Forms Drama Queens They’re pouty, peppy and full of glamour. Today’s mannequins say, “Look at me!”
	Materials Bellagio Everyday This North Carolina women’s boutique is inspired by its surroundings.		Point of Purchase A Banker’s Garden of Lire Italian bank uses garden theme to evoke hopes and dreams
	Safety and Security Not Toying Around Brian Dobson on why Mattel’s recall woes are a wake-up call for all businesses participating in the global marketplace.		Signage and Graphics A Modern Miracle Desert Passage Shops Open as Miracle Mile.