Celebrating Excellence The best in retail design By Marianne Wilson Mackage Toronto Design: Burdifilek, Toronto A premium brand born from the celebration of colder climates, Mackage (Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Toronto) received Store of the Year hon- ors in the Retail Design Institute’s 46th annual International Store Design Competition. Designed by Toronto-based Burdifilek, Mackage was awarded for overall concept and innovation in lighting design. The collaboration between Burdifilek and Mackage drew inspiration from the urban sensibility of a modern ski chalet, with the environment offering a calm respite from the traditional harried shopping experience. The 2,600-sq.-ft. space reflects the sexy, modern edge of the Mackage brand, which, after gaining a cult following for its outerwear, has evolved into a premium lifestyle brand. An architectural approach to lighting was used to highlight The Retail Design Institute’s the product offering, directed annual international around the perimeter, and competition honored 42 focused on product zones. The projects from around the globe as the “Class of rest of the space received a neu- 2016.” The projects were all tral wash of ambiance lighting. honored as winners, with no Subtle sculptural references distinction for retail sector or to snow, ice and nature are first place or merit status. expressed in noble materials All the winning projects resembling a warm cocoon from located in North America the elements. From the backlit are featured in this special image of the Rocky Mountains section — pages 10 to 24. to the iceberg-shaped service To see a slideshow of all counter, the environment brings 42 projects, go to www. forth notions of nature, winter chainstoreage.com/article/ and-store-year-2017. and the landscape. About the competition Photos: Ben Rahn, A-Frame Studio, Toronto 10 JULY/AUGUST 2017 CHAINSTOREAGE.COM