Originally posted on Blooloop by Charlotte Coates, Event Network

Newly redesigned space is more open and accessible, with sustainable elements and eco-friendly retail

Event Network, a leading retail operator for experiential cultural attractions in North America, has announced its latest store remodel project in partnership with the Phoenix Zoo. The company has been operating the retail business for the popular zoo, for almost 16 years during which time it has served millions of guests.

Now, almost a decade after the last major remodel in 2011, Event Network has had the opportunity to redesign the main retail space as part of the Phoenix Zoo’s reimagination of its entrance/exit experience. The aim was to open up the space to allow for a better flow of traffic throughout the store, as well as to create a brighter space that reflects both the region and the two organizations’ strong commitments to sustainability.

A more open and accessible space

Upon entering the new store, visitors will notice a much more open feel. It also features a range of custom-designed fixtures, so that it can hold more products. This enabled Event Network to expand its assortments through its signature storytelling approach to product presentation. The project was a collaboration between the design, product and Zoo teams, resulting in a space where the products are shown in an engaging way that extends the unique Phoenix Zoo experience into the store.

“We really wanted our product to become the star of the space, and we’ve made it so more people can comfortably shop the store,” says Adam Nelson, Event Network’s VP of experiential store design.

The retail space now takes up a larger footprint and has a repositioned and more accessible entryway. This allows for a more thoughtful journey throughout the space and a seamless transition from the Zoo into the shopping environment. Inside, there are accents of wood tones that take inspiration from the southwest, as well as gabion rock textures that echo elements from the main entrance and throughout the Zoo.

Sustainability is key

The Phoenix Zoo and Event Network share a commitment to sustainability and this guided the design of the store. For instance, the new flooring is wood-grained vinyl tile, made from durable post-consumer recycled material that lasts longer than almost any other material on the market and doesn’t require harsh chemicals to clean. At the end of its life, it can also be returned to the manufacturer and recycled into new flooring.

The team refitted the walls with reinforced slat walls, made from all FSC-certified wood fibres. These look like natural wood planks and hide recessed standards for shelving, face-outs, and other retail small wares. “Where other products would fail over time, this material gives us a long-lasting option that won’t need to be replaced and can stand up to years of use,” explains Nelson.

When it comes to glazing, the firm added new high-efficiency glass windows on the front of the building. This protects the products inside the store from fading and reduces energy costs. The asphalt in front of the windows was replaced with a planting bed featuring drought-tolerant landscaping.

A collaboration from start to finish

The entire project was a collaborative process between the Event Network design team and the Phoenix Zoo team. Nelson says: “Members of the Executive staff, Operations and Retail teams were wonderful to work with, and I appreciate the trust they placed in us to execute this project.”

President and CEO of the Phoenix Zoo, Bert Castro, echoed the sentiment. “We have been impressed with the work and dedication that has gone into this project from everyone involved.”

Castro also emphasized the importance of community that is going to be represented in the store:

“The focus on bringing in products from local vendors is something we are very excited about. The Zoo is a treasure to so many in the Valley and we are thrilled to celebrate Phoenix’s vibrant local artisans and craftspeople.”

Celebrating the community

The gift shop celebrates Phoenix’s local artisans and craftspeople.

“Retail environments should touch guests in the moment, but we want that touch, feel and memory to last long after their visit and engage the sensory portion of their memory – the smells and tastes,” says Event Network.

“We have expanded our selection of locally produced products to enhance those memories as well as engaging local artists and small businesses to collaborate on artwork inspired by the Zoo’s popular animals and exhibits that can be found on many of our apparel and souvenir items.”

This includes Rango Honey, ethically and sustainably sourced raw honey from the Sonoran Desert. The supplier’s mission also includes supporting the Autism community with a job training program developed to provide opportunities and inclusive environment to all of their team members.

The store also features Cactus Country products. Cactus Country is a multidisciplinary independent design studio based in Phoenix, Arizona specializing in brand identity and illustration, co-owned by a husband-and-wife design team. Another husband-and-wife team is behind Verano Bathery, which provides the store with hand-made soaps, lotions, beard, and baby care products, all made with natural ingredients.

Earlier this year, Event Network revealed more details about its work with Denver Zoo, where its emphasis on eco-friendly retail and conservation messaging aligns with the wildlife attraction’s ethics.