Great leaders surround themselves with a great team, gives the team vision and direction and then they get out of their way.
Do you have any new year’s resolutions
2 FebDo you have any new year’s resolutions for the retail industry? See ours in this week’s NEREJ. http://nerej.com/52623
UConn Health Center Bookstore is now open! | UConn Today
19 DecCheck out the link below for a slideshow of UConn’s Health Center Bookstore grand re-opening.
The Zweig Letter: Developing The True Mission Statement
19 DecWhat’s in a motto?
That’s exactly what The Zweig Letter wanted to find out when they asked Jim Kimball to explain the driving ideas behind Phase Zero’s mission statement, “We begin before the beginning.”
What weight does the 5 letter phrase hold in Phase Zero’s approach and practice? Check out the article below to find out.
ZWEIG LETTER-October 2011
Jim Kimball on Mobile Commerce
31 Aug
Click the image above to check out Jim Kimball’s thoughts on mobile commerce in the retail industry featured in New England Real Estate Journal.
Norwichtown Mall gets a Face-Lift
5 AugAbove is footage taken on a visit to the current Norwichtown Mall. As you can see–the space is in much need of some aesthetic rejuvenation. The creation of Norwichtown Commons will deliver a fresh renovation to the current space. Take a look our plans for the exterior. (below)
Take a Look at Our Simsbury, CT office
29 JulHere’s a quick look at our office space in Simsbury, CT.
We recently moved into the former Fiddler’s on the Roof restaurant and decided to maintain its character and function. We even kept the bar complete with tap and coolers and most of the furniture. The inherent flexibility of the space allows our team to spread out when needed or find a quiet spot to research the code or do a quick sketch for a client.
When you’re in Simsbury, stop by and visit with us. We’re located “on the roof” at 8 Wilcox Street.
Eat Kitchen-Coming Soon
20 JulLast week Jim visited the site of Eat Kitchen, a fast casual style restaurant soon to open on 260 Washington Street in Boston, MA.
Above is some footage of the space. As you can see, they’re applying the finishing touches and preparing to open their doors for business, stay tuned!
Retail Returns to Main Street
7 Jul
It may be one of the great cycles of American society: the great urban downtowns of the early 20th century gave way to a love affair with the automobile, leading to the malling of suburban America. But as the 21st century began, that pattern has been reversing itself, with urbanesque town centers being built around the United States.
Why this return to Main Street, particularly among suburbanites who may never have known city living?
The answer lies in a few words: demographics, population growth, technology, psychology and convenience. All have combined to create a desire to return to urban living.
Still, that enthusiasm, too, is part of the trend: people want something that may not be new (at least to any native of older cities), but is unique. The suburban landscape will always have its place, particularly for young families. But in seeking convenience, sociability and an easier lifestyle, people in other times of their lives have rediscovered the joys of Main Street.
Thinking Outside the Big Box
14 Jun
The trend towards urban redevelopment including an influx of residential development brings with it the need for box retailers, as an emphasis on convenience becomes the shopping mantra.
In response, big box retailers are turning their sights to urban spaces, but with limited space and a slew of urban restrictions, the competition is fierce.
Stores like Lowe’s, Target, Home Depot and Costco, long focused on building in suburban areas, are now aggressively seeking locations in city developments. The impetus: growing numbers of urban dwellers who don’t want to travel long distances to shop.
For retailers to be profitable in this environment, they have to think out of the box. The most innovative design is absolutely essential.
