Great article appeared today in the Columbus Dispatch with a feature about Collier West and the C.W. Flea.
Enjoy the inspiration.

Flea Market Appeal with Suzi West

I am looking forward to the opening of a new design from my former colleagues at Express. Having opened over one hundred stores with them during my tenure as Visual Director, I had the unique opportunity to work with so many brilliant designers and merchants.  To this day, I still carry many of the lessons of retail with me, as learned from Michael Weiss, president and CEO.

Congratulations to them on a long road of success. Many a great entrepreneur has sprung from their well of professionalism.

An excerpt from a recently published release from WIDN follows:

Express will launch its new store design concept by Japanese design firm Wonderwall

The format was created by Masamichi Katayama, who is the interior designer and principal of Wonderwall. The new concept will feature design elements of refined chic combined with a radical composition to create an individual space with a sense of style.

The new design will bring social media elements to Express’ in-store environment. Using interactive touch screen computer stations, customers can shop online and browse the Express Facebook page and Twitter feed. Mirrored video monitors in the front of store and cashwrap will allow for live streaming of Express fashion shows and events.

The 13,000 square feet space will feature a dual-gender Denim Lab as the focal point. The entire space will be resonant with oak wood ceiling and suspended trellis in aged timber. The design team has also incorporated polished concrete flooring and outrigger mounted wooden shelves framed by black velvet curtains.

What are your questions about retail design?

Consult an expert by emailing Suzi [at] SuziWest.com or read more on my blog.

ApartmentTherapy.com
Apartment Therapy | MidWest | Small Cool 2008

Suzi’s LES Meets Le Marais
By Janel Laban
http://su.pr/7ZicqL

Long live the theory that “details make the difference.”  I frequently advise my clients that the $1500 that they may spend on a chandelier will net them 10 times that in resale.  Unless it is a one of a kind, a-never-to-be-found-again-original, it is worth more to leave it than remove it. And the same theory can be applied to light switch covers and decent hardware.

If you have a limited budget for pre-sale renovation, then focus on the first five minutes of the experience.
1. The Approach -The First point in view: The Porch, Front Door, Entry, Foyer, Landscaping
2. The Kitchen – Symbolizes nurturing. Make sure it is welcoming.
3. The Bath – Sterility is key.

As you progress through the space, utilize your “emotion-a-meter”.  What rooms evoke what emotions that are neutral or meaningful?  Adjust your space accordingly. If you internal gauge isn’t working, then ask a friend or hire an expert.

More on the topic from this post from the NYTimes.
THE APPRAISAL: To Sell an Apartment, No Detail Is Too Small
http://nyti.ms/hZRe7T

1. Visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
2. Tour the Plaza Hotel
3. Spend a few quiet hours at the NY Public Library
4. Take drawing classes in the park
5. Shop at the Brooklyn Flea

6. Go to Wave Hill House in the Bronx
7. Drink during the day at the Sunburnt Cow and Bondi Road
8. Fill up on free samples at Union Square Greenmarket
9. Snack on taro-and-turnip cakes at Golden Unicorn
10. Party in style at Tribeca Grand

11. See improv at Upright Citizens Brigade Theater
12. Take Ping-Pong lessons at the New York Table Tennis Federation
13. Head to Pour Wines for free wine and sake samples
14. Get down at R&B Night at the Den
15. Spy exotic creatures at the Staten Island Zoo

16. Take meditation classes at the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art
17. Dance like no one is watching
18. See a Broadway matinee for cheap
19. Visit the Brooklyn Brewery
20. See free music at BAMcafé Live

22. Target First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum
23. Pay what you wish at the Guggenheim
24. Wake up early for fresh croissants at Almondine Bakery
25. Spend afternoon in search of Cuban Drinks

26. Enjoy Sunday music at the Frick
27. Watch movies outdoors at Habana Outpost in Fort Greene
28. See free stand-up comedy at Beauty Bar
29. Go for a walk at 78th Street Play Street
30. Take an art workshop at the Queens Museum of Arts First Sundays

31. Be cool at the Oak Room’s jazz brunch
32. Shoot pool for free at Brady’s Bar
33. Eat free bagels at Brazen Head in Cobble Hill
34. Catch a Sunday concert aboard Bargemusic in Brooklyn Heights
35. Watch free film screenings at the Brooklyn Public Library

36. Make a playlist for the NYC Mixtape Exchange at Double Down
37. Walk a Schnoodle in Central Park
38. Climb on board for the Brooklyn Food and Tasting Tour
39. Browse art or watch movies for free at MoMA
40. Bowl till 2am at Harlem Lanes

41. Listen to jazz at the River Room
42. Take a free 90-minute Grand Central tour with Justin Ferate
43. Dance at Camaradas El Barrio
44. Slurp oysters for cheap at Fish
45. Hit up a Mexican food cart in Soho

46. Check out the $10-for-five-shots special at the Continental Bar
47. Go see the Lady Liberty
48. Go for some deep relaxation at the Integral Yoga Institute
49. Feel at home at The House
50. Enjoy a home cooked meal in a 100__ zip code

Red Lacquer Kitchen by Pyram

Just returned from four days in New York. Couldn’t help but to notice that love remained in the air with the significant influence of red in the style world.

Frequently a staple in fashion and interiors, the new reds are utilized as a bold pop or statement piece.  As we longingly await the return of warmer weather, no reason to deny yourself some fresh new inspiration.

Color me RED.

Faena Hotel Buenos Aires

Red Acrylic Chairs

From the Red Dress Benefit

Lighting by Karim Rashid

My new favorite accessory

Personalize a Red Sharpie

Alas, after several attempts to locate my content, it is much to my dismay that the official blog of 2009 and 2010 was lost to the cyber world.

I hear the heartfelt, although lecturing words of my gentleman regarding “back-ups.”  So if any of the content seems redundant or possibly, self-involved, please note that I am only try to regain my SEO status….outranking Suzuki.

Collier West as Featured in the New York Times Travel Section

Besides Limited Brands (the owner of Henri Bendel and Bath & Body Works as well as Victoria’s Secret), Abercrombie & Fitch is also based in Columbus, and both companies lure top design and retail talent.

Read entire article.

NY Times Features Collier West

A lovely feature about CW in the NY Times blog.

New York Times
June 2010

Ohio Players | Collier West
http://su.pr/2kjB9f

BNET.com
BNET Today | Management, Strategy, Work Life Skills and Advice for Professionals

Leading insights from business owners and entrepreneurs
How I Knew My Home Decor Retail Concept Was Solid

By Suzi West, as told to Peter McDougall
http://su.pr/1apBpT