the carlson group capabilities

© 2013 The Carlson Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Capabilities Presentation

As a strategic partner, The Carlson Group incubates, builds and sustains smart custom programs that deliver value across consumer retail experiences.

3

Scope Services

Retail EnvironmentsCustom Fixture SolutionsShop-in-ShopPOPGraphics & Signage

DISCOVERYAssessment Consumer & Trend Research Retail & Competitive AuditsCommunication StrategyProgram Strategy

DEVELOPMENTRetail MessagingConceptual DesignEngineeringPrototypingMerchandising Strategies

EXECUTIONProgram Planning ManufacturingWarehousing/Fulfillment ShippingInstallation

EVALUATIONTestingMeasurementData AnalysisInterpretationProgram Evolution

4

Our team is fortunate to be working with some of the world's top brands.

As partners, we collaborate in expressing and strengthening the brand image while supporting your business objectives.

5

› A Strategic Approach› What We're Thinking› Success Stories› Tactical Tools

7

Structured for success.

We engage two capabilities that are critical to creating successful retail programs:

› Expertise in gathering the right information to inform strategy.

› Experience in translating strategies into the design and implementation of retail environments.

It’s a comprehensive view that maximizes your investment. We call this process Total Program Value.

8

› A Strategic Approach

We partner with the best people in the business.

It’s a winning formula, where we draw on their expertise to amplify ours, offering you solutions without bias.

10


What isTotal Program Value?

In the fast-moving world of retail, nothing changes faster than shopper behavior. Shifting consumer needs, influences and preferences vastly outpace brands’ ability to introduce new and exciting retail experiences. In addition, brands are looking far more closely at the ROI of retail programs.

There’s a new currency for information that can improve the performance of your brand at retail. Whether you call it Shopper Marketing, Consumer Research or Retail Strategy, using information to move the needle on consumer behavior requires two things. The first is expertise in gathering the right information, and the second is translating that knowledge into programs which deliver ROI in the retail environment. TCG delivers both of those capabilities with our approach for retail success, which we call Total Program Value (TPV).

12


TOTAL PROGRAM VALUE HAS FIVE PILLARS

1. TPV is holistic. It addresses the full ecosystem of retail programs, from overall brand strategy through operational and logistic details. All aspects of retail are included, so that programs address marketing, merchandising and implementation concerns as thoroughly as they consider the retail program elements themselves.

2. TPV takes the long view. TPV incorporates the full lifespan of retail programs, delivering value at every stage. By emphasizing a cycle of ongoing innovation, programs continually elevate what’s working, and make incremental changes to address challenges. The emphasis on testing and program evolution leads to smarter and more cost-effective procurement strategies.

3. TPV is flexible. Each category and each brand is unique. Consequently the meaning of success varies not only per organization, but also per individual program. TPV addresses differing needs of both brands and retailers, creating better-informed and more efficient programs while calibrating the process to include only what is relevant.

4. TPV is smart. In the cycle of innovation, tribal knowledge accrues. In addition, the model includes fully integrated participation by best-in-class partners in strategy, shopper marketing and digital media. These seamless partnerships offer the depth of experience to be efficient and effective, with nothing lost in the translation from strategy to execution, no matter what mediums are involved at retail.

5. TPV has its feet on the ground. TPV is fact-based. Design is based on response to actionable insights and observations. While there’s an emphasis on the intellectual property of retail – the strategy and evaluation – working in design and execution keeps us honest.

13

How does it work?

THE FULL-CIRCLE PROCESS – PROGRAMS THAT IMPROVE WITH AGE

Total Program Value means the end of the old lifecycle of retail programs. The paradigm used to be a year of development, resulting in a program with a 3-year lifespan in the market. The new model makes the most of your investment in retail programs. Through the TPV cycle, we look both outward – to discover what’s new and innovative in the market, and inward – to evaluate programs for effectiveness and opportunity for improvement. As information is gathered, it is applied to the next generation of your program, to enhance what works or to improve what doesn’t.


“The best strategies are simple, and they’re designed to do two things: fix what people hate, and give them more of what they love.”

- Rebecca Huston, Principal – Strategy, Huen LLC

Discovery establishes the foundation for success. Strong strategy is the basis for better program design, and the better the design, the easier it is to translate to a seamless execution. In Discovery, three levels of information are layered together to inform strategy.

› The first level is a comprehensive understanding of consumer decision-making at retail. Which trends and behavioral patterns influence what shoppers do in the retail environment? How do technology and new media play in to the retail experience today? What successes and challenges do we see in the market that can inform direction?

The Process of Discovery: Anticipating Consumer Response


› The second level is category influence. Typical behavior patterns change from category to category. (For example, men purchasing golf clothing shop much more like women than they do in any other apparel category.) Some categories see much greater influence from changing technologies. (The PC category is in constant flux.) Understanding the specifics of each category helps to shape solutions, and makes it easier to anticipate consumer response to program elements.

› The final layer is the brand. Specific brand objectives, strengths and challenges inform a virtual mixing board of options. Emphasis can be put on key areas to amplify, alter and influence how shoppers interact with the brand environment.

17

Direction is the interpretation of discovery into program design. Execution translates design into real-world retail programs. With TPV, brands and retailers are partners in the process from the outset, so when we arrive at these hands-on phases, there are no surprises. In addition, the engagement of all partners from the beginning ensures a more effective and cost-efficient process, with nothing lost in translation. It’s a more comprehensive approach leveraging the best thinking from all participants, which conserves time and money without sacrificing results.

Direction and Execution: Putting Knowledgeto Work

18


Evaluation completes one cycle, and sets up the next. In the TPV model, performance is measured against short and long-term program objectives. As in discovery, both qualitative and quantitative data contribute to the full understanding of program success. Ultimately, evaluation delivers information which directly impacts the next evolution of the program by identifying elements that contribute to ROI, and those which aren’t worth the investment.

“Retail programs today must deliver on higher expectations of shopper experience and sales lift. Testing and evolving programs over time is a better investment than creating new programs every 2-3 years.”

- Mark Adams, COO – The Carlson Group

Evaluation: Reality Check

20


› Testing in operating retail locations is the best possible way to gauge the effectiveness of new program elements. Being able to watch what consumers actually do beats asking them what they’re going to do every time. Real-time, real-world observation is data you can count on for accuracy. In addition, it’s relatively easy to see how a small change affects shopping behavior. Positive changes can be implemented throughout the retail channel; those that prove ineffective can be left by the wayside.

› ROI is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Metrics need to be calibrated based on both organizational and program objectives. There are multiple places to look for success beyond sales figures, including areas such as brand recognition, social media imprint, frequency of store visits and response to specific initiatives.

21

What are the benefits?

BETTER OVERALL BRAND EXPERIENCE

› TPV is a vehicle to bring brand strategy into the environment.

› The process ensures that branded retail programs keep pace with current brand marketing and communication.

› TPV is structured to incorporate all the critical elements of the brand including product merchandising, brand marketing and technology into one seamless experience.

MORE EFFECTIVE CONSUMER CONNECTION

› Design is driven by actionable insights that connect with consumers to maximize the effect on their purchase decisions.

22


› Both discovery and evaluation are consumer-centric. Understanding the factors which affect decision-making, and evaluating how solutions play out in real environments create a foundation of knowledge that is directly applicable to the design of retail environments.

BETTER USE OF INVESTMENT

› With TPV, you spend your budget with a sharp focus on fixing issues and improving performance.

› Retailer and category needs are anticipated, facilitating buy-in from retail partners.

› The iterative process is more innovation-friendly. It’s designed for quick-turn testing and implementation without a full-scale overhaul of programs.

23

2444


Take-Aways

Of all the brand communication mediums, the retail environment is most closely aligned with consumer purchase behavior. As such, retail offers an unparalleled opportunity to directly affect how shoppers make decisions about products and services. Total Program Value offers the best possible approach for organizations to create retail programs which deliver on those opportunities.

› TPV is a comprehensive approach, working at all levels and phases of retail program development to deliver lasting value.

› TPV focuses on the unique needs of your brand, its relationship to core consumers and today’s markets.

› TPV is consumer-centric, building engagement through integration of environment, merchandising and communication.

› TPV is a vehicle to amplify and leverage your brand’s marketing and communication efforts at retail.

› TPV empowers your organization to make informed and effective decisions about retail programs.

› TPV makes fiscal sense. It’s a tool to optimize your retail investment, putting budgets to work in ways that maximize ROI.

25


27

What this means for you:

Understanding market trends and innovations in all aspects of retail will ensure that you can lead, rather than react. Both what's happening in the market and your brand initiatives have implications for your approach to retail.

We make sure you’re set up to succeed as you move in new directions.

282828282828282828882822282828282888

229292929292929292929292929292929222292229229229292

The pace of changecontinues to accelerate.Retail can’t sit still.

ANTICIPATE › Know where the market is going. You're either in front or behind - and ahead is the only place to be in today's fast-paced market.

FLEXIBILITY › Consider designs that are built to accommodate frequent updates, from fresh messaging to new product initiatives, to the ability to add program elements seamlessly.

KEEP LEARNING › Evaluating programs – especially in real world environments – gives you unmatched visibility and insight into a program’s effectiveness. Use those insights to continue the cycle of evolution.

30

› What We're Thinking

Give them the right information at the right time.

COMMUNICATION HIERARCHY › Develop and follow a clear communication hierarchy. Deliver the essential information in the right place, and at the right point in their retail journey.

MULTICHANNEL ENGAGEMENT › Digital and social media can amplify consumer engagement. It's essential to have a clear strategy for how these channels contribute seamlessly to a better brand experience.

LESS IS MORE › Chances are, consumers aren't taking in - or even noticing - all you brand communiation. Carefully consider content, making sure that it's both relevant and as simple and direct as possible.

32


An explosion of experiential retail is adding excitement to the industry.

ENTERTAINING › Shopping at its best is entertainment. Physical retail enriches the experience by offering personal contact, hands-on engagement with products and the excitement of a brand’s edited point of view about what’s important.

PERSONALIZED › Brands and retailers who are creative in using the wealth of data available to better understand their consumers can offer them exactly what they want, and need, from the store experience (sometimes before those consumers know it themselves). The most personal experiences where the individual consumer is understood, remembered, and anticipated is the ideal in any channel, from value to prestige.

OMNICHANNEL › The multichannel retailer has the opportunity, as well as the responsibility, of using technology in ways that add to the retail experience. Technology is both an integral part of today’s store and a complementary offering to physical retail. In store, consumers expect a seamless integration of technology that goes beyond cost-of-entry, providing a deeper, content-rich and more personalized experience.

34



37

Designed for Cabela's first small footprint Outpost prototype in Union Gap, WA, this program calls attention to Cabela's newly revamped Branded Product offering for apparel and footwear.

Our challenge was to develop a retail strategy and a corresponding standardized fixture package with improved merchandising, communication, and visual presentation to showcase the quality and value of Cabela's branded products.

CABELA'S SOFT LINESFIXTURE PROGRAM

Strategic Partner › HUENAs strategic partner, Huen’s scope of work for the project included the following: Consumer Research and Strategy, Retail Assessment and Strategy, Communication Strategy, Merchandising Direction and Creative Direction.

38

› SSuSucccceeseseesesssss StStStorororieeess

3339393939393993939393939393333333339939999999999999

CCCHHHAAALLENGE: MERCHANDISING ISS PRIMARILY ITTTTEEEEMMMMM-BBBAAASSSSEEEEEDDDDD


444440444000004400044444444000004440400000044044440400040404040404000404440444404400000440440440440044000

› Success Stories

DISCOVERYDEVELOPMENT

EXECUTIONEVALUATION

BRAND INTERVIEWRETAIL AUDIT

ASSESSMENTPROGRAM STRATEGY

DIRECTIVES

CCCHALLENNGGGEEE: AAPPPPPPAAAPPPP RRREELL AARREEEEAAAAA LACKSS CCCEENTRAL FOCUS

CHALLENGE: UNCLEAR NAVIGATION & IMPAIRED SIGHTTTLLLLIIIINNNESSS

441414144144141411111141441414144414114114141411111111111


CCHHAALLLLEENNGGEE:: FFOOOOTTWWEEAARRR AAARRREEEAA LLAACCKKSS LLIFFESTYLE, PROOODDDDUUUUCCCCTTTT FFFFOOOOOOCCCCCCCAAAAAALLLL EEEEEELEMENTS

44444242222424242442422242424444222424244444242224422

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



DIRECTIVES

CHHHAALLLLLEEEEENNNGGGGEEE: EENNDDD CCCCAAAAAAPPPPPPPPSSSSSS DDDDDIIFFFFIICCULT TO MMMLL EEEERRRRRCCCCCCHHHAANNDDIISSEE, LLAAACCCCKKK GRRAPHIC OPPORTUNNITIES

4434434343434343433434334433334333333


44

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION

RETAIL MESSAGINGCONCEPTUAL DESIGN

DESIGN INTENTENGINEERINGPROTOTYPING

45


46

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



47


4888848484488484888884448888888488444448888888444444888888888448884848484888488448488484488488888888

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION

PROGRAM PLANNINGMANUFACTURING

INSTALLATIONWAREHOUSING

FULFILLMENT

49494949494999949499494949499994


“We have increased our Cabela’s Brand Product penetration in all apparel and footwear categories that this fixture program supports. We have enjoyed a SIGNIFICANT increase in margin basis points relative to comparable margin rate to our chain and our total apparel and footwear sales penetration is significantly higher in the Outpost location versus our other new store openings in 2012.

Our “stretch” sales and turn goals were all met and our performance per square foot in our apparel and fixture division has set a new threshold for the company. We are extremely happy with the continued performance and will be implementing this fixture program into 20 additional stores in 2013.”

- Melissa SchultzSenior Director of Visual Field Merchandising

Cabela’s Inc.

50505555555555505050500005050000505055550505000005000555550555050005050050555055550000050555505055000005005005555550000000000555500000000500555550550000000005505050000000000555555000000000050555555000555550000005500000000000550000500500

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION

TESTINGDATA ANALYSIS

INTERPRETATIONEVOLUTION PLANNING

5515515151515151111115555555555555115555555115555555555111155555555511111555555555551111555555111

The newly launched Mountain Hardwear fixture program brings a powerful new presentation of the iconic outdoor brand to independent outdoor specialty retailers.

The retail program is an interpretation of a newly developedstore concept and companion trade show booth that made its first appearance at the Outdoor Retailer show.

MOUNTAIN HARDWEARFIXTURE PROGRAM

Strategic Partner › HUENAs strategic partner, Huen’s scope of work for the project included the following: Communication Strategy, Merchandising Direction and Creative Direction.

252

s ccess s s Storiesc› Suc

53535353535353


54

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555555


56

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



5777


› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



FULFILLMENT

595959999

Dick’s tapped The Carlson Group to develop and optimize the next generation of their shared service footwear program. The charge was to deliver a theatrical brand experience for the consumer while making it easy to see, try and buy athletic footwear.

A product of a dynamic new partnership with creative strategy agency Huen, the project spanned services from consumer research through the initial test rollout.

DICK’S SPORTING GOODSFOOTWEAR DECK

Strategic Partner › HUENAs strategic partner, Huen’s scope of work for the project included the following: Consumer Research and Strategy, Retail Assessment and Strategy, Communication Strategy, Merchandising Direction and Creative Direction.

60660606060606060606000006060606060606060600606060660060060060600606066660000606060060600000000

›››››› ›› SSSSSSSSSuSuSuSuSuSSSSSuSSuuSuSuSSuSuSuSuSuSuSuccccccccccccccesesesesese sssss SSSSStStSStSttSSStSttStSttSSS oorroororriiiiieieeeieieieessssssss

6666166666666666

CCCCLLIEENNNNNTTTTT RRREENNDDDDDDDEEERRRRRINNGG


66262626266262662262262626262626262622222222222222

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



DIRECTIVES

6663636336636363636363636363363636636663636636363636633666663333663633336363633366

LLLLLAAAACCCK OFFFF EEXXXCCCIIITTTEEEMMMEEEEEENNNNNTTTTT &&&& TTTHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEAAAAATTTTEEEEEEEER

UUNCCLLLEEEEAARRRRR NNNNAAAAAAVVVVVIIIIGGGGGAAAAATTION &&&& IIMMPPPPAAAAAAAIIRRRRREEDD SIGGHHTTTLLIIINNNNEEESS


6666666664444444444666666664464666666664444666666664466666664466666666666666666664466666646666666446644444

› Success Stories

LLLAAACCCKK OOOFFF SSEEEAAATTTIIING


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



DIRECTIVES

6665655556


666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666666

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



6666666677777677676766666677776676767677666767677676666666676767676676767676776666667676767776667666676776667676


68686868688888868886686886868668666868888888886888

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



FULFILLMENT

66666666969999996999699699699669999669696999996966699969699696699996969696969999999999999999999


› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION

TESTINGDATA ANALYSIS

INTERPRETATIONEVOLUTION PLANNING

71777717111117717777711117177771111717777777777777771777717771777777177177777771177777177177111117717717717777111777771777777111

Retailers need ease of implementation and consistency, while brands want to make a distinctive statement. The endcap program for Academy neatly addresses both sides. The foundation is a common structure, adapted to optimize brand voice and highlight key products and initiatives.

ACADEMY SPORTS + OUTDOORS ENDCAP PROGRAM

72727272727277772772772722777777777

››› ›› SSSuSuSuSuSuSuSuSuSuSSSSSSSuSuSSuSuuSSuSSSSuuSSSSS cccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc eseseseseseseeesssssessessesessesesesssssssssssss sssss ss StStStSttSttSSttorororororrrieieeeeeieeeeeeeeiessssssssssss

773737377777777777373737373

177 X 4.5mm CLEAR ACRYLIC1900 A SEE BOM1903 B SEE BOM1911 B SEE BOM1914 B SEE BOM1917 A SEE BOM1918 A SEE BOM

A101-2911-0102 STEELA110-1808-0001 STEEL

36.5

119

82.5

58.5

6

ACADEMY SPORTS + OUTDOORSENDCAP PROGRAM

› Success Stories

ROUTER CUT AS SHOWN ----SEE BOM ----SEE BOM ----SEE BOM ----SEE BOM ----SEE BOM ----SEE BOM ----BLACK OXIDE HEX SOCKET BUZINC PHILLIPS PAN H

1

8

9

2


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



7577775

Facilitated all project communications including design reviews and sell-in between Academy and the

participating brand partners.

Under Armour Adidas Nike Wolverine Skechers


76

› Success Stories

Asics/Puma Lifestyle Kids Reebok New Balance


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



FULFILLMENT

77


77777777888888877777877777788888887778888877778788877777778888877788777778877777888888888777778888887777888887777788888888877778888777888777777888888888777777888888877778888888777777778888888888

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



FULFILLMENT

7979797979999979799999997979979999999999997999999997977777979999

Columbia Sportswear’s Baselayer product offers exceptional technical features and benefits. The Baselayer fixture system, compatible with Columbia’s existing program, makes the most of those technical elements and the distinctive product packaging. The concept was supported by a strategy platform defining consumer connection, point of difference, and product attributes.

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEARBASELAYER FIXTURE

8080808080808080080080800

› SuSuSuSuSuSuSuSuSSSuSSS cccccccccccccccccccesesesesesesess s s ss ssssss StStStStStStStStSttooroooooooo ieieieieieieeeeeeessssssssss

COMPETITIVE DIFFERENTIATION

CONSUMERCONNECTION


The most successful competitors in this product category connect the dots between specific product features and benefits to the end user. Given the limited real estate available for messaging, it made sense to lead with one strong benefit: FACT – 20% warmer. The bold graphic impact of Omni Heat adds a powerful visual element to the presentation.The Baselayer product appeals to some of the

most athletic and active of Columbia’s consumers. They’re more willing than most to try a new product, especially if it comes with a clear benefit that can improve their outdoor experience.

82

› Success Stories

PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

FIXTURE SOLUTION

Technical products like Baselayer are purchased as gear – more like equipment than apparel. The deciding factors for consumers are functional rather than aesthetic considerations.


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



83


848

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



FULFILLMENT

8858555585855855558558555555555555

Columbia’s signature fixture program elevates the brand and its products, while being engineered for maximum compact build, saving packaging and shipping cost. Built on common components, the program is flexible enough to work in all channels of distribution from flagship branded retail to big box environments.

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEAR FIXTURE PROGRAM

86

› Success Stories

888888887777777777787778777777888778777787777778877778787787777877888877

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEARFIXTURE PROGRAM

8888888888

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



8989889989

COLUMBIA SPORTSWEARFIXTURE PROGRAM

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



FULFILLMENT

99999991111919

The North Face global retail program incorporates distinctive and sustainable materials, including Plyboo and SkyBlend, that maintain the signature aesthetic of The North Face across retail, wholesale and co-op channels of distribution. This program was redesigned and value engineered for maximum compact build, reducing packing materials and shipping costs.

THE NORTH FACEFIXTURE PROGRAM

92

› SSuS cccess s StStStS oro iieess

93939393939393939393333


94

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



95


99999999999966669666666669999999999966666666666999999966666666699999999966666666699999999996666669666699999999966666666699999996666966669999999966666666699999999996666666699999966666699999999999666666666669999999666666999999999996666666999999999999666666999999999996666666999999999666666

› Success Stories


EXECUTIONEVALUATION



FULFILLMENT

999999977777779997799779999999997979797999977977999977779799797997799997777779977777997777999777797777779997779777


99

Web Site

Locations

Leadership

Memberships

Inception

Incorporation

Structure

Tax ID

Dun & Bradstreet Number / Rating

www.carlsongroupinc.com

USA:HQ: Chicago350 E. 22nd StreetLombard, IL 60148

Contact: Mark Adams, [email protected]

Additional Offices:Portland, ORLos Angeles, CA

CHINA:Shanghai789 Zhaojiabang Road, 10th Floor Unit 3Shanghai Jun Yao International PlazaShanghai, China 200032

Greg Carlson, Principal John Carlson, Principal Mark Adams, Chief Operating OfficerScott Reczek, Director of FinanceJim Thompson, Director of Production Brad Kurz, Creative Director Sabine Liu, Managing Director, ChinaCharles Tracy, Program Services DirectorLaura Dillon, Human Resources Director

Path to Purchase InstituteA.R.E.IDSA

1999

Oregon

S-privately held

93-12652222

17-117-3219 / 1R3

Company Overview

SS-CO101

Adidas AmericaAcademy Sports + OutdoorsAriatAshworthAsics AmericaBabolatCabela'sChaco Claire'sColumbia SportswearDick’s Sporting GoodsDockersEverlastHelly HansenJanSportKeenMountain HardwearNew BalanceNikeNintendoNixonOakleyOnitsuka TigerRedingtonReebokReefRio ProductsSephoraSkechersSonySorelSpeedoSports AuthorityTaylorMade-adidas GolfTevaThe North FaceTimberlandUnder ArmourUrban DecayVans

Clients

SS-CLISS CLI

Recognition

Timberland Pro Core Fixture Program

Reef Denim and Tee Stacker

The North Face Boise, ID

Timberland Kids Clubhouse

Reef Girls Nesting Table Set

The North Face DSG Wardrober

Timberland Women’s Fixtures

Columbia Baselayer Fixture

adidas Outlet Program

We are passionate about creating memorable retail experiences. Every so often, we are honored to be recognized for that passion. Our work has garnered 17 Design of the Times Awards, 7 POPAI Outstanding Marketing at Retail Awards and special recognition for sustainability and green awareness from ARE.

SS-REC

Recognition

SS-REC

Asics Tech Tower

Nike Bauer Hockey Flexlite Display

Nike One Counter Display

Asics Kayano POP Launch

Nike Pro Fixture H-Rack

Taylor-Made TP Red/Black Ball Tower

Asics Counter Display

adidasGolf Tour 360 Program

Brand InterviewKickoff meeting with project stakeholders to understand brand positioning as well as all challenges and requirements of the project.

Retail AuditPhotographic documentation of current in-store programs to identify trends, best practices and opportunities.

AssessmentSummarize learnings and relate back to project objectives.

Program StrategyDetermine an approach to guide concept development and ensure solutions are in alignment with consumer behavior and the brand.

DirectivesInsights are translated into specific design principles which are adhered to throughout concept development.

Discovery is about aggregating your needs and project parameters while aligning that information with the overall goals of the design. If needed, additional insights are gathered through market audits and competitive brand assessments. Through this process design and merchandising principles are established and reviewed with project stakeholders before concepting begins. These guidelines are the lens through which all concepts are viewed.

DISCOVERY

SSSSSS-SS-SS-SS-SSSSSS DISDDISDIS

Deliverables*

R1Loose sketches enable us to quickly visualize big picture concepts without getting bogged down in details.

› 2D black and white sketches exploring aesthetic direction and functionality

› 2D color elevations exploring color usage, graphic and logo treatments

R23D color renderings of individual fixtures explore materials and merchandising, with sufficient detail to communicate features and functionality.

› 3D color renderings with merchandise

› 3D color shop configurations

› Materials and finishes called-out, physical samples provided

R3Fully rendered 3D environments facilitate internal buy-in for final concepts before proceeding to engineering and pricing.

› Sufficient detail to direct engineering and pricing

› Final material board(s) provided

*Scope/deliverables vary by project

Beginning with loose, hand sketched concepts, our design process aims to build consensus throughout development. By focusing on design principles defined in Phase I, concepts are weighed and evaluated according to project objectives. This allows the solution to evolve through a logical progression of ideas, and eliminates subjectivity when choosing a final design direction.

DEVELOPMENT

Conceptual Design

SS-DEV-CD

GlobalDomestic and offshore strategic partners

CapacityUSA : 3M+ square feet

CHINA : 13M+ square feet

Partner AttributesTrade specific…selection based on core competency and expertise

Flexible…ability to fabricate material and components

Performance…qualified and tested to TCG’s performance standards

BenefitsCapacity…allows for blended production and risk mitigation

Buying power…negotiation leverage through multiple supplier sources

Flexibility…not tied to fabrication methods or materials

Speed to market…enabled by a network of suppliers and blended options

Material / Component Disciplines › Wire and Metal

› Wood

› Acrylic

› Glass

› Vacuum Forming

› Injection Molding

› Graphics

› Digital/Interactive

› Textiles

› Recycled

› Found Object

› Sustainable, Green

China OperationsShanghaiLocated at Junyao International Plaza

Operations9 years

Staff Dedicated team focused on QC / Compliance / Logistics

PartnersStrategic relationships with 10 core suppliers

Volume75% of production mix generated in China

EXECUTION

Manufacturing

SS-EXE-MA

Production Viability & Best PracticeConsult extensively with supplier partners during engineering phase to establish best production methods for lowest cost and highest quality of components and assembled parts.

Sample ApprovalProvide material and finish samples for approval and use as control samples during production.

On-site MonitoringOn-site inspection and monitoring throughout production from work in progress fabrication through assembly and pack-out.

First Article ReviewPerform first article inspections on all component parts to assure compliance toengineering specification.

Fit & FunctionConduct tests to verify mating and functionality of parts.

Test Pack-outsConduct test pack-outs to evaluate carton performance and inner pack protection.

Finished Goods AuditConduct inspection after assembly/pack-out to confirm contents, fit/function and ease of assembly.

Program ImmersionComplete extensive review sessions with our program services team using a client facing program playbook to enhance field performance and customer service responsiveness.

TourProvide on-site facility tours for project stakeholders

EXECUTION

Quality Control

SS-EXE-QC

EXECUTION

Program ServicesGlobal program support for implementation of retail executions

Services

Warehousing & Fulfillment

Inventory Management

Site Surveys

Installations

Logistics

Recycling

BenefitsSimplified approach: Efficient consolidation of inventory and services—one stop shop for your direct to store services.

Dedicated staff: Single point of contact for all services.

Customer service: Direct response communication protocols for your programs.

Program immersion, field support: Extensive program review sessions with our team using a client facing program playbook to enhance direct field support and customer service responsiveness.

System Tools: MAS 500 ERP and OnTrack™ proprietary system for order fulfillment, real time inventory management and tracking.

SS-EXE-PS1

EXECUTION

Program Services

Warehousing & FulfillmentUS, Canada, Europe and Brazil locations1,000,000 sq ftISO and Lean certifiedComplete pick and pack servicesStore/shop rollouts

Inventory ManagementERP system managed, real time Customizable reports - usage, rolling, stock status, forecasting and cycle counting

Site SurveysCustom, specific surveys to fit unique scope of work and multiple locations. CAD drawings available upon request.

InstallationsValue added installation manual Complete install services:

› Build outs

› Fixtures

› Graphics/Signage

› Retrofit Kits

› Electrical

Digital images and sign off sheets provided within 48 hours of install.

LogisticsNorth AmericaParcel – FedEx & UPS serviceLTL Air ride trailersPad wrapLift gate/rampInside deliveryWhite glove POD reporting

InternationalGlobal DistributionContainer/freight forwardingAir freight

RecyclingEnd of life fixtures and graphicsObsolete inventory Reporting:

› Recycled vs. landfill

› Weight/% of material diverted from landfills

› Info can be used for sustainability marketing purposes

SS-EXE-PS2

Features › Secure login

› User access levels

› Project snapshot, archives

› On-line document approval, change

Benefits › Centralized information

› Speeds review, approvals

› Streamlines project team communication

› Portability, accessibility

› Less stress

Our proprietary project management system allows you to manage more projects more efficiently. It facilitates project flow and communications into an effective, efficient format that allows you to schedule, communicate, organize, review and share important project milestones.

SS-PL

Reports › Inventory (program and rep)

› Location order history (by location)

› POD Tracking

› Order status

› Activity (most or least ordered item)

› Backorder

› Distribution

› Transportation

› Allocation/order history (by users)

Features › Secure login

› User access levels

› Easy order entry

› Order history archive

› Reporting

› On-hand inventory

› Backorder

› Critical re-ordering levels (timing)

› Trending (activity orders by item and volume)

Benefits › 24/7 access

› Inventory levels by item/by rep

› Rep selling tools and aids

› Digital image of display with specific information, such as instruction sheets and plan-o-grams

› Real time inventory tracking

Our proprietary order fulfillment and inventory management tool features order cart entry, shipment tracking, and inventory allocations by region or field rep. It allows field access to instruction sheets, plan-o-grams and other important documents.

SS-OTOTOTT

Prototype Review Book

Features › Check list of all design and visual

merchandising solution objectives

› Material samples and alternatives

› Renderings with merchandise to verify capacity, shop-ability

› Master CAD, engineering drawings to verify fit and function

› Documentation of all program elements

Benefits › Program consistency

› Simplifies project team decision making, approvals

› Eliminates misinterpretation, translation errors

› Detailed documentation of all changes, directives

Provides focus on consumer/shopper objectives and solutions. It shines a pre-production spotlight on potential manufacturing problem areas while providing a place to aggregate all stakeholder perspectives, comments and directives.

SSSS-PRB

Program Playbook

Features › Color renderings with merchandise

› Main assembly drawings

› Floor plans, shop layouts

› Instruction sheets

› Customer service contact

Benefits › Saves time and money by eliminating

guesswork

› Streamlines communications

› Reduces managerial oversight, workload

› Program training tool for on-boarding new team members

Supports consistency across formats and channels by providing a single source to reference program drawings, shop layouts, assembly instructions and shipping information.

SS-PP

Sell-in Guide

Features › Description of fixture element solutions,

visual merchandising suggestions

› Iterative floor plans/layouts help retailers visualize program

› SKU assortment per fixture

Benefits › Unified, consistent selling tool for achieving

retailer acceptance

› Helps to push program into more doors

› Helps to secure better retail floor position

A user friendly vehicle to sell in programs to retail partners with a focus on retailer needs. It is a visual representation of how solutions work on retail floors and has the added benefit of fostering future program acceptance and expansion.

SS-S SIGS G

Installation Manual

Features › Installation steps and procedures

› Item key and coded packaging descriptions

› Distribution and location plan summaries

› Elevations, floor plans, shop layouts

› Merchandising and set-up details, call outs

› Main assembly engineering

› Instruction sheets

Benefits › Cost efficiencies through standardization

› Minimizes surprises by addressing all potential issues upfront

› Streamlines communication

Establishes global guidelines for achieving consistency in presentation. This manual provides the framework for installtions to run on time, on budget and meet all of your expectations.