Express launched the Design Studio concept and remodel in 2001 in order to provide sophisticated choices for the consumer. This departure from a previous focus of "fast fashion" required an entire company shift in the way goods were designed, acquired and presented. As well, a new internal process was devised to create collaborative relationships throughout the process from concept to delivery. 

The collaboration process of a season was approximately 14 months beginning with a creative meeting comprised of designers, marketers and fiscal and functional partners. 

Following an initial concept meeting, Creative Marketing and Visual teams worked on concept presentations while our design and merchant partners worked on narrowing the offerings to create collections.

Mock sets led by the Marketing and Visual teams allowed for early adoption of merchandising concepts, and cost leveraging of props to maximize our annual budgets.

The Denim business was approximately 30% of the total volume and a key category requiring visual attention and the romancing of product. 

Extensive propping, fixtures, marketing POS and training tools were developed specific to this category. 
In our Dual Gender stores, the denim room was the liaison between the men's shopping experience and the women's shopping experience. 

Navigation in both denim and pant distortions was key to the success of these departments.

During my tenure with Express, several businesses launched from small tests and task forces of key contributors.  
 

Bath and Body Works originated as a 3 tiered table within the Express Stores. A men's collection became Structure, and then eventually returned as Express Mens. Express Lingerie grew from a small table presentation and 12 store test, to a full chain department category, that added incremental volume to the bottom line.

An oldie, but a goodie. My first World Class store. 10,000 square feet of retail selling space and an entire block of window responsibility.