From bland utility to beloved brand.

What if we reinvented the entire telecommunications industry by turning boring stores into shopping destinations through an absolute design evolution of the category?

To create true business transformation, we analyzed Verizon’s brand across all physical and digital touchpoints. With our findings, we created a strategically scaled plan to overcome negative customer perception, a commoditized product offering, and increasing competition in the hybrid retail telecomm marketplace.

Working to ensure Verizon left its mark on customers’ minds, we positioned Verizon Destination Stores at prominent locations across the United States; Chicago, Minneapolis, Santa Monica, Houston, and Boston. We worked with landlords to showcase the telecommunications brand where shoppers would see it most—next to luxury stores and sought-after restaurants.

 
Verizon Destination Store Chicago - designed by Chute Gerdeman

Hicks Nurseries

It's Not About The Phones

To humanize the store experience, we organized the space by lifestyle. This took the focus away from the basic products that all the competitors sell and gave Verizon the opportunity to expand its product offerings while showcasing items in dynamic, interactive, and complementary ways.

We recognized that small business owners were increasingly seeking comprehensive solutions and products to help them grow their brands. So, we created location-inspired areas in each store to engage this type of Verizon shopper at a deeper level.

Verizon Smart Store - work station

Hicks Nurseries

Scaling the Solution

Our team took the best aspects of the Verizon Destination Stores and opened hundreds of Verizon Smart Stores in neighborhoods across the United States. These locations kept their magic with interactive displays and lifestyle-based experiences while Verizon responsibly expanded its presence with our design. With an emphasis on product, we worked with key OEMs to showcase the hottest devices and accessories on the market.
 
Because the way customers shop is constantly evolving, our team translated the most important elements of the physical store environment into multiple digital components that included omnichannel tools, websites, mobile apps, in-store exploration devices, employee education tools, and more.
Verizon Smart Store - designed by Chute Gerdeman
"Throughout the process, their leadership has been exemplary.”
- Domenico D’Ambrosio, Executive Director, Verizon

Bragging Rights

GOLD AWARD WINNER SHOP! DESIGN AWARDS 2015

Hardline Specialty Store In-Store Communications

WORLD RETAIL CONGRESS SHOP! DESIGN AWARDS 2015

Store Fixtures

STORES OPENED

Five Destination Stores Opened and 500+ Smart Stores Opened