Barbie Store Built by Zebra
by Gail Chiasson
May 08, 2009
Zebra Studios brought to life concepts from The Bay that partnered with Mattel, to produce and install all the elements for a 1,300 sq. ft. Barbie installation celebrating the 50th birthday of the most popular doll in the world. Barbie earns about US$3.3 billion in sales annually for Mattel.
The main challenge of this project was to convert the current space that features The Bay’s heritage products such as their iconic striped blankets and coats, ito the current Barbie Signature Store which will remain in place until May 20/09.
The Bay’s Signature Shop space was contemporary in design with dark wood trim. Zebra transformed this space using Barbie motifs and its signature colour pink, and black and white graphics which it produced and applied in vinyl to cover everything from perimeter and glass walls and fixtures, the security units at the door and fire hose box.
The store includes a variety of Barbie branded products for sale and features an exhibit of collector Barbie dolls, life-size Barbie designer furniture by Glenn Dixon, and a sneak peak at Canadian designer David Dixon’s ready-to-wear Fall 2009 collection inspired by Barbie and created for women who love her: Barbie by David Dixon.
The Barbie Signature Store, which is on the main floor of The Bay, can be viewed through the large windows of The Bay.
“We’ve been working with The Bay for many years, on everything from store windows to shops within the store," says Joe Angellotti, partner, of Zebra Studios. "The Barbie Signature Store is a highlight for us in the work we do with The Bay.”
Paul Perkins and Angellotti formed Zebra Studios Inc. in 1997, and quickly earned a reputation for design excellence, attracting key accounts such as Nike, The Hudson's Bay Company and the Toronto Blue Jays. Today, Zebra is an award winning, full service, marketing and design firm that serves some of North America's most renowned brands in retail, health care, finance and sports. Its experienced team of 32 staff, which includes 12 designers, provides a complete range of services including graphic design, Web site design, photography and printing.
