Newsletter
July 2014 Volume 4 Issue 3

Fun Fact: The Show Window: A Journal of Practical Window Trimming for the Merchant and the Professional was a monthly trade magazine started by the creator of The Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum, in 1897.  It was the first periodical devoted to Visual Merchandising in the United States, and is now known as VMSD: Visual Merchandising and Store Design.
NEW! Request a Zen Online!
We're so excited to announce that our new and improved website allows you to view our  Zen Guru Profiles as well as  Request a Zen!  Are you in need of temporary Visual Merchandising or Graphic Design support?  Request a Zen today - it's quick and easy!
Introducing Our New Events Director
We are so pleased to have Cassandra Darling as part of our Events team.  She comes to us with a vast knowledge of the events industry, and an extensive background in floral design, event design and management.  Join us in welcoming her via social media using the hashtag, #DarlingEvents.  Welcome, Cassandra!

This Issue's Headliners
Zen Spotlight
Congratulations to Hannah Shaal from our Columbus team for being selected as Zen of the Month.  
Learn more.
Cultivate'14   
Our team of creative Guru's designed and installed the Cultivate'14 Future of Retail Pop-Up Shop.
Learn more.
IRDC 2014     
An ALL NEW Iron Merchant Challenge and speaking engagement is headed to Miami - who's ready?
Learn more.
Also in this Issue: New Book Release, Resident Diva, Easy Summer D.I.Y. Projects and Ohio & Industry Events.

Word of the Month
Augmented Reality: A live direct or indirect view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented (or supplemented) by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data.
 
We have fallen in love with Augmented Reality and its potential in the retail environment.  Augmented Reality will allow consumers easy and interactive access to additional product information, product instructions or even a way to quickly purchase something via their mobile device.  Download the Aurasma Augmented Reality App for your mobile device HERE, and test it out on our logo.

  Source: Wikipedia
ZenSpotlight
Zen Spotlight
Hannah Shaal is a Visual Merchandiser at ZenGenius, and has been with us for just over a year. She has proven herself as an asset to ZenGenius, and we're happy to have her on-board!

My inspiration: 
I find inspiration in two primary places: the people around me and the beautiful city of Columbus, Ohio. I'm surrounded everyday by people who's styles and personalities are so beautiful and inspirational, it's hard to ignore. The passion people have for their craft, and the amount of creativity in this city is truly a driver for my love of the industry. How could you not be inspired by the talents of an entire community of unique creative minds?     

My favorite part about working with ZG:
My favorite part about working for ZenGenius is that every day is a new adventure and a new project. I love that ZenGenius gives me the opportunity to nurture my creative mind.    
   
A favorite project/experience: 
My favorite project would have to be setting up Les Wexner's personal office for the Holidays! What a way to get in the spirit. I have wanted to work for him since I was young, and ZenGenius gave me that opportunity and then some.         

A random fun fact about me:

Before I switched to studying Visual Merchandising at Ohio University, I studied Vocal Performance!
CultivateCultivate'14 Future of Retail Pop-Up Shop
An AmericanHort Experience
Formerly known as the OFA Short Course, Cultivate'14 is an AmericanHort experience that continues to offer premier educational and networking experiences, and more than 7 acres of trade show exhibits including technology, new products and services, and new plant varieties. 

This year, there was a designated area that focused exclusively on the latest, most innovative products and services that enable retailers to keep up with their consumers.  Aurasma, an augmented reality app, was introduced, allowing customers to scan an image or logo and immediately have the display come to life.

We are so thrilled to be part of this wonderful event yet again.  In addition to the ZenGenius Signature Fixture Collection being featured within the Future of Retail Pop-Up Shop, we also partnered with Lavi Industries to add a distinctive element to the displays.  Upon entering the space you're greeted with a massive RETAIL display created with Falconboard, an incredibly versatile and 'greener' option for retail graphics and P.O.P. displays.





Source: AmericanHort & Cultivate'14
IRDCInternational Retail Design Conference
Iron Merchant Challenge
Can you believe that this will be our 9th Iron Merchant Challenge at the International Retail Design Conference?!  It seems hard to believe, but we're quickly approaching the 10-year mark!  This year's challenge brings new twists and surprises your way - are you ready? Mark your calendars - the conference starts on September 3rd in Miami!

To view a video snapshot from last year's Iron Merchant Challenge, click HERE!


Photo & Video by: Richard Cadan Photography

International Retail Design Conference

Speaking Engagement

In addition to the Iron Merchant Challenge
, this year our own Rickelle Viney and Joshua Bookman are partnering with Mexico's premier Visual Merchandising and Store Design professional, Fanny Schuller from Retail360, to present:

With changes in tax laws and international competition cutting into sales for Mexican retailers, it's become more important than ever for retailers in this growing market to emphasize visual merchandising to create powerful in-store experiences for consumers. We'll use C&A Mexico and Palacio to exemplify this effort; the retailer turned its stores around with a strong focus on graphics and merchandising to challenge international competitors. With decades of combined experience working in the country, we will teach you to leverage visual merchandising strategies and work wisely with these shifting retail regulations.

Source: IRDC
New Book Release
The Art of Visual Merchandising: Short North
Pre-Order your copy today HERE for shipment in late August 2014!

ZenGenius' Joe Baer explores the hip Short North neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio in his new book, The Art of Visual Merchandising: Short North. The Short North Arts District is home to several stellar boutiques and is Joe's own stomping ground. Joe's career encompasses several years of progressive and innovative leadership in the Retail and Visual Merchandising industry. Joe began operating ZenGenius in 1999 with a vision to bring the knowledge of Visual Merchandising to the world, keep the art of Visual Merchandising vibrant and provide a unique type of creative support to retailers and businesses around the world. ZenGenius has developed into an internationally recognized source for Visual Merchandising and Creative Support. Joe's goal and the goal of ZenGenius is to inspire young creatives, retailers and anyone who loves to shop the art and power of great Visual Merchandising.

 Resident Diva
If you're new to our newsletter, meet Rickelle - our Client Relations and Human Resources Manager.  Known around the office as our Resident Diva, she's always dressed to impress - even on 'casual' Fridays.
Easy Summer D.I.Y. Projects
Naturally Age Terracotta 
Easily make a new terracotta planter look centuries old with simple ingredients. 
Learn more
Ombre Pendant Lamp   
Need a quick fix to spruce-up your living space? Create this one-of-kind pendant. Learn more
Industrial Shelving Unit  
Create this shelving unit with minimal materials. Great for extra storage at home & retail fixtures!
Learn more
Source: Martha Stewart Living
Ohio & Industry Events
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