With around 25 years of retail design experience (and 15 years with Boston-based Bergmeyer), Mare Weiss' expertise involves brand strategy, prototype design, implementation and visual merchandising. She works in a variety of environments, including retail, universities and museum spaces.
"My go-to motto is, 'Design from the product out,'" she explains. "You can make a pretty store, and it can even win awards, but if it doesn't do what it was intended to do, then it failed. Understand the merchandise, how the customer sees and experiences it. Understand your client's metrics for success. Make every decision a brand decision."
Recently, Weiss worked on a new prototype and design for Lumen Optical; Bates College Bookstore in Lewiston, Maine; and a prototype refinement for Samonsite's Outlets.
Beyond leading teams at Bergmeyer, she currently serves as chairman of the New England Chapter of the Retail Design Institute and speaks at conferences like GlobalShop. Weiss' advice for the retail designers of the future is to hone in on the here and now. "Don't focus on where you are going; just focus on the present and the opportunities it offers and enjoy the ride," she says. "Go to work every day loving what you do."
design:retail's Retail Design Influencers recognize those who lead a path that is acknowledged, watched, and admired. Fueled by creativity, ingenuity, pragmatism and passion, these leading minds inspire while creating powerful brand expressions for the clients and companies they call home. The full list of Influencers was included in the Portfolio Awards issue of the magazine's September publication.
See the full article and all the recipients in the latest issue of design:retail.
