01.27.09, 12:02 PM ET

G+G Showcased Innovative Marketing Initiatives and Provided Insight on the Latest Industry Trends

Graj + Gustavsen (G+G, www.ggny.com), an integrated branding and retail design firm known for building and revitalizing consumer brands, was selected for the second consecutive year as one of a handful of industry leading firms to showcase the Company's diverse work and unique process at the 2009 National Retail Federation's DESiGN STUDiO, January 2-13, 2009. G+G executives discussed recent and current projects and provided insight on the latest marketing and consumer trends.

The turnout at the show was robust including representatives from key retailers, major brands as well as national and trade press. G+G wants to thank the NRF for their continued support of us and for producing such a necessary forum for the industry to come together to exchange ideas and imagine new opportunities for growth.

Key Trends

• Complete retail design includes the online experience. Only by creating authentic brand experiences that merge the real and online worlds can you engage and forge deep customer relationships.
• Retailers need to evolve from selling to sharing, as consumers are more knowledgeable than ever. The focus needs to be on finding innovative ways to communicate features, benefits and multiple end uses.
• Context is the new content. Consumers, whether online or in-stores, want to be inspired and envision how a brand/product fits into their world.
• Great retail design at a lower cost is the way of the future - and very achievable, because the best experiences consist of many more intangible factors than physical ones.
• Growing desire for personalization. Retailers who incorporate flexibility of experience and product customization will be more compelling and successful.
• Consumers want the truth. Increasingly, great products will drive brands versus image and advertising alone.