ABSTRACT
Over the course of the twentieth century, the concept of merchandising reached a new plateau. Merchandising became a buzzword in the post-war era, as strategies and guidebooks emerged for retail professionals, detailing exactly how to lay out a store and arrange merchandise for maximum sales. Just as modern merchandising theory developed over the twentieth century, so did design thinking. Raymond Loewy Associates’ designs initiated major changes in merchandise storage and location. While the physical changes taking place in mid-twentieth-century department stores left an obvious trace, the story of the players who orchestrated those changes is much less visible. Many early-twentieth century trade publications looked to architects to disseminate advice on store design. However, retailers believe that superior customer service and unique product are the true tenets of conversion”. The redefinition of layout at Saks is reminiscent of how mid-century designers resituated stores to cater more specifically to the needs of suburban, middle-class consumers.
