Powell launches PowellKIDS Gallery

This moveable structure designates the entrance to the PowellKIDS gallery and requires very little set up.

The program is for footprints of 1,000 square feet, which holds four groups, to 2,000+ square feet. The package itself includes design service from The Connie Post Companies, color plans, floor covering details and fixtures. The fixtures include eco-friendly, inter-locking flooring, grand entrances and room panel dividers, which are flexible and moveable, oversized wall graphics and logos, light fixtures, rugs and ladder guards for bunk and loft beds.

The only thing the retailer needs to do is provide a floor plan of the area being dedicated to the program, paint existing walls according to the color plan and install the included lighting. The cost per square foot is $10.50-$12.

Tom Liddell, senior vice president, national sales for Powell, said the company put a lot of research into the program and used feedback from dealers.

“We polled a number of the top retailers in the U.S. and determined that they all have one need — they are all looking for fun and excitement in their stores. After reviewing our plans with these dealers, seeking their input at the same time, we learned that our gallery program can be much more than an effective way to market youth product, it can re-inspire their sales force and may even help aid sales force retention, a problem all stores are facing today,” Liddell said.

Aside from differentiating the stores, the goal also is to drive more traffic and to do that Powell has created a program for a year's worth of in-store events ranging from birthday parties and a spelling bee to a fingerprinting event, story hour and more.

Liddell says the galleries can pay for themselves with a remodeling sale, youth gallery grand opening sale, etc.