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West Elm Launches iOS Design, Shopping App
Global design company West Elm, a portfolio brand of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, has launched a mobile iOS design and shopping app. Developed with the customer journey in mind, the app allows users to filter by need, providing a tailored shopping experience. The app is now available for free in the App Store where customers can explore and shop West Elm’s offerings.
Additional features of the West Elm mobile app include:
- On-demand expert assistance: chat with a Design Crew associate in real-time or schedule a free in-store, in home or virtual appointment.
- Shareable wish-lists: browsing and gifting done right. Share favorites with contacts or social media directly through the app.
- Dynamic registry: explore, track, and manage the West Elm registry on-the-go.
- Timely check-out: use Apple Pay for secure billing and processing.
“Delivering a fun and frictionless shopping experience is always our top priority,” said Day Kornbluth, president of West Elm. “We are proud to introduce a mobile-first, customizable platform, that creates an opportunity for users to experience all that West Elm has to offer through an elevated mobile experience.”
For more information and to download the app today, please visit the West Elm App on the App Store. Join the conversation on social media with @westelm and @westelmkids.
Born in Brooklyn in 2002, West Elm is a global design company dedicated to transforming people’s lives and space through creativity, style, and purpose. We create original, modern, and affordable home decor, and curate a global selection of local, ethically sourced, and Fair Trade Certified™ products available online and in 100+ stores worldwide. We are a part of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE: WSM), the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer, and participate in The Key Rewards, a free-to-join loyalty program that offers members exclusive benefits across the fleet of best-in-class brands.
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Study: Climate Events Affect Interior Design
The American Society of Interior Designers, in collaboration with the Chemical Insights Research Institute of UL Research Institutes, unveiled new research on the effects of extreme weather and climate events on the built environment and its occupants. Focusing on the intersection between science and interior design, “ASID Impact of Design Brief: Climate, Building Resiliency & Human Health” is the first of two free resources from ASID and CIRI.
The extreme weather brief examines the current state of the environment from a chemical landscape perspective and proposes how its three leading topics — climate, building resiliency and human health — can be better considered in an evolving design practice. The brief explores how weather events impact the built environment and interior design, the effects of extreme weather on human health and building resilience, and insight into designing for the future.
The extreme weather brief will be followed by a second brief from the ASID-CIRI team; with the second focusing on the effects of heat. That report is slated for release in the coming months.
“Designers and collaborators in the built environment bear the responsibility to improve human health through their work, and to consider new strategies in support of building resiliency,” said Khoi Vo, chief executive officer, ASID. “With the increase of extreme weather events and climate change, the interior design profession must be well-equipped to better understand and incorporate resilient solutions into their practices. We are grateful to CIRI for lending their expertise to our community and contributing to this valuable project.”
Extreme weather events and climate impacts are increasingly affecting people’s everyday lives—ASID’s “2024 Trends Outlook Report” found that two-thirds of Americans have experienced extreme weather events. These types of events react with building materials and chemicals, creating new challenges in the built environment. With this uptick in mind, ASID’s research with Chemical Insights offers interior designers the opportunity to move from a reactive to proactive approach to help mitigate the risk of these climate-related impacts and foster a positive impact on occupant health.
“Our recent research demonstrates that weather changes, like prolonged elevated temperatures, are changing how materials behave in the indoor environment,” said Dr. Marilyn Black, vice president and executive director of CIRI. “CIRI is excited to share our research knowledge with ASID so interior designers and manufacturers can be leaders and stewards for advancing healthy and sustainable living and working spaces.”
ASID’s collaboration with CIRI provides deeper data to inform designers in their practices. Notable findings include:
Poor indoor air quality puts nearly 40 Percent of the U.S. population at risk for serious health problems. On average, people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, breathing 15,000 liters of air a day. Weather and climate disasters impact the built environment and increase chemical and particle exposure to poor indoor air quality.
The levels of indoor chemical pollutants exceed those of the outdoor environment by at least two-fold. Occupants in the built environment face a complex mixture of chemicals. While new rating systems, product declaration statements, protocols and regulations have been introduced, the increase in extreme weather events has created novel challenges beyond carbon emissions that change the way materials behave in these new environments.
Buildings are being designed to mitigate the impact of external environmental stressors, including high winds, storms, fire and severe heat; however, there are also many internal stressors that can contribute to a building’s resilience, affecting the health of occupants. These may include temperature, chemicals, dust and fine particles, humidity and mold, allergens and endotoxins, viruses, bacteria and other biologicals.
Beyond extreme weather events, designers must also consider smaller, more daily occurrences. For example, longer and warmer summers can increase temperatures and subsequently increase chemical emissions from synthetic materials, while greater amounts of heat and moisture with more frequent thunderstorms may create conditions conducive to mold.
The report concludes with a forward-facing look at how interior designers can improve building resiliency and mitigate climate-related outcomes for occupants. These strategies are:
Use an integrative design approach. Bring the owner, design team, and other experts and stakeholders together early in the design process to establish goals, set priorities and identify occupant risks.
Proactively evaluate potential impacts. Prioritize materials, finishes and furnishings that minimize risks to human health to reduce indoor pollution and achieve greater resiliency.
Convey strategies and assess outcomes. Communicate to ensure alignment, engage stakeholders and demonstrate results for greater transparency and trust. Furthermore, monitor outcomes by recording both qualitative and quantitative effects on users to reconsider occupant risk.
The brief is now available for interior designers, industry professionals and the general public.
ASID research fellow, Dr. S. Dawn Haynie, and Holley Henderson, director of strategic partnerships and education at CIRI, will present on the findings of the CIRI brief at the following industry conferences:
- Coverings
Atlanta, Georgia; Wednesday, April 24 - GATHER Catalyst
Denver, Colo.; Tuesday, Aug.13
For more information on the “ASID Impact of Design Brief: Climate, Building Resiliency & Human Health,” visit: https://www.asid.org/resources/resources/view/resource-center/358
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Gift for Life, NY NOW Reteam for AIDS Walk New York
Gift for Life, the gift and home industries’ longest-running, volunteer-led, national charitable organization, and NY NOW are once again fielding a team for AIDS Walk New York, the largest single-day AIDS fundraising event in the world, on Sunday, May 19, in New York’s Central Park. NY NOW has pledged to match the first $5,000 in donations raised by the team for the 2024 edition, with all proceeds benefitting GMHC’s HIV/AIDS prevention, care and advocacy programs.
“In 2023, the Gift for Life/NY NOW team exceeded its fundraising goal by raising more than $50,000,” said Caroline Kennedy, Gift for Life/NY NOW team co-captain. “Our fundraising goal for 2024 is set at $40,000, and we are already well on our way with $15,000+ in donations. With the help of our colleagues, friends and families, we hope not only to reach but exceed last year’s results. The $5,000 donation match from NY NOW is an important and welcome impetus that helps us jump start our fundraising efforts.”
“AIDS Walk New York is exciting and fun, whether gathering in Central Park or virtually,” said Kelly Bristol, Gift for Life/NY NOW team co-captain. “Our team meets regularly to discuss fundraising strategies and progress towards our goal. We’re hoping that our 2023 team members all will continue, and we welcome new participants as well!”
Along with team co-captains, Bristol and Kennedy, current Team members include four members of NY NOW: Kristen Brady, Sandra Kehoe, Amy Loewenberg and Matt Mathiason; plus Kate Duff of Claxton Consulting; former team co-captain Su Hilty; Matt Katzenson of Fine Lines; Ari Lowenstein of Ari’s Pantry; Angela Schmook of Roadrunners Inc. and her family; Karalynn Sprouse of EmeraldX; and friends Bill McCue and Carl Walsh.
To join the Gift for Life/NY NOW Team, or to donate, visit https://gmhc.aidswalkny.org/GiftforLifeNYNOW24, or contact team co-captains, Caroline Kennedy at kebbiekcaroline@gmail.com, or Kelly Bristol at kelly.p.bristol@gmail.com.
Kim Mancuso-Telford, general manager of NY NOW and Gift for Life Board member, remarks, “NY NOW is excited to partner again with Gift for Life and jumpstart the Gift for Life/ NY NOW AIDS Walk team fundraising efforts with our $5,000 matching grant. We carry on this tradition of NY NOW’s support of this important event that helps so many. It’s an honor to be part of Gift for Life and contribute to its meaningful work, both locally and nationally.”
Now in its 39th year, AIDS Walk New York has inspired nearly 890,000 people to walk and millions more to donate, raising nearly $155 million to combat HIV and AIDS. The funds raised at the event remain a vital lifeline that the GMHC provides for the thousands of individuals affected by the disease in the tri-state area. The proceeds also benefit dozens of other HIV/AIDS service organizations that are able to participate as teams and raise funds through the Community Partnership Program. For more information, visit About & Who Benefits – AIDS Walk New York 2024 (aidswalkny.org).
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SharkNinja Names Reagan CFO
SharkNinja, Inc., a global product design and technology company, has named Patraic Reagan chief financial officer, effective April 22.
Reagan will oversee SharkNinja’s financial strategies and lead the company’s global finance organization, including financial planning and analysis, accounting, treasury, tax, internal audit, and investor relations.
“We are confident that Patraic’s track record of driving profitable growth, deep international experience, and proven ability to lead unstoppable teams will strengthen our consumer-problem solving engine,” said Mark Barrocas, chief executive officer. “We are thrilled that Patraic will be joining our robust financial and leadership bench as we continue to strive to positively impact people’s lives in homes around the world, while driving outsized success and creating significant long-term shareholder value.”
Larry Flynn, who served as interim chief financial officer since June 2023, will continue in his role as Chief Accounting Officer.
Barrocas added, “Larry provided great leadership and his impact was invaluable as a new publicly traded company. I want to personally thank Larry for his hard work and unwavering commitment to SharkNinja.”
Reagan joins SharkNinja with over two decades of relevant experience. Most recently, Reagan served as the chief financial officer of Nike Inc.’s Asia, Pacific, and Latin America segment, where he helped drive consecutive years of strong revenue growth, and EBIT expansion that outpaced revenue while accelerating investment in key areas. Over his 13-year career with Nike, Reagan also served as the Global VP of Business Planning and was the CFO of Nike’s Direct-to-Consumer business in EMEA. Prior to Nike, Reagan held financial positions of increasing responsibility at roles with Coach Inc. (now Tapestry Inc), Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, Kraft Foods and Chiquita Brands International.
“SharkNinja is an innovative company with a large addressable market that continues to grow with each category it enters,” said Reagan. “I’m very excited to join SharkNinja and play a meaningful role in executing its proven three-pillar growth strategy and charting the next chapter in SharkNinja’s story of disruptive innovation.”
Reagan will join the SharkNinja executive leadership team and be based out of the company’s headquarters in Needham, Mass.
SharkNinja, Inc. is a global product design and technology company, with a diversified portfolio of 5-star rated lifestyle solutions that positively impact people’s lives in homes around the world. Powered by two trusted, global brands, Shark and Ninja, the company has a proven track record of bringing disruptive innovation to market, and developing one consumer product after another has allowed SharkNinja to enter multiple product categories, driving significant growth and market share gains. Headquartered in Needham, Mass., with more than 3,000 associates, the company’s products are sold at key retailers, online and offline, and through distributors around the world. For more information, please visit SharkNinja.com and follow @SharkNinja.
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Atlanta Market Amps Up Sourcing, Networking
The Summer 2024 edition of Atlanta Market is brimming with discovery opportunities as it leverages major changes in top categories, including refined gift and home temporaries, a remerchandising of The Gardens, expanded outdoor living resources and the launch of a web-based Market Planner tool. Registration is now open for July 16-22, Atlanta Market at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“ANDMORE’s commitment to delivering efficient, effective and compelling markets thrives this Summer with updated categories and curated sourcing across campus,” said Bob Maricich, ANDMORE CEO. “From retailers searching for new product and best-selling resources to augment their merchandise mix to designers looking for the perfect match for their projects, Atlanta Market offers the industry more opportunity and more connections this July.”
Cutting-Edge Resources Broaden Market Sourcing
Atlanta Market transforms sourcing this summer with streamlined shopping. Summer 2024 highlights include remerchandising in the Atlanta Market temporaries for better product discovery, a relaunch of The Gardens in Building 2 and robust casual and outdoor offerings.
In July, the gift and home temporaries consolidate into seven categories across eight floors in Buildings 2 and 3 for optimized sourcing. Some 1,400 temporary exhibitors showcase across HIGH DESIGN, Home, Kitchen + Table, Cash & Carry, Makers Hub, Gift and Fashion Accessories neighborhoods.
Following major reconstruction on the 10th floor of Building 2, The Gardens remerchandise throughout Floor 9 to create a single garden gift sourcing destination. Nearly 55 outdoor living gifts and accessories complement 170+ casual furnishings this Summer.
Running concurrently with Atlanta Market, Casual Market Atlanta returns for its sophomore show with seven floors of permanent and temporary resources across the casual and outdoor category. The largest collection of casual furnishings in the nation, Casual Market represents 400,000 square feet of permanent showroom space, giving Atlanta Market buyers the opportunity to source cross-category vendors for a unique retail mix.
For a full list of Atlanta Market exhibitors, visit AtlantaMarket.com/ExhibitorDirectory.
Exceptional Programming Stimulates Collaboration and Celebration
Four days of programming supplement creative sourcing through cooking demonstrations, seminars, celebrations and tours. Vignettes and displays across campus offer visual merchandising inspiration. Daily amenities are available for the duration, giving buyers the opportunity to enhance the at-Market experience.
The week begins with the Market Kickoff Party on Wednesday, July 17, in the Atrium in Building 3. Building 2, Floor 8, is a hotspot for housewares with a gourmet demonstration kitchen staging three interactive cooking classes. Six seminars across two locations – Building 3 Atrium and Building 1 Seminar Space – offer educational opportunities to retailers and designers.
Creative inspiration for the retail pioneer is top of mind at Atlanta Market. The
( A ) List, ANDMORE’s proprietary multi-modal influencer program centered on amplifying design and retail trends through the unique perspectives of top-tier designers, returns to Atlanta Market this summer. Additional sourcing inspiration offerings include the resident Market Snapshot display and product vignettes showcasing new brands and products. Additionally, ANDMORE will recognize top tradeshow displays with Best Booth Awards in six categories: Best Storytelling, Best Use of Color, Best Interactive Elements, Best Branding Display, Best Product Merchandising and Best of Show.
Campus amenities include Afternoon Beats, complimentary cappuccinos, Sip & Shop bars, photo walls, airport shuttles and complimentary parking. A full list of education, events and amenities will be available at AtlantaMarket.com/Events.
Market Planning Tools Aim to Ease
Atlanta Market makes shopping easy with a portfolio of online and at-market buyer-friendly tools designed to promote success.
New this Summer in digital resources is the Market Planner. Launching in June, this web-based planning tool is an additional outlet to assist in pre-show mapping and strategy. The @Market App continues to support efficiency through the entire Market lifecycle. All mainstay features remain, giving buyers another season of omnichannel discovery, shopping and post-Market follow-up.
AtlantaMarket.com is the buyer’s guide to the Summer show, rolling travel details, exhibitor information, dining maps and more into one central location. Atlanta Market social media (@AmericasMartATL) provides up-to-date information on influencer first finds, Market parties and new products.
Additionally, the Atlanta Market Magazine and Atlanta Market Buyer’s Guide give insight into can’t-miss products, new and expanding resources and on-campus soirees to enjoy at the July gathering.
For the Summer 2024 Atlanta Market, showrooms are open Tuesday, July 16, through Monday, July 22, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and temporary exhibits are open Wednesday, July 17, through Saturday, July 20, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 21, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Atlanta Market is a dynamic and immersive wholesale sourcing destination housing the nation’s largest product mix for gift complemented by a broad selection of home décor, furnishings, apparel and the nation’s largest outdoor living presentation. It features three buildings with 51 floors of showrooms and temporary exhibits with thousands of brands that attract retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 60 countries. The Summer 2024 Atlanta Market runs July 16-22, at AmericasMart Atlanta. For information, visit AtlantaMarket.com.
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