VM REPORTS: D.A.R.E. The Shop It Like It's Hot Award for Most Daring Store Design or Retail Environment By Staff Monday, September 9, 2013 12:02 AM RELATED CONTENT Making a Mark The PDA (Public Display of Attention) Award D.A.R.E. Judges The Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Web Award The Seeing Green Award The Resistance is Futile Award The Sphere of Influence Award The "We the People" Readers' Vote Award THE SPECTRUM Regina, Sask., Canada www.thespectrumeyecentre.com Partners: Bryan Robertson, OD, Ryan Horne SUBMISSION ESSAY… “Our new 13,000 square foot world-class eye clinic and eyewear showroom features a unique blend of modern and industrial decor, along with the latest diagnostic equipment and independent eyewear selection. [Its] 30 foot ceilings, glass elevator, wet bar, brick fireplace, Pandomo wall, DIRTT custom wall system, polished concrete floors, European furniture, granite countertops, electric privacy glass and LED-lit pillars all contribute to an extraordinary patient experience from start to finish. The eyewear showroom boasts a relaxing yet luxurious feel. Warm sounds from the JBL speakers above provide a calming sensation while patients are consulted in person at a curved granite table, an ultra-modern white sofa, or our luxury bar, where the gloves are donned and the precious pieces are presented with a nice beverage. The minimalistic atmosphere keeps the look clean and modern. Re-claimed bricks from a mid-century brewery accent the bright colors for a warm feel. Large windows allow for natural light to showcase styles and colors more effectively. A portion of eyewear is displayed on LED-lit white shelves, giving a taste of what is in store, while the rest is under glass-inlayed granite countertops with custom drawers, reducing any selection anxieties. We prefer to consult with each patient, offering frame suggestions, limiting the self-serve/browsing to a minimum—a much more personalized approach. Featuring the latest in lens technologies has been a tremendous part of our DNA. Our 500 square foot on-site finishing laboratory is complete with dual islands, the Mr. Blue edging system and even a small kitchen. Our goal is to provide the absolute best experience from entering the building, to the reception area, into the pre-test area, the exam rooms, and finally the eyewear showroom. We feel we have accomplished that very nicely.”