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‘Safe bathroom’ technology prevents fatal drug overdoses in public restrooms

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‘Safe bathroom’ technology prevents fatal drug overdoses in public restrooms
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dbaristaSun, 02/04/2024 - 19:03

‘Safe bathroom’ technology developed by a Massachusetts electrician has been proven to prevent fatal drug overdoses in public restrooms across the country. The systems use ultrasonic and infrared motion sensors connected to timers that detect slight body movements. When a system doesn’t sense motion within a set time period, it raises an alarm alerting emergency medical teams.

Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor

Photo by Max Rahubovskiy, Pexels

An alert system based on motion-sensors prevents deaths in commercial restrooms.

‘Safe bathroom’ technology developed by a Massachusetts electrician has been proven to prevent fatal drug overdoses in public restrooms across the country.

The systems use ultrasonic and infrared motion sensors connected to timers that detect slight body movements. When a system doesn’t sense motion within a set time period, it raises an alarm alerting emergency medical teams, according to a Boston Globe report.

To date, the systems have been installed primarily in medical settings and homeless shelters but could be added to any public restroom. The state of Rhode Island has ordered the systems for deployment at “hot spots” for overdoses.

The technology has averted more than 3,500 potentially deadly overdoses, according to the developer. Not a single person has died from an overdose after alarms have been triggered, he says.

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Top 90 Shopping Mall, Big Box Store, and Strip Center Architecture Firms for 2023

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Top 90 Shopping Mall, Big Box Store, and Strip Center Architecture Firms for 2023
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dbaristaMon, 02/05/2024 - 13:33

Gensler, Arcadis North America, Core States Group, WD Partners, and MBH Architects top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest shopping mall, big box store, and strip center architecture and architecture engineering (AE) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

BD+C Staff

Image by Erich Westendarp from Pixabay

Gensler, Arcadis North America, Core States Group, WD Partners, and MBH Architects top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest shopping mall, big box store, and strip center architecture and architecture engineering (AE) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

Gensler, Arcadis North America, Core States Group, WD Partners, and MBH Architects top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest shopping mall, big box store, and strip center architecture and architecture engineering (AE) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

 

Top 90 Shopping Mall, Big Box Store, and Strip Center Architecture Firms for 2023
 FIRM2022 REVENUE
1Gensler$93,614,610
2Arcadis North America$73,470,542
3Core States Group$48,014,081
4WD Partners$39,090,000
5MBH Architects$38,902,000
6MG2$38,197,424
7NORR$31,164,718
8RSP Architects$29,574,000
9SGA Design Group$28,250,000
10Cushing Terrell$25,366,192
11RDC-S111, Inc.$25,121,745
12Greenberg Farrow$23,100,000
13DLR Group$21,300,000
14Little Diversified Architectural Consulting$20,375,000
15Larson Design Group$17,034,210
16Nelson Worldwide$16,850,000
17AO$15,951,000
18Onyx Creative$15,680,000
19MS Consultants$15,650,000
20GPD Group$13,700,000
21Interior Architects$13,522,138
22LK Architecture$13,200,000
23Ware Malcomb$13,014,905
24CESO$10,820,000
25Tricarico Architecture and Design$10,700,000
26TPG Architecture$10,474,000
27Massa Multimedia Architecture$10,394,861
28Bergmeyer$8,889,573
29Vocon$7,884,889
30Moody Nolan$6,142,318
31Chipman Design Architecture$6,000,000
32Reztark Design Studio$4,467,502
33RRMM Architects$4,096,540
34Cooper Carry$3,939,835
35Perkins&Will$3,903,507
36KTGY$3,736,599
37Cuningham$3,634,426
38GFF$3,599,769
39H2M Architects + Engineers$3,548,947
40LS3P Associates$3,377,613
41Goodwyn Mills Cawood$3,085,535
42Elevatus Architecture$3,050,000
43Becker Morgan Group$2,684,175
44Nadel Architecture + Planning$2,519,788
45BHDP Architecture$2,514,191
46VLK Architects$2,330,625
47KSS Architects$2,279,332
48AHL$1,878,248
49Gresham Smith$1,840,351
50Oculus$1,675,776
51AE7$1,617,359
52WATG$1,219,809
53RDG Planning & Design$1,131,626
54HOK$1,114,579
55McMillan Pazdan Smith$1,052,926
56Goettsch Partners$1,020,000
57DAG Architects$950,659
58Elkus Manfredi Architects$911,770
59Dwell Design Studio$859,201
60Studio+$853,136
61G70$740,034
62GSB$722,500
63Tighe & Bond$646,178
64MA Design$541,535
65Davis Brody Bond$491,646
66Architecture, Inc.$478,000
67EUA$475,000
68PGAL$436,000
69Cromwell Architects Engineers$422,834
70Smallwood$415,583
71DLA+ Architecture & Interior Design$395,963
72Handel Architects$389,302
73Dahlin Architecture | Planning | Interiors$375,000
74Hendy$357,615
75HGA$353,384
76Randall-Paulson Architects$345,899
77Hafer$314,980
78Luminaut$314,000
79LHB$306,330
80LRK$235,000
81Method Architecture$173,479
82Aria Group Architects$159,774
83Michael Baker Intl.$156,606
84TowerPinkster$152,038
85SWBR$141,860
86TETER$121,729
87CPL Architecture, Engineering, Planning$120,628
88STR Partners$114,030
89Barge Design Solutions$76,457
90GRW$74,792
91Design Collaborative$71,595
92CSO$68,953
93FGM Architects$64,777
94Ryan Companies US$61,000
95S/L/A/M Collaborative, The$49,083
96Lord Aeck Sargent Planning & Design$18,811
97TVS$14,524
98TreanorHL$10,750
99RATIO Design$10,031
100Thriven Design$7,788
101MKM Architecture + Design$1,200
 

Source: 2023 Giants 400 Report

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Top 60 Shopping Mall, Big Box Store, and Strip Center Engineering Firms for 2023

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Top 60 Shopping Mall, Big Box Store, and Strip Center Engineering Firms for 2023
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dbaristaMon, 02/05/2024 - 13:33

Kimley-Horn, Henderson Engineers, Jacobs, WSP, and Wallace Design Collective top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest shopping mall, big box store, and strip center engineering and engineering/architecture (EA) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

BD+C Staff

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay, Top 60 Shopping Mall, Big Box Store, and Strip Center Engineering Firms for 2023

Kimley-Horn, Henderson Engineers, Jacobs, WSP, and Wallace Design Collective top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest shopping mall, big box store, and strip center engineering and engineering/architecture (EA) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

Kimley-Horn, Henderson Engineers, Jacobs, WSP, and Wallace Design Collective top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest shopping mall, big box store, and strip center engineering and engineering/architecture (EA) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

 

Top 60 Shopping Mall, Big Box Store, and Strip Center Engineering Firms for 2023
 FIRM2022 REVENUE
1Kimley-Horn$194,215,000
2Henderson Engineers$77,566,729
3Jacobs$40,100,000
4WSP$17,677,542
5Wallace Design Collective$13,400,000
6Woolpert$12,000,000
7Dewberry$11,781,617
8Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates$11,082,000
9Tetra Tech High Performance Buildings Group$9,988,202
10Salas O'Brien$8,134,310
11Shive-Hattery$7,917,050
12Magnusson Klemencic Associates$7,915,521
13Olsson$7,728,960
14Kohrs Lonnemann Heil Engineers (KLH)$6,436,400
15Langan$6,000,000
16KCI Technologies$5,442,775
17ISG$5,388,155
18PRIME AE Group$4,928,675
19Alfa Tech Consulting Engineers$4,800,000
20Martin/Martin$4,037,092
21Jensen Hughes$3,982,979
22Farnsworth Group$3,848,063
23raSmith$3,518,275
24IMEG$3,295,400
25NV5 Global$3,003,493
26TLC Engineering Solutions$2,778,521
27GRAEF$2,474,272
28French & Parrello Associates$2,445,991
29BKF Engineers$2,216,009
30Dunham Associates$2,000,000
31DeSimone Consulting Engineering$1,917,512
32Highland Associates$1,800,000
33Henderson Building Solutions$1,787,585
34KPFF Consulting Engineers$1,678,948
35Davis, Bowen & Friedel$1,349,698
36Jordan & Skala Engineers$1,280,205
37JQ Engineering$1,254,723
38DLZ Corporation$1,211,565
39H.F. Lenz$1,107,902
40Schaefer$1,065,411
41ME Engineers$1,000,000
42BRPH Companies$960,000
43Bala Consulting Engineers$837,250
44Interface Engineering$787,455
45Bennett & Pless$729,273
46SSC Engineering$646,000
47PCS Structural Solutions$615,251
48SSOE$566,669
49Arup$505,698
50Osborn Engineering$450,000
51CMTA$424,509
52AKF$362,383
53Bridgers & Paxton Consulting Engineers$320,817
54Kohler Ronan$316,632
55Swanson Rink$258,823
56P2S$156,741
57KCL Engineering$153,757
58Wick Fisher White$136,800
59Heapy$108,035
60PBS Engineers$100,000
61Parametrix$65,526
62EVstudio$57,000
63Newcomb & Boyd$3,092
 

Source: 2023 Giants 400 Report

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Top 60 Shopping Mall, Big Box Store, and Strip Center Construction Firms for 2023

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Top 60 Shopping Mall, Big Box Store, and Strip Center Construction Firms for 2023
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dbaristaMon, 02/05/2024 - 13:33

Whiting-Turner, Schimenti Construction, VCC, Ryan Companies US, and STO Building Group top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest shopping mall, big box store, and strip center general contractors and construction management (CM) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

BD+C Staff

Top 60 Shopping Mall, Big Box Store, and Strip Center Construction Firms for 2023, Image by Photo Mix from Pixabay

Whiting-Turner, Schimenti Construction, VCC, Ryan Companies US, and STO Building Group top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest shopping mall, big box store, and strip center general contractors and construction management (CM) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

Whiting-Turner, Schimenti Construction, VCC, Ryan Companies US, and STO Building Group top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest shopping mall, big box store, and strip center general contractors and construction management (CM) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

 

Top 60 Shopping Mall, Big Box Store, and Strip Center Construction Firms for 2023
 FIRM2022 REVENUE
1Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, The$328,443,838
2Schimenti Construction$242,745,868
3VCC$206,934,264
4Ryan Companies US$177,810,679
5STO Building Group$175,000,000
6PCL Construction Enterprises$151,740,208
7Hoar Construction$122,707,000
8W.E. O'Neil Construction$110,913,308
9Poettker Construction$98,000,000
10CM&B$95,585,935
11Shawmut Design and Construction$93,879,790
12Gray Construction$83,618,623
13CSI Construction$75,087,456
14JRM Construction Management$75,000,000
15CBRE Group$73,593,902
16Sachse Construction$68,300,000
17Swinerton$60,165,546
18S. M. Wilson$58,350,460
19Skanska USA$52,479,071
20EW Howell Construction Group$45,124,000
21Balfour Beatty US$45,000,905
22Boldt Company, The$37,141,000
23ARCO Construction$33,686,503
24Clune Construction$33,520,880
25Choate Construction$33,279,207
26Nabholz$32,127,890
27Core States Group$30,119,554
28Big-D Construction$28,820,698
29Graycor$26,088,804
30A.R. Mays Construction$25,850,000
31Kraus-Anderson$23,568,700
32Batson-Cook Construction$19,468,644
33DPR Construction$18,596,000
34Clark Contractors$16,290,403
35Pepper Construction$14,936,587
36Skyline Construction$14,329,485
37JE Dunn Construction$13,943,235
38DeAngelis Diamond Construction$9,106,955
39Russell Group$8,800,000
40Yates Companies, The$7,850,400
41Hill International$6,615,929
42Clancy & Theys Construction$6,175,003
43DonahueFavret Contractors$6,121,415
44Kitchell$6,070,659
45WD Partners$3,570,000
46LeChase Construction Services$3,174,018
47Zelus$2,921,710
48Suffolk Construction$2,300,000
49Brasfield & Gorrie$1,805,883
50Rogers-O'Brien Construction$1,778,056
51Gilbane Building Company$1,774,000
52McAlpine Contracting$1,410,000
53VJS Construction Services$1,337,269
54Walsh Group, The$1,311,538
55Alberici-Flintco$1,264,263
56Kaufman Lynn Construction$1,024,920
57Power Construction$1,000,000
58Weitz Company & Affiliates, The$895,363
59Holt Construction$847,747
60CMR Partners$796,000
61Saunders Construction$785,000
62Progressive AE$487,317
63Warfel Construction$262,000
64KCI Technologies$231,726
65Manhattan Construction$119,000
66Henderson Building Solutions$66,857
67CG Schmidt$16,268
 

Source: 2023 Giants 400 Report

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Top 40 Entertainment Center, Cineplex, and Theme Park Construction Firms for 2023

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Top 40 Entertainment Center, Cineplex, and Theme Park Construction Firms for 2023
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dbaristaMon, 02/05/2024 - 18:58

ARCO Construction, Turner Construction, Whiting-Turner, PCL Construction Enterprises, and Balfour Beatty US top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest entertainment center, cineplex, and theme park general contractors and construction management (CM) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

BD+C Staff

Photo by Martin Widenka on Unsplash, Top 40 Entertainment Center, Cineplex, and Theme Park Construction Firms for 2023

ARCO Construction, Turner Construction, Whiting-Turner, PCL Construction Enterprises, and Balfour Beatty US top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest entertainment center, cineplex, and theme park general contractors and construction management (CM) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

ARCO Construction, Turner Construction, Whiting-Turner, PCL Construction Enterprises, and Balfour Beatty US top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest entertainment center, cineplex, and theme park general contractors and construction management (CM) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

 

Top 40 Entertainment Center, Cineplex, and Theme Park Construction Firms for 2023
 FIRM2022 REVENUE
1ARCO Construction$301,099,250
2Turner Construction$297,524,932
3Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, The$245,519,168
4PCL Construction Enterprises$167,825,873
5Balfour Beatty US$139,771,760
6Hensel Phelps$77,647,185
7JLL$61,520,223
8Holt Construction$41,847,018
9JE Dunn Construction$38,722,656
10Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors$31,880,948
11Swinerton$30,193,302
12VCC$26,805,055
13AECOM$23,300,000
14Mortenson$21,688,000
15Gilbane Building Company$21,061,000
16Schimenti Construction$19,575,622
17A.R. Mays Construction$18,800,000
18Brasfield & Gorrie$15,865,119
19AOA$10,690,090
20Barton Malow$9,722,428
21Nabholz$9,040,545
22Manhattan Construction$8,530,889
23EW Howell Construction Group$5,244,000
24W.M. Jordan Company$3,740,258
25Rodgers Builders$3,358,874
26Weitz Company & Affiliates, The$3,042,599
27Burns & McDonnell$2,327,529
28Austin Industries$2,278,385
29DonahueFavret Contractors$1,997,863
30Rogers-O'Brien Construction$1,234,497
31Sachse Construction$1,200,000
--Wesbuilt Construction Managers$1,200,000
33Boldt Company, The$1,070,000
34Zelus$755,020
35Arc Building Partners$717,259
36Russell Group$700,000
37Truebeck Construction$433,482
38Doster Construction$430,039
39Graycor$300,033
40Benchmark Construction$248,709
41Hill International$93,221
42CM&B$19,348
 

Source: 2023 Giants 400 Report

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Top 30 Entertainment Center, Cineplex, and Theme Park Architecture Firms for 2023

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Top 30 Entertainment Center, Cineplex, and Theme Park Architecture Firms for 2023
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dbaristaMon, 02/05/2024 - 18:58

Gensler, JLL, Nelson Worldwide, AO, and Stantec top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest entertainment center, cineplex, and theme park architecture and architecture engineering (AE) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

BD+C Staff

Top 30 Entertainment Center, Cineplex, and Theme Park Architecture Firms for 2023, Photo by Krists Luhaers on Unsplash

Gensler, JLL, Nelson Worldwide, AO, and Stantec top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest entertainment center, cineplex, and theme park architecture and architecture engineering (AE) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

Gensler, JLL, Nelson Worldwide, AO, and Stantec top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest entertainment center, cineplex, and theme park architecture and architecture engineering (AE) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

 

Top 30 Entertainment Center, Cineplex, and Theme Park Architecture Firms for 2023
 FIRM2022 REVENUE
1Gensler$78,835,164
2JLL$25,224,424
3Nelson Worldwide$20,680,000
4AO$17,629,000
5Stantec$16,220,200
6Arcadis North America$8,904,265
7Cuningham$6,029,497
8Aria Group Architects$5,249,374
9Kohn Pedersen Fox$5,041,570
10Orcutt | Winslow$4,736,431
11Perkins&Will$2,135,827
12Diamond Schmitt Architects$1,108,610
13Cooper Carry$829,292
14LRK$470,000
15Hanbury$439,575
16H2M Architects + Engineers$407,298
17S/L/A/M Collaborative, The$384,221
18Crawford Architects$320,000
19Hoefer Welker$300,000
20SHP$241,575
21DAG Architects$228,810
22Think Architecture$199,000
23BAR Architects & Interiors$161,205
24WD Partners$150,000
25NSPJ Architects$135,460
26Nadel Architecture + Planning$123,753
27//3877$116,000
28MKM Architecture + Design$92,673
29Kirksey Architecture$49,075
30HOK$41,547
31Ware Malcomb$37,386
32Oculus$30,934
33Greenberg Farrow$28,000
34CPL Architecture, Engineering, Planning$17,987
35Lord Aeck Sargent Planning & Design$12,210
36AHL$5,340
 

Source: 2023 Giants 400 Report

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Top 40 Entertainment Center, Cineplex, and Theme Park Engineering Firms for 2023

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Top 40 Entertainment Center, Cineplex, and Theme Park Engineering Firms for 2023
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dbaristaMon, 02/05/2024 - 18:58

Kimley-Horn, EXP, BRPH Companies, and Alfa Tech Consulting Engineers top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest entertainment center, cineplex, and theme park engineering and engineering/architecture (EA) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

BD+C Staff

Top 40 Entertainment Center, Cineplex, and Theme Park Engineering Firms for 2023 Photo by Myke Simon on Unsplash

Kimley-Horn, EXP, BRPH Companies, and Alfa Tech Consulting Engineers top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest entertainment center, cineplex, and theme park engineering and engineering/architecture (EA) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

Kimley-Horn, EXP, BRPH Companies, and Alfa Tech Consulting Engineers top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest entertainment center, cineplex, and theme park engineering and engineering/architecture (EA) firms for 2023, as reported in the 2023 Giants 400 Report.

 

Top 40 Entertainment Center, Cineplex, and Theme Park Engineering Firms for 2023
 FIRM2022 REVENUE
1Kimley-Horn$42,842,000
2EXP$21,573,000
3BRPH Companies$11,030,000
4Alfa Tech Consulting Engineers$10,800,000
5Arup$3,341,485
6Jensen Hughes$3,111,412
7Langan$3,000,000
8PRIME AE Group$2,876,404
9Walter P Moore$2,571,992
10AECOM$2,300,000
11Salas O'Brien$2,066,996
12IMEG$1,978,300
13KPFF Consulting Engineers$1,678,948
14Parametrix$1,511,414
15Syska Hennessy Group$1,293,849
16Henderson Engineers$1,213,763
17Dunham Associates$1,000,000
--Ramboll$1,000,000
19CMTA$836,652
20ME Engineers$700,000
21Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates$693,000
22Bridgers & Paxton Consulting Engineers$641,110
23P2S$578,848
24NV5 Global$558,506
25Vanderweil Engineers$447,000
26Tetra Tech High Performance Buildings Group$402,575
27Osborn Engineering$400,000
28Kohrs Lonnemann Heil Engineers (KLH)$315,312
29Wallace Design Collective$300,000
30Martin/Martin$294,971
31Burns & McDonnell$237,062
32Highland Associates$200,000
33GRAEF$135,314
34raSmith$133,789
35PBS Engineers$125,000
36Wick Fisher White$57,541
37Davis, Bowen & Friedel$57,180
38KCL Engineering$52,509
39Interface Engineering$40,000
40Newcomb & Boyd$21,327
41PS&S$16,224
42EVstudio$16,000
43French & Parrello Associates$5,854
44DLZ Corporation$1,300
 

Source: 2023 Giants 400 Report

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The future of grocery store design: It may be time for the checkout aisle to check out

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The future of grocery store design: It may be time for the checkout aisle to check out
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dbaristaTue, 02/06/2024 - 19:42

For grocers, the checkout aisle is one of the greatest sources of customer complaints and shrink, which directly affects their bottom line.

Rick Redpath and Dan Scott

Pictured: Las Vegas Sprouts, designed by Nadel Architects The future of grocery store design

The checkout aisle has always been a source of frustration for both shopper and grocer, alike. For shoppers, the frustration stems from long waits for one of three cashiers, despite there being 15 check-stands. For grocers, the checkout aisle is one of the greatest sources of customer complaints and shrink, which directly affects their bottom line. 

Even with advances in point-of-sale (POS) technology and the implementation of self-checkout, these pain points in the grocery shopping experience still persist. The solution to all this may be as simple as eliminating the check-out aisle altogether, drastically altering and improving the grocery shopping experience as we know it for shoppers and grocers.

Much of the infrastructure to make this change is already in place. Many grocers already offer companion apps which customers can use to keep their grocery list, check the store’s weekly ad, and locate items in the store. These apps could also be used to allow customers to scan items as they put them in their cart rather than having to scan their entire order at the checkout. Additionally, grocers can use clever merchandising to incentivize online orders and decrease the volume of shoppers queuing for checkouts. 

In a 50,000-sf grocery store, the floorplan is typically divided into 40,000 sf for the sales floor and 10,000 sf for the stock room and prep areas. By flipping this ratio in favor of the stock room and prep areas and moving staple products such as paper products and packaged goods to the stock room, stores can incentivize shoppers to place most of their order online to be fulfilled by store staff. This could greatly reduce the demand for check stands. Even for those shoppers that still prefer to select their own produce, meats, and deli items, the number of items being scanned at check stands would be decreased, reducing wait times.

Grocery store design trends: smart carts, AI-powered cart scanners

Another tactic for grocers to eliminate the checkout aisle and reduce friction for shoppers is implementation of new technologies in their stores. Some grocers, such as Kroger and Alberson’s, have begun piloting smart carts in their stores. Smart carts feature AI-powered technology that recognizes when shoppers add items to their cart and automatically adds the item to the shopper’s order. 

While the prospect of replacing a grocer’s entire fleet of carts can seem daunting and expensive, grocers do have options. They can choose to replace their carts altogether or there are modular smart cart options, which grocers can clip on to their current carts. 

Both of these options have their advantages. For the modular option, the main advantage is cost and ease of implementation. However, the full-cart option is more efficient. Some of these carts are even able to recognize items as small as a single cherry on top of a full grocery order. In initial pilot programs, these smart carts have been shown to not only reduce the friction experience by shoppers at the checkout aisle, but also reduce shrink as it is far more difficult for the shoppers to fool a smart cart than a self-checkout.

In addition to smart carts, AI-powered cart scanners can also replace traditional checkout aisles. These systems are placed at the store exits and use a camera to capture an image of shoppers’ carts. AI can then use the image to identify the items in the cart and charge the shopper’s store account as opposed to the shopper having to scan every item individually at checkout. 

These systems can also be used as loss prevention tools. AI can cross reference the image of the shopper’s cart against their receipt to ensure that every item was paid for. Notably, Walmart is piloting these systems at a handful of Sam’s Club locations as an alternative to receipt checkers. 

Rise of the experiential grocery store 

The benefits of eliminating the checkout aisle can even extend beyond reduced shrink and customer complaints. This fundamental shift could usher in experiential grocery, where the experience of shopping is the draw rather than a mundane chore. Without the need to staff check-stands, staff can become ambassadors for the store and its brands, providing personal service to each customer and making the shopping experience about the discovery of new and exciting products. 

The average U.S. shopper makes eight trips to the grocery store per month. That’s eight times per month that shoppers must spend their precious free time waiting in line to checkout—an experience that, in itself, is not exactly worth waiting in line. 

Eliminating or greatly reducing the need for this unpleasant experience can reduce friction between shopper and grocer, making the experience for both parties more efficient and more rewarding. Ultimately, it would help transform the grocery store from a place where shoppers have to be to a place where shoppers want to be. 

For grocers, the checkout aisle is one of the greatest sources of customer complaints and shrink, which directly affects their bottom line.


How shopping centers can foster strong community connections

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How shopping centers can foster strong community connections
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dbaristaThu, 03/07/2024 - 10:34

In today's retail landscape, shopping centers are evolving beyond mere shopping destinations to become vibrant hubs of community life. Here are three strategies from Nadel Architecture + Planning for creating strong local connections. 

Mark Mikelson, Las Vegas Retail Studio Director, and Jas Le, Project Architect

The Freedom Plaza shopping center in Los Angeles was designed to be a reflection of the people of Watts, Calif., and to serve as a community-centric gathering space.

Developers are increasingly prioritizing community-centric design principles to create spaces that not only cater to the diverse needs of local residents but also foster a sense of belonging and connection. By curating a diverse mix of retail, dining, entertainment, and recreational offerings, shopping centers can serve as gathering points where communities come together to shop, dine, socialize, and participate in a variety of activities.

An emerging trend in the retail industry indicates that consumers prefer shopping at centers that offer a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options, signaling a growing demand for experiential shopping experiences. Moreover, it’s observed that consumers are more likely to visit a shopping mall that hosts community events and activities, highlighting the importance of community engagement in driving foot traffic and sales.

One exemplary case study of a community-centric shopping center is Freedom Plaza in Los Angeles. Developed by Primestor, Freedom Plaza was designed to be a reflection of the people of Watts, Calif., and to serve as a community-centric gathering space. This is reflected through an authentic and aspirational design which incorporates the culture of Watts in the architecture, with a major focus on the neighborhood center’s community spaces and gathering areas.

1. Shopping malls can build strong community connections through community events

While creating spaces for the community to gather is certainly important, for community-centric retail strategies to be truly effective developers and retailers need to actively make use of those spaces through community events. 

Community events play a crucial role in bringing people together and fostering a sense of community spirit. Retailers are increasingly leveraging events such as farmers’ markets, street fairs, and cultural festivals to engage with local residents and create memorable experiences. 

According to research by Eventbrite, 78% of Millennial consumers are more likely to be loyal to a brand that hosts events, underscoring the importance of experiential marketing in building customer relationships.

In addition to fostering gathering space for community groups, Freedom Plaza hosts an impressive slate of events, including summer events for the community’s kids, holiday events, block parties, and live music. Events are advertised on Freedom Plaza’s website and Primestor’s social media pages so community members are aware of each event and can experience them even if they weren’t able to attend.  

2. Retail developments can partner with local artisans and musicians 

Collaborating with local artisans, makers, and craftsmen is another effective way for retailers to forge connections with local communities and differentiate themselves from competitors. By featuring locally made products and artists, retailers not only support local economies and artisans but also appeal to consumers’ desire for authenticity and uniqueness.

As part of their event series, Freedom Plaza hosts Jazz Fridays featuring local musicians. In addition, open mic nights and writers’ workshops allow local artists to hone their craft and share their art with the community. Freedom Plaza also supports local artists through its very design. The neighborhood center features murals throughout, each painted by a local artist and holding significance to the community and its culture.

3. Offer support for charitable causes within shopping center event spaces

Aligning with charitable causes and giving back to the community are cornerstones of many retailers’ corporate social responsibility initiatives. By supporting local nonprofits, charities, and social causes, retailers demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact beyond their bottom line.

Many of the events hosted by Freedom Plaza are about more than simply entertainment and feature some aspect of giving. Whether it be a backpack giveaway during back-to-school season, a turkey drive at Thanksgiving, or a toy drive at Christmas, Primestor understands that for its neighborhood centers to thrive, the neighborhoods they serve need to thrive as well.

Community-centric strategies are reshaping the retail landscape and redefining the role of shopping centers and retailers in local communities. By prioritizing community engagement, hosting events, partnering with local artisans, and supporting charitable causes, retailers and shopping center developers can create vibrant, inclusive spaces that serve as focal points for community life. 

As consumers increasingly seek authentic, meaningful experiences, community-centric retail development offers a promising avenue for driving foot traffic, fostering loyalty, and building stronger connections with local residents.


Related content: Check out BD+C's 2023 Retail Giants Rankings 


In today's retail landscape, shopping centers are evolving beyond mere shopping destinations to become vibrant hubs of community life. Here are three strategies for creating strong local connections. 

Retail center construction costs for 2024

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Retail center construction costs for 2024
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dbaristaFri, 03/15/2024 - 14:10

Data from Gordian shows the most recent costs per square foot for restaurants, social clubs, one-story department stores, retail stores and movie theaters in select cities.

Gordian

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

Data from Gordian shows the most recent costs per square foot for restaurants, social clubs, one-story department stores, retail stores and movie theaters in select cities.

The retail and entertainment industry is a cornerstone of American culture, shaping the social fabric with shared experiences, driving economic vitality and reflecting the diverse tapestry of society. 

First impressions are often vital to consumers and patrons. The ambiance of shopping centers, boutiques, cinemas, and theme parks directly influence customer satisfaction. Cleanliness and public safety are at the forefront of customer concerns, necessitating immaculate, well-functioning facilities complemented by a welcoming, proficient workforce. 

Facility managers and business owners are proactively upgrading to high-efficiency air filtration systems, incorporating touchless technologies, and redesigning spaces to enhance safety and comfort for all visitors. Adapting to environmental sustainability standards, customizing experiences to meet customer preferences and ensuring robust safety protocols are essential. 

Gordian’s RSMeans Data can help estimate these costs. With localized, square-foot costs on over 100 building models including various hospitality industry facilities, RSMeans Data allows architects, engineers and other preconstruction professionals to quickly and accurately create conceptual estimates for future builds. This table shows the most recent costs per square foot for restaurants, social clubs, one-story department stores, retail stores and movie theaters in select cities.  

Visit rsmeans.com/bdandc for more information about Gordian’s RSMeans Data.

LocationRestaurantSocial ClubDepartment Store, 1 StoryRetail StoreMovie Theater
National Average

$266.90

$219.57

$160.11

$214.35

$228.19

New Orleans, LA

$223.84

$183.73 

$138.01 

$175.69 

$194.34 

Miami, FL

$228.22

$185.42 

$138.63 

$178.52 

$196.15 

Phoenix, AZ

$238.78

$195.61 

$144.13 

$186.88 

$205.23 

Washington D.C.

$254.85

$209.67 

$156.47 

$202.56 

$217.50 

Seattle, WA

$288.61

$238.75 

$172.87 

$233.28 

$245.44

Las Vegas, NV

$285.19

$233.47 

$172.47 

$232.14 

$243.34

Boston, MA

$306.19

$253.37 

$181.10 

$252.54 

$261.19

Los Angeles, CA

$311.14

$257.93

$182.38 

$255.75 

$265.44 

Chicago, IL

$327.79

$268.76

$191.04 

$274.51 

$278.57 

New York, NY

$350.82

$291.32

$204.60 

$294.43 

$296.88 

Please note: Square foot models are used for planning and budgeting and are not meant for detailed estimates.

 

More building construction cost reports from Gordian:

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