November 13, 2019

Text: Jesse Dorris

Perkins and Will Has Creative Vision for Eyeconic Store in Chicago

Aluminum extrusions by Agam form a pavilion around the Davis Furniture table, both atop Interface carpet tiles. Photography by Tom Harris.

When Chicago’s Eyeconic brand began conceiving a prototype for its boutiques, the company first did some research into its clients. “We identified a consumer who is looking for simplified shopping, transparency, and convenience,” says Bill Vaughan, president of parent company VSP Retail.

The lounge area offers Sandler Seating armchairs, a table by Bend Goods, and LightArt pendants. Photography by Tom Harris.

They also identified just the right firm for the job: Perkins and Will, who developed a flexible concept inspired by a trade show exhibition system for the 1,420-square-foot space in Fulton Market. “The entire store is the brand,” says Cary Lancaster, project designer, Branded Environments group.

Xibitz fabricated the custom eye sculpture with bent, sand-blasted polycarbonate ribs and birch ply corner pieces. Photography by Tom Harris.

 A magnetic peg wall includes acrylic shelves and wood boxes for displays, all adjustable without tools. A central pavilion contains custom-made metal shelves hanging from metal mesh, with circulation on all sides. The most eye-catching detail, however, is the custom eye sculpture near the entrance, in which people can pose for selfies. Clearly, the team knows their customers: the concept is so successful they’ve implemented it in a second location, in nearby Bucktown.

Armstrong’s Resilient tiles cover the floor of an exam room. Photography by Tom Harris.
A West Elm mirror and Kuzco Lighting pendant hang in a restroom; the wall tiles are by Renaissance Tile & Bath. Photography by Tom Harris.
The Eyeconic logo is made of illuminated metal channel letters. Photography by Tom Harris.

Read more: Tokyo-Based Eyewear Store Jins Ginza Loft is Ready for Its Close-Up

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