Lawrence Group’s New York office has partnered with upscale athletic clothing brand Vuori to design multiple retail locations across the country, including the newest one in St. Louis’ Plaza Frontenac.
Based in Encinitas, California, Vuori makes premium athletic clothing inspired by the active coastal California lifestyle. The popular brand has a beachy aesthetic and a growing client base. With business thriving online, Vuori is expanding its brick-and-mortar side of the business with new stores in major cities across the country.
Vuori currently operates around 40 stores and plans to open 20-25 locations per year, with a goal to reach 100 stores by 2026. Each 2,500-3,500 SF retail studio caters to the shopper’s in-store experience through spacious, luxurious surroundings. The brand’s California-inspired aesthetic is light, open and airy with a simple, minimal material palette.
“Our stores are an integral part of the Vuori community. Nature and spaces live at the heart of our retail design decisions,” states Vuori’s website.
Vuori’s Vice President of Development Anthony DiMaggio brought Lawrence Group’s New York office on board in 2021 to assist with the brand’s national roll-out. Lawrence Group’s first project was designing a new store in Boston. That store was quickly followed by Vuori Outlet locations in Phoenix, Houston and San Francisco, with additional Vuori stores in Miami and Nashville. Lawrence Groups recently completed design for a new store in St. Louis, MO at the Plaza Frontenac.
Lawrence Group’s lead project manager on the stores, Christie Rafol, has developed a great relationship with the client and is tasked with running weekly project meetings and delivering design presentations to the team.
“Christie understands Vuori’s needs and design sensibilities. The client trusts Christie, a great powerhouse on the account,” said Tom Lekometros, Principal Manager of Lawrence Group’s New York office. “She has really embraced the Vuori aesthetic and has become a walking billboard for the brand.”
