CPI /Sears Portrait Studios

CPI: Picture Perfect

In 2002, Total Image was selected to provide a new retail store design for CPI’s US studios. The goal was to “re-tool” the decor program to appeal to a broader market. Total Image worked with the CPI team to understand both the operational needs of the associates and the portrait purchasing process. The result was a functional and enticing retail environment designed to appeal not only to parents of young children, but also to families, teens, and couples.

Product worlds and zones were created, which proved critical to changing the perception of the business. The color and material pallets were selected to position CPI as a multifaceted, professional portrait studio. The design was well received, and it was produced and installed at an affordable cost per studio of \\$5,000-\\$15,000.

While the US design project was underway, CPI decided to expand through a partnership in Mexico. The company turned to Total Image to design a 400-square-foot, fully contained “store-within-a-store” concept for a big box retail location. Total Image met the challenge to create a freestanding portrait studio that did not require the services of a general contractor. A custom patented metal wall system was designed, and oversize lifestyle graphic elements were applied to the 8-foot walls. The units were fabricated and shipped to Mexico for an efficient 1-day installation.