We chatted with JPS Designs + Build partner Jim Smith and Senior Designer Angela Guidi about their work with apparel brand Mitchell & Ness.
JPSÂ is a full-service firm that creates engaging, functional environments for retail, commercial, corporate, hospitality, and cannabis sectors nationally. They are based in Costa Mesa, California.
With the NBA season in full swing, fans of the Milwaukee Bucks are getting to see JPS in action – what can you tell us about your project at their arena?
Jim Smith: We were asked to design and build a pop-up retail space for Mitchell & Ness in the Bucks arena. This project was a bit of a fire drill to complete prior to their first home game – but we pulled it off. I’ve seen photos of the space the day of their first game and it was packed with people. The Bucks facilities team was thrilled with our work and so was the Mitchell and Ness team.
How did Mitchell & Ness decide to work with JPS on this project?
Jim Smith: Our relationship with M&N is fairly new. They were looking for a creative, full service company that they could depend on. They were looking for a new look for their brand and I think Angela has captured that well.
Our first couple projects with them were a huge success. JPS is excited to continue building on our partnership with M&N.
Tell us about those first couple of projects – what did you do for M&N?
Angela Guidi: They originally wanted to revise their employee store to include some custom machinery they use for headwear design. The space didn’t reflect the brand aesthetic so we presented a design we felt represented their vibe.
They really liked the concept and decided to integrate it moving forward. It segued into a shop-in-shop at Fred Segal in Resort World, Las Vegas, and a new 20′ x 20′ booth for the 2022 Sports Tailgate Show.
What are some of the ways you make the pop-up shop pop?
Jim Smith: Pop-ups are challenging because we need to design and build them as if they are a temporary use. Almost like a tradeshow booth, where we need to design a kit of parts that break down and ship to their destination to be assembled on site so they appear as a permanent build. Plus, it needed to store all the product at the space when not in use.
Angela Guidi: The pop-up is designed with numerous entrance areas with a circular flow. The location, at the top of the main stadium escalators and stairs, has great visibility. We wanted it to pull people in once they hit that landing; like they had to check out what was going on.
Will you do more arena projects for Mitchell & Ness – or other brands?
Jim Smith: Yes, it sounds like M&N may have some opportunities in other stadiums to occupy some pop-up retail space. M&N is feeding a bunch of opportunities to JPS these days. Laurie McClure, who is their marketing manager and our contact, tells us that JPS might have more opportunities to design/build M&N pop-ups in other NBA stadiums because the response from the Bucks pop-up has been so favorable.
We are super stoked and grateful for the opportunity to serve.
