Event Network, leading cultural attraction retailer, has unveiled a newly remodelled retail store at the Lincoln Park Zoo. The store mimics the natural surroundings of the attraction and provides a wide range of products to support the zoo and its conservation efforts.
Event Network LLC is proud to announce its latest partnership, with Lincoln Park Zoo. Located just north of downtown Chicago, this institution was founded in 1868 and is a firm family favourite. It is one of the last free-admission zoos in the United States and runs a wide range of conservation programmes. The zoo is a world leader in great ape conservation and is helping to bring endangered species back from the brink of extinction, such as the Eastern black rhinoceros. They also provide cutting edge veterinary care.
A Chicago Institution
“We are thrilled to partner with Lincoln Park Zoo and are so proud to work with such an important Chicago institution,” said Jerry Gilbert, Event Network’s Chief Marketing Officer and Principal. “We are looking forward to helping the zoo continue its important mission to connect people with nature by providing a free, family-friendly wildlife experience while supporting the zoo’s education and conservation efforts. We take our stewardship role of each of our partners’ brands and missions very seriously.”
“Since the beginning of our partnership, Event Network has continually demonstrated their expertise in zoo retail and commitment to sustainability,” says Lincoln Park Zoo Chief Financial Officer Rena Solano. “They were creative with ideas for how to design a large space and fill it with a diverse product mix to appeal to zoo visitors, from families to evening event attendees. Using our brand guidelines and information we provided about our animal care and conservation initiatives, Event Network delivered a space that not only appropriately and excellently represents the zoo, but also keeps environmental impact in mind and leaves room to flex with seasonality and trends.”
Event Network lends 20 years of experience to the project
Event Network operates experiential retail stores for a wide range of attractions, including museums, botanic gardens and zoos and aquariums. The company has been in the business for 20 years and uses this knowledge and skill to deliver dynamic retail solutions for a positive guest experience. Event Network also leads the way in sustainability-based commerce, with a focus on store environments, merchandise and supply chain management. This commitment to sustainability throughout the process makes the company a good fit for Lincoln Park Zoo and both partners are looking forward to a long and successful journey together.
The new store opened on 1st April and has been well received. “When it comes to store design, we work closely with every partner to create a customised shopping environment and experience that reflects the unique personality of each location,” says Jerry Gilbert, “In contemplating our designs we also work to incorporate green materials and practices wherever possible, and the new zoo store is a great example of that – there are no plastic fixtures, hangers, sign holders at all throughout the store.” When guests enter the retail space they are immersed in a natural environment, with trees around the store and even a flock of birds, in an art piece created by Kathleen Plate using recycled glass bottles. Products on sale in the store support the zoo and its conservation partners, as well as promoting sustainable life-choices.
Event Network takes its environmental commitment seriously and has recently announced the development of a range of eco-friendly plush toys and packaging.
