SSA Group, a best-in-class provider of integrated guest services, is celebrating the success of Columbus Zoo Marketplace in Ohio, which has been awarded two prestigious design awards.
These accolades reflect design excellence, innovation, creativity, and quality. With contributions from Neil Almalbis, SSA Group's late creative director, the recognition of this project at Columbus Zoo Marketplace is particularly meaningful.
"Neil had a gift for creating spaces that served a purpose beyond retail," says Daron Fowler, vice president of retail, SSA Group.
"He was passionate about supporting our partners' missions, elevating the guest experience, and creating moments of curiosity and wonder. His influence on this industry is undeniable."
Columbus Zoo Marketplace won Fixture of the Year in the Shop! Design Awards and scooped a silver award in the 2026 MUSE Design Awards retail shop design category.
Shop! is an international non-profit trade association that works to enhance retail environments and experiences. The Shop! Design Awards celebrate outstanding new store design, renovations, fixtures, visual presentation projects and in-store communications.
Reflecting the full spectrum of global design innovation, the MUSE Design Awards recognise excellence across a broad range of disciplines and are open to designers, studios, brands, and organisations worldwide.
Dramatic, immersive and sustainable
The Columbus Zoo Marketplace was designed for SSA Group/Columbus Zoo by RGLA Solutions, a design and architecture practice that creates connected brand experiences for retail settings.
This transformed the Marketplace into an immersive retail destination that enhances the visitor experience and offers a versatile space for seasonal experiences and special events.
Central to the space is a dramatic 30-foot-tall sculptural tree with LED edges, suspended lighting, and floating leaf elements woven from multicoloured paracord. This anchors the octagonal gift shop and features a large merchandising space at its base.
Additionally, the space is encircled by a video wall visible from outside of the store, attracting visitors from the Zoo’s main walkway.
Throughout the retail setting, digital media, dynamic audio, lighting, and sculptural components are carefully layered with tactile, traditional merchandising.
Columbus Zoo Marketplace creates an emotionally resonant setting through dynamic features, such as the continually changing LED screen, and tactile merchandisingImage courtesy of RGLA/Andi Hedrick
The fixtures are made from reclaimed wood, recycled metal, and sustainably or locally sourced materials, while all products are free of single-use plastic packaging.
Pricing and messaging are delivered digitally via programmable LED signage, removing the need for paper and plastic labels while supporting conservation storytelling through easily updated content, while the seamless self-checkout model frees up staff to engage with visitors on the sales floor.
As a result, the Marketplace is immersive, versatile, and deeply rooted in both place and purpose, reflecting the Zoo’s mission.
Earlier this year, SSA Group presented its 2025 Climate Action and Impact Report, underscoring how climate action is being embedded across the full hospitality experience.
