Greetings from the International President

April 2025 Newsletter

Dear Retail Design Institute Members & Friends,

I hope this message finds you well! As we continue to foster a vibrant community within the retail industry and the Institute, I wanted to reach out with a few important updates and reminders:

Last Call for Shop! MarketPlace 2025

This is your final reminder that all Retail Design Institute members receive a special discount on admission to Shop! MarketPlace, taking place this week, April 8-10, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Don't miss this excellent opportunity to explore the latest in retail and visual merchandising while connecting with industry leaders. Please email info@retaildesigninstitute.org for your exclusive discount code before registration closes.

Northern California Chapter Revitalization

As mentioned previously, our Northern California chapter has undergone a comprehensive overhaul. I'm delighted to formally introduce the new leadership team:

Jesse Moyer, President
Gabby Rosi, Vice President
Andre Lucero, Treasurer
Don Dacumos, Chairman

Their first event on March 27th was a tremendous success! The energy and enthusiasm demonstrated at this gathering reflects the exciting new direction for this chapter. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to making it such a memorable occasion.

Communication System Enhancement

Following our January announcement, I'm pleased to confirm that our new email system is now in use and will be rolling out Institute-wide over the next few weeks. This upgrade significantly improves our ability to maintain accurate member information and provides you with greater control over the types of communications you receive. Please take a moment to update your preferences at retaildesigninstitute.org/subscribe to ensure you receive the most relevant information.

The Institute Shop

Have you visited The Institute Shop on our website yet? From apparel to accessories- these items make great conversation starters at industry events!

International Design Awards – Submission Opening Soon

We're finalizing the revamped submission process for our prestigious International Design Awards. The dedicated awards committee has been working diligently to enhance the experience for all participants. Official announcements will be coming shortly – we encourage all members to prepare their submissions for this celebrated competition showcasing global retail design excellence.

Call for Thought Leadership

The strength of our Institute lies in the collective expertise of our members. We are actively seeking thought leadership content from within our community. Whether you've led an innovative project, have insights on emerging trends, or perspectives on the evolving retail landscape, please share your knowledge with us. Additionally, we welcome information about member achievements such as promotions, speaking engagements, or store openings for potential feature opportunities.

Member Spotlight: Bob Ustanik, Associate RDI

This month, we recognize Bob Ustanik, Associate RDI, from Visplay, who currently serves as Secretary for the Pacific Northwest Chapter. Bob has exemplified extraordinary commitment by stepping in as temporary Secretary for Northern California during their transition. His dedication to strengthening our chapter network has led to his appointment as Chapter Development Chair for the International Board. Thank you, Bob, for your exceptional service and unwavering support of our community!

Thank you for being an active part of our community. Let's continue to support one another and make a difference together!

Best regards,

Cynthia Ortiz, RDI

International President

Retail Design Institute