Seattle Public Library FriendShop
The Seattle Public Library’s central branch, designed by internationally noted architect Rem Koolhaas, includes an innovative retail store owned and operated by the Friends of the Seattle Public Library. The Friends asked Works Consulting to lead the opening of their new store.
Challenge
The Friends of the Seattle Public Library had the opportunity to build an entirely new retail store within the groundbreaking new Seattle Central Library, designed by celebrated architect Rem Koolhaas. It was critical to provide an appealing gift shop that integrated well into the innovative library’s design, occupying a small footprint and earning a maximum revenue to support the mission of The Friends.
Solution
Works Consulting managed the retail project from start to finish, collaborating on the store design with Seattle based LMN Architects and the Office of Metropolitan Architecture in New York. We handled all buying, custom product development, display, staffing, volunteer recruitment, budget management, and operational procedures development. Works Consulting also coordinated all efforts for the FriendShop’s grand opening, when the new library was visited by nearly thirty thousand people.
Results
Friendshop is now an innovative shop noted by local and national media with consistent year to year sales increases and staffed by a motivated team of talented leaders and committed volunteers. Consistent daily operating procedures and a stunning array of library-related merchandise have helped The Friends of the Seattle Public Library generate funds to support their non-profit mission.
“We were incredibly fortunate to have Miriam Works’ experience, insight and guidance throughout this project. Miriam has an uncanny ability to work well with all people—the OMA architectural team, the Friends’ board, the Seattle Public Library staff. Throughout the design process, the negotiations with the architects, delays, unforeseen sidetracks, and a myriad of challenges, she managed to balance the criteria for a successful shop with the needs of the Friends. Miriam skillfully deals with every new challenge and dilemma with grace, good humor, and a fresh solution.”
