REI Solabelles

Moss Inc., Belfast, Maine, United States

Moss created eight Solabelles (fabric lampshades) for REI’s Round Rock, Texas, store. The Solabelles are hung beneath tubular skylights that channel daylight into the store. They hang over the staircase and lead customers into the community center area of the store.

The lanterns soften the natural light and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. In this special, two-story design, the Solabelles on the mezzanine level are visible throughout the store. This community space allows sales associates to interact with customers, offering product demonstrations and merchandise tips.

The Round Rock prototype store is helping REI test new retail design concepts and green building features, supporting its commitment to environmental stewardship and serving as a community resource. The use of natural daylight within the store is expected to save more than 20 percent in energy costs. Adding these Solabelles to the tubular skylights is a new way to use fabric in conjunction with an increasingly popular method for bringing natural light into stores and reducing energy costs.

REI is extremely pleased with the Solabelles within the store and plans to roll them out to new stores. The store received an A.R.E. 2009 Retail Design Outstanding Merit Award in the “Specialty Store over 25,000 Square Feet.”