Sparks Retail is the global custom fixture division of Sparks Marketing Group, Inc. From single store prototypes to large scale fixture rollouts, shop-in-shops to point-of-purchase displays, we utilize our core services of design, engineering, manufacturing, management, and measurement to deliver a quality custom product, on time, at a competitive price, every time.
With both domestic and import manufacturing facilities, we select the perfect blend of capabilities and resources to execute your project. While most of our competitors act as middlemen in Asia, our Sparks China offices facilitate hands-on project management to oversee all imported production elements.
Technology is also at the core of our operating systems. Our in-house IT department will customize SparksLink™, our proprietary online order, project and inventory management portal, to meet your needs. This collaborative toolkit provides all of your program information – inventory, drawings, layouts, financials, usage tracking, fulfillment details, install calendars and more – for reference, team collaboration and online ordering. Automated warehousing and fulfillment services are also part of our service package. We can store it, ship it, and install it -- all with one release.
Other Services
Exhibits, Events, & Experiences
Museums & Themed Environments
Our Story
For more than 79-years, we’ve been a mainstay of the custom retail industry. The company began as Arrow Decorating and Display, founded in 1930 to supply displays of wood, metal, glass, acrylic, and cardboard exclusively to the P.O.P industry. Through the years, with full support from our existing customers, the company was transformed into a full-service custom store fixture manufacturer. It was decided in 1957 to change our name to Diversified Marketing and Sales (DMS) to better describe our expanded offerings and manufacturing capabilities.
DMS continued to grow at a compounding rate over the next 40-years, increasing its manufacturing capabilities and broadening the variety of products offered, ultimately attracting the attention of many of America’s largest retail chains.
In December of 1997, DMS was acquired by Marlton Technologies, a publicly traded holding company comprised of industry leaders such as Sparks Exhibits and Environments, Steele Productions, and Piper Industries. Although not store fixture companies, their capabilities merged well with our own, and provided access to a multitude of resources such as creative concept development, dramatic experience design, and strategy and measurement capabilities, all on a scale unprecedented in the fixture industry. The synergy and sharing of ideas between these companies continued to grow, ultimately enhancing the capabilities of all Marlton holdings. In fact, the similarity was so great, it was decided in May of 2005 to consolidate the various Marlton companies under one banner…Sparks. Henceforth, the fixture division would be called Sparks Retail. In 2006, Sparks Marketing Group acquired Marlton Technologies, Inc. and Sparks became a privately held organization owned primarily by the former senior management of Marlton Technologies.
Location: Nationwide Retail Locations
Challenge: Value-engineer, produce and install a 60 store rollout within a four-month period with eight weeks to produce newly designed custom fixtures.
Solution: Sparks value-engineered the custom fixture products to reduce cost while implementing vast domestic and international production resources to produce the products during the busiest manufacturing season for retail. The rollout was completed on time and on budget and Sparks continues to service the account per the Verizon Wireless schedule.
Location: Nationwide Retail Locations
Challenge: Produce and install custom fixtures to meet the unique design requirements of new and remodeled Steve Madden stores, plus additional Steven stores
Solution: Every store location has a look and feel unique to the store’s geography and demographics. Sparks partnered with Steve Madden to value-engineer a cost-efficient custom fixture program that maintains the look of the Steve Madden brand across all locations, but implements two reconfigurable design concepts. Sparks has completed 116 stores to date, on time and on budget.
Location: Nationwide Retail Locations
Challenge: Manufacture and install a 160-store custom fixture program over the span of 5 years.
Solution: Custom fixtures of wood, metal, and plexiglas were used to create the look of sophistication that Jos. A. Bank wanted to achieve. Sparks’ blanket production, project management and installation allowed for a successful turnkey program with 35 additional stores scheduled for production in the following year.
Location: Nationwide Retail Locations
Challenge: Design, produce and install a new custom fixture line for Banana Republic Sunwear.
Solution: The custom fixture design was developed in collaboration with and approved by the Banana Republic design group and met all functional and aesthetic needs, maintained brand integrity, and allowed the brand visual to continue to evolve. Fixtures were shipped and installed on schedule in time for the holiday sales season and all sales goals for the new product line were exceeded.
Location: 75 Retail Locations in the US, plus additional locations in Spain, Canada, & Thailand
Challenge: Develop, produce, warehouse and install 79 unique custom fixtures in multiple locations to re-launch the Liz Claiborne New York line under the new leadership of Isaac Mizrahi.
Solution: Sparks engineered, prototyped, manufactured, transported and warehoused all fixtures for the new Shop-in-Shop & International Program Roll-out. Sparks also surveyed all site locations and managed logistics, including freight, GC and installation, and punch list resolution.
Location: Hudson Bay Department Stores in 49 Canadian Provinces
Challenge: Manufacture, deliver and install custom fixtures and graphics for a simultaneous rollout of a new shop-in-shop program at 49 Hudson Bay department store locations.
Solution: Sparks value-engineered and domestically manufactured the nine different custom wood, metal and acrylic fixtures. The fixtures, 473 pieces total, included rolling racks, folding tables, hang/fold racks, acrylic logo blocks, stay squares, stand-offs and perimeter wall fixtures. Larger-than-life custom graphics were produced for different-sized columns and the perimeter wall. Though executed in less than two months, a post-rollout feedback survey reported less than 1% (.85% to be exact) of damaged product.
Location: 1,000 Retail Locations Nationwide
Challenge: Value-engineer, produce and install a 1,000 store custom fixture rollout for the JCPenney Women’s Intimate department.
Solution: With less than 12 weeks to complete manufacturing and shipping, the products were sourced overseas through Sparks China to reduce cost saving JCPenney over 40% of what they previously paid for their domestic product. Assembly of the custom fixtures was completed domestically and they were shipped to stores within a six-week window over the holiday season. Following this rollout, Sparks was once again selected as JCPenney’s “Supplier of the Year.”
Location: 576 Retail Locations in US and Puerto Rico
Challenge: Produce over 6,000 fixtures in China, assemble in Philadelphia and ship nationwide and to Puerto Rico in 30 days.
Solution: Sparks successfully delivered over 6000 fixtures on-time via 291 truckloads within 30-days. Due to our exemplary service and fixture quality, Sparks was selected as the supplier for two supplemental American Living rollouts in 2008, to include the “American Living Children’s Fall” rollout and the “American Living Holiday” étagère rollout. Both of these rollouts also came-in under budget and were delivered on time.
Location: Nationwide Rollout
Challenge: Design and produce a display program for the Robbins Brand of Premium Hardwood Flooring
Solution: The display unit was designed with built in modularity allowing for product line extension and eliminating the need to create several sizes of displays. The units showcased (8) 18” x 32” and (8) 15” x 18” feature product samples in a unique face forward format while also showing (36) to (48) 15” x 18” product samples in a traditional waterfall format. To date over 2,300 units have been produced. And while certain components of the display have been imported from the first run, each subsequent run incorporated additional offshore elements.
Location: Nationwide rollout
Challenge: Develop a unique, affordable, eye-catching merchandising program to promote the Merrell Footwear Brand at Retailers across the country.
Solution: Utilizing an existing conceptual design, Sparks developed an array of offerings from slatwall glorifiers to free standing fixtures that are unique in design, yet functional, like the Merrell products themselves. Zero production defects were reported in the development and installation of the fixtures.
Location: Nationwide rollout
Challenge: Create a family of displays that maintains the sophistication of the Banana Republic brand image in the optical community.
Solution: A line of over 13,000 functional and cost effective displays were produced including a Brand Plaque, Branded Mirrors, 6 Frame Displays, 12 Frame Displays, 24 Frame Displays and Pedestal Storage Bases. Utilizing these displays, the BR Eyewear Line exceeded all sales goals and expectations in their first two measurement periods.
Location: Nationwide rollout
Challenge: Develop a modular merchandising display system that: 1) positions Lenox as a premium brand, 2) provides flexibility and customization within different channels, 3) maximizes wall space, 4) provides product segmentation for a variety of product lines, and 5) provides greater sales to cost ratio than previously experienced.
Solution: Sparks designed & developed the Wolf Wall, a modular and flexible merchandising solution that fits a variety of retail environments - from peg board-to-slatwall-to-gridwall utilizing a minimal amount of components – that enabled Lenox the flexibility to display a variety of product. The Wolf
Wall system resulted in Lenox experiencing a 30% lift in sales year over year.
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Challenge: Manufacture and install one-of-a-kind custom store fixtures for the gift shop, as well as create and install multiple interactive attractions that teach how to identify opportunities for recycling and conservation in everyday life.
Solution: In partnership with The Nassal Company and multiple design firms, Sparks engineered, fabricated and installed all graphic signage, architectural supports, five buildings containing 43 exhibits, outdoor exhibits including an irrigation exhibit and solar lighting for nighttime illumination using sustainable, recycled and recyclable materials. All custom fixtures for the museum’s gift shop were manufactured domestically in a combination of wood, metal and acrylic, also from recycled and recyclable materials. The Springs Preserve is the first platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System certified attraction in the US.
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Challenge: Develop and install an immersive, themed retail environment where guests of all ages go through the Academy and learn what it takes to become an M&M's candy from the perspective of the M&M characters in eight weeks.
Solution: The attraction incorporates high quality sculpting and automotive finishing treatments, as well as a heavy use of animated props, scenery, and special effects allowing the Academy to achieve the look of a high-quality museum on a limited budget. Special sensors and safety mechanisms are incorporated into all animated elements that are in direct guest contact. This merging of quality, mechanicals, and budget was the catalyst for the M&M's Academy receiving the THEA Award.
Location: Miami, FL
Challenge: Design, produce and install a series of highly interactive exhibits designed to encourage visitors to play together, learn, imagine and create in a cohesive environment.
Solution: Sparks installed 17,500 square feet of themed exhibits and environments designed to be interactive, durable, dependable and safe. The exhibits are also built for ease of maintenance and to reduce downtime. Sparks received the ABC Award for Excellence in Construction for the themed environments that were installed for the museum which hosts hundreds of thousands of guests
each year.
Location: Villanova, PA
Challenge: Design, produce and install interior elements for the new Davis Center for Athletics and Fitness designed to rally and inspire Villanova Wildcat visitors and fans, as well as current and future basketball players
Solution: Sparks designed, manufactured, and installed all wall graphics, plasma screen areas, and signage for this 55,000 sq. ft., three-level facility, which includes practice courts, a film room, and training, weight, exercise, and locker rooms. The entrance rotunda greets visitors with the Wall of Honor, an interactive experience that includes kiosks, a trophy case, and graphics. In the Hall of Champions and Coaches Corner, visitors can browse the We Are the Nova Nation display area, which graphically depicts the university’s guiding principles. Inspirational, player-focused images and statistics of Villanova’s basketball family frame the hallway to the locker and weight rooms. Bold graphics displayed in the practice court areas convey pride, motivation, determination, and tradition.
Matt is a twenty five year fixture industry veteran. For the past 8 years, the Sparks Retail division has enjoyed substantial growth under his leadership. Prior to, Matt was VP, Sales and Marketing at the largest custom fixture manufacturer in North America, OSF Inc. He also held leadership positions at Streater, Inc. and owned his own custom fixture company Advantage Store Design from 1987 to 1990 until he sold the company to McKesson Drug Company. Matt began his career with MasterDrug, a management consulting and franchiser to the independent pharmacy industry where he served as Director of Operations from 1982-1987.
As CEO, Scott sets the strategic focus for the entire Sparks organization. In partnership with Sparks Chairman Jeffrey Harrow, Scott bought controlling interest of Sparks in 2001. Prior to, Scott and Jeff grew a single office NJ-based travel agency into the sixth largest corporate travel company in the United States. With sales revenues of $900 million and a staff of 1,400 employees, Travel One was sold to American Express in 1999. Scott stayed on to create a $3 billion travel management division within Amex. An attorney by education, Scott has been instrumental in building Sparks operations and customer technologies.
As Chief Representative, Michael is responsible for the daily operations of the Sparks. China facility. He acts as Sparks.China’s liaison to the US and is responsible for quality control and ensuring all import products are delivered on time and on budget. Additionally, Michael is charged with identifying and developing new supplier relationships throughout Asia. Michael holds a degree in Computer Application from Shanghai Changning Sparetime University in Shanghai, China.
John has over 30 years experience in the exhibit and fixture fabrication industries. He began as a carpenter with Sparks and worked his way through several positions including foreman and production manager at Lynch before holding positions of VP Operations and COO at Showtime Enterprises. John rejoined Sparks in 2004 when Sparks acquired Showtime and today serves as VP, Operations of the retail division. Currently, John is responsible for ensuring the delivery of a product that exceeds our client expectations through the effective management of multiple departments including construction, project management, engineering, warehousing, and Sparks China. John received his 4 year education in the US Navy where, for 3 of those 4 years, he served in the US Navy Honor Guard in Washington DC.
Calling on over 27 years of retail industry experience, Joe has spent the past 8 years creating opportunities and developing accounts for Sparks with retailers like Steve Madden, Jos. A. Bank, Jones Apparel Group, Cotton Market, Ann Taylor, and more. Utilizing his BA in Environmental Design and Planning from the University of Buffalo, NY, Joe also serves as president of the Institute of Store Planners’ (ISP) New York City chapter. He has been noted for boosting the chapter’s overall performance and in 2008, ISP awarded him Member of the Year for his extraordinary efforts.
Joy has been with Sparks for 6+ years and was appointed VP of Business Development in early 2008. In this role, she is focused on creating opportunities for sales growth within key markets and across multiple business lines, products and services. Previously, Joy has held senior positions within Sparks in both Marketing and Consulting. Joy’s effectiveness in presenting the total capabilities of Sparks, along with her natural consultative approach to communicating with business leaders, has served as a natural bridge for her in the role of business development. A graduate of West Chester University with a degree in psychology, Joy has over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing.
Sparks Retail is a full service organization. No other company offers a wider range of fixturing options and services. Whether your needs include wood, metal, plastic, acrylic, wire, glass, or more, we can design it, manufacture it, deliver it on-time, and install it, all while measuring our performance to ensure your goals are met.
Design & Engineering
• Creative Strategy & Development
• Fixture Design
• Departmental Design
• Complete Store Design
• Graphic Design
• Digital Media Design
• Value Engineering
• Site Surveying
• Store Mapping & CAD Fixture Layout
Manufacturing
• Prototyping
• Fixture Roll Out and Store Program Manufacturing
• Global Sourcing
• Graphic Production
• Digital Media Production
• General Contracting
Account, Project & Inventory Management
• Dedicated Account & Project Management Services
• Logistics & Delivery
• Installation
• Warehousing & Inventory Fulfillment
• Online Inventory Management, Tracking & Reporting
Measurement
• Company / Team Metrics
• Project Reviews
• Quarterly / Annual Program Reviews
• Project / Program Audits & Assessments
Sparks is one of the few fixture agencies with company-owned and operated offices in strategic parts of the world. Sparks China, located in Shanghai, was created as a direct result of the ever increasing need to provide long-term cost-effective solutions for our clients, while maintaining quality control and “hands on” production oversight.
What does this mean to you?
• China-based Sparks employees
• 20+ years of import procurement experience
• No language barriers
• On-site project and quality management
• On-site engineering staff
• Increased volume power
• Shorter production and transportation time
• Competitive pricing structure
• No broker fees
• Deal directly with the manufacturing plant
• Increased manufacturing space (over 3.5
million square feet)
Headquarters:
1-800-925 - Sparks
2828 Charter Road
Philadelphia PA 19154
Sales:
Matt Wood
President, Sparks Custom Retail
Direct: 215-602-8056
Mobile: 609-332-6605
Fax: 215-602-8112
Email: mwood@sparksretail.com
Marketing & PR:
Kristy Elisano
Director, Marketing & PR
Direct: 215-671-8119
Fax: 215-602-8137
Email: kelisano@sparksonline.com
Human Resources:
Dianne Sudjian
Director, Human Resources
Direct: 215-602-8095
Fax: 215-602-8070
Email: diannesudjian@sparksonline.com