Moodroom to Give Designers Modular Launch Pad

Montreal — A 15,000-square-foot industrial building here will soon house Moodroom, a contemporary "launch pad" for up-and-coming home furnishing designers and brands, in the form of a shop-in-shop retail store and design resource center.

Laurent Guez, president of the newly formed company, said, "There is a void in the marketplace for home products to authentically connect with consumers in a relevant and interesting way."

Eschewing the shy approach, Guez boldly stated, "At Moodroom, we intend to revolutionize the shopping experience by creating an ambiance of cutting-edge style, creative inspiration, trend news, exceptional customer service and pleasure."

The concept will showcase hard and soft home goods in flexible space on clean, contemporary fixtures. But Moodroom, with a grand opening in Old Montreal planned for spring 2008, will go well beyond product display.

In the Fabric Bar, for example, a seamstress will run off one-ofs on a sewing machine for customers ready to experiment with some of the many textile offerings.

Also planned: A Book Bar for print-based perusals, Art Bar with prêt-a-poser works, Bloom Bar combining scents with color, Bespoke Bar staffed with personal design consultants, plus a Gourmet Bar and Chocolate Bar.

Guez has more than 20 years experience in industrial, interior, and retail space design. He said he will be teaming up with designers, merchandise manufacturers and brand marketers to prepare customized launch platforms for new product lines.