Client: Books-A-Million

2nd & Charles Bookstore

When Books-A-Million decided to launch their used books division, 2nd & Charles, they approached ArchitectureWorks to help develop a prototype for the stores. The concept for the roll-out is to reuse ‘dark’ retail spaces, and minimally retrofit them using the brand identity and found objects in a new and surprising way.

In every store development ArchitectureWorks looks for opportunities for both innovative design and cost savings, but we were able to take it a step further for these stores. We developed multiple iterations of light fixtures, benches, displays, and graphics by building full-scale mockups at both the office and the construction site. The centerpiece of each location is a floor-to-ceiling sign, created using thousands of remainder books that are artfully arranged to read “2nd & Charles.”

 

Retail Stores

Books-A-Million, one of the nation’s leading book retailers, operates more than 200 stores in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Since 1995, ArchitectureWorks has designed new stores, renovated existing stores, and developed prototypes for new brand divisions, including Books & Co., Joe Muggs Coffee and 2nd & Charles.

While the design of each store must focus on function and maintaining brand identity, ArchitectureWorks also finds opportunity in the unique context and scale of each location. We successfully manage complex programs, schedules, and budgets, while collaborating closely with consultants and contractors, to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the retail industry.