Andrea and Wayne Qualkinbush’s innovative kids toy/party store outgrew its location within a year of opening, and they found a new space. Now they needed someone to take the space and transform it into an exciting environment that would thrill both kids and their parents. They found the TRIO Display website through a search engine, filled out the Ten Questions form online, and a design partnership was born.

“Not only are we selling the party, we’re selling the gifts that go with it,” said Andrea. “We’re capitalizing on all aspects of the party experience.” The space had to serve the dual purposes of retailing and partying. Top that with the fact Kaboodles is selling to the toughest customers in the world—kids—and you have a very tall design order.

“It took awhile to settle on a floor design,” said Bill Mondigo, TRIO Display Store Designer. “We went through four or five iterations before finally settling on a neutral background with a confetti style paint job. We used wild colors—the design is energetic.”

The space had to serve the dual purposes of retailing and partying.

The innovative design included a custom “party room” in the center of the store. The party room has a raised stage—to elevate the birthday boy/girl, of course, but also to prevent the unwanted sharing of gifts with the guests. Dressing rooms allow the kids to change clothes if need be, while there is a “parental zone” outside the party room where the mothers and fathers can socialize while overseeing their charges. The party room isn’t just defined by walls—“We went heavier with the red, yellow, and blue in the room to distinguish it from the rest of the store,” said Andrea.

The New Bren, North Carolina, location will open in Spring 2007, and already there’s considerable interest. “We left the windows uncovered while we’re building the new location,” said Andrea, “ and we already have parties booked for it.”