Faced with decorating her two-year old son’s nursery, Kyle Olewnik ran into a particular difficulty: A thin selection of contemporary nursery furniture in her local baby stores. The selection narrowed even further when she went to find “non-traditional clothing for boys.” As with most great retail ideas, it started with a problem in a perambulator in search of a solution. San Diego needed a fashionable child’s boutique, and “Style Child” was born.

“Kyle wanted a clean, mid-century aesthetic,” said Trio Store Designer Bill Mondigo. This found expression in a relatively uncluttered space dominated by the extensive use of wood—a mild blond wood for the fixtures, counters, and walls offset by mahogany laminate floor covering. “I hate having to rummage,” said Kyle. “I want all the product to be noteworthy.”

Merchandising in the compact 800 square foot space was a study in economy. How to keep the “noteworthy” theme while accommodating the numerous product lines? The solution was a creative mix of four-ways, slatwall fixturing, wall shelves, wooden bins, and a custom cashwrap showcase.

“I picked Trio because it provided a comprehensive solution. It could design my store and sold the display fixtures too,” said Kyle. “I’ve had nothing but compliments from customers about the store.”

Style Child opened in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego, California, in late autumn 2006.