Despite the proliferation of the number of e-commerce stores, brick-and-mortar locations continue to remain a matter of importance for the retail industry. It’s true that many shoppers conduct online research before making a purchase, but a great deal still prefer to visit a physical store after they’ve checked out a company or product online. This is especially true for clothing stores; buyers want to know that the apparel is going to fit before they hand over their credit card information.

For retail businesses, getting the attention of shoppers passing by their store location is vital for success. Shoppers are more distracted than ever and retail businesses need a way to catch their attention.

That’s why Altar’d State requested the services of Scottish Stained Glass. Stained glass is not an element you see in most retail stores. Which is why it does the trick for grabbing shoppers’ attention. It’s a brilliant way to make a store stand out. Altar’d State recognized this and came to us, hoping we could provide them with a solution. Happily, we agreed and set to work to meet one of the tightest deadlines we’ve ever been given.

Creating Stained Glass for Altar’d State: A Case Study

Altar’d State is a faith-based retail store with locations across the U.S. (They sell the most adorable apparel and accessories. So if you haven’t heard of them before, you should definitely check them out!) The company opens a new location each year in a different city. With so many new openings all the time, construction of each store demands a tight deadline.

Such was the case for the upcoming opening of their new location in Norwalk, CT. They came to us needing a large curvature-shaped stained glass piece they could use as a ceiling feature. In total, the piece would be comprised of 16 different panels, so that the feature would be 12 ft long in diameter. This all needed to be accomplished in just two short weeks, but we accepted the challenge with enthusiasm!

altar'd state retail stained glass

Our Solution: Custom Forms & Expedited Manufacturing

In order to meet the tight deadline, we had to work quickly and accurately. Mistakes had to be avoided at all costs, because it would mean a delay in completion.

We employed the assistance of 8 stained glass artisans who worked tirelessly day and night to get the job done. To create the curvature panels, we manufactured custom wood forms that would accommodate the unique shape of the design. Each piece of glass was cut into a specific shape so that they could be fit together in order to create the elegant curve.

To expedite the manufacturing process, we created a positive and negative version of each form. This way, both sides of the panel could be worked on at the same time. We focused intensely on each design to prevent the curved sections from cracking during the manufacturing and installation phases.

When we were all finished, we packed the panels in a specially designed crate that would support the curved design. Then, we shipped them to Connecticut and our owner, Martin Faith, met them on arrival. Martin worked all night in the store to install the stained glass and make sure that the deadline was met.

The Results: A Flawless Installation!

We were thrilled to discover that each panel fit perfectly during the installation process. The owners were delighted with the finished product, especially considering the short deadline. We are so proud of our team and they hard work they put in throughout this process. But, of course, the most rewarding part of it all was being able to see the beautiful new stained glass window shining in the sunlight as illuminated the entire retail store.

Learn More

To learn more about our work for Altar’d State or request our services, please contact our office.