Anne Geddes Plans First Store

Gary Brown, Seattle-based chief operating officer of the Geddes Group, tells GSR that the "will be the first environment that will showcase the entire Anne Geddes brand," and will carry the most comprehensive collection of Geddes products anywhere. "What we really wanted to do with this store was to bring together a brand statement that includes a full collection of her products and the art that goes along with them," Brown says.

Anne Geddes products are sold at a variety of types of retail outlets, ranging from Barnes & Noble to Wal-Mart to Costco to some department stores. And there is an Anne Geddes room of products within one of the retail shops at the new Wynne casino and hotel in Las Vegas. The Disneyland location, however, "will be our first company owned-and-operated store," Brown explains.

The Downtown Disney District is the avenue leading to the entrances of the Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure theme parks in Anaheim. Along with products featuring the Anne Geddes art, the store will be decorated with large prints of the Australian photographer's images. To be designed by Kanner Architects, the store will also offer new lines including sterling silver keepsake gifts and jewelry, a newly released bedding collection made in Italy, and European-styled wristwatches.

Geddes' images of babies have become popular worldwide, her book "Down in the Garden" has been a New York Times best seller and her work is published in at least 77 countries. Brown says the presence of the Geddes Group offices in Seattle is a reflection of the importance of the American market, which is one of the largest for Geddes products.

Geddes has no immediate plans to open more retail stores, Brown says, "but we would certainly be open to looking at other opportunities, wherever they may be."