ASPENX Retail Café and Rental Experience

The founders of Mapos Architects first met while working in Aspen almost 30 years ago, and it was in Aspen where their idea of “Alpine Modern” was first conceived, borne from a mutual appreciation of thoughtful, modern design existing in rugged, natural settings. So when the opportunity arose to collaborate with the Aspen Skiing Company and their new luxury sportwear brand, ASPENX, on a new retail concept at the base of Snowmass Mountain, they jumped at the chance.

ASPENX, a creation of the Aspen Ski Company, goes beyond its own branded apparel, featuring collaborations with top brands like Vuarnet, Aether, and Prada, to offer a well-curated selection of performance gear. Core ideal of the brand was built around performance and confidence being its own form of fashion. It was up to Mapos to ensure the store’s vibe exemplified the brand’s core identity of the “Aspen Ideal,” a concept synonymous with luxury, performance, and a strong connection to the mountain experience.

Central to the ASPENX experience is its premium equipment rental service. The centerpiece of this service is the tiered boot-fitting seating area, designed for ultimate comfort. Each generously sized, vegan leather seat is tiered for ideal ergonomics during the fitting process, and boasts integrated charging stations and cup holders in the armrests for added convenience.

Après-ski relaxation is provided by a full-service café and bar tucked away at the back of the store. This inviting space allows guests to warm up with pastries and coffee before hitting the slopes or unwind with a glass of wine at the end of the day.

A key design challenge was creating store fixtures that felt anchored and luxurious while being limitlessly flexible for seasonal and ever-changing offerings. The space can effortlessly transition between winter and summer modes. Winter displays showcase parkas, winter hats, and ski helmets, while summer transforms the space to accommodate riding gear, bicycles, and summer accessories. Each fixture boasts a custom-designed suite of accessories, allowing for complete swaps and adjustments to cater to the product visual merchandising team’s needs, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving retail experience.

The store’s adaptability caters to the seasonal nature of Aspen’s tourism industry. The flexible fixtures allow the space to transform effortlessly, ensuring a year-round appeal to visitors seeking the perfect gear for their mountain adventures. This adaptability aligns with Mapos Architects’ commitment to sustainable design practices. By maximizing the use of the existing space throughout the year, the design minimizes the environmental impact of the retail operation.

Ultimately, Mapos Architects’ design for ASPENX is a successful example of thoughtful and creative design that considers both the brand’s identity and the community it serves. The project showcases the firm’s collaborative spirit, commitment to sustainability, and deep understanding of the “Aspen Ideal,” resulting in a retail experience that is both functional and luxurious, seamlessly integrated into the surrounding mountain landscape.