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KRCrossing's Top 5 Highlights of 2023

Writer's picture: Michele M. BarnesMichele M. Barnes

Happy New Year and welcome to the first 2024 edition of the KRCrossing Kronicles! As we step into a new year full of possibilities, let's take a moment to look back at 2023 - a year filled with milestones, innovation, and teamwork. 


Here are our top 5 highlights from a remarkable year at KRCrossing.


1. Lululemon - Stretching New Boundaries


Going Big with Lululemon

2023 was a year of going the extra mile (literally) with Lululemon. We rolled up our sleeves and dived into expanding their presence across North America. Six projects, both in the US and Canada, both full-price and outlet – talk about variety! Each one had its own flavor, running anywhere from 4 to 6 months, all with the same goal: bigger reach, better visibility, and pumping up those sales figures.



Massachusetts Outlet – Setting Records

One of our crowning moments? Launching Massachusetts' very first Lululemon outlet. This wasn’t just any project; it was a race against time, and boy, did we sprint! We're talking about the fastest build-out for a Lululemon outlet ever. Talk about setting records!



Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

The Wrentham Outlet wasn’t just a KRCrossing show; it was a symphony of collaboration. We teamed up with MRS Construction, who were ace players in overcoming the construction challenges. But wait, there’s more – a whole lineup of stars like Pipp Mobile, JCI, WAM, Jones Sign, BKA Architects, Boston Barricade, CS Illumination, Granite, Shopper Trak, Spencer Technologies, Tyco, Royal Laser, you name it. Each partner played their part to perfection, making sure everything clicked into place like a well-oiled machine.

2. Sephora - Turning Up the Brightness on Innovation


Light It Up with Sephora

Picture this: 2023, 40 Sephora stores, and us with a mission to light them up like never before. We weren’t just swapping out bulbs; we were revolutionizing the shopping experience. Each store got a swanky new LED lighting setup, making those makeup shades pop just like they would in natural daylight. It's not only about looking good; it's about being green too – these lights are eco-friendly all the way.



Night Owls in Action

Let’s talk logistics – and boy, were they a doozy! Imagine coordinating a mini-army of general contractors and managing overnight makeovers in 40 stores. That's right, we hustled through the night (for 11 nights straight per store) to keep the day-to-day sparkle of Sephora uninterrupted. It was all hands on deck, every night, making sure that each store was ready to shine bright the next morning.



Cheers All Around

Fast forward to project completion, and the applause is still echoing. Sephora's crew and customers can’t get enough of the new vibe. The lighting isn’t just better; it’s bringing out the best in every product. And guess what? We’re not stopping there. Riding on this wave of success, we're gearing up to take this light show to 40 more stores. It’s a big thumbs-up to our team’s hard work and a sign that we’re on the right track – making spaces brighter and experiences better.


3. Welcoming Rich to KRCrossing


A Significant Addition

2023 was made special with Rich joining the KRCrossing team. Coming on board with his engineering smarts and a knack for solving problems, Rich has been nothing short of a breath of fresh air for us at KRCrossing. His arrival was a major leap forward for our team dynamics and how we tackle projects.



Invaluable Contributions

Since Rich joined, things have really kicked up a notch in the project management department. He's got this unique way of slicing through complex challenges, making our workflows smoother and a lot more efficient. It's like he's got a sixth sense for figuring out the best way to get things done – and our projects are all the better for it.



4. Revolutionizing Site Walk-Throughs


Shaking Up the Walk-Through Game

This year, we decided to flip the script on how we do site walk-throughs, and guess what? It worked wonders! Rich hits the ground running on-site, iPad in hand, while Michele backs him up remotely, ready to jot down every detail. It’s like having eyes and ears everywhere – super efficient and totally effective.


Divide and Conquer Strategy

Here’s how we roll: Rich takes charge of the physical side of things – snapping pics, checking out every nook and cranny, and giving live commentary. Meanwhile, Michele is the mastermind behind the scenes, typing out notes in real time, making sure we don’t miss a beat. This tag-team approach has cut our site visit times in half, without skimping on the details.


Why It’s a Big Deal

Not only are we saving heaps of time, but we're also getting a more complete, well-rounded view of each project. We wrap up these site visits with a comprehensive, super-detailed overview, which means better planning, fewer do-overs, and a smoother ride for everyone involved. It's simple, it's effective, and it just makes sense.



5. Digital Engagement: LinkedIn and Newsletter


Making Waves on LinkedIn

Remember when we started posting on LinkedIn 7 months ago? Well, it's been a wild ride! Our content is hitting the mark, and we’ve seen our presence grow in leaps and bounds. It’s all about engaging posts that get people talking – and it's paying off big time.


Newsletter’s a Smash Hit

Speaking of hitting it out of the park, our newsletter’s been doing just that. With only five issues under our belt, we’re already rocking a 68% open rate. That’s huge! It means you’re loving what we’re putting out there, and we couldn’t be happier.


Why This Matters

These digital strides are more than just numbers. They’re about connecting with you, sharing our stories, and building a community around what we do. Every like, comment, and open is a thumbs-up to keep doing what we’re doing, and we’re all in.



2023 was quite the ride – full of boundary-pushing, challenge-crushing, and high-fiving all our successes along the way. Every single win, big or small, wasn't just about what we achieved; it was about the muscle and heart our partners put in, the relentless drive of our team, and the awesome support from you folks – our clients and readers who keep the gears turning.


Big thanks for joining us on this wild ride in 2023. Here’s to making 2024 another year for the books – filled with even more groundbreaking projects, rock-solid partnerships, and successes we all share. Let’s roll up our sleeves and make it happen!


Cheers to a smashing and successful new year,


Michele and Rich

KRCrossing Consulting

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