Project Spotlight: Ariat's Retail Expansion with Denise Lai

Founded in 1993 by CEO Beth Cross, Ariat was built on a mission to revolutionize equestrian footwear by integrating athletic technology into riding boots. Now, over thirty years later, Ariat is expanding its presence with new retail locations, bringing its commitment to innovation into store design. Leading the charge in this effort is Denise Lai, a key member of Ariat’s Retail Design & Construction team.

Denise’s journey to Ariat is as dynamic as the company itself. After spending nearly a decade in the veterinary field, she took a leap of faith in 2022 to follow her passion for experiential and interior design. Now, she plays a pivotal role in shaping Ariat’s retail environments, working alongside mentor Angela Jones to manage new store builds, remodels, pop-ups, and major repairs.

Bringing Retail Spaces to Life with Stikwood

As Ariat expands its retail footprint, designing flexible, stylish, and cost-effective spaces is a top priority. Stikwood has become an essential material in their retail pop-up locations, providing a natural aesthetic without compromising on budget or construction timelines.

“We use Stikwood in basically all our outlet pop-up locations, in various ways. This includes wall coverings, cash wrap, and back wrap coverings,” says Denise. “Our applications aren’t always the easiest, so Stikwood really allowed us to play with the material in less common forms, like a curved cashwrap.”

The versatility of Stikwood has enabled Ariat to bring warmth and authenticity to their spaces while meeting the fast-paced demands of retail expansion. “Stikwood allowed us to provide an authentic feel to the space without compromising on costs or timeline, which are both incredibly tight for pop-ups,” Denise explains.

With Ariat’s continued growth, their commitment to high-quality design and innovation remains unwavering. Thanks to creative problem-solving and strategic material choices like Stikwood, Ariat’s retail spaces reflect the same dedication to craftsmanship that has made their brand a leader in the industry.

Want to connect with Denise Lai? Find her on LinkedIn: Denise Lai