Abt Electronics has expanded its 100,000-square foot showroom to commemorate the company’s 80th anniversary. The new Inspiration Studio adds 10,000-square feet in the company’s Glenview, IL, store and showcases a host of upscale appliances in 12 interconnected kitchen settings.
The idea for the expanded space started with Bob Abt, the family patriarch who passed away in 2015. His vision was to create unique spaces that showcase luxury appliances while exposing the retailer’s customers to innovations in kitchen design, said Jon Abt, one of Bob Abt’s four sons who share the title of co-president.
“We’re always updating our retail environment to stay on top of the latest trends and technology, but my dad’s goal was to always do it in a way no one else was doing it,” said Abt.
Inspiration Studio was designed by Mick De Giulio, owner of de Giulio Kitchen Designs, who has worked with the Abt family for more than 25 years. “His motivation was to provide the best customer experience, as in everything that Bob did,” recalled De Giulio. “And to do that, Bob wanted quality to be felt at every level in the new space. Bob gave us total artistic freedom to bring his vision to life.”
Among the featured items included in Inspiration Studio include Sub-Zero ovens with no handles that open with one touch, Thermador’s Freedom induction cooktop with a large, fully usable surface, Dacor’s in-home wine station, La Cornue’s custom oven with gas burners and an induction top as well as a gas and electric oven all in one, and La Cornue’s island and range set-up, among other high-end appliances.
The 12 interconnected spaces are each devoted to a particular manufacturer, showcasing its own style, and each space allows live cooking demonstrations, as the kitchens are fully functioning. Appliance manufacturers featured in the new space include Bosch, Dacor, Gaggenau, Jenn Air, La Cornue, LG, Miele, Monogram, Thermador, Samsung, Sub-Zero/Wolf and Viking.
