Case Study: Shinola Store Opening at Easton Town Center
Client: Shinola
Project: Grand Opening Event Coverage & Architectural Photography
Location: Easton Town Center, Columbus, Ohio
Overview
When Shinola, the Detroit-based luxury lifestyle brand, announced the opening of its newest retail location at Easton Town Center, they needed a photographer who could capture the elegance of the space, the energy of the event, and the attention to detail that defines their brand. We were honored to partner with Shinola to photograph their grand opening and document this exciting new chapter in their retail expansion.
Objectives
Capture high-quality architectural images of the new Shinola storefront
Document the grand opening event and customer interactions
Highlight brand elements, interior design, and product displays
Provide Shinola with a versatile image library for marketing, PR, and digital content
Challenges
Store openings are dynamic, fast-paced environments with a lot of moving parts. The challenge lies in balancing architectural photography with live event coverage, all while staying unobtrusive and professional. In addition, Shinola’s high-end aesthetic demanded imagery that reflected the sophistication and craftsmanship of the brand.
Approach
We approached this project with a dual focus:
Architectural & Environmental Imagery – Before the event began, we captured wide-angle and detail shots of the storefront, interiors, lighting, and visual merchandising. The goal was to showcase the design of the space in its best light—clean, intentional, and premium.
Event Coverage – During the grand opening, we shifted gears to capture candid moments of customer engagement, brand interactions, and the vibrant atmosphere. We focused on key touchpoints like product displays, staff interactions, and overall event flow.
Throughout the shoot, we remained agile—blending into the background when needed, while also stepping in to get the hero shots that define the story.
Results
The final image set delivered a cohesive visual narrative that Shinola could use across multiple platforms. The photos highlighted:
The refined design of the new store
The craftsmanship and quality associated with the Shinola brand
The elevated customer experience during the event
The transformation of Easton’s main entrance as a luxury shopping destination
Client Impact
Shinola received a polished, ready-to-use library of images that supported their grand opening PR efforts, social media campaigns, and future marketing materials. Our work helped reinforce their brand presence in the Columbus market and visually tied the new store to their national identity.
Conclusion
Partnering with Shinola for their Easton Town Center grand opening was a rewarding experience and a perfect showcase of our commercial and architectural photography capabilities. Whether it’s a high-profile retail launch or an intimate brand experience, we bring the same level of professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail to every project.
“Robb McCormick Photography is a corporate and commercial photographer who also specializes in wedding photography. RMP has worked with many commercial companies including Shinola, GQ, The City of Dublin, COSI, and Giant Eagle. ”
