When mother and son owners Sharon and Robert Sternheim approached Bruce E. Teitelbaum, a long-time Zitomer customer and CEO of RPG, to re-imagine their store design in a post-Covid world, the seamless blend of heritage appeal with contemporary updates was of paramount importance. Always the go-to choice for savvy customers, it was critical to retain the store’s well-established stature and reliability while engaging new customers. With that in mind, RPG created an entirely fresh retail concept for Zitomer, a unique upscale, landmark department store and pharmacy on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Established in 1950 and last renovated more than 35 years ago, Zitomer’s owners looked to RPG for the vision to evolve their cherished store into a fully reinvented specialty shopping experience.

The result is a stunning, modern environment steeped in classical apothecary and department store design. Polished gold and black lacquered fixtures are presented against a natural shagreen wall covering and custom black-and-white porcelain flooring. Brands are displayed on abundantly illuminated shelving and glamorous display cases. The design details serve to make the high-end beauty assortment irresistible, and even everyday staples are alluring among the fixtures and materials. The pharmacy also blends modern execution and operation with an old-world feeling. A testament to great design is the delight and amazement that strikes customers as they experience the glamour and distinction of their beloved Zitomer.