SDI/HTI restructures with name change

Retail specialist SDI/HTI has appointed a new head as part of major restructuring plans, which include a name change for the New York consultancy.

Now called FRCH Worldwide Design, the consultancy has appointed retail executive Joseph Cicio as vice-chairman and chief creative officer. The restructuring also includes “the introduction of merchandise consulting and visual merchandising”, according to an FRCH spokesman.

The consultancy will continue to operate from its Cincinnati office, which will be headed by partners James Fitzgerald and Kevin Roche. Cicio will join remaining partner Edward Hambrecht in the New York office.

“One of the most exciting aspects of the realignment is that we expect to raise store design to a new level by incorporating more business acumen into our work,” says Cicio.

SDI/HTI is currently working on design projects for Selfridges and House of Fraser in the UK.