When Lane Bryant needed industrial fixtures for a nationwide renovation, they didn’t go to a corporate manufacturer — they came to Monroe Trades!
It began with a single clothing stand — and grew into a full-scale rollout across more than 50 stores, from fitting rooms to sales floors. I built every piece by hand in my Vermont shop — and delivered each one ahead of schedule, on budget, and built to last.
This is the story of how our small shop outfitted a national retail brand, without cutting corners or compromising on craft.
Project Overview
They originally purchased one of my classic clothing stands, and my wife noticed it shipped to Lane Bryant. A couple weeks later, I got an email from their Merchandise Display Manager who said they loved the piece and asked if I could make a larger version for their fitting rooms. That email kicked off a full custom buildout that would span across stores nationwide.
The original stand that caught Lane Bryant’s attention.
What started with a fitting room rack quickly expanded to showroom wall racks and ultimately a full-scale renovation package for over 50 Lane Bryant locations across the U.S. They sent Excel sheets with locations, itemized product needs per store, and construction schedules. I worked through those deliverables store by store, making sure products were ready ahead of each buildout so installation crews never had to wait.
Coordinating part numbers and delivery timelines.
The Challenge
Lane Bryant wanted to update their retail experience to reflect a more current industrial aesthetic. The challenge was designing sturdy, functional hardware that didn’t look too generic or off-the-shelf.
Many fitting rooms and display zones needed to meet ADA accessibility standards, including requirements for clear floor space, turning radii, reach ranges, and mounting height — all while working within tight spatial constraints.
Adapting to unique spatial constraints across different stores.
The Approach
I started with prototype builds based on my standard product line and then refined each version based on feedback. They created internal part numbers and CAD drawings to ensure consistency across stores, and I matched those with my production schedule and shipping logistics.
I incorporated shipping directly into each deliverable timeline to ensure no downtime for the construction crews—time is money on their end, and I wanted to be a reliable part of that workflow.
Specific Examples
Towel bars, hang hooks, and bins all required exact lengths and spacing to fit within their evolving fitting room formats.
Custom Towel Hangbars
Custom Hooks, Hangbars, & Reinforced Backing
Accessible Fitting Rooms
Custom Clothing Bin Bar Supports
Interested in building something similar? Let’s talk.
Design Details
- Materials: Standard black steel pipe, reinforced vertical bars to support heavy clothing loads
- Mounting: Wall-mounted (client-installed), backed with hardwood for strength
- Finish: Matte black industrial pipe, sanded wood elements where used
Example Completed Fitting Room with Seven Changing Areas.
Working with the Lane Bryant Team
It was a great experience collaborating with Jeff F. and Larry S. at Lane Bryant. We developed a rhythm for design, production, and delivery that allowed for seamless rollout across dozens of locations.
They were communicative, organized, and trusted me to handle fabrication without micromanaging. That mutual respect made it possible to deliver on time, at scale, without cutting corners.
One of over 50 completed store rollouts.
What Made It Special
This wasn’t just a big order—it was a chance to demonstrate how a small-scale shop like mine could handle national-level retail demands.
If I could do it again, I’d push to be more involved in on-site consultation and installation. That would help optimize mounting methods and speed up install time even more. But I’m proud that the products held up, looked sharp, and helped them deliver a fresh new in-store experience.
Ready for a Custom Project?
Got a store buildout, commercial remodel, or just need something built the right way? Let’s talk. I build everything by hand in Vermont and I love solving real-world problems with high quality materials.
This post is part of our ongoing series showcasing real projects and lasting craftsmanship from Monroe Trades custom builds.