Red Coyote Norman
YEAR: 2025
SIZE: 2,256 sq.ft.
LOCATION: Norman
This retail fit-out transformed a tired building in downtown Norman, Oklahoma, into a bright, flexible environment for Red Coyote Running—a specialty store focused on performance footwear, athletic apparel, and community-driven running culture. The space was thoughtfully designed to support retail operations while reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on connection, movement, and gathering.
Design Brief
The client’s primary goal was to create an open, welcoming space that balances function with personality—one that highlights product while embracing the building’s existing character. Masonry walls and bowstring trusses were preserved and celebrated, reinforcing an authentic and approachable industrial aesthetic. The resulting environment is airy and uncluttered, allowing customers to comfortably browse, engage in gait analysis testing, and participate in events hosted by Red Coyote’s running club.
Design inspiration was rooted in modern, minimal retail environments that prioritize clarity, comfort, and ease of movement. The team focused on creating a space that feels light and intuitive, using simplicity as a tool to highlight both the products and the customer experience. A neutral color palette of black, white, and warm wood tones forms a calm foundation, while accents drawn from Red Coyote’s branding introduce energy and visual identity without overwhelming the space.
A key design challenge was maximizing inventory capacity without compromising the open feel of the sales floor. The solution came in the form of movable, tiered millwork displays. These flexible units provide ample display and concealed drawer storage while allowing the floor plan to adapt for events and group gatherings. Custom fixtures—including the point-of-sale desk and all clothing displays—were designed specifically to reinforce brand identity and maintain visual cohesion.
Upon entering the store, visitors are oriented by the point-of-sale station and surrounding product displays, with clear sightlines across the sales floor. A prominent shoe display wall anchors the space, while movable fixtures guide circulation and encourage exploration. An overhead door allows the storefront to open during favorable weather, transforming the interior into an extension of the street—particularly during run club meetups and community events.
The completed space reflects Red Coyote Running’s identity as both a specialty retailer and a community hub. By combining adaptable planning, durable materials, and honest architectural expression, the project delivers a retail environment that supports performance, connection, and long-term flexibility—creating a place where runners can shop, gather, and feel at home.
