Friday, July 31, 2009

Marketing with a message



Livestrong, the Lance Armstrong foundation that helps unite people to fight cancer has teamed up with Nike who is a sponsor of the Livestrong Challenge, which is a series of fundraising events. They have taken to the streets to encourage people to speak out about cancer by chalking their words on the sidewalks and roads.
Here sitting on a pile of chalk boxes is a mannequin wearing a Livestrong shirt. The bold yellow grabs your attention and helps get the message out - caution cancer - we're fighting back!

For more info on Livestrong or to find out about a Livestrong Challenge coming to a city near you, go to http://tinyurl.com/lxyym8

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Hand it over!!







it's "all hands on deck" at Coach as they launched their new secondary line called Poppy. The addition of these colorful hands, to help merchandise this new, youthful product line deserves a real "high five"and reminds us why...it's all in the details.

http://www.coach.com/poppy-us/














Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Ta DA!!




Bring on a little drama to help cool the heat in the city and lure customers in!

This elaborate ribbon dress was used as the backdrop for accessories in the window of Henri Bendel's. Viola!

Friday, July 24, 2009

Revisting ideas














The 2 photos in blue were spotted this week in the windows of Macy's on 34th Street.

The more colorful photos are from Anthropologie back in June. http://cdwmerchants.blogspot.com/2009/06/blowing-in-wind.html
Whether or not this is an idea revisited, or just a coincidence and part of the collective unconscious makes it even better. It is hard to come up with new ideas day in and day out and many believe "there are no new ideas". Whatever side you end up on - the originator or the copier, we all need inspiration, we all need to share ideas and "imitation is the highest form of flattery".
What ideas have you seen revisited recently and where?

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

What does your SALE sign say about your brand?

Obviously we pay a lot more attention to store design than the average person, but I am sure you have noticed it too. It seems that every other store has a window dominated by a large sale sign and frankly, I am tired of it!
In today's economy, and consumers with less disposable income, brands need to stand out as having something special to offer their customers. Rather than just non-stop sales, why not offer value or service, or something unique?
What lies behind all these indistinguishable Sale signs and what would make someone need to venture in if they know the store next store is also on Sale?

So please, bring back the window display, bring on the creativity and dazzle the consumer at the street level. Give the pedestrian a reason to walk inside and become a customer OTHER than just because it's on SALE.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Let's poll the pole....

Do you love it or hate it?
We see this one often - a wooden pole used to promote one item; in this case shorts and polo shirts. Visual merchandisers seem to like this simple idea - hanging a pole with multiple examples of the same item - maybe to highlight available color or different fabrics. It does give the viewer the visual range of options available at a glance. But is it innovative or interesting? What do you think?

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Small gestures, Grand results...















It's not the size of the prop or the big idea that is always the winner. Sometimes, it's the simple thought or the well worn idea that works wonders.
Though frames as prop is not a new idea, it was used here effectively because these windows were so big, with glass floor to ceiling and the floor and walls in black. The gold frames added a depth and geographic element that focuses attention where it's needed, on the mannequins.

In contrast to the large black windows at Sisley, the Burberry window is very small and shallow. The addition of the graphic X printed on the white backdrop draws your attention where it should be, on the clothing.
Remember our goal in Visual Merchandising, to increase sales through the creative merchandising of product. We salute the efforts to do so - big and small!

Monday, July 13, 2009

Capture a Moment!





A store window is nothing more than a stage - so get dramatic!
Many brands do well to remember this and freeze frame small moments or create little worlds that grab pedestrian's attention.
Seen here in Milan - the all wood and mirrored box, the safari moment and the perforated metal chamber.
Because if you want to catch someones attention, you must have something to say. But once you do, don't hold back - people love a good show!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Brand Consistency is Key!






We have already said that Ralph Lauren is consistent in his brand message, carrying his vision throughout all his stores but it is great to see! While in Milan, we saw this store which looks like it could be Bleeker Street in NY. The plantings, the awnings, the window dressings are all so brand specific and let you know exactly where you are no matter which country you are in.


Look around - where do you see brand inconsistencies and what helps keep a brand 'on message'?


Wednesday, July 8, 2009

It's a car, it's a boat!!



















Put something large in a small window and your bound to turn heads!
Granted this car is not large but the makeover is. This is a tricked out "boat model" from Castagna Milano and it was put in a window in Milan on a floor of sand, with a couple of mannequins and some rope to add to the nautical inspiration - and tricked out in a nautical theme, it is! Complete with decking, this car makes you want to head to the beach.
For more info on Castagna Milano - http://tinyurl.com/nhtydb

Friday, July 3, 2009

Milan - That's vial!


Here's a simple one with this summer's HOT/ Hot color (hot pink)
Seen at Tom Ford in Milan, this window was direct and effective. A wall of pink, glass vials were artfully hung behind a small grouping of shoes with the cologne acting as the branded sign and a pair of glasses lending an air of cool.
It's the one prop repeated in multiples idea that we see time and again as a solid window enhancement.
(it's good to be back & tune in for more from Italy!)