Anthropologie draws customers inside with art

We think this is a neat way of using the outdoor mall space to bring customers in and carry the VM message throughout the store.

These rattan and rope abstract sculptures were hanging outside the store, in the window and within the store helping to create an overall cohesive theme.

The natural, arty quality helped set the mood for this seasons clothes and lent the store environment an air of whimsical sophistication.

What are other ways have you seen to creatively draw customers into stores visually?

L'Occitane reinforces the secrets of summer with props

More marketing enhancement ideas, this time from L'Occitane en Provence, the natural skincare and beauty brand from France.

the use of flowers, tree stumps and rocks artful arranged on a green liner, helps impart the message of natural ingredients and highlight the origins of their products.

Natural Color shines bright

Here's an interesting one from Eileen Fisher that pairs natural neutrals with bright contrasting colors in an effective way. The brand's laid back sensibility shines brightly with the use of a yellow backdrop, twine, natural wood and lights. Hanging the clothes as lanterns is a cute way to get a second look from pedestrians and a chance to get them into the store.

(due to some camera/ technical difficulty, it's been awhile since we posted, but look for new windows coming up this week)

5 themes we noticed this holiday

Holiday 2009 was an exciting season at retail and kudos to the hard working teams of visual merchandisers who helped bring some fun back into store display! We noticed a few themes emerging during the season:

1. winter white - seen here at Polo RL but noted in many locations, the snowy frosty look was a hit.

2. natural influences - the inclusion of real and fake trees, garlands and other natural elements like pine cones lent an old fashioned air to store display.

3. wrapped boxes - most likely what retailers hoped all our homes looked like but the inclusion of wrapped packages in many retail windows gave an air of positive thinking and colorful imagery. Noted here at Ann Taylor Loft but noted in earlier blogs as well.
4. glitter - things that sparkle and shine catch our eye and many went in this shiny direction. Looking ahead to brighter times?

5. effort!! - the biggest thing we noticed this season was retailers big and small put a lot of effort into giving a festive appearance at retail that made shopping fun and entertaining. When was the last time you said that?

What did you see around this holiday season that is worth noting?

Naturally Fesitve

Seen here - two examples of natural elements; trees & twine balls
combined with festive touches; strings of lights, wrapped boxes and light globes.

Clean and simple ideas but effective and the oversize strands of lights add a nice dimension.

Bringing the outdoors in.

Here's a simple solution for a riser - using tree stumps. Its a great way to add some natural elements into your store environment and adds a nice bit of texture and color.

What other bits of nature have you seen indoors that add warmth to a store?

Like a Moth to a flame

Always drawn to beauty, found myself once again in front of Bergdorf Goodman's - looking at the most stunning digital prints of Moths from Joseph Scheer's new book. The complementary fashions exhibited along side this artwork made the windows truly magical. Another fine moment for art and fashion.

Spring is Abloom!

The magic of spring is upon us and signs of it are popping up all over, especially at retail. Macy's annual Flower Show blossomed last week with flowering windows and sidewalk performances. All the 34th street windows featured whimsical paper sculptures by Eloise Corr Danch. Easter bonnets shone in the bright sun on Fifth Avenue this past weekend. Each year, bulbs and flowers bring light and color to our spirits as we shake off the darkness of winter - this year it is a very welcome and refreshing sign of hope and renewal as we look toward a better economy and brighter future. Where have you seen signs of hope at retail?

Trending Natural

Seen around the city over the past couple weeks; natural elements like twigs and iconic display ideas like a clothes line. At Ungaro it is abstract and artistic mixed with natural yarn. At Bonpoint, the clothes are all white and only the clips add color and at ABC a twig doubles as a closet. All lend an air of casual beauty and reference a longing for something decidedly "un-tech".