Rocking chair shopping!

Growing up in a small city where people walked, I became enamored of store windows from an early age. First I saw them as pedestrian entertainment -something to enchant and amuse you on your walk. Later I realized it was more like advertising or a visual extension of the store -much the way a diorama enacts a piece of history, a store window can tell a story about a brand that a sales person can't (unless they stand outside the store screaming from the sidewalk)

But, Wednesday, I was in the Philadelphia airport and spotted these rocking chairs along the 'Philadelphia Marketplace' which is a corridor of airport shops. The reference was of an outdoor pedestrian mall (but clearly we were indoors). And it made me think - do rocking chairs make people want to shop? Was this "country porch" environment meant to encourage shopping or sitting? As much as store windows are a way to entice customers into your stores, what does the outside environment say about your store and do you think this one is successful?

Where have YOU seen some in-effective OR effective shopping environments?

Capturing Color

So it seems color is aplenty, must be more signs of spring. Here is a visual story, communicated in color blocks, the 6 suggested steps to a spring wardrobe for those who amble by (which are many as this is bloomingdale's after all). The background unfolds like an accordion as the tale develops. Visually the window reads like a brochure or catalog and the progression caught my eye. Would you 'turn the page' or go inside and shop?

PS - I cannot get this in numeric order (blog deficient!) so forgive me. Thanks.

Good Props = Good Math

I know, we have said it before, but it's true - props help you tell a story! Get the message of your merchandise or brand across better by adding props to your windows. They enhance the windows and give pedestrians reason to pause. If a pedestrian stops in front of your windows, they are one step closer to walking into your store. The more shoppers in your store, the better chance for sales and ....you see where this is going.

Good windows + pedestrian interest - leads to more customers = better sales. That's math we can ALL relate to!

The ART of Window Display

Like all art, a photo will never do it justice, but I had to share this. Sometimes retailers use their valuable window real estate for a higher purpose, in this case the display of something truly visual and "pretty". The top two photos are at Marc Jacobs and is a huge "3D collage" of artificial flowers mixed with accessories. The bottom two is a sculpture in the window of the MoMA restaurant, The Modern, made out of yarn and neon lights. Both are captivating and anytime you can get a pedestrian to STOP and look at your windows is one step closer to having them walk in your door and become a customer. Beautiful windows = Captivated pedestrian = potential customer! step, repeat.