Uptown Girl by Rachel Zoe at Bloomingdales

America's most notable stylist, Rachel Zoe has launched her clothing collection and Bloomindale's gave her window space to make a splash.

She does a nice job of telling a story through propping and the windows have a pleasing affect. From the mini Eiffel tower, to disco balls in a British phone booth - the themes of leisure and playing come through nicely.

Head over and see what this Uptown Girl is up to.

Holiday recap at Kate Spade

WOW! What a busy season it was. Forgive the long delay on posting.

Thought we would take a minute to look back on some of the holiday displays for inspiration and thoughts for 2011.
it's never too early to start thinking Christmas - especially if you have big plans!

Kate Spade was all about bling and abundance - loved the over sized ornaments and stacked gifting tables with gold trays to keep items organized. and how can you not love those penguins?

for more photos - see Racked's write up

http://ny.racked.com/archives/2010/12/24/kate_and_andy_and_their_always_charming_holiday_vignettes.php

Shoes can be tough

We have all walked by store windows with lackluster displays of shoes - so when we see examples where the shoes do shine - it's a good thing. Admittedly, shoes are a bit hard to display so raising the bar is good. Here' a few examples - where have you seen shoe success stories?

5 things we LOVE about Visual Merchandising

1. It can tell a story
Good visuals can help a retailer sell the image of their brand. It’s best when visuals tie back to product but as long as the message is clear and the window is effective, we can learn a lot about a brand or store from their windows.

2. It can promote a good cause
Often retailers get involved in collaborating with charities or doing marketing tie ins. Using their store windows to communicate this is a great way to capture pedestrians attention and let them know what is important to their company.

3. It can show me who cares

When retailers take the time to think about the presentation of their store environment, it sets a tone. Good windows, clean selling floors and details like props in display vitrines add interest for the consumer and show that the brand cares what you think.

4. It helps me keep time

Seasonal enhancements and decoratives that reflect the time of year, help consumers know when and what to celebrate. Especially in the busy fall and winter season from Halloween to Easter stores help set the pace when there is one holiday after another.

5. It entertains me

As they say in PR, "bad news is still news" and even when a store window is unattractive, it can get people talking. Often I will pull over to look at a bad window and wonder where they were going with the idea -its like when you watch a bad movie with good actors and ask yourself "didn't any of them know while it was being made"?

Pedestal Rising!

Here are some examples of risers and pedestals that help highlight product and give height to window displays. The corrugated 'seat' for the mannequin is interesting as well as purposeful and each of these serve a different need but all speak to the idea that pedestrians notice what is at eye level more than objects on the floor. So vary the height of your window and get your product noticed. Go ahead - put yourself on a pedestal!

Screaming SALE does not always draw the crowds

It seems like all we see these days are SALE signs. This used to always bring a smile to the face of the consumer. Now (especially in the cold post-Christmas months), the giant red SALE signs are expected.

Common themes do not grab the attention of consumers. SALE signs are a common theme.

Be different. Show people that you are not a victim of the bad economic times and spice up your window displays. Bright spring colors/themes will draw the eye of the consumer more than another boring sale sign.