Attack of the Little Wooden People

We have noticed little mannikens popping up everywhere this year! Seen moonlighting at Hermes, working promotions at EuroShop or dancing at H&M, we've spotted these little people being used in a variety of creative ways.

Where have you spotted them?

CDW Merchants goes 'bird watching at Global Shop 2011

Global Shop, the retail trade show, took place in Las Vegas at the end of March and we were there for our 6th year.
using a theme of birds and birdhouses, we highlighted a broad range of capabilities, including distressing techniques, temporary wooden flooring, custom painted wooden signs, rope props, hand assembly work, covered books, cut and sew to name a few.

Using the current trend of blending old with new, we combined materials that were new and shiny with those of a dull vintage nature all with an "urban rustic" style.

We enjoyed visiting with customers and meeting new people and hope to add YOU to our growing roster of top retailers.

Manikins take over Hermes

Hermes' current windows showcase their heritage craftsmanship and it seems the small manikins are doing all the work!

Wearing little aprons made of leather and canvas, these small articulated wooden people are lending a hand to make saddles, leather goods and scarves.

Fantasy windows are great, especially after the holidays when we see so much emphasis on SALES - this is a much needed treat.

Give a hand to Restoration Hardware for a simple idea done well

The best thing about ideas that have been used before is the various creative interpretations.

In this case Restoration Hardware wanted to merchandise its new cashmere hand warmers for holiday and needed something to hold them up. They took wooden hands but stained them so as to appear aged or distressed in keeping with their current in-store look.

We find the warm look of the wood with the knit of the product and the coolness of the grey packaging very eye catching.
And THAT is the goal of visual merchandising.