LOVE your brand!

The creativity and enthusiasm present in this window is inspiring. It's a retail outlet for a yarn brand and between the flags, and the lion with the mane of yarn and the yarn balls and scarfs - I want to knit! Even the door handles are wrapped in yarn.

Your store windows can (and we think should) be infectious. But people can't love your brand if you don't get them in the store - so let's capture them at the window. I love windows - hear me roar!

Frame it!

More and more specialty retailers are using frames in their windows to display marketing images to help convey the 'lifestyle' behind their brand. We think this is a great way to tell a story to potential customers as it says more about the clothes than just a mannequin. The selection of the frames themselves says a lot about the brand too and we think these are two great examples for urban consumers. How do you want to frame your message?

Window as metaphor?

I am not sure if this window is meant to be simply artistic (the layered colors and texture are appealing) or a message. If this is a statement on the economy (what else could a life vest symbolize when you are not a boating store?) - we better start shopping! Either way, it's unexpected and we love that - catch pedestrians off guard and you get them talking.

What do you think this window is saying? (Don't worry, we won't analyze your answer.)

Add Props!

Time and again we see that props can make or break a window. Sure tiny mannequins and kids clothes are cute but this window would not be worth a second look if it were not for the addition of the hoola hoops. I am not proposing that this is the most magnificent thing I have ever seen, but as a pedestrian and consumer it catches my eye and as a lover of store windows, it makes me appreciate the store for going the extra mile.

So add something to your next window and if you can't think of anything - call us, we can!

Racked Recap 2008: The Best Windows

I don't know how I missed this but its a fun recap of some of the best windows of last year. Not sure I agree with all of them but it's a great collection of the creative expression we love. To see the whole picture and the list go to:

http://racked.com/archives/2008/12/23/racked_recap_2008_best_windows.php

Have you seen any other best/ worst window winners? Please share!

Consistency Keeps a brand alive

Recently some marketing people were asking what helps a brand stay relevant and how do you manage all the forms of online and offline communication. The answer that came through loud and clear was - consistency. No one has done a better job of staying "on message" than Ralph Lauren. The lifestyle brand that RL sells is highlighted in his clothes, ads, marketing and windows. Here the college pennants and trophies are old and battered but make a dramatic presentation that sells his message of casual elegance and the collegiate life. Using a collection of props in your window is a great way to explain your brand. What do your windows say?

Trendspotting: butterflies

I don't know about you, but I can't open a magazine, go into a store or turn on the TV without seeing butterflies. It seems these fluttering creatures are everywhere in home and fashion design and here they are seen as props in the window of a high-end children's store. A welcome sight in these somewhat dreary times, butterflies represent rebirth, renewal and awakening, so this positive symbol is refreshing. My heart is a flutter with signs of spring.