Merchandising Ideas for Retailers I’m a big fan of Free People, Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters. I’m a big fan of a 4′ cross-bar, and not the 2′ bars that you see here. That being said, I love this presentation. They’re following a lot of rules that I would adhere to. I.e. Lightest to Darkest from left to right. Tops above bottoms and so on. They’re also doing a lot of things I likely wouldn’t do, especially garments hung too high, and too much space between the shelf and the hanging garments. But…overall ‘This store is really fun and interesting!’ I love the denim on hooks. I love the clothing stories that are being told. I love the natural woods. I love the shelf over the hang bar and the custom hangers. My favourite stores are not ‘perfect’ stores. They’re ‘interesting’! I really hate slat wall! It’s probably my biggest nightmare! Here … ‘The Wall is interesting’. The necklace holders are made with capped copper pipe! The sample ‘fairy’ dresses are hung on hand formed hangers. The lighting is perfect! As an independent retailer, you
Why sexy? Anthropologie Last week I got the opportunity to have a look at the newest stores in Park Royal South Mall, West Vancouver. Most of you will already know that I believe Anthropologie is the leader in Visual Presentation. Urban Outfitters – The Sexy Sister I was blown away by how much I loved the design elements and visual presentation at Urban Outfitters. You may not know that Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and Free People are all owned by the same company – Urban Outfitters Inc. Hence their similarities! I’m not going to talk about their product or controversies in this blog post, but only what I love and why. The Entry Urban and Edgy The materials are humble! Plywood, Pegboard, concrete floors, recycled timbers. The Design element of the timber-framed pentagon and triangle is everywhere; from the clothing fixtures to the upper walls . The repeating of the element keeps the store cohesive and interesting. The space is interesting from the floor to the really high ceilings. Have a look at the lighting as well in these images. I’m not a huge fan of
Merchandising Concepts The Vintage Suitcase I don’t know how many times I’ve been to thrift stores looking for Vintage Suitcases. I’ve left them as they were; I’ve painted them numerous colours; I’ve re-purposed them many times, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen any used like this. This is a reception desk! Where do I get props? I’m always asked this question. Here goes. Lumber yards of all kinds. Habitat for Humanity stores which are full of amazing things, and super cheap, and I can take them back there when I’m done! Wholesalers of all kinds. I travel to trade shows to see what’s new and happening but remember to order right away, because if it’s cool enough to buy, others think so too; Discount stores including ‘dollar stores’; Multicultural areas like Vancouver’s Chinatown and lastly I personally make a lot of things. Hope that gives you some inspiration and gives you new ideas for your store. What does Urban Spaces Design offer? We are here to help you as a Consultant, A Designer, and Expert in Visual Presentation and
Retail Windows that Get Noticed I’m working on a presentation for a Business Community and it really doesn’t matter if it’s a Clothing Store, A Bank, a Travel Agency or others. The message I would give them would be the same. You must ensure that your store front and windows portray what your business, it’s strategy and brand stand for. Anything else is counter productive! Two to Three Seconds to make an impression That’s all the time you get to get new customers in the door. The time it takes to drive by or walk by…you can count the seconds yourself. Your store front has to: 1. Catch their eye 2. Send a Simple Single Message 3. Give a compelling reason to stop 4. Lure them into an in-store visit. If you know your Strategy and Target Market then the window and store front message will be designed to appeal only to that target market segment. For example, If you’re an upscale Children’s Toy Store, everything about that store front will be designed to entice your target market into your
Risers and other things! What’s wrong with this merchandising? Yes, I love the mugs and…I love the cushions, but they have NO connection. You will sell more product if you ‘Tell a story’. Here are your choices. You can put all the mugs together in an area You can put all the cushions in an area or… You can tell a story with Chairs, Cushions, Breakfast nook, Coffee beans… What I really dislike. In the image above, they have chosen to put the cushions up against the dreaded slot wall – possibly to hide it. Cushions generally go into a cabinet or showcase sideways or they are used in a ‘setting’. They’ve used a ‘RISER’. Whatever for? Risers should only be used to elevate product when it wouldn’t otherwise be seen. Professionals will use risers only as a last resort! The price tag is placed front and centre on the mug. In my opinion the price tag should be on the bottom of the mug, where it doesn’t distract from the message. It makes customers pick it up to see if they like
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