Creative Solutions

With Ala Moana’s Centerstage renovation under way, this...

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 23:02:00 -1000

Laid down the first 100', another 2300' to go!

With Ala Moana’s Centerstage renovation under way, this year’s Shop a L‘ea fashion event was held on a hot pink carpet that spanned the length of the shopping center. CS was tasked to source the carpet, create a “figure 8” runway and install within one night. Approximately 2400 linear feet of carpet was laid.

The impact of color added a freshness to the center while creating a buzz of the daily events. Click on the link below to see video of the DVF show.

Fashion photos courtesy of Fashion Tribe - Star Advertiser.

Makana Trading Co.

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:31:00 -1000

It was a pleasure working with Makana Trading Co. located in the Outrigger on the Beach. They have been a retailer in Waikiki for over 20 years and are very committed to the island resort business.

Our goal was to:

Meet with the buyer and store management to garner information, current business, inventory capacities;
Determine customer traffic patterns to maximize key selling areas;
Analyze selling space to maximize product presentation

The major challenge with this space is the lack of a traditional front door; there is no true entrance and exit. Secondly, the location off a busy concourse reduces visibility only allowing guests a peripheral view into the store.

CS needed to create a focal display area to capture pedestrian attention and to create stronger aisle ways into the middle of the store.

BEFORE:
The center display table blended with the rest of the fixtures creating no excitement.

AFTER:
The elevated mannequin platform creates a visible focal point for pedestrian traffic.

BEFORE:
To much clutter at the entry point did not allow for an easy walk path.

AFTER:
Clearing the entrance and making definite aisles makes for easier entry and shopping. Grouping the standing mannequins also gives the store a more uniform and organized point of view.

BEFORE:
Utilizing prime real estate at the front of store for lower priced items.

AFTER:
Due to strong sales in the Men’s division, expanding this category at the front of store as well as the back walls helped to gain more square footage and higher visibility.

FEATURE WALL:
With many patterns and styles, the best way to merchandising method is to organize by silhouette and color. The shelving uppers can be utilized for props or a strong statement of product. Keeping to one style continues a uniform sight line.

For more tips on impressive store fronts take a look at our past post HERE.

Pantone Color of the Year-Emerald

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:40:00 -1000

This season, designers overwhelmingly address consumers’ desire for self-expression, balance and the need to re-energize. The color direction for spring builds upon these compelling needs with a palette that mixes dynamic brights with novel neutrals to create

a harmonious balance. This allows for unique combinations that offer practicality and versatility, but at the same time, demand attention and earn an appreciative glance. -excerpted from Pantone.com

HOME COLLECTION

via Nenaghgal

via bossycolor

via oxford design

ACCESSORIES

Tory Burch

Etsy

DV by Dolce Vita

WOMENS WEAR

Lauren by Ralph Lauren

via Stylesight

via Pantone

MENS WEAR

Prada via highstreetculture

via thesatorialist

Ala Moana’s Fall Fashion Event 2012. Kept with an all...

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:42:02 -1000

Ala Moana’s Fall Fashion Event 2012.

Kept with an all white stage flooring again but layered in a 24’ long black high gloss runway. Our inspiration again was the Fashion’s Night Out backdrop and logo.

We created a cityscape of gatorboard and the 16’ wide LED screen was our downtown “billboard”. Thanks Ala Moana for letting us have fun with this!

Mina Pharmacy-Signage Program

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:03:00 -1000

We must apologize for our lag time in posting. It is my mission for 2013 to be more consistent and upload images immediately after completing a project.

CS was contacted by Mina Pharmacy last fall to assist with a new signage program, floor move and window displays for their newest retail endeavor. Mina Pharmacy located at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center in Maui includes retail vs. the traditional pharmacy they are known for.

Our considerations for this project included:

Increase brand visibility in-store
Use existing design elements
Explore organizational and directional signs

Design Goals:

Create visuals that promote the Company Identity (logo)
Design attractive visuals for customer-facing windows
Generate information signs for sections or special needs
Evolve the MIna brand beyond current standards
Introduce fresh & engaging visual elements in line with the leading pharmacy & convenience stores

Window Signage

Since there were no other design elements outside of the logo, the mortar & pestle became the main visual in all of the collateral. The internal signage (permanent) used the branded red & blue of Mina Pharmacy. The window signage (temporary) has a seasonal color palette. By repeating the logo this created a cohesive signage program that can be re-used and ingrains the logo into the customer psyche.

Window Fixture & Signs

By adding vertical fixtures in these high traffic windows allowed this location to highlight the various products offered. Switching out with weekly specials or new products keeps these windows from becoming stagnant.

Every window display includes the logo to reiterate what store customers are at.

Gondola Signage

Before: Generic signage with monotone backdrop.

After: Bolder color that reinforces the branded Mina Pharmacy palette. Stronger statement that ties in with the rest of the internal and window signage.

Overhead Signage

Again, using the branded Mina Pharmacy palette, these signs help to define the corner space as well as visually garner attention from pedestrian traffic outside.

Still using the mortar & pestle, this 3-dimensial lettering communicates where beverages are located.

If you are a store owner, what does your signage communicate? Does it relay who you are and what you offer? Small budgets can still have the same impact. Consider a consistent typeface & size, color palette and message (keep words to a minimum). Make sure to use card stock when printing your signs; place in frames for a cleaner look. Never hand write and tape up signs! These details put the finishing touches on your store image. (see our past post about Impressive Storefronts here.)

This past summer Creative Solutions HI celebrated our 10 year...

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:25:04 -1000

This past summer Creative Solutions HI celebrated our 10 year anniversary. We would like to thank our wonderful clients, avid supporters, crew members and family for all of your support and assistance.

We started out with a tool box filled with razor blades and sugi (monofilament line) and 10 years later have a few more tools and many more tricks up our sleeves.

Mahalo Nui!

Finished a merchandising project with the Waikiki Aquarium Gift...

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:32:00 -1000

Finished a merchandising project with the Waikiki Aquarium Gift Shop. One of our recommendations was to utilize biodegradable shopping bags. So glad they took it to heart! Saving the environment one shopping bag at a time!

Here’s a great example of “authentic”...

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 01:33:52 -1000

Here’s a great example of “authentic” marketing. McDonalds gives a walk through of a food photo shoot comparing a store bought burger with a model version. Fascinating process and highly effective in leaving the viewer wanting a Big Mac. Nice one.

A great retail experience doesn’t always have to come from...

Sun, 06 May 2012 12:02:01 -1000

A great retail experience doesn’t always have to come from the flashy interior or amazing customer service - though it’s highly recommended. A little design where it counts can change peoples attitude to your store or brand.

Benetton goes interactive.

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:26:10 -1000

Benetton goes interactive.

Video

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 02:10:40 -1000

iPad In-Store Solution

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 12:02:56 -1000

This might seem like a extravagant kiosk solution at the moment, but an inevitable one. Once you’ve upgraded to the latest and greatest tablet, last years model will fit securely in Lilitab’s custom iPad enclosure. Designed to be used as an interactive kiosk, Lilitab has designed complimentary iPad mounts that will work in a variety of situations. From various bezels to free standing or table mounted armature, they’ve thought out every possible use. Expect these real soon, sooner if someone lowers the price of an iPad a bit.

Competing with Amazon - Good Customer Service

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 09:33:49 -1000

Competing with Amazon - Good Customer Service:

The big challenge for any retailer is to make sure that the people coming into the store actually buy stuff, and research suggests that not scrimping on payroll is crucial.

Shoppable Walls in our future?

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:33:25 -1000

Shoppable Walls in our future?:

Is this just a novelty or a legitimate solution for shopping in the future? What kind of product makes sense for this method of consumption?

Is technology changing the way we consume?

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:43:00 -1000

Interesting infographic hinting at the changing habits of modern consumers via technology. The last few examples caught our attention regarding off-line habits - but not for long (wink-wink).

Tangerine Tango-2012 Pantone Color of the Year

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:34:00 -1000

I’m sure you’ve already heard what the color of the year is, but we love us some orange (can you tell from our logo). Tangerine Tango can be paired with hot & cool colors for a vibrant and refreshing palette. Here are a few things that we love:

What to look forward to in Fall 2012:

This is a beautiful example of a small business reaching its...

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 23:23:00 -1000

This is a beautiful example of a small business reaching its target demographic, and doing it in an authentic, honest and engaging way. We think every store could take a few pages out of these guys playbook.

Square want to change the Point of Sales area with a new...

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:13:58 -1000

Square want to change the Point of Sales area with a new register system based on their popular money transaction service. Here’s to hoping they do, who needs all the old receipt paper and dirty pennies anyway. Yay for progress.

Why does design matter in a retail space? And, how does it...

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 01:01:32 -1000

Why does design matter in a retail space? And, how does it effect your customers experience? A creative studio in Helsinki tries to answer these questions by building a pop-up cafe with suspect furniture and fixtures. Like an episode of Candid Camera, the cafe is rigged with poorly designed furniture waiting to fail. Unsuspecting patrons are challenged with the uncomfortableness of good and bad design. And the Internet is involved.

How About Gardening or Golfing at the Mall?

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:55:18 -1000

How About Gardening or Golfing at the Mall?:

After decades of decline, malls across the country are being redeveloped by communities and planners trying to forge new gathering places out of vast lots with empty buildings.