Creative Solutions

Will online shopping change what we shop offline?

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:39:00 -1000

The graphic below wonderfully illustrates the variety of product categories that we consume, and a noticeable shift from physical to virtual shopping for a few. Are some businesses increasing profitability online compared to their physical counterparts? A quick observation tells us that shipping is still ‘too slow’ for some categories; but probably not for long. It’s a good time to analyze your business to see where you belong - on the street or in the cloud.

Permuto Discoveries » What are People Really Buying Online?

GlobalShop 2010

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:01:00 -1000

Creative Solutions is packing up for a road trip. We will be attending this year’s GlobalShop held in Las Vegas. The first time we attended was in 2006 in Chicago and were blown away by the amount of resources there. We’ve been yearning to go back to see what’s new ever since.

GlobalShop hosts the latest vendors in retail and store design. Everything you need from lighting to signage and mannequins to fixtures. It is a visual merchandisers heaven.

Take a look at some photos of previous shows. We will be micro-blogging while there and will upload tons of photos upon our return. Follow us on Twitter, @iheartcs, for more images and tips from seminars we will be attending.

Alesco Booth

Infinity Booth

Musak Booth

Tech: Interior Design Software

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:01:00 -1000

Decorating a home dwelling can be a straight forward affair: determine the function of each room, add furniture, then apply style. When planning to decorate a retail space or special event, your interiors can have a much wider variety of needs. To keep you and your team (if you got one) organized and productive when doing a floor move or decor installation, creating a map of your project space will help you better visualize the area. Architects, Contractors and Interior Designers will always start with an idea on paper before works begins. By adopting their process will allow you to understand your design challenges before the first fixture is moved. No drawing skills? Can’t make your plans as fancy as an architect? Don’t worry, your plans need only be understood by you. The goal is to define your working space by establishing it’s particular design needs. To help you visualize your tasks at hand, we recommend a couple of handy applications for your next big project.

Google Sketchup

Acquired by Google a few years ago, Sketchup is a powerful yet easy 3D application that delivers professional results for exterior or interior modeling and object creation. Adopted by many architects as a sketchpad for visualizing concepts to clients, Sketchup is the main tool for those who need quick results without the hassle of learning a dedicated 3D or CAD program. Google has released a free version that will fit most users needs and Pro version which enables more features. Google supports Sketchup with online tutorials and seriously large library of 3D objects to use (including real models from official vendors like Maytag and Kenmore). Within a few hours you’ll be building like the pros.

Sweet Home 3D

Another popular program for interior design and modeling is Sweet Home 3D, a European application that is well supported on multiple systems and comes in various languages. Similar to Sketchup, Sweet Home 3D excels at rapidly building a floorplan from a sketch or scan of an existing plan. Users can work in a 2D interface while seeing a three-dimensional representation in another window, handy when spinning around an object gets tiring. The support for Sweet Home 3D is not as robust as Google would provide, but their website does have the necessary tech support and forums.

If you’re dreading a particular renovation or need some accuracy when planning the next event, consider testing your theories in the virtual world first, your back will thank you for it, just remember to take good measurements!

5 Simple Tips for an Impressive Storefront

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:09:00 -1000

Operating and managing a retail store each day can lead to overexposure of your merchandise and general visual exhaustion. Unfortunately, by not maintaining an objective perspective on your stores visual presence can lead to promotional liabilities, especially your storefront.

Did you know the average time a customer will contemplate entering a store is 7 seconds? What does your storefront need to do to protect you from losing potential customers? Below are simple (and economical!) tips to create a functional and impressive storefront entrance.

1. Avoid tall fixtures
Using large fixtures or complex displays at your entrance will create visual barriers that reduces sight-lines and create a feeling of unwelcoming ‘separation’. Keep floor fixtures at waist or chest height for better browsing and overall higher visibility.

2. Provide a Decompression Zone
Place your lead fixture (preferably a table) 3’ - 4’ feet inside the store threshold rather than at the immediate entrance. This space will allow customers to prepare themselves for shopping and navigating your store.

An attractive and inviting storefront at Soha Living / Kahala Mall

3. Make a Statement!
Use exciting products to attract customers into your store. Tell a story through lifestyle, color or a mixture of both. Be creative and make an impact.

Victoria Secret’s Pink Store shows off a great example of classification merchandising; highlighting a few styles while using complimentary items to surround them.

ReForm School in Los Angeles shows a great lifestyle presentation. (photo credit targophoto.com via Flickr)

4. Change your Product Weekly
Plan to change your display product weekly. This will help keep the store looking fresh and appealing to frequent customers. Even better, be the customer! Shop your store for signs of stale or ineffective displays, then fix them.

5. Maintenance
IMPORTANT! Be mindful of untidy areas throughout the day, always check for dust or trash that has accumulated. Pickup after customers and remove unncessary clutter from view of the public. If you use an entry rug, straighten and clean it routinely.

Pictures Plus / Ward Warehouse

You have one chance to make a good first impression, make it count. By applying these steps to your storefront and actively working on improving your displays can help turn a passerby into a loyal customer. If you don’t take the time to care, neither will your customers.

This would be a dynamic, living backdrop to a store window or a...

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 08:17:01 -1000

This would be a dynamic, living backdrop to a store window or a great use for unused tenant spaces. The project is called Window Farms and is the brainchild of NY artists Britta Riley and Rebecca Bray. (via Cool Hunting)

Wonderwall & Nike Town An interview with Masamichi Katayama...

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:06:53 -1000

Wonderwall & Nike Town

An interview with Masamichi Katayama of Wonderwall for their new design work at Nike Town - Harajuku, Tokyo. (via coolhunting)

Tech: iPhone payment system

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:24:07 -1000

In the video above Kevin Rose demonstrates the latest invention from Twitter creator Jack Dorsey called Squareup. A service that allows instant credit card transactions through a tiny card swiping device attached to an internet enabled iPhone. The company provides a slick UI for easy on-the-fly processing; while signing and receipts stay virtual. This device solves the awkward management of spontaneous or external cash only events in the wild (pop shops, garage sales, craigslist, craft fairs). Although Squareup has designed the featherweight champ of portable POS systems, they are not alone. Stay tuned for plenty of activity in this market and lets hope the ‘whale’ doesn’t announce your negative balance. (via Venturebeat)

Tech: Intelligent Windows

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 03:21:00 -1000

Intel’s demonstration of computer assisted ‘window shopping’

The Future is never easy to spot on a daily basis. New technologies often creep in through older versions of itself. But, sometimes they can hit us square on the head, like the automated vacuum (Roomba), hybrid car (Prius) and smart phone (iPhone) to name a few examples. Intel, the computer processor manufacturer, has released a demonstration of their latest processor the Core i7, integrated into a faux store window as digital signage. The presenters demonstrate a working graphical user interface (GUI) within a pane of semi-translucent glass operated by touch sensitivity. A built-in camera is also present to identify gender and proximity of the user for a focused interactive experience. Don’t expect this technology at your local mall just yet, there are still massive cost and manufacturing hurdles to overcome before we can literally window shop. Plus, who wants to clean all those finger prints off the front window all day?

Our Prediction
The built-in camera will make it to main street storefront windows before the touch screens will. Imagine LCD advertisements adjusting to exactly what you might want based on your age, gender or items in hand. Smile for the camera. (via Core77)

Could Swing Shops be the New Pop Up?

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:43:00 -1000

Could Swing Shops be the New Pop Up?:

Pop up stores may not have made it to the islands (yet) but traveling to the mainland the last couple of years, we came across several of them. Not only did we see small, boutique style pop up’s but giants like Uniqlo, The Gap and Target took over empty spaces at shopping centers to bodegas.

The idea of “get it while you can” really creates a sense of urgency in these temporary stores. Most last a week, while others pop up for the weekend and are gone by Monday.

If Swing shops are the future of retailing, it seems the idea of “seasons” are becoming less and less. It’s about capturing fashion as it happens and simply not waiting for a calendar season to influence you.

Keeping inventory from becoming stagnant is a major challenge for most retailers; maybe swing shops will be the answer. It not only reduces your stock but keeps your brand fresh and appealing, leading to repeat visits.

Click on the link or Here to read more…

Pantone Color of the Year 2010

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 14:58:00 -1000

Pantone Color Institute®, the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, unveils PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise as the color of the year 2010.

It is described as “an inviting, luminous hue”. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green.” This color of the year will evoke thoughts of tranquility while restoring the “sense of well being”.

Whether or not it calms and relaxes you, Turquoise pairs well with any other color in the spectrum while it creates excitement to neutrals and browns.

Pantone® colors are used in ever aspect of design. From fashion, home decor to paint colors and special events. Take a look at some pieces that we began spotting at the end of 2009 and the first few days of the year:

Both pieces from Jonathan Adler.

Dayna B. cut glass votive set, Sears.

Shine Citrine Pendant, Candalabra

Graphic Tote (Hawai‘i designer), Maliko Design via Lei Chic

Eva Mendes in Michael Kors

Wafer Cake, via Martha Stewart Weddings

Supplements NY, 800-631-3844

With Love flower note, Hammerpress

Color Trends for 2010

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:18:52 -1000

If you are thinking of starting off the new year with a fresh look for your store, home or office, Pantone has released their 2010 forecast for this year’s hottest color trends for Home and Interiors.

Pantone Color Institute is the leading color authority for over 45 years. Their forecast of colors are used in fashion to home decor and from paint to wedding decorations.

Here are three palettes that we find interesting:

Green Market:

“The need for healthier and more artisanal foods has grown from traditional farmers’ markets to greenmarkets. Found on country roads or urban lots, these visually appealing and tastetempting sites invite us to stop and sample a broader and more diverse selection of goods and goodies. From Tomato Puree and Beaujolais with the tang of Super Lemon or bite of Apple Green, to the more exotic flavors of Dijon, Paprika and Chutney, Greenmarket contains representational hues that entice and appeal to both the eyes and the taste buds.”

Gatherings:

“Inspired primarily by the continent of Africa with its vastness and complexities, Gatherings brings together a compilation of colors that demonstrate the uniqueness of the region. Artifacts and handicrafts reflect a creative boldness that is expressed in a panoply of appropriately named colors: Cypress green, Smoke Blue, Sand and Oasis mixed with the magic of Twilight Mauve, the piquancy of Lemon Curry and the heated glimmer of Copper Coin.”

Galaxy:

“Purveyor and source of light, the mysterious Galaxy is well reflected in a palette that truly illustrates the harmony of hue found in the nocturnal sky. Mirroring the colors of the earth, the greens, called Greener Pastures and Peridot, are powerfully contrasted against the deepest extraterrestrial blues, silver and stormy violets. Brilliant sprays of turquoise and a radiating orchid tone enhance the atmosphere, while Rich Gold embodies the energy and splendor of the epicenter of it all – the sun.”

If you would like a more in depth look at all color trends for 2010, take a look at the video above. The video clip begins with “Design and color trends are not conjured up in a crystal ball. They are the result of much observation of the surrounding natural world, as well as the influences that will impact the world of the future. They include social issues, the economy, technology, lifestyles and playstyles. Diversions and entertainments and most importantly, the needs, moods, fantasies and aspirations of consumers that are then translated into appropriate styling, colors and combinations.”

Creative Solutions Word Cloud

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:13:00 -1000

Cool site we found that will generate word clouds. You can either type in your blog, blog feed or any other web page. Another option is to manually enter a bunch of text and it will formulate a cloud. Really fun. Use your clouds to make Thank You cards, signage or blow it up as a back drop for a window display.

Click on the image to go to the site or check them out at http://www.wordle.net/

Festival Lighting

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:41:00 -1000

If you’ve headed down to Ward Warehouse recently you may have noticed a little more festivity. The center contacted Creative Solutions to design a lighting layout for their concourse. This was a great first project with them.

After extensive measuring (the walking tape measure is our new best friend!), we drafted a hang point plan and materials list needed for the project.

Being environmentally conscious, we recommended the use of LED lights. They consume 90% less electricity and the bulb life is estimated to be 50,000-100,000 hours.

This is a great way to update a property, store front or window. During the holidays or special events, the clear bulbs can be replaced with colored ones (i.e.-4th of July add red and white, for Christmas incorporate red or green.)

May you have a Festive Holiday!

It's in the Mail

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:20:00 -1000

My holiday copy of Pictures Plus newest catalog just arrived in the mail. We posted a couple of months ago that we were working on a print project (click HERE to see the post) and here it is! It’s nice to see all or your hard work, literally in the palm of your hand.

Our crew’s favorite page:

Clean and concise layout, but there’s another reason…

Great personal gifts for family and friends. Remember, most of Pictures Plus product is Made in Hawai’i. Support local business! To find a location near you, click HERE.

CS in MidWeek

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 11:07:00 -1000

CS in MidWeek:

Holiday Planning

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:54:12 -1000

Visual tools are so helpful when planning out an installation. It focuses our time and energy on the necessary elements needed, but it helps our clients envision the end result. Here is an example of how graphic illustrations come to life.

This is the option that was chosen for Ala Moana Center’s stage holiday decor.

Here is the final look!

A few tweaks here and there and it’s a perfect fit.

For more planning ideas, take a look at our other post Ala Moana Center Stage. We use a working model for this year’s Shop a Le’a event.

Windward Mall Holiday

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:13:31 -1000

On the final leg of our holiday installation (one more mall to go!) This is the second year Windward Mall will be using this holiday package.

When designing this package the request from our client was to keep it traditional but add a local flavor to it and p.s….wow us!

The color palette remained classic but we added palaka print bows and trims. The wow factor came in the form of a Snowing Tree.

No snowflakes in Hawai’i, but why not indulge in a little fantasy at Windward Mall. We have some great video of children playing with the snow and will post a little later in the season (don’t forget to check back!)

Space is always a major concern of our clients. Square footage means dollars during the holiday season, so space is at a premium. This set is terrific since it has a small footprint but large appeal.

What would holiday be without a letter to Santa. This is a fantastic writing station that not only supplies the writing tools, postage and drop box, but you will also receive a letter back from Santa!

All of these elements are located at Windward Mall’s Center Court. Click HERE for details on their promotions and HERE to see more images.

photo courtesy: Windward Mall

Kahala Mall Holiday Decor

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:04:23 -1000

More images to come. Kahala Mall’s new package that was inspired by their Poinsettia Tree.

Pearlridge Christmas Decor

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:35:00 -1000

It’s been a busy three weeks installing various properties, but it’s really satisfying seeing everyone get excited for Christmas. It makes all the sweat and glitter worth it.

Here are some images of Holiday at Pearlridge Center. Designing this project, we knew that the focus would be children riding the train. What do kids look forward to on Christmas morning…toys of course! ”Toys through Time” is the theme at the Uptown train ride. (Click HERE for times of the train ride.)

Working with such a vast area as center court, scale and proportion needed to be large to fill the space. Nostalgic toys engulf the riders through out the set.

Since it is such an expansive mall, we wanted to have a directional flow of decor. With the movement of the ribbon drops and the twinkle of the wreaths, visitors can see decor from every viewpoint.

Ribbon Drops create movement through the mall.

The Santa Set is located at the Downtown Phase and it fits right in with their outdoor, rooftop motif. Santa is located at his Observatory enjoying the stars located through the mall.

photo courtesy: Pearlridge Center

sweethomestyle: booklover:(via libraryland) Cool way to make a...

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:25:24 -1000

sweethomestyle:

booklover:(via libraryland)

Cool way to make a back drop or arrange “book blocks” to make a table.