Creative Solutions

A few more images from the Pearlridge Center Dinosaur exhibit.

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:40:00 -1000

A few more images from the Pearlridge Center Dinosaur exhibit.

Shop a Le‘a 2010

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 07:44:13 -1000

Taking a break from dinosaurs, we wanted to post the 3rd Annual Shop a Le‘a fashion event, held this past March. CS was hired again to create a fresh look for the stage (click Here to see previous stages).

Tying in with marketing, we elaborated on the floral icon used this year in advertising and GWP’s (gift with purchase). We took the imagery and enlarged them 1000% to create large scale icons.

Each piece was mounted to a firm substrate and then contour cut.

Giant size puzzle. We fit all the pieces together on-site. Each element was 4’-10’.

Original version of stage (we had several versions). We built a working model to scale to ensure that our components would work.

Close up version of model.

Close up of the icons. We wanted to make them look as if they were floating.

The completed look.

Dinosaur Installation-Day Three

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 08:10:28 -1000

On the home stretch, all of the decor has been loaded in and the environments are being built. Here are some images of Day Three:

Completed set in the downtown phase.

Have a wonderful weekend. More posting on Monday.

Dinosaur Installation-Day Two

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 05:51:20 -1000

About to head out the door for Day 3, but wanted to post some images from yesterday.

Headlines: Dinosaur gives birth to man!

We “upcycled” Pearlridge Center’s christmas trees by turning the bases and frames into willow and hapu‘u trees.

Sneak peek!

Dinosaur Installation-Day One

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:15:00 -1000

It’s been one year since we began this blog. Thanks so much for your feedback and support, it’s been fun posting our projects and retail info we find useful.

Our first entry last year was the installation of “Giant Insects” at Pearlridge Center. Well this year it’s Dinosaurs!

CS is responsible for creating the environments in which the dinosaurs live. Over the next few days we will be posting photos of our day-to-day progress as we load in all of the props and visuals.

Today was the unloading of two 40’ containers. All dinosaurs were un-crated, moved into the mall and then pieced together by the Kokoro technicians and Pearlridge Center crew. Here are a few pix:

Pteranoden over Pearlridge’s Center Court

Before take-off.

T-Rex getting a little help.

Maiasaura Family

The fun continues tomorrow as we begin to bring in the decor and build the environments.

Tech: Space planning via your browser

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 23:34:22 -1000

Autodesk, a company that builds Hollywood grade special effects software, has released a browser based web application called HomeStyler. The app allows users to create and manipulate a three dimensional space in real time. Their legacy of 3D experience is put to good use in creating a simple and productive experience within the browser. No software downloads are needed, only a fairly snappy computer with a modern browser. It’s designed for the homemaker, interior designer and architect. Hopefully the list of sponsors on the website means we’ll get to interact with virtual versions of current appliances and furniture.

Roomle is another browser based web application capable of three dimensional space planning similar to Homestyler. Although Roomle may not have big name endorsements like FLOR and Sherman-Williams, it looks like a modest ground-up program with a clean and simple workflow. Highlights: working from uploaded floorplans and the ability to share work in progress within the browser. (Video is in German)

Both websites are fairly new, so allow some time for each company to shake out the bugs. Either way, it’s a win-win for us. Now there’s no more excuses for putting off that remodel. Time to get to work.

The Future of Retail

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:43:39 -1000

Savvy trend forecaster PSFK has released their latest report, this time it focuses on the world of commercial retail. While the majority of the information deals with internet technology trends, some of the major highlights are more community centric: new forms of pop-up shops, group purchasing power and retail stores as curated lifestyle centers. This is not a stat filled street level perspective of the quarterly returns type report, but more of a wish list of good ideas and emerging trends. Take a few minutes to digest what they predict may be around the corner. You might be able to take the rest of the day off because of it.

PSFK presents Future of Retail report

View more presentations from PSFK.

From Bits to Bricks: Online blog turns into a store

Fri, 28 May 2010 00:21:00 -1000

NiceKicks.com is a website for shoe fanatics. Period. They uncover every possible style, color way, prototype and limited release they can get their hands on. From deciphering what NBA players are wearing on the court to blurry camera phone shots of Jay-Z on the town, shoes are their game. In the video above, founder Matt Halfhill explains the transition of the Nice Kicks website into a brick & mortar retail store.

There are plenty of unknown variables in this scenario. Pixels are typically cheaper than atoms and the ability to refresh shelving is harder than refreshing web pages. Motivated to explore past the confines of the digital world the Nice Kicks crew hope to create a store that is equal to the online experience. The upside: your readership can turn into instant customers. The downside: Your readers may live nowhere near your town.

Having your product or brand represented online is nothing new for retail. But the idea of providing a physical ‘portal’ for fans of your blog to connect and interact with each other is an emerging trend in retail. Opposite from the typical shoe store, Nice Kicks is an online magazine providing consumers with information and specs as to who carries the latest and greatest at the mall. Now they plan to be at both ends of the court (cough,cough). Not every website has what it takes to become a real store but some websites do. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more small online businesses transition from bits to bricks in the coming years.

Designing Customer Experience

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 02:13:00 -1000

The video above demonstrates a new generation of capsule hotels, overnight lodging similar to motels in the West, being developed in Japan. Sleeping in miniature pods is still a foreign concept to western society but the act of sleeping is equally shared across the Pacific. What the 9 Hours Hotel achieves in this video is the simplification of a very personal activity, going to bed. From the moment you step in, bold graphics guide you through your stay at the hotel, easily overcoming language barriers. What the 9 Hours Hotel gets correct is the attention to each step in the process of turning in. Secured storage lockers, private showers, clean amenities and complimentary supplies help to ease the anxiety of hurried or forgetful travelers.

By creating order and calm in your establishment can go a long way to generating a valuable customer experience. Intimately understanding your core product or service, and how your customer will ultimately want to be treated when purchasing it, will assist you in creating an atmosphere that is conducive to a positive customer experience.

Via Monocle

What is your store communicating?

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 06:17:00 -1000

If your store had a voice, what would it say? How would it describe itself to passing shoppers? What tone of voice would it use to attract your attention? Is it soft or loud? Insane or intelligent?

As your store lacks the vocal ability to convince customers through it’s threshold, storefront and interior decor are the next best thing. Do you know if your store is communicating the right message? Do your customers receive a different message than the one you intended?

The Lomography Store in L.A. is a perfect example of a focused delivery of brand awareness and overall clarity. From the showcase of cameras, to the ceiling-high wall of photos, it is hard to miss the message. The interior is designed to promote the joy of photography; and will charm any passerby who isn’t a Lomo fan already. What may seem like a simple task, is actually the hardest challenge for most retailers today. Many stores will send mixed messages in the hopes of attracting different types of customers, but end up only confusing them (boutique or outlet, high-end or cost friendly, made locally or national reseller, choose one) By minimizing or removing distracting products, services or elements throughout your store can help focus your message. For the Lomography Store, the product display was obvious, but the challenge was to avoid becoming a museum of general photographic history. Lomo photography is a low-entry camera designed to make quirky and original images, the store should reflect that and nothing more.

Stand outside your store (or another) and listen for the message.

Via Kitsune Noir

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 clouds.

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