Waikiki Shopping Plaza-part 2

Continuing onto the interior of Waikiki Shopping Plaza (WSP), we highlighted again Tanaka of Tokyo, services and events and WSP’s 3rd floor Big Kahuna Marketplace.

Tanaka of Tokyo

Tanaka of Tokyo requested 2 locations;  one on Seaside Avenue and one on Kalakaua Avenue.  This was the longest bank of windows that we created; over 40’ wide!  Again, we recreated the entrance to their restaurant and utilized their advertising images on a large scale to capture customer’s attention and fill the space.

Within a couple of weeks of this installation, they reported their traffic of Western visitors had increased!  Love to hear that this type of advertising works.  Yes, window displays are a form of marketing/advertising.

Waikiki Shopping Plaza Activities

Within this location, the Plaza wanted to highlight several activities that happen daily on-site:

  • Hula Classes
  • Ukulele Classes
  • Yoga Classes
  • Food Eating Contest
  • Quilting Classes

We partnered with local anime artist Audra Furuichi of famed Nemu*Nemu and graphic design house AirspaceWorkshop.   Audra created unique characters to demonstrate all of the activities and AirspaceWorkshop then translated all of the information into stunning graphic backdrops.         (*at the time of taking photos, demo was happening in the space so you will see drywall on the floor…oops!)

Big Kahuna Marketplace

Located on the 3rd floor, WSP offers an array of unique gift giving kiosks.  Since the product was on the small scale we created vignettes to focus one’s attention onto the product immediately.  Breaking up the window into 4 distinct windows allowed us to highlight a variety of products and themes.

We are so grateful that we were able to work with such fantastic people at Waikiki Shopping Plaza.  The feedback from tenants were great and we’re glad to hear that there was increase in traffic and sales.

*Last day of install, we caught a plane to GlobalShop held in Las Vegas.  Looking forward to seeing our vendors and catching up.

Waikiki Shopping Plaza-part I

With the constant opening and closings of retail stores, most landlords do not want to highlight any vacancies.  This was true for Waikiki Shopping Plaza (WSP).  They have prime real estate in Waikiki;  their location is the 5th Avenue of Honolulu.

The GUESS? store had closed their location on the corner of Kalakaua & Seaside. Another tenant was slated to move in but not for 6 months.  To keep a strong presence at this focal street corner, WSP contacted Creative Solutions to create display windows in the vacant space and highlight existing tenants.

This is a wonderful way to utilize unused space by featuring tenants that are located on higher floors in the plaza.

CS had over 5,000 sq. ft of windows to design, build and install.  Since the infrastructure was a shell, we also needed to create temporary walls within the windows to block all of the construction happening internally!

There were a few challenges in creating these windows:

  • the scale of the windows compared to the size of the product;
  • design a window that highlights a service vs. product;
  • implementing signage with tough city regulations

Most of the product being featured were jewelry, beauty products & gift giving items. The height of most of the windows were 12’ tall and the average width 25’.  We needed to grab the attention of pedestrians and traffic from all sides of the street with large eye-catching displays but still focus the presentation onto the product.

Next, we had to feature a restaurant without showing any name or logos.  By using images from their advertising campaign and building a faux store front, we achieved the message that a restaurant was located inside.

The most challenging part of designing these windows were the signage laws that exist specifically in Waikiki.  Since this was a  temporary space, we were not able to place any logos or store names on the windows!  We needed a creative solution to communicate to customers where the product was located and who carried it.

Corner of Kalakaua Avenue & Seaside Avenue:              

Body & Skincare

Since beauty products from BelleVie are relatively small, we created large-scale backdrops for visual impact.  These could be seen across Kalakaua Ave at one of the competing centers. As the consumer got closer, the clean statements of product became the focus.

Seaside Avenue Windows:  

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Unique Jewelry & Timepieces

For signage, we developed taglines to categorize each window (ie: Unique Jewelry & Timepieces).  Since no logos or names were allowed, we created QR codes with all of the pertinent information.  Now that smartphones have QR reader capability, this was a way to disseminate the name, location and hours of the store.  Within each pedestal display we did add a placard of the store name-Kupulau Jewelry & Watches.  All signage was removable incase the city had any issues.  (*in this photo the backwall had been demolished before we could take the overall photo)

Using bold, graphic stripes as the backdrop and faux hedges to stop the eye at the product display, we broke this window up into 3 separate statements.  At the time of installing we were notified that a demo crew was coming a few days later and this window would not  be utilized.  Oh well, it still looked great!

Japanese Steak & Seafood

Tanaka of Tokyo has been a mainstay in Waikiki for more than 20 years.  Creating a window for them without using the restaurant name was actually quite a fun venture. Taking the challenge of scale & identification, we recreated their store front that is located on the 4th floor of the Plaza.

Utilizing images from their advertising campaign, we enlarged the chef images to 8’ tall.  This filled the space but also offered visual insight as to what takes place at this location.  The wood screens that we built were backlit  and red lighting was also added behind the chef for added drama at night.

Again, the QR codes were incorporated that directed customers to Tanaka of Tokyo’s website and restaurant information.  Integrating the restaurant’s mon and Hale Aina Award was a risk, we kept them removable incase any issues arose.

In our next post you will see more windows that were done on the interior of the Plaza. Check back soon.  Thanks for reading!

Behind the scenes during spring install at The Waikiki Shopping Plaza

Wise Choices = Dramatic Results

During tough times, small retail owners need to manage their dollars carefully.  Paying monthly utilities, paying the rent and managing inventory are just a few things they are tasked with.  What about visual display?  Of course, that  falls to the way-side, but it shouldn’t.

In order to attract customers, you need to put your best foot forward.  It takes 7 seconds for someone to determine whether or not they will walk into your store. Windows are the best form of advertising and will cost you far less than traditional formats.

We’re going to show you a small re-do that was done for a local boutique owner in Waikiki. With just a few cans of paint, some vinyl and bamboo this made a significant change and impact.

Maki's-Before1

Maki’s-Before1

There is no store signage in the window, only vendor signs.  This is your calling card!  Make sure you have your store logo visible.  Also, the product layout limits how many pieces you can display.

Maki's-After1

Maki’s-After1

With the addition of color and store logo, it creates visual awareness of your location. By adding a floating merchandiser (made from bamboo and twine) it creates depth and more capacity for product.  The frosted vinyl at the bottom allowed us to manipulate the uplights without blinding anyone.

Maki's-Before2

Maki’s-Before2

Opposite view from the hallway.  Floor to ceiling windows allow for a great view into the store, however the product below the window looks less appealing.

The white walls create a stark contrast within the store.

Maki's-After2

Maki’s-After2

Adding color to the back wall creates a visual anchor within the store.  It adds warmth and definition to the interior space.  The vinyl frosting adhered to the window also restricted the line of sight and focuses the eye upward into the store. It also hides any clutter on the floor.

Maki's Window

Here is an up close view of the bamboo merchandisers we made.  

It doesn’t have to cost a lot, but a little forethought will result in an impressive transformation.  For more pictures, click HERE.