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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Store Signage (mid-century)
Had to take photos of these cool, old school signs of all places at Maui Mall. Most signs you see nowadays are back lit plexi with vinyl lettering.
There’s something about the craftsmanship and hand-made quality. They show the individuality and uniqueness of each store
Tasaka Guri Guri conveys fun and whimsy. The letters are carved out of this solid piece of wood!
I’m loving this typeface and the animal caricatures.
Store signs are a visual communication tool that are just as important as your windows. They don’t have to have bells and whistles but show a clear, concise image of who you are.
lucyd-dreams (via andrew sea)
What an amazing display (creator unknown). The umbrella is a tool that only comes out when we need it but utilizing it in a grand way is dramatic.
Great idea for a window display. Different colors can correlate to different seasons.
Source: j-p-g
I Heart Displays
Since the majority of our clients are shopping centers, we often give seminars to their tenants. Topics such as traffic flow, merchandising and window displays are typically the main themes we present.
Walking through malls, we regularly have tenants run out and have us critique their windows. Most of the time they need advice on where to purchase props or how to create a dramatic window.
We are going to start posting images of displays we love hence, I Heart Displays. It will include small tips as well as the philosophy of display.
Mac Store Ala Moana Center (creator unknown)
The most frequently asked question is, “How can I make a great display with no budget?” It just takes some time and forethought. We find inspiration everywhere; from museums to children’s craft books. Take a look at this window.
Ojo de Dios or “God’s Eye” is a simple craft that is done on a large scale for this window.
-Replace the popsicle sticks for chop sticks or purchase dowels from your local hardware store.
-Use these as a backdrop in your window. Position mannequins or risers in the front.
-Use different colors of yarn to reflect a holiday or season.
-Coordinate upcoming collections to create a tonal window or use contrasting colors.
Thinker Toys Ala Moana Center (in-house visual artist)
This is another great window. We love the use of everyday materials to create a dynamic effect.
-Use old brown paper bags, butcher paper or reuse packing paper that comes in your shipments.
-For the leaves, use plain construction paper or shop your local craft store for amazing scrapbooking paper. Do you have left over gift wrapping paper laying around? That works too!
