I am NOT a fan of Slatwall

Oh, don’t get me wrong. I think Slatwall panels have a place in retail. In fact, they are great mass merchandisers. Dollar stores or popular price point establishments who wish to convey this to their shoppers can certainly benefit from its use. However, for specialty shops, boutiques, or any retail who wishes to elevate perceived product values are better off … Read More

What is Your Pricing Strategy?

Which is better? A flat price such as $10 or $9.99? or $9.98? or…$9.97? In general, value items are better when ‘CHARM’ priced. This means having less digits on the left such as $9.99 rather than $10.00, For prestige items, the reverse is true. A designer shirt is better off being $500 than $499.99. This way, there is faster emotional connection … Read More

Could Ineffective Displays Be Partly Due to Poor Fixture Design?

Over my many years in retail, I realized that poor fixture design may result in ineffective displays that make it challenging for shop associates to work with. However, once stuck with this, what can we do? In this particular instance, these are some of the things we can do to make this display more appealing. 1. Keep the distance between … Read More

Time to Talk About Product Intensity

Product Intensity refers to the amount of merchandise placed in a given space. The higher the intensity, the fuller the shelves. The lower the intensity, well, you get the picture. Most high end boutiques have a lower intensity. The space that surround a products is as important as the product itself in conveying the brand’s prestige, its exclusive appeal and … Read More

REPETITION Wins the Day!

Recently, I have worked more with popular price point retailers whose product size are small. Just think dollar stores and similar retailers. How can they create an effective display that elevates perceived product values while at the same time, create impact? Thus was the case with this retailer right by downtown Vancouver. In their original display, they do show a … Read More

Low to High Front to Back

Are Shop Sightlines Compromised? A client I worked with asked why their signature fixtures, in this case, a chuck wagon is not often shopped despite it being located in the prime centre of the store. I often get similar questions from retailers and I can somewhat guess the reason for majority of the cases. Just like Horse Creek Candy’s issue with … Read More

MIRROR POWER

Numerous data have shown that when customers stay longer, the higher the probability of a sale. Therefore, I admit, I am not above trying a trick or two to get shoppers to browse an area longer. Oh, I apologize, I meant applying retail strategies to invite shoppers to linger longer in an area. 🙂 That is why I sooo love … Read More

Get Customers to Post Online for You

As more retail experts agree on experiential retailing as a means to grow your business, one of the key elements in all my new designs is what I call the ‘SHARING WALL’. I devote a small space, usually a corner or a portion of a wall where I place something fun or unusual that will attract attention to the point … Read More

Can’t Miss Branding Message

Ivanhoe Cambridge requested that an unoccupied unit at Metropolis at Metrotown be converted into a lounge area that will fulfill two tasks: the first is to convey that gift cards are not limited to Metrotown but also can be used at any of the other four Ivanhoe Cambridge centres in BC. The second task is to sell the gift cards. … Read More