Watching the Catwalk and Clicking "Add to Cart"

Gucci will allow anyone to sign up to watch its show online, and will let viewers share live Webcam videos as though they were playing with YouTube. Alexander Wang is projecting video of its show on a “moving billboard” in Manhattan, and Betsey Johnson is showing live Web versions of the show and the backstage frenzy before it.

And in the most aggressive outreach, Burberry, the British design house, will not only stream its women’s runway show live from London, but also will allow anyone with a computer and a credit card to order the merchandise as models strut in it.

Source: NY Times

Inspired by Starbucks

It looks as though Starbucks is trying to shake off its image as a multinational coffee chain and instead focus more on a community personality. In its hometown of Seattle, Starbucks completely revamped one of their stores, 15th Ave Coffee & Tea (Seattle, US), even distancing their widely recognizable name from the store sign, only listing it as being “Inspired by Starbucks“

Source: 15th Ave Coffee & Tea

The Myths of Fast Fashion and Infinite Markets

All of us in retail give a lot of mind-share to two companies – Zara and Walmart, for two very different reasons. Zara is, of course, famous for fast fashion – getting product from ideation to stores in less than a month. Walmart is famous because, well, how can you ignore a $400 billion dollar company that wants a share of your customer’s wallet, regardless of who you are, where you are and what you sell? If you believed half of what industry observers tell us, you’d want to just close up shop and go home. Can’t beat one on speed, can’t beat the other on price - game over. Read more in...

Source: Retail Systems Research

Vision, Mission and Values in retail

During delivery of retail trainings it is very surprising to discover that many employees and sometimes even managers and supervisors don't know the company's vision, mission and values.

A vision statement defines the desired or intended future state of company. Vision is a long-term view, it is the source of inspiration. It is how to make a difference to customers, to the community, and to the world.

Mission is a formal, short, written statement purpose of an organization or a team. The company's mission statement tells why and for what purpose the company was formed, what services, goods and ideas it offers the public, and what its standards are. It should distinguish the company from all others and be stated clearly, be brief and simple so that it is understood by all (employees and customers).

The value statement is an expression of a company's core beliefs. Values drive an organization's culture and priorities. Companies write the value statement to identify and connect with the consumer. Additionally, this statement allows for the company's staff to be aware of the priorities and goals of the company.

Are your vision, mission and values defined? Are they understood and shared by your employees?

RememberMe

Babies no longer grow out of cabbages. People are increasingly aware of production circumstances and many care for the provenance of their purchases. Oxfam realized that an honest background story is too precious to withhold and attached oral memories to their second-hand wares. The only disadvantage? Customers might turn up less quickly to swap the product for a new one...

Source: Oxfam

DNA & storytelling

Are you looking for ways to reach out to new clients? Maybe it is time to redefine your store's DNA. A clear formulation of your values, dreams and goals is the starting point for a successful store. Because an appealing story will spread itself. And your store? It will live happily ever after.

Global Shop - Storytelling to refresh tired stores

I think the paparazzi might have been present during the inspirational Global Shop session presented by Joanna Felder and Bess Anderson of Chute Gerdeman Retail. Flashes were popping as attendees tried to capture the images of unique visual merchandising and branding concepts from retail spaces around the world.

The imagery helped the pair illustrate their “story” of “Visual Merchandising - The Return of Storytelling to Refresh Tired Stores.” The audience was captivated by the images and the information, and I am sure each person walked away with at least a dozen ideas.

Some of the trends they shared include: “What’s Old is New Again.” Heritage and nostalgia are replacing the overly slick, ultra-modern stark retail stores of recent years. Retro-inspired interiors now offer a décor full of textural elements that express a sense of authenticity and individuality.

“The Return of Words” is another trend where retailers can use words to evoke emotion and offer another opportunity to engage customers in humorous and thought-provoking ways. And taking words one step further, books provide an easy to implement idea that they referred to as “Hot Off the Presses.” The book titles can communicate powerful brand subtext while doubling as product displays. When they’re open, they make a well-read resting place for small items like jewelry or eyeglasses.

Anderson and Felder took the audience on a journey around the globe telling the story of successful brands and interesting spaces. They inspired the audience to think of curated art, coat hangars, used tea bags, stuffed animals, ladders… and the list goes on and on…in ways that speak to customers and transform the retail experience.

Source: Chute Gerdeman Retail