Let the Creativity Flow

Hmm...so much merchandise, whatever shall we do?

Ever been in that "creative rut?" 

As previously posted, it's always important important to stay strong under stress. After a jam packed, crazy busy summer--The Gals are back after a slight hiatus!

In the world of retail sometimes you just need some good ole' time on the sales floor merchandising and re-doing displays to get back to "your roots."

In our case, it usually starts with standing back--taking a moment to get a visual of the area you are going to work with and analyze the merchandise you are going to display. 

It's like a switch flips and the creativity just flows--and you just go with the flow!

Case in point, last week...

2012 Collegiate Display

Cross merchandising--I live and die by it. Step out of the displaying like items realm. Think differently, incorporating atypical merchandise, your sales will thank you!

Front Window Display

Use unusual props to display items. Like a vintage step ladder or a serving tray for that matter...

And don't be afraid to take risks. Scarves displayed while it's still 90 degrees? No problem! Give your customers a visual on how to wear merchandise,. Think outside of the box, come up with a scathingly brilliant idea, or reuse one like  "15 Ways to Tie A Scarf.."

Most importantly, never, ever forget your creative marketing...one of the Gals had this clever gem bestowed upon her today...

How apropos!

Heaven Help Us...

Tonight we start our pilgrimage to the land of holiday floor sets. Commence the brewing of uber strong coffee.

Upon research, the patron saint of business women just happens to be St. Margaret Clitherow.

Coincidence? We think not...

St. Margaret Clitherow

St. Margaret Clitherow, pray for us. Lead us to be strategic in our planning and effective in our visual merchandising. Grant us inner peace and strength. Watch over the several hundred glass ornaments and our hands, as to not break as many as last year. Above all, please make this the most profitable holiday season the store has experienced. We ask this in your name, Amen.

"Batty for You"

Haloween just happens to be the Gals favorite holiday. After some major brainstorming sessions, we came up with our theme for 2011...zombie apoloclypse came in as a closer runner up, followed by graveyard nation.

We needed something witty with just enough spookiness. Viola--batty for you!

We always enjoy putting together a new display--one that has to deal with a fanciful holiday, and especially one that takes a great deal of planning; surveying the merchandise purchased, getting a grasp on how it will work in the space, doing some crafting, and creating a floorset that can be followed.

Enjoy Two Gal's Batty for You Halloween display...

Retail U: Collegiate 101

The weather is getting cooler, you can go to Target in the middle of the afternoon and not be bombarded by people...it can only mean one thing, college football season!

Check out these items to make a winning touchdown while tailgating....

Who doesn't love a good marching band? Music to any ex-cheerleader's ears, which both Gals are! But I know of only one university's band that can play in the subfreezing temperatures that an outdoor hockey game can offer, and look like they are having one heck of a time...

Hail!

My Dead Neighbor's Teak Wood Squares

In the world of retail, I have found that you should never brush off any atypical ideas. Lucky for us, we do not have "corporate" sending floor sets or plan-o-grams--we get to combine all creative juices in a cauldron, stir, and create innovative and ingenious displays.

I will not lie, there are some occasions where I question our creative intent. Especially when I received a late night phone call from Jenny that started off with, "I'm bringing in my dead neighbor's 1970's teak wood squares for the front window."

I believe that I may reaction was, "I'm sorry, you are doing what? Teak wood and Trunkis?" Trunkis are one of the hottest kid novelty items on the market. Inventive, fun, eye catching, and vividly colorful. And, we are potentially going to be mixing them in with some elongated and rectangular teak squares that could be straight off the set of the Brady Bunch?

The day starts off my dismantling previous window display...

Looking at some reference guides Melissa and Doug supplied....

And then I ask the question I've been, no pun intended, dying to know: "How exactly did you acquire these vintage and archaic pieces?"

Two words...estate sale. For those of us who have the freedom to design store layouts as you please, estate sales are one of the best outlets to snag some awesome display fixtures and props--and at extraordinary prices! Can we say gross return on profit?

We then stirred the cauldron--mixing not only our shabby chic tables, the vibrant ride on suitcases, and the 1970's teak wood squares.

And the result....

An eye-catching front window that incorporates vintage pieces with brand new merchandise! An eclectic yet cool and spirited display!

Check out how this display was created...

To quote Willy Wonka, "Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple."

As it turns out...teak wood squares were our 2% butterscotch ripple!