Thursday, November 12, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Merchandising for the Holidays
Are you ready for the holidays? Do you have promotions ready? How do your salon displays look? More about salon merchandising to come...
Monday, August 31, 2009
Commercial can feel Residential
I designed this lobby and offices to have a relaxed, comfortable setting. It has a residential feel, which is warm and inviting. For a dentist's office, this type of environment is usually unheard of. I think I would like spending time here!
If you are interested in seeing what I can do for your space, please feel free to contact me at 1-888-949-9042 or send an email to kliwanpo@smartfixtures.com.
If you are interested in seeing what I can do for your space, please feel free to contact me at 1-888-949-9042 or send an email to kliwanpo@smartfixtures.com.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Salon Layout with Mixed Finishes
In this design, my client, a returning customer, wanted a store layout for his new salon opening. They requested a mix of pearwood and cherry, which is what was purchased in their previous order. Various views of the final layout, are included. At Smart Fixtures, we offer complimentary design assistance and provide 3D renderings of your space to ensure it fits and to provide you with a visual of your space. We will deliver your displays in about a week!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Maximizing Floor Space
Here is a great example of a dilemma many salons have to deal with: A relatively small area (only 6 feet by 6 feet in this instance) dedicated to retail. Fortunately with Smart Fixtures, we have the ability to offer customized options to perfectly fit the look you want and help you maximize your retail space. The end result is an attractive and professional look that enhances not only your products, but your entire salon.
Added bonus: Smart Fixtures are reconfigurable and assemble tool-free.
Added bonus: Smart Fixtures are reconfigurable and assemble tool-free.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Salon Fixtures
Based on a floor plan and a description from my client, I was able to help them visualize their space through 3D renderings. I suggested a few options and this was the one they selected. I think the end result came out beautifully.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Customizing SmartShelves
I recently had the privilege of helping a client custom design shelving around a fireplace, using our signature SmartShelves. We selected the espresso finish and created a tiered look with the tallest shelves standing at 9' and reinforced with brackets. My client loved the versatility of our product - from selecting various depths to being able to creating an elongated, elegant look such as this one. We also chose an entertainment console to match as well as a 4' bookshelf.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Smart Fixtures for Trade Shows - it's that time again
Smart Fixtures are the perfect solution for your trade show display. I feel that these photos speak for themselves. Not only are the products highlighted well, each display is unique and enhances the look of the merchandise and the overall brand of the company.
Contact me at kliwanpo@smartfixtures.com to receive your complimentary, custom design today.
Contact me at kliwanpo@smartfixtures.com to receive your complimentary, custom design today.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Creative Suite Custom Package featuring Steelcase
With a multitude of options and selections to choose from, you can easily customize any space with home office furniture by Steelcase. With stylish curves and workspace galore, this custom home office package flows with creativity and comfort. Designed and customized using some of my favorite items, this custom home office package includes:- Uno Chair, designed by Charles Perry
Become one with this great chair, featuring hammock-style support for your entire body. Other amenities include swivel mechanism, pneumatic height and standard carpet casters. - Groupwork Desk with Screen Slatwall, by Turnstone from Steelcase
- Tour Pile File, by Turnstone from Steelcase
Can't decide on piling up or filing in? Then the Tour Pile File is perfect for your changing needs.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Salon Redesign
This project is currently in progress. I'm adding new fixtures - a 12' wall and a 10' window display, quoting these right now to include lower storage, a newly furnished waiting area and café tables for the processing area. The budget has not yet been established (which is normally the first step) and this is the first design so I expect some changes.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Smart Fixtures are Perfect for Yarn Stores
Smart Fixtures can give you the look of built-ins or custom carpentry at a more affordable price. We offer an array of finishes to match your décor, tool-free assembly, versatile designs and a lifetime warranty. This photograph features Annie & Company's beautiful shop. Perfect for organizing your skeins, Annie & Co. is one of the largest retailers in New York!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
The Psychology of Color at Retail
By Patricia Beks From http://www.retailcustomerexperience.com
The one major psychological influence that all retailers can — and do — make use of is color. Color can be everything to a successful store, if the palettes work well across the whole shop and complement other elements such as product displays and lighting. The point, according to retail designers, isn't about creating the most beautiful shop, but one that has coherence.
Color is central to coherence because we react instinctively to it. Red means "stop" and green means "go." Our brains are hot-wired to respond to color and, for modern retailers, the trick to using color is to understand both its physiological and psychological influences.
Color psychology perhaps explains why people are allegedly more relaxed in a green room and why weightlifters perform better in blue gyms. It's certainly the reason why some paint manufacturers now have color cards setting out the therapeutic aspects of each color, and why some cosmetic companies have introduced "color therapy" ranges.
To make things more complicated, the success of a retail store isn't so much influenced by the chosen color scheme but by how their target customers react to it. Is the store aimed at teenagers? Thirty-somethings? Senior citizens? The success of the store depends on how the customer reacts to both the products on display and the sales environment. Younger people like the energy of bold colors; older people prefer more subtle palettes. Get those colors wrong, and a retailer will find that their customers simply won't relate to the brand.
Color association also extends into food retailing. For example, most fast-food restaurants are decorated in vivid reds and oranges. These are colors that encourage us to eat quickly and leave — exactly what the fast-food operator wants us to do. Luxurious brands, on the other hand, favor softer colors that appear more sophisticated. In classier restaurants, those are the colors that encourage us to linger — and to order another drink, another coffee.
Some retailers are now using carpeting to influence patterns of travel around a store — particularly from the crucial zone just inside the shop entrance, often referred to as the compression or transition zone — the place where customers first orientate themselves with what's inside. Here, carpeting is being used to subtly direct shoppers deeper into the store or, by using different colors and patterns, create subconscious walkways that shoppers will tend to follow.
By recognizing how color influences us, retailers are better able to induce feelings of warmth, intimacy or serenity — or, by using more vibrant palettes, to excite or stimulate. It's about understanding target markets, the product lines to appeal to them and the kind of brand the retailer wants to convey. Lastly, it's about conveying that brand though color and design.
The one major psychological influence that all retailers can — and do — make use of is color. Color can be everything to a successful store, if the palettes work well across the whole shop and complement other elements such as product displays and lighting. The point, according to retail designers, isn't about creating the most beautiful shop, but one that has coherence.
Color is central to coherence because we react instinctively to it. Red means "stop" and green means "go." Our brains are hot-wired to respond to color and, for modern retailers, the trick to using color is to understand both its physiological and psychological influences.
Color psychology perhaps explains why people are allegedly more relaxed in a green room and why weightlifters perform better in blue gyms. It's certainly the reason why some paint manufacturers now have color cards setting out the therapeutic aspects of each color, and why some cosmetic companies have introduced "color therapy" ranges.
To make things more complicated, the success of a retail store isn't so much influenced by the chosen color scheme but by how their target customers react to it. Is the store aimed at teenagers? Thirty-somethings? Senior citizens? The success of the store depends on how the customer reacts to both the products on display and the sales environment. Younger people like the energy of bold colors; older people prefer more subtle palettes. Get those colors wrong, and a retailer will find that their customers simply won't relate to the brand.
Color association also extends into food retailing. For example, most fast-food restaurants are decorated in vivid reds and oranges. These are colors that encourage us to eat quickly and leave — exactly what the fast-food operator wants us to do. Luxurious brands, on the other hand, favor softer colors that appear more sophisticated. In classier restaurants, those are the colors that encourage us to linger — and to order another drink, another coffee.
Some retailers are now using carpeting to influence patterns of travel around a store — particularly from the crucial zone just inside the shop entrance, often referred to as the compression or transition zone — the place where customers first orientate themselves with what's inside. Here, carpeting is being used to subtly direct shoppers deeper into the store or, by using different colors and patterns, create subconscious walkways that shoppers will tend to follow.
By recognizing how color influences us, retailers are better able to induce feelings of warmth, intimacy or serenity — or, by using more vibrant palettes, to excite or stimulate. It's about understanding target markets, the product lines to appeal to them and the kind of brand the retailer wants to convey. Lastly, it's about conveying that brand though color and design.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Merchandising Tip: Choosing Displays
Choosing your displays and fixtures is as important as selecting products. This is an investment that is well worth the price. Often, manufacturers will offer a free display with purchase. Why does this incentivize retailers? Because it makes you feel like you're saving money.
Unfortunately, the free fixture with purchase is not the most beneficial option for you because it becomes a billboard for that manufacturer and removes the focus from your products to the architecture of the display. Investing in consistent displays throughout your retail area is the best way to display products. Your displays are there to enhance product, not detract. Keeping everything clean and uncluttered helps maintain a fresh look.
When we re-merchandised this salon with Smart Fixtures, we tripled his sales. He is now paying his rent with his retail sales. See the before and after photos.
Also, remember to keep your displays full with products! You need to show you're serious about what you do and you believe in the products you're selling.
Unfortunately, the free fixture with purchase is not the most beneficial option for you because it becomes a billboard for that manufacturer and removes the focus from your products to the architecture of the display. Investing in consistent displays throughout your retail area is the best way to display products. Your displays are there to enhance product, not detract. Keeping everything clean and uncluttered helps maintain a fresh look.
When we re-merchandised this salon with Smart Fixtures, we tripled his sales. He is now paying his rent with his retail sales. See the before and after photos.
Also, remember to keep your displays full with products! You need to show you're serious about what you do and you believe in the products you're selling.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Merchandising Tip: Nesting Tables
Impulse purchases make up 70% of all purchases. Nesting Tables encourage your customers to interact with products and also help establish promotions and new products. They present products clearly and directly to the client. 67% of people who interact with a product will purchase. Many successful retailers today display their products on nesting and display tables (think Bath and Body, Victoria's Secret, Old Navy, etc.) because they have been proven to boost sales.
Friday, March 13, 2009
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