Last Post!

The most interesting thing I've learned in this class was how to merchandise products within a store and how many different techniques there are. I have worked in retail before but I've never known how many ways you can actually merchandise something. The project I got the most from was the store analysis because we learned how a store functions and how it can run effectively and efficiently. My favourite part of the class was definitely the window displays because you had the chance to be really creative.

- S.Z.

One last blog post!

The most interesting thing I learned from this class was basically how to operate a store efficiently and how every detail really needs to be thought out as it can make or break a store. I've worked in retail for years and now that I've seen everything that goes into running a store through our analysis and design projects, it definitely makes me appreciate the work that goes into things such as creating visual merchandising plans for stores. The project I got the most from was the display assignments, as we learned how to work efficiently with others and getting displays up when they needed to be. We were able to work with a lot of different themes and that does help with going into fashion because you can't quite expect what kind of display you'll be working on. My favourite part of the class was doing the blog posts as it's something I haven't done before, and it gave me a chance to research a lot of trends and the elements we talked about in class. The discussions in class as well was something I enjoyed, especially having so many of us with a retail background to relate to so it kept the conversation constantly interesting.

- Michelle

One. Last. Post.

Well. the most interesting thing I have learned in the 2013 Visual Merchandising class was probably how to technically analyze a store and its contents. I knew that I had previous knowledge of retail and the aspects of mechandising a store, but learning how to use the knowledge effectively to both criticize and create was the most interesting. I got the most from the store analysis assignment we worked on, I liked being able to take a store and give my opinion on it, and express to someone the good ideas I usually come up with when I'm shopping in stores to help improve them.

~ Taylor Hudema

One Last Blog Post

The most interesting thing that I learned in this class is how to do planograms and store analysis. It allowed me to visually get a better understanding and feel of what a merchandiser would do and look like. It give a more behind the scenes feel compared to working in an actual retail environment.

I feel I got the most from the store analysis and learning how to put together a board and presenting as well in front of everybody. Being able to actually think about the details from this perspective of learning instead of having it set out by somebody and not really knowing what the behind the scenes details happen.

My favorite part was working on the store analysis of an actual store in partners to divide up the work which helps while having a lot of other homework. It helped as well for doing our own store, so won`t feel so overwhelmed.

J.B.

Hello!,
This class was one of my favorite classes this semester. I enjoyed learning about how stores organize there merchandise in different ways and even if the store has a chaotic atmosphere finding order in that. Leaning about the Rootstein mannequins was fun for me as well. Mannequins are very important in displaying clothing and seeing a place that creates them and in different styles is amazing. I learnt the most from the store analysis. Seeing how a store functions that i haven't worked at and gaining better ideas of more efficient layouts and customer service was important and will benefit me in the future. I have gained lots of experience from this program, and learnt merchandising skills that you need to know to help sell your items better. Thank you Deanna!
Cheers,
KS

Final Blog Post Louise Doupe

The most interesting this i learned in this class would have to be that putting up a window display is more complicated then i thought. i know can walk through the mall and appreciate the work that has been put into the display.
The project i got the most from would have to be the group store analysis, going through someone elses store and helping them make it better was a great experience.
my favorite part of this class was the cafeteria window display.

Parting Comments

I learned so much about displays, blogging and retail. I never before considered all the little details that are incorporated into the making or the creation of a store layout or window display and the information and knowledge I've gained from this class has been so amazing and insightful. Its truly invaluable and worth while information and experience.
I learned the most from doing the store analysis. There is so much that needs to be thought about and planned out to the letter in order to make or break a store.
My favourite part of this class was the blogging. I've never blogged before and I really liked how we all  formed are own unique site and how we all contributed to it. Also, the research we did for each blog was a lot of fun and very interesting to learn.

Leanna Bultsma

Check it out..

Ironically, after leaving Visual Merchandising class today, I ended up online and came across this image gallery of "Insane Store Window Displays". Keep in mind this is a random article, by some random person sitting in some random place, choosing a few window displays that blew their inexperienced mind. Obviously we as students and instructors are educated enough in the field that not all of these are going to be as insane as we would expect, but it's an interesting, and possibly helpful, waste of a few minutes..take a look.  :)

http://funchoke.com/23455/insane-store-window-displays-20-images/13/

Cheers
~Taylor

Manniquin Alternatives by Mikayla and Leanna

picture 1  creates space, any style of garment can go on it as it is not gender specific, however there is no base support so it is forced to lean againt a wall or solid object and it is a permant t shape providing no fexability and no personality.


picture 2 is stable and long lasting, adds a different element and unique style, interchangeable with height and size, however the is no volume or shape, might ruin garments when dressing it, there is also no hips or curves to hold on bottom garments.

picture 3 Modern Store Fixture Inc.  Prices range from $175 to $185. It gives a more modern look with a more implied shape than an actual human figure, is easy to dress and maintain, interchangable and takes up less space, and can be for any garment style, mens or womens. However garments would look expressionless, you would need excessive pinning or draping to get the right look, might confuse the customer (lamp shade?) no human personality.

picture 4 MerchantCirle.com 3 T-easel manniquins for $20. Shipped to you. Environmentaly friendly, lightweight, inexpensive and versitile. Can be placed on a table or used as a hanging dress form. But it is not long lasting, no bottom part for bottom garments, not a realistic human figure, hard to dress, it might ruin garments by streching them over the manniquin.

Men and Mannequins in Mumbai

A recent study earlier this year in June done in Mumbai; describes how mannequins used in retail are driving the male population to have 'unclean' thoughts. Some places have banned the use of mannequins because of this, and have focused attention on the way women feel when faced with these mannequins. The major issue is found with female mannequins showing too much 'skin'.
A lingerie store owner is upset  by this recent decision; he feels that if his mannequins are banned, then the women that wear such scandalous items should be banned as well. Much of the population also feels that the government and society should be leaving this opinion issue alone, and focusing on something more relevant and important to everyday life.
This is an example of fashion and retail pushing the limits, maybe half dressed mannequins are suitable for our stores here in Canada, but in a place like Mumbai, where is the line drawn? Is fashion becoming too scandalous? Are more realistic and high end mannequins getting too realistic? If a man can become so distracted that a whole community notices how distracting a mannequin can be, is that then an issue with the mannequins or with the males of the community themselves?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/naazneenkarmali/2013/06/13/mumbais-endangered-mannequins/

- Michelle, Louise and Taylor

Mannequin Trends

taken from

The retro abstract mannequins are  for children. The mannequins are for children aged 2-12 years old. Available in all colors and finishes.It uses Bio-based materials and is less than 22lbs without glass base. The mannequins have typical children poses that are cool and mischievous . They can be interchangeable and available in all colors or with individual finishes. 

 

 

taken from

The different fabrics and variations can be adapted to suit any store and target group. The tailored trend can match up with the retro trend. Before mannequins there were mannequin busts used in stores to present clothing. There is basic, classic and vintage style selections for the mannequin options.

taken from

The tailored mannequins are fabric-covered torsos. They can be combined with wooden articulated arms and fit well with denim and street wear with their urban causal retro looks.

Sierra, Tera-Beth & Joe-Lynn

Rootstien Male and Female Mannequins

                                        

11)   It would be perfect for a young, edgy, and trendy clothing store (e.g. TopShop)
22)   Very realistic pose and relatable stance, very unique and different from other retailers, show the garments in a different angle.
33)   Dressing the mannequin would be difficult and it doesn’t give a full 360 degree view of the outfit
44)   You can change out their hair style and paint on make-up, rootstien also offers mannequin make over services

                                                         

1)   Lingerie, swimsuit, casual, dress wear, and high end
2)   Realistic pose, easy to add heels, pose would make the garment flow nicely, very versatile in which stores you can use it in, can create many stories with the pose.
3)   Hands are in awkward placement, head isn’t facing forward, only heels can be worn, and certain height heel can only be worn.
4)   You can shorten the hair, you could switch out the arms, and adjust her make up.

K.S & A.S 

Color Contrast.

                  In this display, if it weren't for the color contrast it would be almost impossible to differentiate the model from the backgrounds in the display.
                                               T-B. G.

Contrasting colors.


 Even though there is a focal point, the color gradient keeps your eye busy and going over the whole picture and not just the focal point.
                                                     T-B. G.

Effective lighting.

           I like how the lights are the focal point, it brings the message to direct attention.
                                   T-B. G.

Effectived Text.,

     Although the letters don't make any clear and distinct words, I believe this window displays effective text in a sense that it perfectly displays what the object in question, in this case a typewriter is made to do. T-B. G.

Effective Lighting

This lighting is very effective with its use of lighting for the focal point. Different levels of lighting are used to draw your eye to the centre object. 

Lighting & Text

I found the lighting in this display for Jimmy Choo to be effective because it brings attention to the shoes. They were going for a circus theme with the display, which I think was executed well because the type of lights they used are ones commonly found at a circus. Michelle S.
http://retaildesignblog.net/2013/08/27/dlt-circus-magic-fashion-windows-2013-summer-st-petersburg/


This is a display for Botanika, which is an eco-conscious clothing line that dyes their clothes using botanical colours. The text in this window is effective because many consumers are becoming more aware of fashion and the effects some of the processes have on the environment. I think this would draw in many people who are already eco-conscious, as well as others who have been considering it. Michelle S.
http://tokyofashion.com/botanika-by-taishi-nobukuni-at-loveless/

Text

http://www.bryanboy.com/bryanboy_le_superstar_fab/2009/07/bryanboy-loves-holt-renfrew.html

I think this shows effective text because of its size and the composition of the letters and words used. SZ

Lighting



http://internationalvisual.wordpress.com/tag/window-displays/

I thought this was interesting lighting because it really shows the contrast of the dresses as well as the mannequins. SZ