Remember when retail product advertising simply centered on
the product itself? You know, when a piece of plastic was just a wasteful piece
of earth-harmful material and nothing more? Those days are totally over.
Today, retail product advertising often glosses over the
actual product, while honing in on the sustainability of the packaging that the
product comes in. And it's not just in advertising.
Check this out--a friend of
mine nixed my lunch suggestion because the food came with too much packaging.
It's also no longer chic to waste massive amounts of sparkly paper to wrap Christmas
presents in. Instead, gifts are being wrapped in old newspapers. We're now as
eco-friendly about our packaging as we are with the product itself.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. We should care
about these things. It is our Earth after all.
But, recently, I found myself chuckling quite a bit while reading
a press release for Organicare Beauty products. The release focused somewhat on
the loveliness of the skincare line, but mostly centered on the
"sophisticated, fashionable and serious" packaging (10/21/08 release)
all designed to send a message about the skincare's commitment to the
environment.
In fact, the packaging is made using hydropower and wind power in a carbon-neutral facility. And that's not all. According to the
Willoughby Design Group, which designed the packaging, it's also Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC) certified with all of the paperboard straight from responsibly managed forests.
My, my, my--we've certainly come a long way, haven't we?
Not so long ago just a handful of folks were piloting the
cloth grocery bag movement and now it has completely infiltrated our world. Retail
product press releases wax on endlessly about sustainable packaging. And to top
it off, our friends (well, mine at least!) won't eat our food if it comes with
too much packaging.
Do you know other retail products that are package-centric?
What do you think about this incredible focus in the retail world? (I am loving
it, although it does make me giggle!) When we do things, boy, do we do them BIG.
Care to share your thoughts? Do so here!
Poor Man to Rich Man: “Hey buddy, can you spare $100 for a cup of coffee?”
Rich Man to Poor Man: “Isn’t that an awful lot for a cup of coffee?”
Poor Man to Rich Man: “Well you don’t expect me to go to Starbucks for a venti Mochiniccatto wearing this, do you?”
Adding to the list of fashion euphemisms like “Metro-sexual,” “Masstige,” “De-merger,” “Menergy” and “Staycation,” comes the new “Recessionista” or "Recession Chic." This new phrase replaces the oft-ballyhooed “Fashionista,” and seems to reflect a disregard for the realities of today’s economic spiral. (Think of Marie Antoinette.) It’s sort of a rebranding of the shopping experience, but without the buyer's regret. After all, “Fashionistas” are so last year. (FYI: the word “Fashionista” was first coined in 1993.) In short, being a “Recessionista” or being “Recession Chic” conveys that without curbing your shopping habits, and while spending less, you are getting more value/product. (Now think of the Guillotine).
Retailers can position their products, and services as not only epitimous, but smart. It’s tantamount to replacing the word "counterfeit" with "reproduction." So if you opt for the set of vinyl look-alike Louis Vuitton clutch and wallet for $200, instead of the authentic leather set at $2,000, you are a “Recessionista” and "Recession Chic"--ergo, despite the frail economy, cast all caution to the wind, feel good about shopping more and paying less. Isn’t that kind of what got us into this mess? Have I got a mortgage for you?! Lest you think this is just a fad, or something like speaking in Pig Latin or Vulcan, check out The Recessionista and Jezeblel for further illumination, or time permitting, check out the wonderful story by Natasha Singer for the NY Times“A Label for a Pleather Economy,”from the Fashion and Style section.
As Andy Warhol said, “What’s great about this country is that America started the tradition where the richest consumers buy essentially the same things as the poorest.”
Retailers, like the Bourgeoisie, are rebranding their low-end Parisian lip gloss and mascara as “The Recessionista Collection,” and describe it as “an antidote to gloom." What is it made with…fairy dust? Jumping on the bandwagon was New York’s very own Salon Eliut Rivera, which promotes their “Recessionista Beauty” program that offers deep discounts on haircuts and eyebrow shaping. Ouch! Last, but not least, we all know that for years now, top exclusive/luxury designers have knocked-off/discounted their own lines to cater to the “Frugalistas,” so this does not come as a huge surprise. I miss you Andy Warhol.
Are you a “Recessionista?” Are you “Recession Chic?” Or are you just a Great “Depressionista?”
Oh W Hotels, how I love thee! And now, with their latest property debuting in Hong Kong, I have even more fabulous hotel space to dream about. That’s right, I’m talking about the new W Hong Kong from W Hotels (a line of boutique hotels owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.). Located in a waterfront skyscraper in the heart of the city’s new commercial, entertainment and cultural district, W Hong Kong features 393 guest rooms, including 42 suites. The hotel also introduces Asia’s first Bliss Spa and boasts two signature restaurants, a 73rd-floor modern fitness facility, 8,200 sq. ft. of convertible meeting and event space, and the W lounge experience. Owned by Sun Hung Kai Properties, W Hong Kong marks the W brand’s third property in Asia and its first in China.
A press release from Starwood describes the hotel like this: “Offering a sensory multiplex of contemporary design and comfort, W Hong Kong embraces the heritage and mysticism of traditional Chinese culture. The hotel’s lead designers, Yasimuchi Morita of Glamorous Corp. and Nic Graham of g+a, have created an environment that offers unique and complementary interpretations of Mother Nature in their respective spaces within the hotel. Elements of wood, stone, water, fire and metal used generously throughout the hotel’s colorful spaces and rooms seamlessly blend with the W brand’s signature design elements. The hotel also showcases original works by several renowned artists including Lee Bul from Korea as well as Daniel Crooks and James Angus from Australia.”
With unobstructed views of Hong Kong’s skyline, the hotel is the centerpiece in the new 92-story Cullinan complex, and connects directly to the 1-million-sq.-ft. Elements luxury shopping mall. And then of course, there’s the pool. Oooh, the pool, the pool, the POOL! With breathtaking views and bursting with colorful artwork, it’s the city’s most highly elevated hotel swimming pool--and quite a beauty.
Should I ever have a convention to attend in Hong Kong, I know where I’m staying! (Now to figure out how to get the W Hotels added to that “preferred suppliers” list…)
The poor U.S. economy just can't catch a break these days. It's
been blamed for everything from corruption in corporate America (AIG, anyone?)
to keeping Americans at home watching "Mad Men." And now, the economy is being
blamed for an increase in coupon use.
-81 percent of shoppers use coupons for groceries. -80 percent would be likely to increase coupon use if they
were more accurately tailored to their interests, and delivered online. -87 percent would be more likely to shop at a retailer that
offered coupons. -47 percent found print and online coupons equally
convenient, with 9 percent preferring online coupons.
While this information is all fine and good, it has to be
taken into context with the current upheaval over the U.S. economy. The study
cites that the economy is behind this recent surge in coupon usage. And truth be
told, once things quiet down--like they always do--consumers will be back to
viewing coupons as a value statement. When the economy is going great, people
spend more and worry about saving less. When there is mass hysteria about the
economy, people tighten up and start clinging to coupons as though they might
save them from financial ruin.
Another interesting result from this survey was that
consumers found print and online coupons to be equally convenient. Frankly, I
would prefer to receive my coupons in the mail--no ink waste, no printer drama,
no hassle. They're printed and ready to go. With our technology-crazed society,
online coupons might be more convenient to receive, but they are a much bigger
pain to use. I can't tell you how many great coupons I've received from Barnes
& Noble that I inevitably deleted from my e-mail inbox, simply because I
never got around to printing the darn things out.
When we boil it all down, what is this survey really telling
us? It seems like it's another indication that retail must be willing to
fluctuate with the times. There isn't some magical formula to being a raging
retail success beyond paying attention to customer needs. If consumers feel
safer with coupons right now, then coupons they shall receive. And trust that
when things start booming again, there will be little need.
What are your thoughts on the increase in coupon use--is it
really the economies fault, and are retailers right in responding to the
demand? Leave your thoughts here!
What a world we live in today. Our houses are worth less, our gasoline is worth more and our shopping desire is worth...well, let's just say it's diminished. I headed over to the neighborhood Linens 'n Things this week (admittedly to check out the store-closing sales--still at only 10 to 20 percent off, if you're curious) and came across a sad state. Yellow and red signs dominating the interior, announcing to customers the end of all that was linen or thing.
However, it wasn't the sales that piqued my interest in the store--it was my experience at the check-out counter. After purchasing a new oven mitt at 10 percent off (I had an incident with my hand and a too-hot burner the night before), I asked the sole store associate behind the counter when the store would be closing for good. She looked up with a completely blank stare and said, "I have no idea. They don't tell us anything." Having heard this depleted response, a female shopper behind me said, "You know, the Linens 'n Things at The Forum is already up to 20 percent off store-wide. You might want to check there." She went on to tell me about a massage chair she bought at The Sharper Image's store closing sale a few months ago for upwards of 60 percent off.
While the bargain hunter's commentary was appreciated, I have to say--what a sad state of retail we're in today. I mentioned to the woman that I write for a retail magazine and named off a number of other retailers recently calling it quits and closing all their stores (Shoe Pavilion and Mervyn's to name a few). Her reply? "Too bad none of them are around here. Probably some good sales."
While not all value-driven consumers are Chapter 11 store-hopping like the example here, the bargain hunter within all of us understands where this woman was coming from. Clip a coupon, hit a sale, save some money. As long as we're still shopping, retail will prevail.
My poor grandma just can't seem to get any retail love. With a
quadruple bypass, hip replacements and an excessive paranoia that salespeople
in general are trying to take advantage of her--she's pretty much at odds with
the retail industry. The aisles aren't wide enough for her walker, the music is
too loud, the floors are slick and the lighting is overpowering. And these are
just some of her many complaints.
I recently suggested that grandma consider the very real
possibility of moving overseas to Europe. After all, they do have free
healthcare as well as senior-designed grocery stores. What an amazing concept,
right? Well, they had to come up with something, as the elderly population is
exploding. According to the Daily Mail, in 20 years half the population in Europe
will be over 50 years of age.
Ever-progressive Tesco is currently planning to cater to
this growing market, with plans to open a senior-focused store in Newcastle,
England. The 60,000-sq.-ft. store would be located next to Newcastle
University's Institute for Aging and Health (well, they won't have to worry
about advertising, will they?!) and would include magnifying glasses, softer
lighting, wider aisles and more senior-friendly shelving.
Is it just me or is this a really good idea for the United States
as well?
With the baby boomer generation getting older and older,
demand for senior-friendly retail stores will only increase. I hate to say it,
but once again, the Europeans have beat us to it. This demographic absolutely
needs our attention, and designing retail spaces that accommodate their
preferences is a smart business idea.
Those uber intelligent Europeans, they're always showing us
up, aren't they?!
In all seriousness though, do you know of any U.S retailers
that are catering to this demographic in terms of store design? What do you
think about the necessity of this? Leave your comments here.
Not often does a site come around that gets my design juices up and flowing, but this new blog by Anne Corrons is a fun, international peek into the everyday world of window dressers the world over. Offered with both French and English translations, Ms. Corrons shoots one or two retail shop windows every day in New York--with a few side trips to Paris, London and Barcelona from time to time--dialogueing her take on the designs within. Her commentary is light and insightful, but the pictures speak a thousand words (especially for those of us who do not live in New York but lust wondrously over the store windows when we are able to take a leisurely shopping stroll in the city). Happy window shopping!
While the stock market is going down, we girls are kicking up our heels--high heels that is. Have you taken a good look at the shoes in specialty stores lately? Those high-heels just keep getting higher and higher. There is an old saying about hems go up in good times and down in bad, but Diva is not sure about footwear. But as stocks are falling, designers are taking women’s shoes to heights never seen before. As article in The Wall Street Journal says skyscraper shoes are in. While in the past, 3- or 4-in. heels were the norm; now designers are pumping out heels up to 7 in.--from Steve Madden to high-end designers, like Louboutin. The article quoted the fashion director for New York-based retail consultancy Donegar Group as saying: "These are the highest heels that I’ve ever seen sold on a commercial level.” Louboutin says that he plans to aim for higher territory--8-in. heels--next season. (Will he also hand out altitude sickness pills?)
Above 4-in. heels, the air gets too rarified for Diva--and she cares more about protecting her leg bones from disastrous falls. Several models took nosedives at the recent Prada show, tripping over their 7-in. heels, tottering and then crashing to the floor (not a pretty sight). Reportedly, some models were so scared of the fancy footwear--and rightly so--that they were crying backstage.
Even stranger, the WSJ article tells of women who are having injections of Juvederm cosmetic filler to plump up the balls of their feet, to enable them to walk better in the tall heels (now that is truly sick!). It’s one thing to pay out the ying-yang for facial injections, but Botox for feet is simply too decadent for Diva.
So if you follow fashion dictates and go around tottering on those skyscraper high-heels, Diva says--be sure your medical insurance is up to date, or the fashion accessory of the moment could be a pair of crutches.
Check out this YouTube video to see how ridiculous women look, walking in sky-high heels.
If you have a minute, go ahead and take a peek into your
garbage can. You'll probably find the usual suspects--a banana peel, pieces of random
mail and maybe some coffee grinds.
Just ordinary garbage, right? Well, tell
that to Trenton, N.J.-based TerraCycle (started by a 25-year-old Princeton drop
out--I love this country!), a company that has taken everyday waste and made it
into consumable products. And not products sold at a street fair either. We're
talking about massive retail ventures.
TerraCycle recently began a partnership with OfficeMax,
which now offers "Made From Waste" products in all of its stores throughout the
nation. Products include waste baskets (ironic, eh?) pens, pencils, binders,
paper, pencil cases, cork boards and computer bags. Even better, the products
are made from commonly tossed items such as newspaper, cookie packaging, elephant poop, banana leaves, wine corks and billboard vinyl.
We truly live in the most innovative time in the history of
the world. Who would have thought that elephant poo and wine corks could
create so much goodness? It's absolutely amazing.
According to a recent TerraCycle press release, execs at
OfficeMax worked closely with the company to develop products that consumers
not only needed, but could also be created from common waste products.
Check out some of the Made From Waste products and their
materials of origin:
-Pencils: 100 percent reused newspaper
-Paper lines: elephant poop, banana leaves, coffee grinds and straw -Pens: biodegradable corn plastic and recycled plastic -Kid's notebooks: reused Oreo and Chips Ahoy cookie
packaging, post-consumer paper -Computer bags: reused billboard vinyl
-Cork boards: reused wine corks
And get this, TerraCycle (I swear, the dude that started
this company is a genius!) pays consumers to send in cookie packaging,
wrappers, plastic bottles, wine corks, etc. as part of their efforts to clean
up the Earth and create products we can reuse. They also partner with food
manufacturers to act as sponsors for this brigade. It doesn't get any better
than this people. Unless, of course, you're talking about the worm poop plant
food packages for reused soda bottles that TerraCycle created back in 2005 for
Wal-Mart and Home Depot.
I don't know about you, but OfficeMax's coolness factor just
rose about 5 trillion points for me. What do you think? Want to track the CEO
of TerraCycle down and marry him (like I do)? If so, leave your comments here.
Or drop us your ideas for how to turn waste into goodness.
Nail polish and lipstick and hair gel, oh my! Beauty retailer ULTA--aka makeup junkie mecca-- unveiled its first urban location on State Street in Chicago this week. The brand, which carries an obscene amount of (more than 21,000!) prestige and mass beauty products across the categories of cosmetics, fragrance, hair care, skincare, bath and body products, and salon styling tools, opened its doors at 114 S. State Street (at Monroe). ULTA on State Street will include 18,000 sq. ft. of selling and salon space on four floors--wow that's a lot of beauty space! The store will also house a full-service, in-store salon.
To kick off the grand opening, ULTA provided free cosmetic consultations and the first 100 customers received a gift certificate with a value ranging from $5 to $100. As the company's first urban location, the store is designed to appeal to busy, on-the-go women with a modern and sleek environment. The Salon's Spa Lounge will also offer a multitude of relaxing treatments, as well as complimentary consultations and customized skin care treatments. And located right in the heart of bustling Chicago, the store is sure to attract the attention of many female passers-by.
With 283 retail stores across 35 states, ULTA seems to be beefing up its store presence even in a weak economy. After all, it's no secret (especially if you've read the Retail Design Diva's post about makeup and money) that when the economy is at its worst, women are looking their best.
What do you think? Do beauty purchases represent the few splurges female shoppers still feel comfortable making today? Tell us!
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Remember when retail product advertising simply centered on
the product itself? You know, when a piece of plastic was just a wasteful piece
of earth-harmful material and nothing more? Those days are totally over.
