When shoe retailers stumble

Wittners, Broadway.  This retailer generally runs a very tidy operation with high visual merchandising standards.  So, it was a bit surprising to see this promotional rack display.  My issue is not that there is a promotional display - that is fine, but that it is not in keeping with the rest of the store. It looks like an afterthought, whereas a promotional unit is used so often in retail and occupies such a strategic spot at the front of the store, it should be carefully considered and designed. It should be smaller and carrying less stock.   Sometimes even the best retailers chase sales at all costs.

White Hot Execution

The Body Shop QVB. This is a great example of a retailer thinking through their marketing. The campaign idea of 'White Hot Summer' in the window is reflected as soon as you walk into the store and spot the promo table. This makes the window work that much harder and helps to quickly convert busy browsers in this high-traffic location. And, as with all campaigns from this retailer, the presentation standards are high.

Dick Smith's Bad Habits

Dick Smith, Broadway.  I know the consumer electronics business has always had an element of 'pile it high and watch it fly'.  But I was disappointed to see that, having refurbished their Broadway store, Dick Smith have fallen back on bad habits.  The clean lines of this new store design are diluted by the TV in the prime promotional spot at the front of the store being display on a cardboard box - it just degrades the quality of the product and the offering. It draws one's eye away from the back of the store - which is an important aspect of attracting a shopper further into the store.  And it's not even level.  The Techxperts are obviously just 'tech xperts' not 'retailing xperts'.

REFERRALS UPFRONT

Angus & Robertson, Redbank Plaza, Qld.  Good use of the table out front with staff recommendations and referrals for Mothers' Day gifts. On-brand and timely, and a good way to chase full margin sales.