Faux Local

Goldmark, Miranda.  Question: When is a 'Manager's Special' not that local and not that special ?  Answer: When it can be seen at other Goldmark branches (see Broadway).  Nothing inherently wrong with the offer, but the execution just seems a bit, well, average.  Also it erodes trust in the credibility of future offers and creates doubts about the veracity of other claims.  All of which is unnecessary - if the offer is strong who cares whether it's a manager's special or not ?

Reindeer thingies and Santa's helper

Broadway mall.  Spotted this morning - raising funds for cancer prevention and research.  

Red Ink

Esprit, Broadway.  Going into sale mode relatively early for the fashion sector, 10 days before Christmas, is an indicator that sales are not going well.  Having said that, the presentation is very impressive and impactful.  You can be in no doubt they are in 'sale' mode - as opposed to the discounting of some competitors.

New Look Portmans store

Portmans, Broadway.  Has just re-opened after refurbishment - at a difficult time of the year to say the least.  The new look is understated but fresher.  It will be interesting to see how they fare.

The Reverse of Converse

Converse store, Market City.  A shocking time to have a window without merchandise.  

Sweets Galore

Darrell Lea, Chatswood Westfield.  This store looks appealing because it is filled to the brim with colourful lollies and sweets.  The strong seasonal theme makes it a magnet for those with a sweet tooth. I do wonder if the choice is a bit overwhelming, though.  Might have to do some research there ....

Not Exactly Smokin'

Cignall Tobacconist and Gifts, Chatswood Westfield.  This retailer should not be surprised if they struggle - what with blocking the entrance with postcard 'spinners' (normally vendor-supplied) and other high stands which prevent the shopper seeing to the back of the store.  The signage leaves a lot to be desired as well.  Perhaps this was done by the local playschool art class ? The merchandise in the window also looks cheap and nasty. Given the amount of passing foot traffic, this shop should have been busier.

'Tis the Season for ...balls

French Connection, Chatswood Westfield.  
Portmans, Miranda.


Obviously a key seasonal prop.  I have to say that Portmans'  merchandising seems to have come off the boil somewhat, without a clear message of what they stand for - based on this and other displays I have noticed recently.

Survivor the Fashion Island ?

Sportsgirl, Miranda.  Superb, fun window from this retailer.  Chock-full of engaging elements, with a clear message to the target market.

Recycle your jeans

Levi's, Chatswood Westfield.  Annual promo - but still a great idea - get 30% off new Levi's when you bring in your old jeans.

Low Maintenance Pet

AeroPlus, Chatswood Chase.  Great design at affordable prices too.  The essential low maintenance multi-functional pet for Christmas :)

A Christmas angel

Seafolly, Chatswood Westfield.  A standout and somewhat quirky interpretation of a southern hemisphere Christmas from this swimwear retailer.

SHOPPERS FORCED TO TRAIN MYER STAFF

GUEST POST by Derek Jenkins

The story behind Tweet #6,588,831,751

Myer Bondi Junction : where 10% + 15% =>; 35%  (not)

by: Derek Jenkins (@OzDJ) http://twitter.com/OzDJ 

refers to: http://twitter.com/ozdj/status/6588831751 

_________________________________________________________

It was Saturday afternoon and we were wandering through the hampers and chocolates at Myer Bondi Junction. We spotted a "weekend special" sign which read, in part:

"Buy four or more(*) Food as a Gift items in a single transaction and get 35% off"
 ...and in very easy-to-read, not-so-fine print....

(*) Full priced items only. Excludes already discounted items"

"Fair enough!" I thought, and I loaded up our basket with approximately $120 worth of chocolates and other eligible foodstuffs (each individually marked at full price). We had all of the items run through the register, paid the bill and we started to wander off.

And then I checked the receipt. Ummm... $29.99 less 35% should equal $19.49 (not $22.49). And $14.98 less 35% should equal $9.74 (not $11.24).

Back to the register to get the mistake fixed.

Me: Hi - we just bought all of these items and they appear to have scanned at the wrong price.
Staffer#1: Oh. What is the problem?

Me: Well ;
Staffer#1: No, those products were already discounted - so you don't get the full 35% off.
Staffer#2: See, [points at a $5.99 chocolate billed at $5.39 less 15% = $4.58] But you're still getting a big discount.

Me: [producing the item] It is still full price on the sticker and nowhere on the display stand does it mention that they've been discounted.
Staffer#1: But, see, you still get 15% off the discounted price.

Me: I'm not happy with that. I'd like you to honour the price you're displaying over there [pointing] [another two staff arrive on the scene]
Staffer#3: Can you please show me?

[I gave Staffer#3 and Staffer#2 a tour of their department while Staffer#4 and Staffer#1 had a chat. I pointed out the full-priced items and the  "weekend special" signage about the less 35%.]

Me: Sorry, but can you please show me any sign/pricetag which says the items on the shelves are pre-discounted by 10% off the marked price?
[Staffer#3 then walked around for ~2mins looking for non-existent signage]
Staffer#3: You're right. There's nothing.

[Our posse heads back to the register]

Staffer#1 to Staffer#2: How did you go?
[Silence from Staffer#2]
Me: I just want you to charge me full price, according to the offer, and take the 35% off. I don't want you to discount a discount.
Staffer#2: But less 10% is the current price. I can't charge you the old price.
Staffer#1: [attempting to support Staffer#2] ...but you're not the first person to have asked about it today.
Me: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [Thinking: WTF?! This is a systemic issue and they know about it?!]

Me: Sorry, that's NOT on. What you're doing is an elementary breach of section 52 of the Trade Practices Act. The lack of signage/pricing is clearly likely to mislead or deceive.
Staffer#2: Really?
Me: Yeah, sorry mate, this stuff is my day job.

Staffer#2: [to Staffer#1, #2 and #4] I need to phone Dan.
[At this point Staffer#2 calls 'Dan', a supervisor or manager of some sort. Situation is explained, including the presence of an 'unhappy customer'.  Call ends within 30 seconds]

Staffer#2: [to Staffer#1] Just reverse out the entire sale and over-ride the price.
[Staffer#1 and Staffer#3 get to work on the fix. ~15mins later we've been re-billed and credited for the difference]

Staffer#1: Thanks for your patience.
Me: No problem, but you should really get that signage sorted out.
Staffer#1: I know. So many people have said the same thing.
Me: [sigh]

Competition hots up Outdoors

Chatswood Westfield mall.  These outdoor equipment retailers are side by side (Columbia and Mountain Designs).  I was struck by the similarity of offer and the difference  in execution - I know which one I would go into first !

Does Naughty Sell ?

Ed Hardy, Chatswood Westfield.  I am no prude, but I have to wonder if this imagery is somewhat gratuitous .  Sure the brand has 'attitude' and is 'edgy', but does this add anything ?  Interested in your comments.

Shoes and Straps

Skechers, Chatswood Westfield.  I was most amused to see this in the Skechers window.  My first thought was 'cute' but a closer look turned this to 'eeeww' - not sure they thought this through. Anyway, I am sure the fetishists will buy some .....

Action and Consequence

Target, Miranda.  Regular readers will recall some previous posts about how Target tries to sell fine fragrances without offering samplers.  I was thus interested to observe that range is now on markdown (10-30%, and 25%-40% off).  Every action has a consequence.

Santa's Shorts

BIG W, Miranda.  For those into that sort of thing - could be a useful accessory this Silly Season - at least in the Southern Hemisphere :).

Have a Dollar Shop Christmas

Hot Dollar, Miranda.  Not everyone's cup of tea - in fact one of the most polarising issues at Christmas.  But for those interested in Christmas lights, this was an eye-catching window. For those who are not ... another schmaltzy eyesore.

Taste the Magic of Christmas

Darrell Lea, Miranda.  Outstanding poster display that captures the magic of Christmas.