Not a Good Sign

Portmans, Warringah.  A stunning, impactful graphic from Portmans which is offset by the obvious neglect of their signage.  Literally and figuratively, not a good sign.

More tacky jewellers

Prouds, Warringah.  By request from readers, this one is arguably 'worse' than some previously shown.

Bright and buzzing

Vodafone, Warringah.  This Voda store seemed like a 'happening' place - bright and cheerful and buzzing. The lighting is quite cool. I would be interested to hear what experiences readers have had in their stores.

Beige is boring - yawn!

Michael Hill Jeweller, Warringah.  Many jewellers in the mainstream market have very tacky storefronts.  Some have an over-preponderance of black - not a colour you associate with joy or celebration.  So, it is sometimes a tricky task to balance all the cues.  This MH Jeweller store seems to have gone too far the other way - the colours are so bland they say nothing about the brand - except maybe it's 'beige'.  I have no doubt the store is operationally efficient - they are savvy operators.  Maybe they are selling finance ....Hopefully the customers aren't beige as well.  

Tacky promotion undermines good cause

YouSave pharmacy, Warringah.  Now hear this: the McGrath Foundation does great work.  My question is whether the execution of this appeal and promotion was well considered.  Somehow I can't reconcile the orange and blue of YouSave with the pink ribbons and crinkle paper, and then Blackmore's own brand colours.  Not to mention the blue skin suit.....  I am not sure the parties have done themselves any favours with this. It just looks tacky. A case of more is less ?   

Country Road's hang ups

Country Road, Warringah mall.  I think this display must have fallen into the gap between concept and execution.  It does nothing to enhance the merchandise and doesn't convey a message - very bland.

Cool Dudes

SDS Surf Dive n Ski, Warringah. Edgy poster.

Sox and Toiletries Bags

Pulse Pharmacy, Warringah.  A good looking store, I quite like the choice of colours (lime and blue) for the brand identity.  However, while the store is laid out in a tidy fashion (as it needs to be in a pharmacy), this good work is potentially undone by the stands at the front, blocking the entrance to the store.  The logic escapes me - unless it is for 'impulse' - but who buys a toiletries bag or socks on impulse ?  

The fronts of stores should be welcoming. Period.

Kudos to Sportsgirl

Sportsgirl, Warringah. Full kudos to Sportsgirl for supporting National Body Image and Eating Disorders Week.  I especially liked the way they integrated the brand's voice into it - 'give fashion, give love, give hope'. A real example to other retailers, in my view.

The Skinny on Smiggle's skin

Smiggle, Warringah.  Noticed this kiosk inside Smiggle - basically you can choose/ design a skin for some common devices: phone, laptop, ipod.  They continue to innovate - kudos to them.  Anyone tried this yet ?

Lululemon takes a Nanna Nap

Lululemon, Warringah. This window by Lululemon caused a lot of people to stop and notice. (feels a nap coming on *yawn*) :)

Priceline Show and Tell

Warringah Mall, Thursday. Priceline hosted a makeover session in the mall - here's two pics showing the 'before' and 'after' :) And before there are any wise cracks - no, I didn't have the makeover I should have had ;)

Consumer-friendly Bank ?

Bankwest, Warringah Mall.  Some would say it is an oxymoron: the consumer-friendly bank.  However, I think, superficially at least, Bankwest should be commended on how warm and inviting their bank branches are.  Not something you often see.