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.

'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.

Who is Copying Whom ?

Sportsgirl, East Gardens.  This palm tree looks suspiciously similar to the Havianas one spotted the other day - link here http://shoppologist.blogspot.com/2009/11/tropical-christmas-tree.html  imitation, flattery and all that ?

Shopping on a diet

Industrie, Bondi Junction.  A fundamental premise of retailing is the store should be welcoming, at the very least to customers in your target market.  This brand new Industrie store breaks that principle with a tiny entrance.  I am not sure whose bright idea it was - perhaps a hamhanded attempt at 'exclusivity'.  Perhaps they are targeting really thin people only ? Which seems odd when your garments are in every David Jones and Myer store.....  I give the store frontage six months max.

Model Seating

Myer, Bondi Junction.  No seating (mainly for blokes) in the womenswear fashion area.  I think this could result in lost sales apart from the obvious shopper frustration.  A smart retailer would give their male customers seating in the menswear area with a 'buzzer' system so she can call him when she is done with fitting  garments.  That way, he might even buy something for himself ...

Be Naughty (kids) this Christmas ?

Cotton On, Broadway.  Fairly predictable that this retailer would be pushing the envelope on 'kids with attitude' - 'be naughty this Christmas' (bottom right).  I wonder how they are travelling in terms of sales ?  I guess it could have been worse - based on  past performance they might have had a Christmas t-shirt that said 'Be my Christmas Bitch' or something ....

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Sportsgirl, QVB.  No shortage of mirrors in this good-looking display, positioned right at the front of the store in this high foot traffic mall.  Great merchandising, and customer-friendly despite the obvious risk of stock loss.

The Coral Queen

Forever New, Broadway.  An outstanding depiction of the season's current coral trend.  Very cool, very stylish.

Kids on a Harley ?

Gumboots, Broadway.  New upscale kidswear store with attitude.

Tree of Life loses a branch

Tree of Life, Broadway.  Not a good look on a Sunday - one of the busiest shopping days.

The Teenager's Bedroom Merchandising approach

Paul Dane, QVB.  I fail to see how this store can operate effectively with stock lying everywhere in no apparent structure - it's almost as though it's been merchandised to look like a teenager's bedroom :(

A question of culture

Sportsgirl, The Met centre, George St.  Would it be unkind to ask whether Sportsgirl's customers read many books  ?  Or does the clue lie in the way they have been colour-coded ?  :P 

Either way, a striking window display.

Sportsgirl goes lifestyle

Sportsgirl, East Gardens.  I was intrigued to see that Sportsgirl has gone into lifestyle gifting.  It makes sense for Christmas given their clear customer profile and positioning, and their history in selling accessories.  However, it will be interesting to see how they go in this competitive market - not many apparel retailers have successfully added a lifestyle dimension.  I give them a better chance than most.

The Classic Twoo-Fur

Jay Jays, East Gardens.  It's been a long time since I have seen a 'Twoo-Fur' (two for the price of one) deal executed this well.  Made my day :) But then I probably need to get out more ....

License to sell ?

Temporary kiosk, East Gardens.  These guys got very upset with me taking a photo (occupational hazard), which started me wondering whether they were selling properly licensed merchandise ?  Any thoughts ?

Why you want good lighting

Tarocash, QVB.  In one of the country's busiest malls 8 weeks out from Christmas, new range in stock, sales are sluggish - this is not a good time to have your lighting less than fully functional.  This example neatly illustrates why it is so important.

Jeans that Jump through Hoops

Just Jeans, Pitt St.  Calvin Klein jeans with some attitude.

Portmans all at sea ?

Portmans, East Gardens.  Relative to other retailers, this chain seems to lack definition and impact.

Pain Index

Events, East Gardens.  Clearly sales have been a 'non-event' of late. Not a good omen for the run-up to Christmas.

Forever New and Impressive

Forever New, Bondi Junction.  Huge and impressive display from this fashion retailer, achieves maximum impact in a very busy part of the mall.