The Hanging Gardens of JB Hi-Fi

JB Hi-Fi, East Gardens.  Don't get me wrong I enjoy shopping at JB Hi-Fi, but some days I do wonder why.  The sheer amount of visual clutter at the entrance is sometimes overwhelming - especially on those days when you haven't had enough coffee :)  If I feel that way at 5'4", what do tall customers think ?   

And then there's the security guard at the entrance who guys you the evil eye on the way in.  He made me feel guilty just for thinking bad thoughts about the posters hanging from the ceiling. 

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'.

WIRED FOR SALES

Dick Smith store, George St Sydney - very impressive sanctuary for the man - I especially liked the clean cut lines in the layout, the express area (for photo printing and CD burning) and the way supporting signage in store provided 'navigation' and 'reassurance'. Even guys need those from time to time :)

JB RUNS HOT

JB Hi Fi, East Gardens recently opened, store was buzzing (Friday afternoon), value for money recession-proof formula.

SHARP DICK SMITH

Dick Smith, Broadway, a few weeks after re-opening in new format.  The store looks very sharp.  I especially like the use of the brand iconography in the front, and the fact that neither the yellow nor the black has been overdone.  The decision to remove the Dick Smith face from the brand identity was a courageous one, given he is still one of Australia's most respected figures as measured in a recent poll, but I think it was the correct one.  The light tone for the flooring is also excellent - will be interesting to see how it stands up to wear and tear.

SPLASH

Of iPod colour stands out in dull category. Harvey Norman Moore Park