Deadly Sin at Christmas

Target, Bondi Junction.  Without overstating it, it is NOT a good look when you are out of stock at any time, yet alone Christmas (last Sunday afternoon).  You cannot make sales without stock, and it really annoys time-poor shoppers.  #FAIL

The Ultimate Gift Box

QVB. Peace, relaxation and cinnamon facial scrub all in one gift box :)  Nicely presented.

It Ain't Pretty (guest post)

A GUEST POST BY RealizeBeautyEd

It ain’t pretty – the cosmetics counter.

Link here



I was out and about yesterday looking for inspiration among the department store shelves when I came across a few grossities.  I am not usually one to spread bad news but I think that this is worth mentioning so, here we go.

While out shopping I found:

*  One med-high priced brand of lip balm (in a tub) completely separated and smelling rank.

*  5 separate pump dispenser packs, caked up with old lotion around the nozzle.

*  The afore-mentioned lotions in various stages of cottage cheese cakiness.

* More than a handful of brands for which one had to purchase or clandestinely rip open the pack to reveal the ingredients listing.

* Two sad old creams completely separated.

Sound familiar?  I am not surprised that products don’t go the “shelf life” distance when presented as sample pots.  These products have a tough old life often being used by hundreds of grubby hands – large and small every day. They are also placed under hot and bright lighting and quite frequently forgotten about altogether in the rush to re-stock the sales merchandise.

The problem?

Well, rancid lotions could do more than put you off a brand, they could seriously upset your stomach. How many of us test out potential new product on the back of our hands, rubbing it in and then giving a once over before we buy? How many of us then wash it off before digging into our cappuccino and banana bread?  Most of the time these actions will go without consequence but every now and then, a split lotion spells danger as it has come under bacterial attack.  Candida, E-Coli, Pseudomonus and Staph grow well under cream conditions.

The solution? 

• Sales assistants and merchandisers need to keep their eyes peeled for any dodgy looking sample stock. Don’t assume that because it is in shelf life it is OK.
• Suppliers of samples need to customer proof their products by choosing robust packaging that consumers can’t get into. Jars are a BIG no no.
• Us shoppers need to inform the sales assistant of any products we find looking below par. If they shrug you off saying that the product is “always like that”  I would stear well clear.
• Product manufactures should ensure that shoppers can find the ingredients listing easily when shopping – many people wish to steer clear of or purchase only certain ingredients.  Why not help them out?

Brand owners beware,  the tester pot may be the first and last meeting you have with a potential new customer. If you product sells for over $70 per 50ml pack why not invest in a more robust tester strategy?

One Champion yesterday was Clinique. The products were flawless and samples were collected for the shopper by sparkly clean sales assistants armed with disposable spatulas.  Whatever your views on Clinique, they certainly know how to pour a sample!

Caught in the act

Lush, The Met Centre.  Great to catch this young lady in the act of doing the right things - smiling AND selling - well done :)

Spot the Staff Member

Lush, QVB.  Can you spot the staff member ? Hint: look for green hair.  Call me old-fashioned but despite the quirky nature of the Lush brand, I thought their key differentiator was 'natural' - which  green hair is not.  Besides it clashes with the product, which is not easy to do :)

Is this just Cosmetic ?

Mecca cosmetics, TGV. This retailer uses window decals very effectively, but I did have to wonder whether the techno-jargon is understood by shoppers ? Surely they can find consumer-friendly terms - people get suspicious when they don't understand terms, and are reluctant to ask and show their ignorance. So they walk away.

In Great Shape

The Body Shop, East Gardens.  This store looks impressive, and despite the tight space, and relative small 'decompression zone' is well presented and inviting.  The table display mirrors the window, and the gift packages on the wall fitting look very appealing.  It makes you think you can find something there without major effort - great for the time-challenged shopper. 

How Lush is that ?

Lush, QVB.  A great example of 'engaging the senses'.  Lush is well known for its aromas, but note use of colour and light.  Also worth noting from an operations perspective is the staff member's tidy uniform, her smile, and the clean lines in the store fixtures to offset the visual 'clutter' of the product.  Perfect balance.

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.

A Pleasant Assault

Lush, Miranda. A pleasant assault on the senses when you enter this store. Well known for their fragrance, I also liked this very colourful display - simple yet effective.

Take It All Off

Lush, Greenwood Plaza. Retro-style promotion. 'Reveal your inner glow' ? What a hoot !

A FRESH APPLE

L'Occitane, QVB - stunning display in front of store to promote new almond apple range.

HOT LIPS

The Body Shop, QVB - striking window display.

DIOR'S MOOD

Dior counter, Myer Sydney city. Lighting creates mood which sells product.

DIY BEAUTY DIARY

Mecca Cosmetics, Bondi Junction. Innovative use of the window to inspire and position.

LIFELESS BODY SHOP ?

Body Shop, Burwood - Saturday afternoon, very busy in the mall, but very low conversion of passing foot traffic.  The store is well located and very tidily presented.  Has the brand lost relevance in today's recessionary market ?  Certainly there is more competition for the 'conscience' dollar (eg. Oxfam).  Note the values or causes listed on the inside of the door.  The stores DOES look very corporate - perhaps too corporate for a business that is a 'challenger' brand  ?

Video: approx 2 mins long

BEAUTY SPOT

Mecca cosmetics store, Bondi Junction.  Innovative use of decals gives the store a fresh look.  (Photo does not really do it justice).

NAPOLEON INVADES

Napoleon Perdis kiosk in Bondi

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