creativity class assignment 2

Observing Retailing(Or Can I Look Without Buying?)

Monday, October 29, 2012

LifeWay Christian

StoreBright, clean storefront with large windows revealing lots of goodies within.

Interior easy to navigate, salespeople friendly and helpful. Looking and touching encouraged - comfy chairs were available.

Lots of merchandise, well displayed. Items for all ages from Bibles and Christian literature, games for kids, cards, jewelry and home decor.

Shoppers were mostly women of varying ages, but the visit was on a weekday morning.


Without a word, the Apple symbol tells you innovation is here.

Matte gray tile floors, metallic walls interspersed with light displays feels like being inside a computer.

iphone, ipad, ipod displays are at front, moving to laptops, desktops. Then, of course, the Genius Bar at the back where they do miracle work on the best computers.

Salespersons are majority young and male. Customers are shopping rather than browsing.


Walmart

Approach looks just like a large warehouse store.

Store is organized in sections, with seasonal merchandise near entrances.

Shopping early is best - fewer shoppers, mostly older and few kids.

Lighting very bright. It is not an inviting place, but convenience of grocery items and other necessities keep it busy.


New Hope Candles

Entrance is attractive and interesting.

Once inside your senses are overwhelmed by homemade soaps of all sizes and colors, made with a variety of natural ingredients, and displayed in a variety of containers, some antique.

The store also sells candles, handmade jewelry and clothing.

The owner is happy to answer questions and loves to talk to customers about soap-making.


Outside of store is painted the same color as all the rest of the shops in the center. Inside, walls are painted a bright aqua to make you want to dive in.

Floor is tile with large bags of pool chemicals stacked neatly in center. Shelves with smaller items are arranged around the walls, in front of windows.

Two salespersons were available to answer questions and run pool chemical analysis. I thought the center looked sparse, but pool weather is just about over.


Uncommon Market

Immediately drawn in with all the interesting decor displayed outside. Door was open because of the cool weather.

Store is crowded with merchandise with seasonal items occupying the front area. Walkways are narrow and lighting is low. However, it adds to the ambience of being on a treasure hunt, and there are so many small treasures to find.

Stock includes home decor, beautiful paper napkins, jewelry, stuffed animals, linens and candles. Shoppers were women, as were the staff.
