Debi Ward Kennedy Retail Design & Display

Tips & Tricks for your Trade Show Displays

2012-01-18T16:36:00.000-08:00

It's gift show season again,

and for those of you who participate as exhibitors/vendors,

here's a re-run of a post I wrote a few years ago

For Trade Show Exhibitors

In it, I offer up some tips, tricks, ideas and information

about how to maximize your presence at shows,

using some of the marketing opportunities offered by management.

And just exactly what those 'Exhibitor Display' areas are for!

Having created exhibitor/vendor displays & seminars at the

Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, and Portland Gift Shows,

I've seen the good, the bad, and the ridiculous -

click the link above to read all about it.

Window Dressing

2012-01-16T16:10:00.000-08:00

Yep, I'm still Pinning images to my

Retail Display Inspiration board on Pinterest.

And as I scroll through hundreds of shared images on the site,

I am thrilled to discover more retail resources.

Sharing those resources with you is what my blog is all about,

so without further ado, let me share one I find MOST interesting:

Please RUN - do not walk, RUN - over and check out the blog

'A Love of Visual Merchandising'

You'll find a plethora of fabulous photos there, taken of store window displays in the UK.

Author Kathryn, from Bath, Avon, United Kingdom, introduces herself this way:

My name is Kathryn, I am 22 and grew up in the Cotswolds. I have recently graduated from university where I studied a BA Hons Degree in Fashion Marketing and Communication. I hope to pursue a career in retail, my area of particular interest is visual merchandising. This blog is an opportunity for me to record and display examples of Visual Merchandising that inspire and excite me. In addition to my observations I try to identify Visual Merchandising trends within the fashion industry, to train my eye to look at things from a professional perspective as well as from a commercial and consumer one.

Delve into her archives for some real visual inspiration

from the very talented 'window dressers' in England. Posh, for sure ;0)

white image shown above is linked from 'A Love of Visual Merchandising' blog.

Top red image is mine.

iPhone? nah....iPin

2012-01-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I've been hit by the Pinterest bug!

I've been busy this morning creating a new board,

pinning my own images of displays I have designed & created

along with some really fabulous images discovered on other pinboards.

I'll keep adding to it as I find more

('cause you KNOW how addictive Pinterest IS!)

You can find my board here:

Retail Display Inspirations

And I'll suggest that you also check out Cathye Bordwell's here:

Display Merchandising

(some of the images I pinned were found on her board)

and Patty from Sisters Antiques has one here:

Shop Displays

Smart Retailer Magazine has one, too!

Display Inspiration

Pinterest is a really great new resource for visual inspiration...

you just have to be rather determined NOT to waste hours of time there!

Do you know of other inspiring retail display boards on Pinterest?

Share links in a comment!

Spring 2012 Color Trends

2012-01-03T11:52:00.000-08:00

Pantone Color Institute, THE source for annual color trend information,

has released their palette for Spring 2012.

With tantalizing names like 'Tangerine Tango' (the Color of the Year) and 'Cabaret',

this is a juicy and revitalized group of tones, shades, and hues -

sure to bring a jolt of energy into homes, wardrobes, and YOUR STORES this year!

Check out the full story on Snap!Retail

Winter Displays on the Cheap

2011-12-31T12:53:00.000-08:00

What are you featuring in your windows and front zone displays right now?

Have you restyled them to reflect the season and provide fresh inspiration - or are you waiting for new merchandise to arrive? It's very simple to refresh existing merchandise to look new and appealing to customers.

It's important to get a fresh start after the holidays!

Your customers will be coming in with gift cards, gift certs, and money they received, and they deserve to see fresh new ideas. Inspiring them to buy what you offer can be as simple as taking what you already have and combining it in a new way to reflect the season.

The tableware display shown in the photo above features white Vietri pottery, along with gorgeous brown linens, whimsical dotted glassware, and since this was during my stint creating displays at Columbia Winery, of course a lovely wine is included. This look is a perfect mix for this 'bridge' season of late winter to early spring. Simple, contemporary, classic, and warmth of color & textures draw the customer in. Huge bare branches bring nature inside - you could even hang crystals (or leftover snowflake holiday ornaments) from the branches to add movement and sparkle to the display.

Most of the products shown here were in displays in the store during the Holidays: the white Vietri was paired with red linens and snowflakes. The brown linens were displayed with brown pottery and pinecones. Combining them with new elements and a few fresh props creates a fabulous new look, inspires your customers, AND saves you money.

Go out on your sales floor and look at the components you already have -

what possibilities exist to rethink, restyle, and sell them at full price right now?

Image Credit: Taken by DWK 2007; courtesy of Columbia Winery

Get Smart!

2011-11-29T10:37:00.000-08:00

For many years, I've provided content, tips, articles, and Q&A columns for Country Business Magazine -
both in print and online. (some of those articles are linked on my lower left sidebar). Working with Editor Susan Wagner has always been a pleasure, and knowing that the information I share has reached retailers who are working hard to succeed is even better. The CBM readership is a dedicated group of professionals!

Susan recently contacted me to let me know about some upcoming changes to CBM... BIG changes:

They are undergoing a massive 'makeover' (and you KNOW how I love those!), making the magazine, web site, and blog even better for their growing readership. Country Business Magazine will now be Smart Retailer, with the magazine, web site, and blog geared to a wider range of the retail gift industry - not just country style boutiques.

With a tagline like 'Helping Your Gift Business Succeed', you know the goal is providing information & resources that retailers can use to build better businesses... hey, wait a minute... that's MY tagline! Since I've always done the same with my blog, facebook page, speaking, and writing, I can really get behind this. Beginning in January, I'll be providing new content for the Smart Retailer blog. Thank you, Susan, for inviting me to be a part of your new direction!

The new website goes live on December 1, so click over there and check them out!

You can also keep up with their news on facebook

http://www.smart-retailer.com/

My 'Holiday Retail Display' Post Archive

2011-09-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

My stats are telling me that ALL of the current search results sending viewers here are for Retail Holiday Display ideas... so I've compiled a list of my posts on those subjects for easy access. Enjoy!

http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/2006/10/divadebs-top-ten-holiday-ornament.html

http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/2009/08/im-going-to-say-h-word.html

http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/2009/11/its-small-mall-world.html

http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/2008/12/it-takes-village.html

http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/2007/10/it-takes-village.html (part 2)

http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/2008/12/counting-down.html

http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/2008/11/o-christmas-tree.html

http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/2007/11/holiday-inspiration.html http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/2007/10/eye-candy.html

http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/2007/10/tree-trimming-play-by-play.html

http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/2006/12/vintage-tea-party-theme.html

http://decodivadebi.blogspot.com/2006/11/white-christmas.html

More Display Basics can be found in my videos on YouTube!

Find links to them on the top left sidebar.

Autumn... Again

2011-07-14T00:09:00.000-07:00

This post originally appeared here on my design blog a few years back...

it's a timely and effective subject that I thought you'd enjoy once again!

_______________________________________________________________________

Over the years of writing this blog for decorators and designers, stylists and retail display artists, I have received quite a few emails about how the fall season seems to bring out a two-party system. And I'm not talking politics! What I'm referring to is the Halloween-ers (oh that sounds bad...) and those who don't celebrate that holiday. It's an issue that affects retailers more than you might realize.

I was chatting with Kimberly, the owner of a local shop, and she was frustrated about the 'invasion of the ghoulish' in store windows all over town. The windows and shops all seem to be overwhelmingly filled with bright orange, purple & green with black, and an abundance of goblins ghosts and ghouls comes right along with that. She hates it. "I don't DO Halloween", she said, and though that may seem like retail suicide to some, I understood what she meant.

Yes, it's true that Halloween has grown in popularity - sales of Halloween decor nearly equal those for Christmas. Some take the scary path - dark, creepy, gothic. and that's just fine. Some go the cute route, with scarecrows and pumpkins with smiling faces and kid-style decor. Hey, if it works for you and your customers, great! And some stick with the Harvest theme, for many reasons. Whatever you do, make it an expression of your store's style and brand. And make sure you are 'speaking your customers' language'. If they come to you for a particular type of merchandise all year, that should help you figure out their style so that you can use the info to guide you in your seasonal choices.

Kimberly owns a beautiful boutique, filled with antiques & vintage items, and new products that are either made from vintage elements or resemble them. It's soft, feminine, warm, cozy, and appeals to those who love Shabby Chic and Vintage French style. Bright orange does not work in a store like this. Not to mention that her customers don't do the bright color thing, either - so she needs to offer them items and ideas for their homes based on the style they already love. Just try finding manufactured Halloween items in pale colors...not so easy. So what's a girl to do?

Focus on Fall, Autumn, nature, and harvest. She already has a wonderful selection of items in soft ivories & tans, golds and crystal. By adding some pale colored gourds, pumpkins, apples, and candles to it, she's on the right track. A few bare branches, bundles of wheat, and some excelsior bring touches of nature into her displays as part of the pale scheme. Bleached out oak leaves are a soft touch and very unusual. The effect of being in the shop is of a soft, enveloping cashmere sweater wrapping around you - now who doesn't want to take that feeling home?!

If this doesn't say Autumn elegantly and serenely, I don't know what does...

Go out on a limb, make your own statement. You don't have to buy into the hype that things are done one way only. And trust me, your customers will love you for it!

By the way, Kimberly's shop is Faded Elegance in Snohomish, Washington...visit her blog here !

Virtual Review: Shopgirl

2011-07-13T00:31:00.000-07:00

A film about modern relationships seems to be a strange place to find a retail store to review, but the title of 'Shopgirl' should tip you off.

The film revolves around a disenchanted salesgirl, Mirabelle Buttersfield.

Our heroine watches over the evening glove counter at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills. She does not actually SELL gloves, as this area of the bustling department store is rather empty most of the time, except to one customer - Ray Porter - who becomes her love interest.

For a full synopsis and review of the film, you can click here.

The revealing write-up will give you a well-developed view of Mirabelle, Ray, Jeremy, other characters, and the storyline. Those definitely relate to the store design we see... and truly, that isn't a lot. The store environment is used only to provide a backdrop for the development of Mirabelle's character, not as a character itself. Still photos are few & far between. However, it holds a great lesson in how and why store design is an important part of your business 'story'...

[image from upscaleswagger.com]

Saks Fifth Avenue department store is a venerable bastion of modern-day shopping in the retail mecca of Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive. The service is legendary, the amenities luxe, and the scope of merchandise displayed akin to a den of thieves treasure. More art gallery than superstore, items are displayed like precious jewels. It's exactly what one would expect a huge retail establishment on famed Rodeo Drive to be, and scenes of the store interior on the first floor - filled with expensive shoes, handbags, cosmetics, and fragrances - reflect this expectation.

As the POV (point of view) moves up the escalators to the second floor, where fashions are presented in boutique-like settings, the scene becomes a bit quieter, less busy, and less aggrandized.

By the time we - the viewers - reach the third floor, the colors have faded out, the space is barren, and the hushed scene is very nearly empty. Customers no longer populate the space in droves... a few lone shoppers tarry in the bridal salon, and walk past the evening glove 'department' without a second glance.

Here is where Mirabelle holds court, encased behind her glass-fronted counter like a prisoner. Mirabelle's facial expression and stance in the photo - detached and rather absent from the surroundings - are a perfect exterior view of her interior state. The girl suffers from depression, lacks any self-esteem at all, and seems to wander through her life without any idea where she is going or who she really is. Her waif-like frame and non-descript clothing perfectly convey the idea that Mirabelle is out of her element in Beverly Hills. (We discover later that she is from Iowa).

Neutral colors on the walls and floor cause the space parameters to blur. When Mirabelle is in scene, the colors of her apparel are dulled, muted, and have the effect of fading her into the background. She's intent on not drawing attention to herself.... which is what the same colors do for the space. We're not sure if it's a small space or a large one, and so our response is to focus on the display fixtures that are clearly defined by sharp edges and hard materials. The glass case is nondescript and uninteresting, as well, but it's something to focus on. We get the feeling that Mirabelle feels the same way about her job.

Even the mannequin forms, which have softening curves, seem harsh and cold, by nature of being painted an un-lifelike white lacquer. They are not 'approachable' materials, just as Mirabelle seems unapproachable by her absent mannerisms. The dresses chosen to appear on those mannequins and hanging racks are shapeless sheaths, in muted colors. They evoke the hopelessness of Mirabelle's future and her uncertainty of her own worth as a woman.

Yes, I know this is getting a bit deep into the psychological state of the character... but the production /set designer took those cues and made them visual references. We feel the malaise that our heroine does - we imagine her spending eight hours a day, five to six days a week, stuck in this homogenized, muted world, and it saddens us. The store environment affects our state of being.

And THAT, my friends, is what store design can DO.

Take care in choosing your wall colors, your floor materials, your display cases and mannequins - because they combine to tell a story of your business, the main character in YOUR 'film'. Determine your 'voice' and what you want customers to 'hear', because as they walk into and around your store, the environment is speaking. LOUDLY. Make sure it's saying something you want it to say. And that's before ever pulling a single product out of a box.

Let's go back to that display case for a moment...

Note that from this perspective, which would be exactly what customers see on their approach, the merchandise appears flat, one-dimensional, and uninteresting. Save for the two 'hands' reaching skyward on top of the glass case (a nod to Mirabelle's fledgling artistic dreams), the gloves are all displayed flat. There aren't even any on the mannequin in the background.

There is nothing more apt to make customers walk right by product as to display it in a way that is un-interesting and static. These are elegant evening gloves... and to sell them, they need to be displayed in a way that captures the beauty they will have when placed on a warm, moving, feminine hand. Set off by a sparkling bracelet, perhaps, or a single rose caressed between fingers.. Drape a pair of gloves over a stack of opera programs, and sit a pair of opera glasses nearby. (Remember the scene from another film, 'Pretty Woman', where Vivienne experiences her first opera? How her hands in the long, white evening gloves moved slowly to her face as she tried to hold back tears?) Make the merchandise come alive, and it will sell.

The story has its highs and lows, as does Mirabelle's psyche and her life. [This is a drama, not a comedy, despite being written by and starring Steve Martin.]

It's about becoming who you are meant to be,

not disappearing into the crowd.

A worthy effort - for a young woman AND for a business.

[images located via google image search and IMDB;

property of Touchstone Pictures]

Five Software Suggestions for Retailers

2011-07-07T05:09:00.000-07:00

Todays' post is courtesy of Michael Koploy from SoftwareAdvice.com.

I found his suggestions and recommendations for retailer resources very informative, and thought you would as well!

Many retailers are looking to upgrade their retail software from old-fashioned QuickBooks and cash register systems and make the plunge into a point-of-sale (POS) software investment. For small retailers that only manage one or two stores, there are a limited number of choices that won't break the budget.

Here are a list of 5 choices that are deployable for under $2000 for software. The original guide can be seen here: Point of Sale (POS) Systems for Small Business | 5 Affordable Solutions

CAM Commerce Retail STAR: This system includes the following applications: POS, CRM, merchandising, inventory management, e-commerce, and WMS. Includes both touch-screen and single-key input support. Retail STAR is a good choice for numerous specialties, including auto parts dealers, furniture stores, and pawn shops. CAM Commerce offers data conversion, retail consulting, up-front pricing, and a subscription program. Retail STAR much be deployed on-premise on a Windows-based system.

Comcash POS - This system includes the following applications: POS, customer relationship management (CRM), e-commerce, and inventory management. The touch screen integration make it a good choice for food service and convenience stores. Software can be deployed on-premise or hosted by the software vendor. Comcash POS can integrate with QuickBooks.

GoldTech Retail Manager - This system includes the following applications: inventory management, CRM, merchandising, warehouse management software (WMS), and POS. The inventory system can be organized with the included SKU database for apparel retailers that need customer color/size differentiation. Software can be deployed on-premise or hosted by GoldTech. Retail Manager can be purchased with up-front payment or by installments.

Microsoft Dynamics RMS - This system includes the following applications: inventory management, CRM, POS, accounting, and e-commerce. It's a great system for book stores, electronics stores, industrial supply stores, and firearm dealers. Offers both an individual store version and main office version, making it a good choice for retailers with growth in mind. This software system must be deployed on-premise.

POS Prophet Systems - This system includes the following applications: inventory management, retail accounting, POS, CRM, and e-commerce. Ideal for both start-ups and medium-sized retailers. Well-suited for many specialities, including (but not limited to): gift shops, food service, and furniture stores. Must be deployed on-premise on a Windows-based system. POS Prophet Systems can be paid for in monthly installments or in one up-front payment. The system also includes QuickBooks and Peachtree integration.

For more information, contact Michael Koploy at Software Advice

(512) 364-0129 . michael@softwareadvice.com

Small Store Sensation

2011-05-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

Retail businesses are finding new ways to thrive these days.

From shared leased spaces to pop-up shops & events to home-based locations,

we're seeing proof that 'Where there's a will, there's a way'.

I recently worked on a small retail shop located in a garage on rural property.

Yes, you heard that right:

A garage.

It took two weeks from start to finish on this project.

Here's a pictorial 'project in progress':

Before - during drywall:

[note the original garage door, the barn door on the ground,

and the metal awning shown above]

After replacement of the garage door with the barn door & french doors,

paint, and adding the exterior awning:

Then permanent lighting was installed and several architectural features were added.

[including a 'wall' of old doors & shutters to screen off utilities,

shutters on the window, and metal & wood awnings to delineate zones]

Fixtures and Props were brought in, then loaded with product.

The final result was a large, open space with high ceilings

[and large mirrors that worked like windows to expand the effect]

that is inviting, charming, and functional.

This is a seasonal store that opens for a weekend each season of the year -

and it will be restyled and restocked each time, with a whole new look.

The light, bright white color scheme creates the perfect backdrop for that.

Yes, it really WAS a garage.

But most people who came to the opening didn't even realize it!
Some asked how old the barn was. ;0)

Lesson:
Architectural elements and creative use of materials
can create atmosphere in ANY space.
And it doesn't have to cost a fortune, either.
Less than $250.00 was spent on all of the supplies and details shown.
[smart shopping, thrifting, and Craigslist ;0) ]

Now... what can you do to YOUR space? No more excuses.

Q&A: Choosing a Booth Location

2011-02-24T09:42:00.000-08:00

I recently received this comment from reader Connie:

Hi Debi, I love your site and refer to it often! I have a little question...

I have a shop inside a large community shop and right now I have the "first" booth right behind the register person, I sell lots of jewelry and blingy things, and it has 3 walls and is approx. 8'x14', a good size, but I have the opportunity to take a little bit smaller space for the same price, but with only one wall and its a window booth at the very front of the store. I think it would be a prime booth, but my hubby says I won't sell anything out of a window booth, because people will think its only for display, but I think it would look fuller, since its smaller and I would have 24/7 advertising.

What do you say? I'm so anxious for an answer.

Thanks! Connie

I thought this was a great question, and that many other people could benefit from this information... so, I'd like to present some factors that Connie should consider as she is choosing whether or not to move to this new location in her antique mall.

Connie, I'm curious as to whether this window booth is on the right or left of the entry, and where the cash wrap / register in the store is located? Both of those factors will contribute to the success or failure of sales in the new location. Here's why:

As 'retail anthropologist' Paco Underhill found out, most shoppers will turn RIGHT when they enter a doorway. This is simply natural instinct and behavior! So, in a store, anything located on the right side is seen first. This may seem like a great thing - but it's possible that customers will simply look as they walk past and further into the store space. Have you ever thought to yourself 'Well, that's nice.... but I want to wait and see what else they have in the rest of the store before I decide on anything here?' This is a possible response that a space in the right-side window will get. Your husband has a point, by the way (I'm sorry to say that, I really am!!!) - many people are used to hearing that what's in the window is props, not merchandise. They may not even ask to buy it.

Now, a space located on the LEFT side of the doorway has positives & negatives, too. If the cash wrap/ register is located next to or across from your space, you have the remarkable opportunity to capture the attention of those waiting in line. (And this works - just think about the grocery store!) But if the register is located further back in the store space, customers may not wander all the way forward before stopping to pay for their selections. And after having paid already, most won't choose an item near the door and return to pay for it. Again, this is just natural behavior for most people, not all.

There is a concept in retail store design called 'The Decompression Zone'.

This refers to the area immediately inside the entrance (ANY entrance) of a store. There needs to be empty space here, so customers can step inside, remove coats, close umbrellas, take a breath, and see the layout of the store before proceeding in. If this area is crowded with 'stuff' or the booths immediately inside the door are encroaching on the aisles, there is an immediate feeling of discomfort for customers and can cause them to hurry past the first few displays or booths. If you notice this about the store you are in, and your booth is in the front right corner, make sure you are leaving room to breathe at your space entrance... don't crowd it with fixtures or merchandise. Create an open, welcoming space that will help ease customers into the store - and they'll be more likely to step into your area first.

Another facet of this new location that you should consider is the comfort factor:

It's a window, and Spring & Summer are coming. Does the window face South or West? Will there be hours during the day that your space is in glaring sunlight - making it hard to see your jewelry & smalls - and will it be unbearably HOT in that area? Next winter, will it be freezing? Customers will avoid it if they are uncomfortable there, no matter how wonderful your product & displays are.

And lastly, placing small items - especially jewelry - near an entrance is an invitation to thieves. Sadly, they are everywhere (from elderly women on a budget to teens getting thrills), and it doesn't take them but a minute to load up their pockets and disappear. Having sparkly eye-catching items within easy reach of the door really increases your risk for merchandise loss and you WILL be hit by it. If the register is located a fair distance from this space, or if the space cannot clearly be seen by the cashier, your risk increases.

Connie, I hope I have given you some information that will help you make an educated decision about the location of your booth. If you choose to stay in your present location, there are many ways to make a non-frontage booth stand out amongst the competition... if I may, I suggest that you read my info on Successful Show Booth Design Tips, which is all translatable to antique mall spaces.

Also, make sure you read a new and effective resource:

'Selling in an Antique Mall: A Beginners' Guide'

(pictured at top of post)

written by Inis Lovely and Sue LaLumia,

is a new e-book available on Kindle through Amazon

{click book title above}.

It's just $9.95

Thank you for your question, Connie!

New Resource for Women in Business

2011-02-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

Launch Your Creativity

is a new web resource for creative women entrepreneurs.

Visit their web site to find info on a gathering of inspiring women in business,

coming in April in Orange, California!

I am honored to have been featured on their blog today,

to share a bit about what my business is, how I chose it,

(or, rather, how IT chose ME)

and how I can help others succeed in creating their own businesses.

Please click here to visit the blog post...

Thank you so much for the opportunity to be featured, Sharon!

Enough is Enough!

2010-12-29T08:19:00.000-08:00

sigh. Haulin' out the soapbox again, girls...

This post originally appeared on my personal blog last winter. But since the subject is such a hot-button issue and affects so many design professionals, I decided to post it here on my Retail Design Blog. I'm placing it in a high-priority spot here because I think people need to hear more about WHY this is so important. OK, on with the post:

____________________________________________________________________________

I just heard from a friend today that her fabulous business idea is being copied. By someone she has gone out of her way to help with their business.

Today I also read a blog post by an artist who was announcing that her own design has been picked up by a major chain. When I saw her design, I realized that another person, whom I know of, has been copying it and selling it as her own recently.

Last night, I read another blog post by an artist who was ripped off by the company she had licensed her art to. This woman has been through a nightmare - and it ain't over yet.

And last week, on Facebook and Twitter, I read that two friends' product designs are being ripped off - one domestically, one in Europe.

I've had my own run-ins with this over the past year - from having my design blog 'scraped' to make someone else money from ad revenues {generated from the content I wrote that he posted on his blog} to having my product designs for Retreat oogled at shows, 'covertly' photographed {um, yes, I saw you do it} OR had my photos snagged from my blogs, and then seen my products reproduced and presented as someone else's 'original design'. I even had my Facebook Fans & Friends falsely lured to another Page by someone using my name - and I wasn't the only one these particular people targeted. Oh, yeah, then there was the client/frenemy who took all my submitted design ideas and told her coworkers and the corporation who employed her that they were HER ideas. {Ahem.}

There's even a blog devoted entirely to link ups where people can show off the things they have copied after seeing them somewhere else. ??

{Warning: Rant Ahead}

I'm done, girls. Sick and tired and DONE with these people.

I am tired of people thinking it's ok to copy, borrow, lift, reproduce, 'appropriate', steal, and whatever else you want to call it. IT'S NOT OK!!!! Immitation is NOT flattering, it's not 'inspired', it's certainly not nice, and it's most definitely not LEGAL.

BTW, I'm not talking about Debbie Sue who reads a blog and sees a cute thing and decides to make it for herself. Creating is often inspired or jump-started by something we see - we start there and it evolves into something reflecting our own style. I'm referring to the deliberate taking of an original, unique product/idea/service and reproducing it for sale as your own design.

What ever happened to manners? To ethics? Morals? Doing business based on the skills and talents that you possess - not by stealing ideas and product designs from other people? I am tired of people taking advantage of other people. They've been getting away with murder, we've paid the price, and it's time to put a stop to it, for God's sake!

Owning a business is HARD WORK, my friends. It never ends. But all that hard work and late nights and no vacations and sometimes no pay for yourself is worth it when you come up with a great product or service, and people want what you have.

Unfortunately, some of those people who want what you have are untalented and underhanded, and simply steal it from you. They start a duplicate business, or they lift your design and start selling it as their own. And usually, they manage to market it to the very people who were actually looking for YOUR product or service, so the impact doubles. These are hacks, theives, slackers who want the buck without the work, the fame without paying the dues, and the limelight no matter how they get it. It's disgusting. It's wrong. And it's spreading like a freakin' epidemic - H1N1 has nuthin' on creative & intellectual property theft.

Here's what I'd really like to see:

A watchdog organization for creatives, designers and artisans that will publicize the illegal activities that these unscrupulous people have been undertaking. Something along the lines of 'the 3/50 Project' - but instead of promoting a 'shop local campaign', this organization will promote a cooperation amongst creative businesses to stop the rampant theft going on. Something like 'Blog With Integrity' except on a larger scale - not just blogs, but web sites, B&M's, shows, etsy, ebay, twitter, facebook, everything. Something with viral visibility, worldwide distribution, and a spitfire spokesperson like Cinda Baxter who will grow this thing fast. I ALSO want Wonder Woman and her rope of truth - 'cause they all deny it when they get caught.

I don't know how to do that. I'm trying to make a living running not one but two businesses, and I am not as proficient at getting the word out about 'causes' as I'd like to be. But I am compelled to do something about this mess, so I am going to do some research to find out what is already out there.

My question to you all is this: What can we do?

I know there is something we can do. I know the power of a group is far more moving than the ire of one person. I know we can move mountains and change the landscape of business if we stand up to this.

Any ideas, brainstorms, or fingers pointed in the right direction will be gratefully accepted! Leave me a comment below, send me an email, hit me on Facebook ... just let me know what you think about this. Have you been a victim? Do you know of a growing movement against intellectual & creative property theft? Let's get together on this issue and make a change for the better. Climb up here on the soapbox with me....

I've added a few links over in my right sidebar - these are other professionals who share their opinions on the creative copyright issue. Check 'em out! And many thanks to Cinda Baxter of the 3/50 Project for linking to my original post in support. Rock ON, Sistah!

NEW INFO January 2011:

Please visit the newly created web site, blog, & facebook Page

Be Your Original Best

to join with creative designers & artists

in the effort to promote a 'copycat free' artistic industry.

Image Credit: photo used by permission from design*sponge Biz Women Series

{I wrote a blog post for them and have permission to use it!}

Selling in an Antiques Mall #101

2010-11-22T20:07:00.000-08:00

'Selling in an Antique Mall: A Beginners' Guide'

written by Inis Lovely and Sue LaLumia,

is a new e-book available on Kindle through Amazon

{click book title above}.

It's just $9.95

and is a great resource of information and inspiration

for vintage/Antique dealers, or those of you who want to be!

This would be a great Holiday read - just in time for the new year.

Find out more info on their facebook Page and blog

Gettin' Wild With It!

2010-05-18T18:34:00.000-07:00

As promised, here's the second post about the Wild Fibers LYS

(Local Yarn Shop)

and its hotshot owner, Sarah Parker. ;0)

She's a bonafide Wild Woman... let me show you why!

Remember that display above from my YMN Conference stage presentation?

Sarah took notes.

And created THIS in her store window:

Yes, Sarah took my inspiration and ran with it.

Right down to having her very own giant knitting needles made!

The giant purple 'work-in-progress' hanging in the window,

with a cheerful chartreuse wall as a background,

is positively traffic-stopping from the outside.

From the colors used to the needles to the 'yarn balls',

every detail is perfect.

Oh, and then on the other side of the entrance
{with the purple-painted door!},

she put this together:

Notice that she provided two viewpoints for this window display:

From the front, out the window, AND from the back -

because inside her shop, on your way out the door.

you walk right.past.this.display ;0)

It's a WONDERFULLY inspiring view

as customers leave with their purchase in hand...

and don't you think that kind of visual 'goodbye'

makes them want to come BACK?! Yes!

But wait... there's MORE!

These photos show a huge cabinet that Sarah found in a thrift shop.

It was green. An 'OK'green, which caught her eye,

but it wasn't really 'HER' yet.

After a few coats of chartreuse green paint,

and having a mirror cut to fit in the back space,

it's definitely her!!!

It serves as a great visual draw as you enter the store -

it beckons you in and connects visually

to the chartreuse color on the logo wall further back.

If you look at the bottom photo very closely,

you can see the vibrant purple paint

on the wall of her classroom at the back of the store.

This connects visually to the front door, and to her logo wall.

Sarah has created a brand image of color, creativity, and energy

and immersed her customers in it
from the moment they spy her front windows.

Yup. She paid attention. ;0)

Join me, won't you, as I offer a standing ovation
to this well-deserving young entrepreneur?
I expect continued creativity and success from her!

Way to go, Sarah!

Visit Wild Fibers in Mt.Vernon, Washington

and online at www.WildFibers.net

{image credits: DWK for Wild Fibers; used with permission;

"There's An App for That!"

2010-05-17T12:32:00.000-07:00

Have you been taking my advice on where to get unique, inexpensive props for your displays?
If so, there's a new resource available online that can help you find garage sales, thrift shops, and flea market sales in your area! Check out Garage Sale Tracker online.

AND, to help you make locating great sales even easier, they've created an iPhone App!!!

To promote it, they are GIVING AWAY AN iPHONE!

Click here for details on how to win, via Twitter and Facebook.

Contest runs May 4 to June 4, 2010.

I am not involved with the company or the contest,

they just asked me to help promote it. ;0)

{Image credits: GST; used by permission}

A Walk on the Wild Side

2010-05-14T21:39:00.000-07:00

I spent today with a retailer who is determined to do everything she can

to make her business succeed. And it's working!

Sarah owns Wild Fibers, a wonderful Local Yarn Shop in Mt. Vernon, Washington, and we met at the YMN Conference in Seattle in March. At the close of my presentation there, Sarah hired me as a color consultant to help her choose effective paint colors for her retail space. I helped her create a palette of colors that reflect her business brand {which is bright, happy, cheerful, and much like her own bubbly personality}. She has been busy painting for a month, utilizing them in the various areas of her space to direct attention and gain visual impact. {Including a purple front door. Oh yeah!} Sarah told me that she's had many suggestions and a lot of feedback regarding colors for her store - I can't wait to hear some of the comments she gets when her regulars get a load of that door!!!

Today, I painted her business logo on the wall behind the cash wrap.
Doing this accomplished several objectives:

*The color is a vibrant visual draw, and pulls people toward the back of her long store.
After looking at it, the eye travels to the products displayed beyond it - and people walk over into that corner.

*The shop name on the wall also helps her build brand image.
A graphic like this puts an indelible picture in the minds of customers - when they leave, that colorful bright graphic image sticks in their minds' eye. When they hear the word 'wild' or 'fiber', this image will immediately come to mind and remind them of the shop.

*And on a practical note, Sarah will never have to answer the question 'Who do I make the check out to?' again. It's right there in front of her customers as she rings up their purchases.

This is a great shot of the logo wall, the warm & cheerful colors chosen to accent the space, and the power of color on a display fixture. I'm going to share more of Sarah's displays with you in a coming post.... she has always done a great job with her windows and I know you'll find her latest creations very inspiring. Visit her web site to see a few before & after shots of the store.

By the way, Sarah created her own FABulously professional logo.
I told you she was determined!

{images by Debi Ward Kennedy for Wild Fibers}

GHC: Gross & Horrific Chumps

2010-05-12T23:52:00.000-07:00

The tagline: Is it coincidence or a bad pun

that it appears over ads for male enhancement drugs on the GHC site?

Dear Gift and Home Channel,
(henceforth to be thought of in my mind as 'Gross & Horrific Chumps")

In 2008 I was speaking at a retail trade show, and met a man who was passionate about a new online 'Resource for Retailers' called the Gift & Home Channel. I threw my backing behind Ray Gaulke's new project and helped him spread the word about it through my blog and speaking engagements beause I believed in it's potential to help the little guys. I did that without compensation. When he asked me to become a guest blogger and Retail Expert for the web site, I did without hesitation. I contributed a blog post every week, and participated in forum discussions on GHC. Without compensation.

When this man told me he wanted to work with me to create video content for GHC, I developed a project, fleshed it out, and pitched it to him. He presented the idea to the board, and they approved my six-video project. Though Ray was removed from the project just before we filmed at the Farm Chicks Show in 2008, replaced by the young assistant to the guy running the show (whom she later married), he remained in the loop on the project. It is only because of him going to bat for me with the head office that I was paid at all. Young assistant renegged on every agreement and promise she made to me and to the people who helped make the filming successful. I had to write a blog post on GHC that included the names & web links for each of the six business women who contributed to the videos for them to receive credit - because GHC refused to include that info in the video border. 'Conflict with ad revenues', you said.

I reviewed two version of the 'newly revamped' GHC web site without compensation, yet never received a thank you or acknowledgment that I had done so. GHC later removed this man's founding presence from all involvement with GHC. Immediately after that, GHC removed the editorial director. Following that, I started to receive cryptic emails from two shady characters about the 'new direction' GHC was taking and how they valued my input so much that they wanted me to help develop another 'off branch' web site. I declined to provide any further expertise, content, or time to GHC at that point. And yet, I still promoted them via my online marketing.

I noticed long ago that the forums have had no activity for over a year, and that no new members were joining. I noticed that blog posts by other members and 'experts' were basically advertisements to hire them for services, or to buy their books;/books on tape/videos/tutorials, etc. I noticed that the profiles and pages on Facebook had incomplete information and no activity.

Now I have noticed the appearance of advertising presented as GHC 'blog posts' by members. That in an of itself is annoying - but to log in and find not one, not two, but DOZENS of duplicate ads for male enhancement drugs is offensive beyond measure. Clearly, GHC is not only not functioning as intended - an online 'Resource for Retailers' - but it is not being monitored by anyone with a brain. Tell me: is it pure coincidence or a perverse sense of humor behind the new GHC tagline ' Helping Retailers Grow' and these sophomoric ads????

I will no longer support or promote GHC, link to it from my business pages & sites, or list it on my resume. I'm keeping the embedded players for the video series I filmed (hosted by another web service, not GHC) because I know it offers helpful information to my readers... but every other bit of promotion for GHC is being removed from my professional resources.

While I am proud of my contributions to the original site and purpose, I do not want to be associated with the disaster that it has become of late. What a sad reflection on those involved at the top level, and a slap in the face to all of us who contributed of our time, energy, experience, and knowledge to help make you what you WERE. You used us, and now you abuse us. Unacceptable.

I have to ask:
Craig Park, Brittany Lund Park, are you even there anymore?
Do you have ANY IDEA what is going on at GHC? Do you CARE?

* A former GHC staffer contacted me and said that it is her belief that this 'company' is no longer in business, nor is anyone administrating the site. Whomever has control now has disabled member passwords - so I can't log in and delete my content How nice that all of us contributors were left to be forever associated with a spam ad site. *

Food for Thought

2010-05-09T21:58:00.000-07:00

There's a great article on the CNNMoney.com Small Business Page right now:

"Why Amish Businesses Don't Fail". Check it out here.

Make sure you scroll down the page after the article and read the comments...

{OK, maybe not all 2001 of them.... but some of them.}

Interesting perspectives on what constitutes a 'successful business'.

{I find it interesting that the story is set in Millersburg, Ohio...

My husband's mom's family is from there, as well as Fredericksburg, Ohio,

and there were MANY entrepreneurs and business owners in the family.}

Image Credit: CNNmoney.com

Location, Location, Location

2010-05-03T01:17:00.000-07:00

Retail is products & merchandise. Service, and experience. And sometimes, it's all about the setting. No brick & mortar store can compete with an outdoor location for a retail shopping event, or the way that nature provides the perfect light, colors, scents, textures, and props. Without any coaxing at all, she brings a glorious life to everything in proximity.

The photos shown above are of the effects of a natural location {the remarkable orchards, barn, & grounds of the Dana-Powers House in Nipomo, California} on our Retreat booth at the recent Remnants of the Past Antique show in California. Can you even imagine a more beautiful setting? I certainly can't, and I'd wager to say that the editor and photographers of Country Living magazine can't, either - they stayed all day and photographed everything and everyone for an upcoming story. This was the perfect show in every way, and I am so happy we were invited to participate.

Every one of the fifty vendors presented their glorious wares with such style and flair, you just have to see some of them:

Inspiring, yes? There are hundreds of great display ideas in these photos. Even if your store isn't located in the midst of a lemon orchard, you can utilize touches of nature each season to really bring your products to life.

Today we were invited to return to Nipomo for the Fall show in October, and we are thrilled to be able to be a part of this remarkable experience once again. Now all I can think about is how absolutely glorious that setting will be in a riot of fall color!

{images: mine; of Retreat, The Tattered House, Blue Canoe, Pammy J Designs}

On Hiatus

2010-04-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a hiatus from DWK Design for the next two weeks...

No, it's not due to a vacation!

Bob & I are taking Retreat on the road to the Remnants of the Past Antique Show in Nipomo, California (Central Coast area). This is a new show for us, by invitation, and I need to concentrate on bringing my 'A Game'! This is a gathering of stellar dealers & artisans with treasures galore and fabulous displays, which means I will be taking all of the tips & tricks I share here and applying them to our own product presentation and booth design. Judy has introduced us via her blog - so we have to live up to the hype!

{And you can bet I'll have lots of photos of inspiring displays to share when I return!}

A New Retail Display Resource

2010-04-11T23:35:00.000-07:00

In the retail field, we are always searching for resources and ideas to amp up our visual merchandising knowledge and practices. The combination of inspiration with how-to information is invaluable to a busy and cost-conscious retailer. My most popular seminars & articles over the years have been of the 'How to Create Innovative Displays Inexpensively' variety, with as many ideas as I can fit into the time or space allotted. Trade shows and merchant associations have requested my '100 Fast, Cheap, and Easy Display Ideas' seminar topic more than any other subject.

It is my pleasure to share a new retail display resource with you:
My friend and fellow visual merchandiser & public speaker Linda Cahan has written a new book: "100 Displays Under $100" . Linda has gathered inspiration and information from many sources, and combined them to present a soup-to-nuts compilation of great ideas and the help you need to create them yourself.

This full color book is filled with photos of fun, creative, interesting and inspiring displays from designers all over the world. Included in the book is a list of must-have tools for your display toolbox, some excellent vendors, and a short section on the basics needed to make the magic happen. Each display featured is under $100 and most will work for a huge variety of merchandise and types of retailers.

This is written in a recipe book format: There is a brief introduction and then a "Need" and "Sequence" section explaining exactly what you need to pull each display together and then, how to go about doing it.

This is a great resource for your store, or as a gift for a friend with a store. If you want to learn more about display and visual merchandising, you'll learn a lot just by going through this book.

"100 Displays Under $100" is available online in a PDF format for $25.00.

It is also available in a soft-cover, spiral bound paper format for $39.95 + $5 shipping (within in the USA, extra for overseas.)

Either can be purchased via PayPal or US checks.

Combine it with Linda's DVD "Visual Merchandising 101: The Basics of

Excellent Presentation" and you have a good beginning course in display and VM! ($59.95 + mailing - overseas extra.)

Order through: lindacahan@verizon.net

Visit Linda's Web Site: www.LindaCahan.com

{Linda provided me with the details about her book,

and the content of this post. I don't have a copy yet!}

Design Resources from Gingko Press

2010-04-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

Today I received an email from Karen at Gingko Press,

asking me to help them promote a new book release.

Be Outstanding In Your Field... Research....

2010-03-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

A new Snap!Retail newsletter is out today, and it includes my article on how to make field research work for your business. Leave me a comment here, and let me know how you look outside of your business at possibilities for growth, change, and evolution of your brand...

How to Hire Me, #101

2010-03-29T21:14:00.000-07:00

Need Deb to help you find a solution to a challenge in your store? Just ask me!

____________________

Hello, Debi, {greet me by name}
I'm Shell, owner of The SeaShell Boutique in Alki- www.shesellsseashells.cam. {tell me who you are}
I found your blog through a search for retail designers. {tell me how you found me}
When I saw you were from Seattle, I cheered! I need help with my retail store and am hoping you can assist me in finding solutions to a few problems.

Specifically, I have floor plan 'issues': {state your case succinctly}Too many hidden spots, no clear direction of where to go, and a cashwrap that seems to be hard to find. {give me some details}

I'd like to have you create a new floor plan that addresses those issues. {give me the final result you want from me}

So, I need to know if you are accepting new clients now, what your availability & fees are, if you can get this done in the time frame I have, and how the process works for you. {ask me what you want to know}

I have a limited budget for this (don't we all?!) which means I have just a few hundred bucks to spare - and I'd prefer not spending it all! My time frame for design & installation of the plan is two months, because I need to make changes before summer tourist season hits. {be open about your situation}

But really, I want to know from you how to best utilize your services. How much can I do to prepare so that your time is maximized for my benefit? {ask me SMART questions}

Can you email me back this week at _____ with the specifics of this? (You could call, but then I'd have to write it all down legibly enough to read it later - probably not going to happen!) {give me your contact info and tell me what/when/how you want it}

Feel free to visit our web site at www.shesellsseashells.cam {include store contact info}
and take a look at our slideshow - it shows the entire space. If there are other materials I can send you (photos, links, etc.) to help you review or prepare, please let me know. {send preliminary materials so I can see what I would be dealing with}

Thank you, Debi - I look forward to hearing back from you!

Shell
The SeaShell Boutique
Alki, Washington

_______________________

There is no Shell who sells sea shells in a boutique on Alki Point, Washington - to my knowledge, anyway. She's a fictional perfect 'inquiry'. She's an example of how to get to the heart of a matter fast. If the emails, phone messages, and comments sent to me came in that form, I'd be off and running on your business challenges before I even got back to you! A very efficient way for me to work.

Maybe it's just me. ?
Maybe I am so busy with two businesses that cryptic messages and endless exchanges of vague statements just bog me down. I need info! I need it now! Give it to me straight, honest, and open so I know what you want, and you'll get back from me a quick answer stating what I can do for you and where we go from there. I won't accept the project if I can't fit it into my schedule on your timeframe, or if I think I'm just not the right person for it. If your budget seems really low, I'll ask you what the most important issues are so we can focus on that and cut my time involvement to the minimum. But I'll still try to help.

BTW, Jessica from Yarn Market News did exactly this when she contacted me about speaking at the recent YMN conference. I checked the links she sent me, and immediately made the decision to say yes based on her informational email. ;0)

Name's Luxe. RotoLuxe.

2010-03-18T20:25:00.000-07:00

The most jaw-dropping prop I used onstage for my YMN Conference seminar was a selection of plastic pots. Not just ANY pots, mind you! These are brand new to the market - I discovered them at Seattle's Northwest Flower & Garden show in early February, and two weeks ago they were launched at the Las Vegas show. Fabulous shapes, intense colors, interior lighting, and waterproof construction make them perfect for SO many retail & event uses. They are bonafide superstars!

Take a look at the SIZE of that white one!

The Vazon 'Methuselah' is 41" by 44" in size. MASSIVE in scale and impact. In the photo above, you can see me sitting in a chair onstage just to the left of the huge white pot. THAT's how big they are! The others are Vazon 'Magnum', 23" by 23".On the other side of the stage, a white Chumbo 24" by 12" size is shown in a lateral position on top of another table.

These illuminated pots acted like a magnet in the dimly lit conference room {hence the not-so-incredible photos here}, drawing attendees to the stage to oooh, ahhhh, and snap photos. Every last flier and business card provided by the company was snapped up in record time, as well - I think these very smart people knew a great thing when they saw it!

I'd like to offer a huge thank you to Hans Lammersdorf, owner of Rotoluxe and all-around generous guy, who lent me these to make my seminar stage displays really stand out. He didn't know me from Adam and yet he trusted me to promote his product and make his company look good. {I think you'll be happy, Hans!}

From outdoor decor to window displays to in-store displays or fixtures, these products are a no-fail way to catch the eye of passers-by and customers in an instant. There are so many shapes, colors, and sizes available that they will meet a wide scope of needs for your visual merchandising. With a wide selection of colors available, you'll be able to find at least one of your 'Brand Palette' colors for your store!

For complete information on products and pricing, please visit the company web site at www.Rotoluxe.com.

There are a million ways to use these in a retail setting - from topping them with a glass round to create a tabletop surface, filling them with loads of product, tipping them to provide an optional storage or display compartment, or stacking them willy-nilly to attract attention - and they'll be workhorses for years of successful merchandising.

www.RotoLuxe.com

Telling MY Story....

2010-03-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you to the wonderful staff at Yarn Market News & Soho Publishing, for including me in the YMN Smart Business Conference 2010 over the past few days. Karin, Jessica, and Gabrielle took such good care of me and everyone else at this event. It was an altogether enjoyable experience, meeting so many people who are creative, passionate, and headed for success in their businesses.

It was my pleasure to present a seminar to this marvelous group of people, I tell ya'. I speak to many varied groups of retailers and business owners, and can unequivocally say that the reception I received at YMN was among my very best experiences ever. If you are visiting my blog after being at my presentation, welcome - and thank YOU for such a warm welcome to your industry! You are all proof positive that good business is about good relationships.

It was also fun to reconnect with Linda Cahan, fellow speaker. Linda and I have known each other for eight years, through our involvement with gift shows on the West coast... we've been onstage together before and always have fun! Linda and I enjoyed the 'Panel Discussion' session, where we had the opportunity to answer questions and refer to slides brought in by local shops. So much inspiring information...

Speaking of inspiring, check out the cover of the March issue of YMN Magazine for Yarn Shop niche retailers. Look closer. Those aren't tomatoes, my dear readers. Those are made from YARN! Every issue of this to-the-trade magazine offers us stellar visual inspiration and loads of resources, info, and material for shop owners to use. I am blown away by the attention to detail here, and editor in cheif Karin Strom is the driving force behind these 'visual puns'... way to go, Karin!

You can find more of my thoughts on the use of color in a retail environment in this issue: Kristine Hansen interviewed me, along with other visual, design, & color experts, for her article 'The Colors of Money'. It can be found on pages 34-35 (continued on 43).

I've posted more photos of my stage displays and presentation on my Facebook page. In the next week, I'll be creating new posts here with photos & info taken from my presentation - including where you can get those AMAZING props I used on stage!!! Stay Tuned...

Support Your Local Bistro...

2010-03-09T21:56:00.000-08:00

The 3/50 Project is at it again - championing local communities!

Check out their new 'eat local' campaign

{image linked to 3/50 Project web site

go there to print your copies }

Field Research

2010-03-04T22:54:00.000-08:00

On Friday I'll be heading into downtown Seattle for some 'field research'.

{nope. not what you think. I'm not headed to Safeco Field or Quest Field for a game...}

I have four LYS's to visit {any guesses?}, a hotel ballroom-elevator-parking garage configuration to discover, and visits to two Anthropologie stores planned. Then it's across the Lake to the third Anthro store {we're lucky that way}, and on to a vintage show where I will view the presentation stylings of seventeen individual vendors of vintage, antique, and handmade goods.

All in all, that's 4 niche markets I'll be viewing in one day: independent retail {LYS is Local Yarn Shop, btw}, hospitality {W Hotel}, corporate retail {Anthropologie}, and independent artisans/merchants {vintage show vendors}. Quite a nice scope of inspiration!

And while I'll be having a great time taking all this in and visiting with people who are passionate about what they do, I'm doing this as preparation for my upcoming seminar presentation & panel discussion {at the Yarn Market News International Business Conference}. I am attending the show to support the women & men who are my contemporaries on the NorthWest vintage circuit... this is a new show, and supporting it is important to the health and growth of the industry here in our region.

When was the last time you got out of your store-office-car, and looked around at what is going on in various facets of retail? Saw a fresh 'take' on things? You can't just look inward, or even across the aisle. I encourage you to get out and do your own form of 'field research'.

I remember a former employer, who was convinced that his only competition was other garden stores. He sent the visual team to view all of the other nurseries/garden centers in the region so we could 'out-do' them. sigh. Keeping up with or even trying to 'one-up' the established industry procedure and standard is a surefire way to fail. You have to look outward, upward, and across the spectrum in order to expand your vision of what is possible in order to succeed. Inspiration for your store can come from so many other places...

For example, in spring a nursery or garden center can inspire colors, textures, and all kinds of themes that can be used in every industry. I saw a photo of an Anthro display on a blog today. It was a bunch of galvanized buckets, green hoses, fake grass, and product 'planted' amongst the props. They don't sell plants. They sell fashion, home decor, and personal accessories. They just have no limitations on where inspiration comes from.

I bet they even 'comp shopped' my former employer for ideas!

{image credit: http://igadgetszone.com}

Get the 4-1-1

2010-02-27T21:41:00.000-08:00

Retail is Change. I say it all the time.

And oh MY is change upon us, my friends...

Check out what the NY Times is reporting now,

and get yourselves dialed in.

StoryTelling

2010-02-23T12:21:00.000-08:00

Just shy of a year ago, I wrote a guest post for design*sponge.

As part of their BizWomen series, my article offered advice on building your brand image to maximize your visual impact. Since I am preparing to speak about this subject in a few short weeks, I thought I'd share the information again. Here's a taste {and you can read the whole post on design*sponge here}

‘Tell Your Own Story’ in all visual communications.

Make your brand an expression of your business’ individual mission, purpose, style, and products or services – and then leverage that brand by using it in every visual medium at your disposal. This is the main opportunity for you to show your potential customers why YOU are different than others - be proud of your individuality and build on it.

1. Be Consistent

Plan the components of your design and utilize them across all mediums. From your business card to your web site to your store or office, the same visual elements should appear - color, logos, fonts, taglines, etc. should all flow seamlessly. There should be no question that they all reflect the best things about your business.

Think of it this way: When a potential customer sees your ad, finds your blog online, or is handed your business card, what is the next step for them? Probably to check out your web site and get more info on you. Then they’ll come to your place of business. Will they see the same business image in all of those mediums? Does your image engender confidence?

When I work with clients to build their brand image visually, I help them choose elements that can be used in many mediums and materials to express a consistent image. We create a ‘brand palette’ that incorporates all of those elements to use in their brand expression. From the paint on the walls to the fixtures holding merchandise to the sign outside, it all plays off of their logo and business attributes. It’s experiential marketing because it immerses the customer into the brand – quite literally: When they walk into your place of business, your brand image surrounds them.

To read the other four things you can do, go here...

no reproduction permitted - used by permision on design*sponge March 2009

{'Tell Your Own Story' is a DWK tagline}

image credit: www.bmpl.lib.me.us

In the Pink

2010-02-18T20:16:00.000-08:00

Are you new to blogging or have you been at it for awhile?
Are you a blogger, a reader, or a lurker?
Are you just about ready to dip a toe into the water and try it yourself?
Or, are you still wondering why anyone has one?

No matter where you are with blogging, you'll find some great advice about using blogs to help promote your business in this article, from little pink book and pink magazine. {Make sure you sign up for their daily email newsletter - TONS of great advice, tips, & offers for women in business.}

Image Credit: little pink book

Deb's Video Series

2010-02-13T22:05:00.000-08:00

Are you a retailer who sells product at home shows?

A wholesaler who sells products at gift shows?

A dealer of handmade, vintage, or antique goods

who sells at antique & vintage barn shows?

Are you a first-time Farm Chicks Show vendor,

wondering what you've signed on for?!

I have a great resource to share with you:

In 2008, I filmed six videos at the Farm Chicks show,

to be broadcast on the Gift & Home Channel for retailers.

The videos contain information about successful visual merchandising,

combined with interviews of some creative women

who are very experienced & successful in this area of business:

Serena Thompson & Teri Edwards, The Farm Chicks

Heather Bullard, of Present Past Collection

Bari J. Ackerman, of BariJ Designs

Tammy Gilley, of Tammy Gilley Studios

and me!

You can view all six of my videos on my web site

www.DebiWardKennedy.com

{scroll to the bottom of the page to see the six embedded video players}

Oh, and I wasn't a brunette until December of last year... ;0)

Image Credit: DWK images 2008;
Thank you to the Emmy-award winning video crew from Peak Video Productions in Spokane, Wa.

Giveaway Winners!

2010-02-08T09:19:00.000-08:00

... and the winners are:

Heidi of HiHo and Robin King

Girls, send me an email with your shipping address in it

and I'll get your book sent off to you this week.

By the way, I said THREE best answers in my original post about this giveaway.
The third winner is Linda Olsen of Portland. I didn't want her to know that she was chosen until she received her copy of the book in the mail. ;0)

Thank you to everyone who participated!

Q&A: Color

2010-02-04T15:07:00.000-08:00

Margaret from the blog Eclectic Design Source commented on my "Q & A: Color" post with her question:

"I'm curious what you think about deep, rich tones for retail? I love dark, dramatic walls -like black, eggplant, deep navy, espresso- but I'm not sure how it would translate into selling space.
Thoughts?"

To be honest, Margaret, it's not about what I think. ;0)
It's about the science of selling.

In his groundbreaking book 'Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping', self-titled 'Retail Anthropologist' Paco Underhill discusses his research and findings on what creates the greatest impetus for a shopper to to enter, browse, choose, and purchase from a store. {click on the link in my right sidebar to read more about the book and purchase it on Amazon}. Many factors are presented, and color is one of them. It is not a choice to be taken lightly or made simply by personal preference, as it is a tool used to project an image, a brand, a mood, and tell a story to the customer. As an interior designer, I'm sure you practice a similar philosophy when helping your residential clients choose colors for their rooms. However, while a personal preference tends to weigh heavily in a residential color decision, it is a very different situation with retail spaces.

Generally speaking, dark colors depress people and they suck up all of the light in a space. {Meaning it takes more light fixtures, bulbs, and electricity costs to recapture the light that you lose}. Using them in large quantity can defeat your purpose of selling. Light colors are not only uplifting to mood & spirit, affecting your customers in a positive way, but they also allow the colors & details of products to be shown more effectively. Obviously this is of importance when selling: Pink t shirts need to look pink, not peuse because they are surrounded by eggplant walls.

Dark, dramatic colors are excellent when used as 'punctuation marks' in retail settings - whether as part of the permanent decor or in product displays. A very neutral store setting benefits from judicious use of black accents, and a crisp clean modern all-white space would be energized by the use of navy blue. We've all seen the fresh contemporary pairing of espresso with pale robins-egg blue grow in popularity over the past few years - a perfect example of how dark and light compliment one another and create a mood. And eggplant is a wonderful accent to a palette of warm old world hues in a winery or gourmet food store. Much as in fashion, jolts of dramatic color like this add vitality and personality to a palette. The point is to use them thoughtfully and deliberately.

We have all seen the 'chalkboard wall' done to great effect. Ditto the 'focal wall' of color in many design shows. If you are going to use a dark or very vibrant color on a large wall in your retail space, you have to do two things:

1. Make sure it is a high quality paint and an excellent paint job.
Nothing ruins the effect like a shoddy thin streaky wall. Use a primer, then two coats of color - and apply the paint in both up/down and left/right roller applications to cover every area completely.

2. Use the same color in other locations in your space, on a smaller scale.
If a dark color is on the rear wall of your shop {the best place for it}, then paint the base of your cash wrap {located elsewhere} the same color. And paint a chair or table that color, to use in your entry zone or window display. Make it a 'signature color' as part of your brand palette, and use it purposefully.

I've only seen two stores in my lifetime that have broken the rules of color use and succeeded: one is the chain store 'Illuminations'. This purveyor of high-end candles and all related accessories painted their stores deep charcoal, and lit them only with burning candles and narrow-beam spotlights on displays. You literally gasped when you walked past, and were inexplicably drawn into the store to investigate this anomaly of mall shops. Yes, MALL shops. They outperformed every other store when it came to visual presentation of their brand and concept. {Illuminations is no longer in business, but I don't think it's due to the colors on their walls.}

The other store that breaks just about every rule in visual merchandising SUCCESSFULLY is 'Victoria Company' in Orange, California. This tiny, narrow shop competes with many other antique, vintage, and home decor stores on the famous 'Circle'. You are met with a riot of color before ever entering the store, because the sidewalk outside is loaded with a plethora of bright, happy vintage-style furniture & accessories. Cars literally screech to a stop!

Once you walk in, you feel like a kid in a candy store with brightly-colored merchandise piled ceiling-high. The walls are bright sunny yellow, the trim is white, and everything else is kaleidescopic overload. Dona, the owner, is just as bright and colorful in spirit. She's had this darling shop for years and is a very knowledgeable retailer. No one else - possibly not even Disney - could pull this look off successfully. Even Mary Engelbreit didn't do it this well in her colorful stores.

SO, though rules of design and selling psychology apply to color, there is always room to break them. It's just harder to succeed when you go out on that limb.

Image Credit: Color Guides - see them for help with color choices for your business environment. {Speaking of color, I'm still accepting products & props in white, orange, magenta, and aqua for my seminar stage displays. See this post for info.}

By the Book - a Giveaway!

2010-02-01T22:02:00.000-08:00

Have you read this book, 'The Martha Rules'?

I'll admit I don't watch the Martha show much, but I do have a few of her holiday decorating books. I highly recommend THIS one, which is geared specifically toward women entrepreneurs. In it, 'The Queen of Domesticity' sheds that crown and puts on her business suit to share insights, plans, guidance, and perspective on being a business owner. This is the book that Martha wrote while serving time in a womens' prison a few years back... and that experience is referenced in the book. {I actually like the fact that she's included it, too.} If you have a business already, you will find some helpful practices in this book that will help you grow & expand.

I have several brand new hardback copies of this book, and would love to share them with a few of you...so let's have a giveaway, shall we? Call it an early Valentine. ;0)

Leave a comment on this post telling me why you'd like to receive a copy and you may get lucky! I'll choose the three best answers next Monday, February 8th, and post them here.

**And don't forget that I am still looking for props & fixtures for my seminar in March - read the post below this one for more into!**

Want Your Display Fixtures & Props On My Stage?

2010-01-26T09:28:00.000-08:00

I've got a project in the works, a seminar at the SoHo Publishing & Yarn Market News 2010 'Smart Business Conference'. My presentation will be covering the topic of store design and display as a way to build your brand image. I'm not the kind of speaker who stands behind a lectern reading index cards or narrating a slide show, though. Nope, I tend to go a bit overboard: I haul a slew of products up onto the stage and build incredibly inspiring visual displays to illustrate my points. {I figure if I'm teaching people about visual practices, I should be using a visual medium to do so.}

I'm looking for some products to include in my on-stage displays, and I'd like to offer you the opportunity to get some promotional mileage out of this.

If you are a supplier/manufacturer of retail fixtures, a designer/manufacturer of props & decoratives, or a designer/creator of products that relate to the yarn & fiber industry, consider this:

The YMN Conference, held in Seattle in March, will be attended by over 100 owners of independent yarn shops, plus attendees from the fashion industry and press & media sources, from both the US and Canada. The keynote speaker is Cinda Baxter, founder of the 3/50 Project. {Read more here} It is a high profile gathering of a growing and evolving fiber arts industry movers & shakers.

I'll be up onstage in front of all of them, for an hour, and your products can be right up there with me. Every attendee at my seminar will receive a handout with notes about my presentation AND a list of every product I use - and that can include your name and contact info next to your product.

But wait! There's MORE!

To make my presentation even more exciting for the conference attendees, I'd also like to give the products away at the conclusion of my seminar. {I've done this for years at my Gift Show seminars, and it builds buzz for a product like nothing else can!} I'll be collecting business cards from the audience, and drawing winners for every item I use onstage at the end of my presentation's Q&A session.

If you send me a product to use, you'll get:
*On-stage exposure for your product as I discuss how to utilize different styles, finishes, colors, and materials to achieve different effects in retail display.
*Your product name, company name & contact info in the handout to every attendee.
*Your product will be awarded to an attendee.
*Photos of your product here on my blog in my recap posts about my seminar. I'll include credit and link to your site right beneath every photo of it.
*Plus, any feedback from attendees about your product will appear in my recap posts, as well.

You all know I love sharing resources and connecting people - this is one more way I can do that. I appreciate my blog readers so much, and am happy to spread the word about your businesses & products when I can!

Now, more specific information on my plan & needs:

I am tying my stage displays into the color palette that the conference uses {see their logo image above} in order to provide maximum relevance for every attendee - AND to increase the opportunities for the publisher {SoHo}, the magazine {YMN}, the conference, and other media sources to use images of my stage displays in continued press coverage of this event. That equals more exposure for me, you, and your product!

What do I need?
I need fixtures that are white.
Wood, plastic, acrylic, metal, fabric. Modern, casual, formal, vintage. Tables, chairs, shelving, boxes, storage racks/bins, hanging, standing, leaning, stackable.
Any style will work - Just make 'em white. I'm illustrating design points with these.

I need props that are turquoise, orange, and magenta. Single colors, not stripes!
Again - modern, vintage, natural, funky, finessed, rough, smooth, single or multiple.
I'm using these as 'punctuation' in the displays.

I can also REALLY use items specific to the yarn/fiber industry:
If I can find a pair of five foot tall knitting needles, I'll be the happiest woman on earth! Ditto for a ball of orange or magenta yarn that is the size of a beach ball. {And you think I'm kidding...} Products created with yarn are great, so are items designed to be used in the creative fiber arts processes. My displays will feature cross-merchandised product groupings.

Considerations:
Large scale - it's a large room, with a raised stage, and people need to be able to see the display setups from the back of the room.
Minimal assembly - I have just two hours to set my stage before I speak at 9 AM.
Minimal weight / easy transport - the conference is at the W Hotel. Parking garage & elevator access must be considered, and transport in our truck to the venue.
Shippable & will arrive in Seattle before March 10 {or you are in the Seattle area and will deliver to the W Hotel on Monday March 15}

If this sounds like something you would like your business to benefit from, email me! I'll need a description {including size} and image of your product for consideration, then I'll send you more information. I'm in the final phases of planning my display sets, so please contact me quickly if you want in on this promotional opportunity.

*I'm looking at adding more promotional opportunities here on the blog, too. If you are interested in offering products for a monthly giveaway {drop-ship from you to the winner}, let me know. It's all about getting the word out there, and raising awareness of what's available, so let's work together!*

Q & A: Color

2010-01-24T18:26:00.000-08:00

MaryJo submitted her question via my Facebook Page:
What paint colors would you use on your walls if you were opening a new gift store? I am trying to come up with a good base color and then some accent colors.

MaryJo, there are several ways to approach this.
One is to consider the art of Feng Shui when choosing colors - I suggest the book 'Feng Shui for Retailers' by my friend and fellow speaker Linda Cahan.

Another is to consult a custom color specialist or a computer program to develop a custom color palette for your business - you can learn more about the psychology of color at the Pantone Color Institute. Pantone offers an excellent Corporate Identity program, as well.

I love the idea of creating your own custom color OR palette {combination} of colors, because it plays right into my theory of retail design:

I advise my clients to 'Tell their own story' through all avenues of their presentation. Start with your store name, logo, and mission statement, and develop a palette of colors that express and build your brand image. {Remember my post on how Gene Juarez Salons created their signature color palette from the natural shades of hair, skin, eyes, and lips?} You want to create an environment that is unique to you and your business, so that you set yourself apart from the competition. With this approach, you have the opportunity to surround your customers with your brand from the moment they walk in.

Take into account the mood you want to create in the space - how do you want your customers to feel, what effect do you want the environment to have on people in the space? What kind of 'gifts' will you be selling, and to whom? What makes your business different from others selling the same products? All of these facets play into the color, material, and style choices you make for your space design. Your choices express your brand image - and your store can be a 'living' image of your brand.

I just completed a quick interview with Yarn Market News magazine, and the subject was also on this subject: How can retailers chose & use color to their advantage? What I've shared with you here runs along the same lines as what I told the writer, Kristine, and what I'll share in my seminar at their conference in March. Color is a tool, and needs to relate to the other tools in your 'branding' toolbox. Yes, you can use current trending colors - but only as an easily-changed splash in a display area. {Think of them as an exclamation point!} Make your choices for permanent surfaces brand-centric in order to get the most leverage out of them.

I'd also suggest a Google search of 'color theory' and 'color psychology' - you will find a wealth of helpful tips for choosing colors for the many facets of your business, not just the walls!

Thanks for participating, MaryJo...

Image Credits: color wheel from seanmarcellus.com; corporate color logos from Pantone.com

Have A Heart!

2010-01-23T19:35:00.000-08:00

Check out what The 3/50 Project is up to now!

Image Credit: the 3/50 Project

Q & A: Cash Wraps 101

2010-01-21T01:34:00.000-08:00

First: Tamara, Tom, and Janet, I'm addressing the comments you left on my last post here instead of there. You indicated that you didn't know what a cash wrap was or understand the concept the way I presented it. So, because I am guessing you may not be the only people who feel that way, consider this post 'Cash Wrap 101'!

'Cash Wrap' is a regular retail industry term for retailers, designers, manufacturers, and builders. It is a catchall term referring to the 'check out' or 'register' area of a retail setting {otherwise known as the place where the cashier stands, and the customers fork over the dough for the merchandise!}.

You may have heard the term 'cash wrap' in a phrase from a product rep or manufacturer as they sell you small products that are intended to sit on your 'register counter' area, as in: "This POP {Point Of Puchase} display unit holds forty six units of product, for cash wrap placement to maximize your impulse sales". The use of 'POP' identifies a product or display unit as one that is intended to be placed in close proximity to your register - the whole point is that while waiting in line to purchase what they've already chosen, customers are being actively marketed to by these units. {Picture the gum, candy, magazines, etc. at the grocery store}

Configurations and construction of cash wraps are as vast as the array of stores that they exist in, but there are some basics about them that apply to the whole industry.

Cash wrap stations typically consist of either one, two, or three parts:

A one-part unit has a single countertop/ cabinet combination that sits parallel or perpendicular to a wall.

A two –part configuration has a freestanding front and a parallel rear section up against a wall.

A three-part configuration is usually a 'U'-shaped grouping that sits perpendicular to a wall. Often times these become a square configuration by situating them in the center of a space, and then closing off the end of the 'U' with a jewelry case, etc.

When choosing a style for your store, consider the activities that need to take place around the register. {Remember the adage 'Form Follows Function'?} If wrapping & packaging merchandise as your customer purchases it is a large part of your store activities, you need ample space to do this - and NOT the area where the customer walks up and sits her chosen items. Provide a separate location (behind or on the other side of the register) to do this so that customers can be serviced expediently. {Picture a customer at your register with seventeen items.... and the young mother with a two year old and three small items standing behind her. Waiting. Waiting... Leaving.} Do you need two registers? What about a 'hold' area?

The front counter provides space for the cash register, a clear area for shoppers to place their chosen items to purchase, a place for your mailing list sign up and a flyer about an upcoming event. For Laura {yesterday's post} a flat panel computer screen running a continual loop of her portfolio and/or some images in beautiful frames of various sizes would be an excellent extension of her brand presence. Placing one or two POP displays here is okay - rotate them weekly. Loading this area with five, ten, twenty little containers of small items? Totally negates the purpose and overwhelms your customer. Unless you are 7-11, don't do it.

The front counter could be built as a run of level countertops, or as a desk/cabinet combination – one end would be like a desk with legs under a clear counter top for customer purchases, set at a table-top height/ {This is where Laura would use a clear acrylic substance etched with or embedded with her photo imagery.} That would be connected on the other end to a solid unit with counter top, set at standard height, and cabinet base [for storage and to hide the power cords] for the cash register and computer. On the front of that solid base, Laura can utilize my concept of 'Imagedesigned Furniture' and bring in the element of your images through carving, etching, embedding them, or any other method. Or, simply use a corporate logo there.

The rear section of a cash wrap should include cabinets and drawers for closed yet accessible storage of paper & packaging goods, etc., with a long counter top with lots of workspace. Great lighting up above this is essential, plus you can take the back wall and install your corporate logo and/or imagery to support your brand image. Don't store major shipping supplies, files, or extra products here. Keep it simple, neat, and accessible. The top of that counter should remain clear at all times. A stack of flat tissue is the only permissible storage here. A hold area can be created with large cabinets fitted with shelves inside - open storage will look messy no matter what you do

The space between two parallel counters should be three feet wide, to facilitate easy & safe movement of persons and product between them - including open doors/drawers and people turning & bending. With countertops an average depth of 30 to 36 inches, you are looking at an approximately nine foot deep area for this kind of cash wrap. For a single counter cash wrap, you’d still need three feet behind for passage & door operations, so you need to allow approximately six feet in depth.

The length of any unit would be at your discretion, but allow at least a 2 ½ to 3 foot long area of counter space for customer purchases to be placed. If you make that area too small, the psychology is that they are buying something larger and therefore more expensive. Conversely, if you provide a spacious area, they feel that perhaps they can buy more. [I swear don’t make this up, really – Paco Underhill addresses this in ‘Why We Buy’!]

Hanging warm pendant lighting low over the front counter, or placing a beautiful table lamp there, will help prevent eye strain for your employees, and also make your customers feel more comfortable than if they are standing under glaring can lights or fluorescent lights overhead.

The material possibilities are endless, and would of course depend upon the overall style of the store design – which ties it all back into 'Telling Your Own Story' and using your brand image to drive your choices.

Image from Apartment Therapy

The biggest thing to remember about a cash wrap is that it is there for your CUSTOMER.

It is not a storage facility for junk, a break room or rest stop for employees, or a catchall display fixture for things you aren't sure about. It is an opportunity to provide service, connection, and a clear image of your brand to your customer. Be vigilant about its design and use, and it will serve you well.

Except for the last one, All of the images in this post have been provided to me by M.Lavine Retail Design, a design/build firm for retail fixtures. Please visit them to see more exciting possibilities for customizing your store fixturing, including more information about standards in design. Thank you M.Lavine and JJ!

Q & A : Cash Wraps

2010-01-20T01:40:00.000-08:00

Laura Novak is one of my wonderful blog readers, and a simply incredible photographer, designer, and business woman. Visit her site and you'll be impressed, I have no doubt. Laura sent me her question/challenge via email:

HI Debi,
I have been following your blog for a while now – thank you so much for all your great ideas!
If you are looking for more FAQs for your blog, I have a question about custom cash wraps. I am opening my second retail store in a few months and am ready to splurge on a custom cash wrap/reception area. The way the space is shaped, it would be a nice greeting for our customers when they walk in the door. Do you have any do's and don'ts for custom cash wraps? I need to give my contractor some photos of ones I like along with the dimensions and I’m not sure where to start.

Laura, thank you so much for your email. I’d love to help you with this...
I’ve visited your web site and blog, and must say that I am impressed. You clearly know how to present not only your clients but your own business in a visual medium. So, I’d say that tying your retail store cash wrap into your brand is an easy task for you to undertake. I read the following on one of your blog posts, and I have emphasized those portions that led me in the direction I thought of for you:

"[Designer] Vicente [Wolfe] and I talked about ways to create an artful display of those who live in the home as part of a comprehensive design concept. While many family photo displays are sometimes thought of after a room is designed, Vicente encouraged designers to include high-impact custom family photography as room feature during the designing process. Currently what sometimes happens is that family photos are put in a small frame on a mantle or desk simply because they weren't part of the original design concept. It was exciting to hear Vicente's perspective that great opportunities exist for photographers and designers to work together on creating a room that is meaningful and personal to a client by incorporating family images."

Then I saw the image at the top of this post on your blog.

My philosophy of design is that every client has their own unique story to tell, and they can do that through every visual medium they use in their environment. Your philosophy of using the art as a touchpoint from the beginning of the design process is a similar approach. The two came together in this idea: Utilize your philosophy of ‘art in the design’, and build your store design and cash wrap using your photographs as a major element. Incorporate photographic imagery into the surfaces by having them embedded in the materials [such as clear acrylic countertop, or etched out of the wood grain on the side panels of the casework].

Bring in the element of your images through carving, etching, embedding
them, or any other method. This concept for customized ‘Imagedesigned Furniture’ [can I copyright that?!] could be utilized in many other applications in your store, as well: cabinet endcaps, lit wall displays, and mirror and window panels that are etched with your imagery. Or, perhaps, the amazing ability to have a television or computer screen embedded in glass to project your images.

Image provided by M. Lavine {thank you, JJ!}

What I see is furniture that functions as more than just a desk, counter, or service area. It’s a facilitator of the art you produce. You are already creating ottomans and wallpaper out of your images – why not furniture? Why not use every facet of the store you are building to support your brand by customizing it? It will reinforce and illustrate the ideas you have for integrating art in room design – a clear picture [pun intended!] for your clients to see.

I hope the information and ideas I have included here get your creative wheels turning, Laura! And I am serious – I’d love the opportunity to work with you to design something amazing. That is, unless you’ve already hired Vicente to do it! ;0)

Thank you for your question, Laura, and for taking time to read my blog. I appreciate you! Best of luck and congratulations on your second store!

***I sent Laura an email with more specific info about cash wrap configurations for her needs, as well... it just made for a very long post! I'll share the basics of cash wraps here on another day.***

Top Image from Laura Novak's blog, as seen in Philly Magazine
Lower Image provided by M. Lavine

Bloomin'

2010-01-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

'Blooms, bloomin', Bloomies'...

Yeah, this image fits my current state of mind!

I've had my head wrapped around the yarn industry all morning, thanks to a very nice phone interview with Kristine Hansen at Yarn Market News. She's working on an article about color psychology for retailers for the March YMN issue. Since that coincides with the conference in Seattle - and I'm speaking on store design there - she wanted to include quotes from me in her writing. Thank you, Kristine, I appreciate that!

Immediately following that phone interview, I opened an email from Maxwell at Apartment Therapy, with an update on the ongoing Bloomingdale's Window Display Challenge. {I posted about his design the other day}. The windows will be revealed tomorrow, and you can see it all plus keep up with the action and vote on your fave HERE.

Credit for the beautiful image in this post goes to JuteandJackfruit from this post:
http://juteandjackfruit.net/2010/01/kick-off-2010-with-warm-cozy-style-in-indigenous-designs-flower-power-knits-accessories/ - and I highly recommend reading their blog. Excellent resource, great information, terrific products & ideas.

Anatomy of an Entrepreneur

2010-01-17T15:44:00.000-08:00

I found an excellent article about Entrepreneurs today on Daily Finance - click here to read 'Anatomy of an Entrepreneur' by writer Alex Salkever. He shares some research findings about just who entrepreneurs are, which blows a lid off of some generally-held perceptions. I think you'll all see yourselves in there!

{check out the last sentence in paragraph seven. Proof positive that you are not alone in your concerns about the economy.}

Q & A {This is a long one, folks!}

2010-01-15T15:56:00.000-08:00

In response to my call for your challenges this year, Heidi commented:
"Hard question....the shop is flipped, looking all a new, the facebook is full of pics, fans are up, stock levels are on target. I have been working harder and longer hours pushing my creative energy to new levels. Like last year and the year before, I tell myself "this is the year" and like most small businesses I continue to tell all, everything is good....know one wants to be a part or shop where things aren't HOT! Right.

I think the thing I need for the first time in years is help with the fear factor, help believing this is REALLY the year. Help chasing the demons away. I stay focused on the goal, find endless projects to work on, I have great satisfaction in the process...surround myself in the passion of loving what I do.....but the help I need is to erase the doubt. - HHH"

You just echoed every retailer on Earth, Heidi!
Regardless of what we sell, where, or how, we are all doing everything we can to make this year profitable. {And by that I mean breaking even would be nice...} First, let me congratulate you for still being in business. That is quite an accomplishment for the past year! {and if you don't beleive me, drive through your town and notice the empty storefronts and 'going out of business sale' signs}. It sounds like you have made the physical efforts to present your business at the highest level possible, and you are taking responsibility daily for doing all that you can.

Now, let me ask you this: How are you doing with letting others HELP you make your business 'all that it can be'? Are you taking on everything? In there anything left for your staff or supporters to contribute?

As business owners, we are the fall guy. The buck - if and when it comes - stops with us. And so we take on the risk and the responsibility of the business, and all that comes with it. Too often, though, all of that 'taking on' causes us to do two things: Cut everyone else off the team, and load up our own shoulders with a bunch of stress and worry.

You've got employees, and I know you pay them well, provide benefits, treat them with respect, and think of them as 'family'. You probably also educate them on your products, teach them new skills, and count on them to be there when you need them. But are they able to contribue ideas, suggestions, and actions that will help in the marketing, promotion, growth, and success of your business? Can you hand over a task to them and let them see it through - or do you have to micromanage to make sure it's done your way? That's a cause of extreme stress right there - and a stressed business owner is more susceptible to doubt, worry, and fear.

As an owner, there are certain things that only YOU can do for your business. And there are many things that you can allow, hire, permit, and empower OTHERS to do for your business - freeing you up to concentrate on your part, and also to get away from time to time and let go of the reins. Look at your staff and really SEE them and their abilities - and decide on a task that you can hand over to each of them right NOW. {uploading Facebook photos is a good example}. Make it a job that is visible - one that has immediate positive results, so that everyone on staff can see their contribution is making an impact. Then do it again. And again.

Now, for those supporters I mentioned: Do you have a referral program in place to reward your Fans and customers for bringing in or sending friends to you? Let your satisfied customers be a workforce for your business! Reward them with a special gift, monthly drawing, or discount and get them talking about you. Word of mouth is the best advertisement, right?!

It's not easy. But it's worth it! And it plays into the second part of this: By handing off some of the responsibilities of the business, you lighten your own load. In order to stop the cycle of 'stress-worry-doubt-fear', you have to cut yourself some slack! Here are a few ideas:

* Stop watching the news before bed. Stop watching the news first thing in the morning. Allow your thoughts to be positive, hopeful, filled with possibility and faith {of whatever kind} as you start and end your day. Get caught up on news during lunch or in the late afternoon, instead. Read the paper or online news instead of being subjected to the hype of drama-driven news hour soundbytes. {The old saying 'If it bleeds, it leads' isn't without truth.}

* Referring to above: TAKE a lunch break! Fifteen minutes away from your desk/cashwrap/store/computer will do wonders for your perspective. Go to the park or a sidewalk cafe on a nice day, or to the library and sit by the window when it's cold out. Listen to inspiring music on your iPod or MP3 player while you eat a healthy small meal, and drink water. Nourish your body and spirit!

*Walk, Stretch, Dance, swing on a swingset, glide down the slide.... get active for fifteen minutes a day. Every day. Morning, noon, afternoon, night - whatever works for you. It's not exercise - it's simply moving your body freely to experience life. Life is not work. Owning a business is not your whole life. Go move, laugh, sing, smile, and BREATHE. Five minutes into it, you'll be having so much fun that you'll forget those doubts and worries for a time. And that is a good place to start.

*Find daily inspiration. I recommend the words of Tony Robbins, Wayne Dyer, 'Notes from the Universe' from TUT, and Louise Hay. Read a passage of literature, or scripture {again, of your choosing}. Speak kind, uplifting words to others - and just see what kind of wonderful things you will hear in return. Remember the old saying about computers: GIGO? {Garbage In, Garbage Out} It's true about everything. No, these affirmations won't give you the ultimate answers to business challenges - but they will help to keep your mind in a place of peace, openess to new ideas & solutions, and possibilities. And that helps you to overcome the worry & doubt in the long run.

*Create a new 'energy' in your environment. Get new music for your store. Turn on a few more lights. Bring in fresh foliage or flowers each week, light a candle or plug in a scented light. Open a door or window for a few moments and let fresh, crisp, clean air inside. Start the day with a rousing cheer, blessing, or affirmation that you share with your staff. Hocus Pocus? Woo-Woo? Maybe. But isn't it better than dragging in with a furrowed brow and shoulders already bent with stress before the day has even begun?

*Remember, this is your business. You can change anything about it you want to. Including the frame of mind you are in every day - and the frame of mind your employees are in. Start with you. Doubt, fear, worry, and stress are just emotions - not laws. We control our emotions, they don't control us. We can change them, toss them out the door, learn from them, or harbor them and let them hold us down. It's our choice.

Hopefully some of those ideas will help you, Heidi. I don't claim to know everything and I certainly do have doubts and worries of my own.... and I am learning day by day, step by step, just as we all are on this crazy journey of business ownership during uncertain economic times.

What I DO know is that we American independent & small business owners are damned lucky to have the chance to own & run our own businesses in this country. There are challenges, but in no other place on Earth is it as available and rewarding to the majority of people as it is here. We have a President who is working on programs that will enable more people to start & run small businesses - because even he knows that WE are the backbone of industry and economy in the USA. Big corporations and titans of industry are tumbling all around us. What is going to pull our country out of the recession is us: working together, with and for one another, with, for, and in our own communities. And isn't that a worthy goal to work toward?

Thanks for participating, Heidi... I appreciate your comments.

Bloomingdale's Window Display Contest: AP Entry

2010-01-13T14:08:00.000-08:00

Check out Apartment Therapy's entry for the Bloomingdale's Window Display Contest - read Maxwell's post and see his conceptual design & choices. His post & plan include lots of good information on planning a window display for you to learn from {plus some pretty entertaining comments from the peanut gallery!}

You can keep up with the Bloomie's window display challenge here.

image credit: Apartment Therapy

Help ME Help YOU!

2010-01-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

It's a new year, we've all survived another Holiday season, are gearing up for winter gift shows... and I'd like to hear from you about the challenges you are facing in your stores/booths/shops right now.

What kind of help or advice do you need to get you past the brick wall in front of you? (And yes, I do realize that everyone reading this is thinking "Show Me The MONEY"!) I may not be able to provide that, but if you share with me some of the situations you are wracking your brains over, I can help you find the resources you need to locate or create solutions. There are a cadre of retail experts out there, waiting to help you solve your problem... and I'll happily connect the dots for you.

Are you stuck on what to do with your store's lack of product right now? Are you trying to figure out what to focus on at upcoming shows? Are you wary of heading the wrong direction with new product lines? Confused about whether you should expand - or play it safe? Wondering if there is a way to revitalize your store and your employees? Need some fresh ideas for merchandising?

Send me your dilemmas, and I'll find you some resources.
In other words, "Help ME Help YOU!" ;0)

You can leave a comment here on the blog or email me (link in sidebar) with your challenging situations. I'll be responding here on the blog, so that the resources I share with you can be available to everyone. If you don't want your name or store name used in a post here, please do let me know and I'll provide a pseudonym!

I'm receiving feedback on Facebook as well, and answering those questions there. You can catch up with that here.

Image Credit: Realwire.com

'OneCoast Advisor' Resource Changes

2010-01-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

The OneCoast Advisor has become the SnapAdvisor.

In March, OneCoast will be launching the OneCoast Resource which will focus on retailers, trends, events and merchandising ideas. Enjoy the SnapAdvisor and stay tuned for the Resource! Go here to sign up for the monthly e-newsletter, filled with helpful resources & information for retailers.

Image credits: OneCoast/Snap Retail web site

Winter Displays

2009-12-30T02:19:00.000-08:00

What are you featuring in your windows and front zone displays right now? Have you restyled them to reflect the season and provide fresh inspiration - or are you waiting for new merchandise to arrive? It's very simple to refresh existing merchandise to look new and appealing to customers.

It's important to get a fresh start after the holidays - your customers will be coming in with gift cards, gift certs, and money they received, and they deserve to see fresh new ideas. Inspiring them to buy what you offer can be as simple as taking what you already have and combining it in a new way to reflect the season.

The display shown in the photo above features white Vietri pottery, along with gorgeous brown linens, whimsical dotted glassware, and of course a lovely wine. It's a perfect mix for this 'bridge' season of late winter - early spring. Simple, contemporary, classic, and warmth of color & textures draw the customer in. Huge bare branches bring nature inside - you could even hang crystals (or leftover snowflake holiday ornaments) from the branches to add movement and sparkle to the display.

Most of the products shown here were in displays in the store for the Holidays - the white Vietri was paired with red linens and snowflakes. The brown linens were displayed with brown pottery and pinecones. Combining them creates a fabulous new look, inspires your customers, AND saves you money. Go out on your sales floor and look at the components you already have - what possibilities exist to rethink, restyle, and sell them at full price right now?

Image Credit: Taken by DWK 2007; courtesy of Columbia Winery

I've Been Blogged

2009-12-26T23:40:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to the kind folks at Blogged, who have reviewed & rated my blog - and listed it in the number one spot under 'retail design / shopping'. Much appreciated...

PS: Blog Catalog has me at number 4 under 'retail display' , and number 6 under 'retail design'. I have work to do, apparently!

For Trade Show Exhibitors...

2009-12-25T17:53:00.000-08:00

Are you going to be exhibiting jewelry at a gift or retail trade show this season? Do you plan to submit your product to a showcase display (often referred to as 'Launching Pad', 'New Product Display', etc.)? If so, here are a few tips to help you maximize the visual impact of your product, and make the most of this marketing opportunity:

1. Make sure that you choose STUNNING pieces of your work for the showcase. Think scale, color, composition, and uniqueness. You want items that will make people take notice. Don't be conservative! Go for 'WOW' factor.
2. Provide plenty of product for display designers to work with. 3 or 5 pieces are perfect for a display, so give them six items: Two large, two medium, and two small.

Here's the important thing: Your choices should coordinate, because the display designers can do MUCH more with a cohesive grouping than a slapdash bunch of leftovers. Provide six items that are all in gold metal, or turquoise stones, but each one has a different 'personality'... one is chunky and modern, another is dangly and feminine, yet another is classic and simple. You want impact here, not a hodgepodge of items. Get customers to notice your product, drive them to your booth with this display - then show them your selection firsthand.
3. Provide props or fixtures to enhance the presentation and viewing angles of your products. If you use neck forms, paint them your logo colors to tell your brand story. If you use natural materials - rough stones, metals, woods, shells - in your creations, provide rocks, sand, chunks of wood, or moss to enhance the elements of your designs. If your jewelry is modern, send glass blocks or bubble wrap rolls or tall glass vases to hang the necklaces & bracelets on. Display stylists will love you, AND your products will look better.
4. Be creative when you show off your products. If your jewelry is small, dainty, and hard to see, provide papers, cards, anything you can to help focus attention onto it. Photograph your delicate items and send large photos along with just one perfect item on a neck form. Better to show detail in large scale for impact than to have it overlooked.
5. This may seem to be a no-brainer, but when you drop off or send in items for the displays, make sure that your information is with your product! You company name, booth number, and show division should be included in the container. The name and cell phone number of a person at the show who can be contacted is very helpful - if something is broken, missing, or there are any questions about your product, you want the display stylists to be able to contact you/your employee on site for a solution. Calling the home office two states away isn't really helpful when a replacement part is needed.

6. Beat the submission deadline. If your items are supposed to be there by noon, get them there at 9 AM. If you are supposed to mail them in by the 10th, get them there by the first. Be prepared. Be early. Why? First come, first served. Your position on a list means nothing when it comes down to fitting it all into a small area. All trade show display stylists can tell you that the early birds get the best spots. (And no amount of wheelin', dealin', whining or bitching is going to make up for the fact that you brought us your product two hours after the deadline. Or on your way out of the show hall that night. Or worse, early on the morning that the show opens. You're in the back row, lower level, baby. And we don't care HOW many years you've been selling at this gift show - in which case, you really should know better.) This is your marketing.... take it seriously.

7. Check on your product. Early on the morning the show opens, go over to the display and look at your product. Make sure it is displayed properly (not upside down, etc.) and that your information is correct - your business name, booth number, and show division are all correct on the tent card provided by the show. If there is something that needs to be corrected, let the stylist know. NOW is the time to correct it, not in three hours when the stylist is done and gone.
Please do not walk into the display to do it yourself. Do not move another vendor's items to give yours more space. Do not add or swap items once the display is set. These are professional stylists who work hard to make your product and every other exhibitor's products look their very best. Respect their work, and thank them for their efforts.

8. Look at your competitor's products in this display. What did they send? How is it displayed? Does it express their image well? Does it catch the eye and stand out? Learn from what you see others doing.

Many of these tips apply to other kinds of products as well, helping to elevate your merchandise above the ordinary. With a little preparation and planning, you can take advantage of many free and low-cost marketing opportunities like display showcases at trade shows. It's a great way to add to your presence and square footage at a show.

Photo Credits: DWK @ SGS & SFIGF 2007-8, of product displays created by DWK.
This post originally appeared here on my blog in 2008.

2009-12-24T09:11:00.000-08:00

I send you all wishes for a very Merry Christmas!

You've done all you can do, my friends...

Step away from the store, and enjoy a day off.

Remember the Reason for the Season: LOVE.

H.U.G.E.

2009-12-22T19:52:00.000-08:00

I'd like to introduce you to someone:

Oh, no, it's not really about Julia or Vivienne at all. It's about the fact that she's an incredibly happy, satisfied, loyal customer. One that is so happy, she'll spread the word about her experience with your products, service, and helpful staff to influential people. And to the competition...

Famous Last Words:

"Hi. I was in your shop the other day, remember me?
You refused to help me.

Big Mistake. H.U.G.E. "

(and if you have no clue what this is about, rent the movie 'Pretty Woman' and watch for the 'Shopping on Rodeo Drive' segment. LOTS of helpful retail info in there.)

The lesson? Treat every customer as an important customer, because they ARE. My friend & blog reader 'Bacchus' says it this way: "Treat every customer like they can spend a million, you never know which ones will."

Image Credits: Touchstone Pictures on IMDB, via Google image search

Next!

2009-12-13T20:39:00.000-08:00

It's December 13th. 12 days 'till Christmas. Just 11 days left to sell, sell, sell.
Then a week to blow out the leftovers at ridiculously low prices.
That seems to be what everyone is focusing on right now, isn't it?

Not me. I wanna' know..... what are your plans for next month? Next year?

In the interest of stirring your imaginations and thoughts toward 'Building a Better Business in 2010', I'd like to revisit a post you may or may not have seen here before. It's got some great tips and ideas to help you envision your next year, so start imagining, start thinking, and start planning, my friends, because the new year is just around the corner!

It's always a good idea to get out of our day-to-day mindset and look ahead. Consider it the same thing as watching the weather segment on the news and waiting to see the extended forecast - we want to know what's coming up, how to plan, what to expect. In business, that can mean taking a singular message or concept, and creating a visual merchandising plan or an advertising or event plan that builds it from month to month or season to season. This basically tells your customers what to expect from you in the near future - and gives them something to look forward to. In retail psychology, it also creates a sense of urgency - a reason to buy NOW: 'Get this season's products before they are gone, and be ready to get the next season's hot deals as soon as they release!'

A few years ago, I created a visual merchandising design plan for Gene Juarez Salons here in the PNW. Although at the time all they asked me for were design concepts & proposals for Fall and Holiday, I went ahead and created concepts with stylesheets for Valentine's Day, Spring/Mother's Day, Spring/Youth and Summer. When I presented all six of the stylesheets to them in the meeting, they were blown away. My intention - along with getting the account - was to show them that I could work with their design team to brainstorm and create new ways to present the brand visually in cooperation with the seasonal programs they designed. In that, I was very successful.

I didn't get the account after all...actually, no one who pitched it did. The company was sold the next week and new management took over. In any case, it was a really good exercise for me in planning ahead. I was able to get into creative mode, play with color, style, concepts, and themes, and design a campaign that would build from one season to the next. One whole year of themes, built around one central concept... which is what GJ does flawlessly, year after year.

Their product is beauty. NO, it's not merchandise like hair gel and shampoo. It's not services like haircuts, massage, and facials. Those are just a means to an end, and a profit. What Gene Juarez Salons really offer women is beauty - which is based on providing them with the feeling that they are, each and every one of them, beautiful. And the key element in facilitating that feeling is a marketing campaign that makes beauty accessible, approachable, and attainable by a very wide scope of women. Advertising and merchandising make it clear that any and every woman can experience this at Gene Juarez Salons.

For each season, the color palette of the advertising collateral and product packaging reflects a new theme - but is grounded in the stylistic color palette that defines the GJ brand. That palette is all based around the colors of skin, hair, eyes, and lips. Yes, really! This brand image color palette is used by the Gene Juarez design team, which pulls colors from it for each season and creates a fresh new look six times a year. Beneath it all, the concept of Attainable Beauty reigns. Elements change, but that general idea is repeated. It IS the brand.

This approach is uber-successful. From teen girls to women in their nineties, the clients of Gene Juarez Salons all leave their appointments feeling beautiful, every season of the year. The loyalty of this customer base is legendary, second only to Nordstrom here in the PNW. It's a veritable heirloom, handed down by generations.

So, let me ask you...... what are you planning ahead for?
How are you carrying your message, your brand, and your marketing forward into 2010 and beyond, to entice your customers to stick with you? How are you engendering loyalty and growth in your customer base each season, each year - THIS year? What are you offering that is new, fresh, exciting, to motivate your customers to plan ahead and visit your shop?

Get inspired, and get busy....'cause you know what they say about 'failing to plan'. Right?

Image Credits: All stylesheets photos copyright DWK 2007; Gene Juarez and GJ stylistic logo copyright Gene Juarez Salons.

'Retail Display Challenge' Article, Part 3

2009-11-30T20:45:00.000-08:00

The third of three segments of my recent article 'Retail Display Challenge' is appearing in the OneCoast Advisor Newsletter and web site today. You can access it here, and links are provided to access the first two segments in the OneCoast archives.

You'll find great information and inspiration for your store displays in these three articles, as I review three stylist's designs using the same product lines. All three of them offer excellent merchandising & sales techniques that you can learn from.

I originally wrote this article for Country Business Magazine, where it appeared earlier this fall. Thank you, OneCoast and Country Business Magazine, for sharing this information with more retail readers! For more information about OneCoast, and to sign up to receive this free newsletter filled with helpful retailer resources, visit their web site at www.onecoast.com.

Christmas Tree Giveaway from Balsam Hill

2009-11-23T21:30:00.000-08:00

Contest Closed December 10, 2009

Artificial Christmas Tree
Giveaway at Balsam Hill

I received this email from Cathy at Balsam Hill.com today:
"Hi Deb... We're holding a giveaway contest to help one lucky family celebrate Christmas. We are giving away a Colorado Mountain Spruce Christmas tree valued at $799.

To promote the contest, {we are counting on blogs to offer our link and information to their readership.} We will be awarding a cash prize of $500.00 to whoever runs the site that refers the winner. To participate, just insert this link on your site "Debi Ward Kennedy on Retail Design & Display".

Thanks, and good luck to you and your readers!

Happy Holidays,
Cathy Louis
www.BalsamHill.com'

In the interest of disclosure as part of the 'Blog With Integrity' pledge I have taken, I will offer to you, my readers, the information that I have not had any contact with nor affiliation with Balsam Hill at any time until this email arrived. They are not my suppliers, clients or customers. I believe I've simply been randomly selected to help them promote their giveaway. (Edited to add: confirmed by Cathy's email response to me: they found me in a web search for interior designers)

Normally, I pass on opportunities for advertising & promotion here on my blog unless it's something I am familiar with and can recommend wholeheartedly. I investigated the Balsam Hill site and found more information about their products, including the tree they are giving away. These are beautiful artificial trees and I can see them working well as display pieces for retail and as decor in residential & corporate settings. I am not familiar with the company or product, however, so please don't consider my offering of their link for the contest an endorsement of them.

In any case, since there may be someone out there who'd love to win a beautiful Colorado Mountain Spruce Christmas Tree, valued at $799, from Balsam Hill.com, I thought I'd pass along the chance to do so. Click to enter the drawing for the Artificial Christmas tree sweepstakes at Balsam Hill . Entries must be received by December 10, 2009 at 11:59 PM, PST. For complete rules and regulations of the contest, go here.

(And good luck - if one of my readers wins and I get that $500 cash prize, I'll be offering a giveaway, too!)

UPDATE Jan 15 2010: I FINALLY received this info:

"Thank you for your interest in promoting the Balsam Hill on your blog or website. Our 2009 Christmas Tree Giveaway and Blogger Drawing are now closed. Congratulations to Polly from Fairfield, CA for winning the Balsam Hill 2009 Christmas Tree Giveaway and Hollie from Real Moms...Real Views as our blogger winner." It was posted on the 'rules' page.

Images from www.BalsamHill.com

It's a Small, MALL World

2009-11-22T23:40:00.000-08:00

We're already tired and we haven't even made it to Black Friday yet. sigh.

I was in a mall yesterday. Yeah, ME, in a MALL. Insert eye roll here. (I don't shop malls. I don't shop major retailers if I can help it. I shop local, I shop small independents, and I shop for vintage items. I choose to support small businesses who sell meaningful merchandise, instead of major retailers who keep regurgitating the same drivvel around every corner year after year. I know - it's a controversial decision.) But my post isn't about that... really... it's about the MALL.

Thirty-something years ago this girl spent far too many hours in mall stores, installing displays of merchandise in windows & slatwall racks. I wasn't a mall rat, I got paid to be there - but it literally sucked the life outta' me for two years. God Bless Jeans West and Hickory Farms for hiring a high school girl then handing her the keys to the kingdom and saying 'Do whatever you want, just make it look good!'. And I did, even though I winced after spending hours in the flickering blue florescent lights that gave me migraines. I finally recovered when I managed, as an adult, to find other ways to shop.

Then I walked into a nearby mall yesterday, and discovered a time warp:
It looked EXACTLY the same as the Buena Park, Anaheim Plaza, and Mission Viejo Malls did from 1977 to 1980. Dull florescent lighting casting its flickering blue glow across every surface. Flashing and neon lights glaring across the food court, overwhelmed only by the aroma of greasy fried food - and popcorn from the theater. Music was playing somewhere off in the distant rafters, a tinny, thin nearly warped version of an unrecognizable Christmas song. Mall rats were everywhere - OK, I know, it's this Twilight thing. They are all camping out there to repeatedly see Edward and Jacob and Bella and... blood. Merry Christmas? (I'm old, OK? I don't GET IT.)

Then I started looking into the stores. Holy Terror. Forget the Vampires, people - this was horrifying. Spencers Gifts is still selling the same stuff we bought as gag gifts for friends in high school back in the 70's. There is a 'craft mall' in one space - and despite the presence of some incredible works of art by very talented artisans, it looks like a garage sale or church bazaar because it's all displayed flat on folding tables and hung from pegboard walls. There's a store selling Wrangler jeans (very hot with the cowboy/cowgirl set) but the faded plastic sign over the doorway says 'Country Western Wear'. I thought that term left the building with Johnny Cash?

As I walked along, a never-ending array of product merchandising unfolded to reveal the reason why malls and shopping centers are a dying breed with a ridiculous vacancy rate: Somewhere along the line, creativity died. It's all being done the way it's always been done... with the least amount of change, input, effort, and creativity possible. Christmas decor in most of these stores was limited to some twinkle lights draped hap-hazardly around the entrance and big red 'SALE!" signs in the windows. I was saddened by this lack of spectacle at the beginning of what is supposed to be the 'selling season'. I mean, truly literally sad. These businesses deserve to thrive, to succeed, to grow and provide for their owners, employees, and customers. They need to be inspired, empowered, educated, and assisted so that they can do so. They need a leader...

And as I rounded the corner toward the main anchor store, I had a glimmer of hope in my eyes that I would find the retail equivalent of General Patton: Macy's. This venerable icon of American Retail Excellence and Christmas effusiveness & affluence loomed large at the end of its own wing. The large star in the iconic signage glowed red. I spied some red glints on the main aisle.... but as I drew closer, my heart sank. Windows were dressed with mannequins in red clothes, a red 'SALE!' sign, and three red ornaments no larger than a softball hung from monofilament line. The lights in the windows were overhead florescents, aimed straight down to the floor. They barely illuminated the mannequins. Moving into the store, I saw squares made up of red ornaments perched on ledges and tucked onto plinths behind the makeup counter. The squares were 18" small. The main aisle held several freestanding units holding merchandise, with five to seven of those red ornaments hanging over them, again suspended by monofilament line.

No trees. No garlands. No branches. No snowflakes. No gift boxes with big red bows. No signage swagged across the aisles, heralding a glorious Holiday Season. Nuthin'. There was not even a perfectly politically correct 'Happy Holidays' to be found.

I only made it as far as the housewares department. It was filled with chrome and glass tables, racks, shelves, and endcap units sitting on white floors against white walls under more flickering bluish florescent light boxes. Plates, napkins, glasses, and appliances were 'stacked & racked' in neat, soldier-like rows. Not one single 'lifestyle' display, not one focused beam of light, not one iota of creativity to inspire a customer to even slow down and look at the merchandise. The only draw was a red tag touting the 'SPECIAL Sale Price'. On every item.

And yet, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, with dozens of moms dropping off legions of screaming teenage girls at the mall theater and then having to kill an hour and a half until they all emerged back into the light, teary-eyed and hoarse from screaming, there were no women browsing, shopping, or purchasing anything in this (or any other) store.

((Edited to add: I can't report on what's happening on Black Friday today, because I am not going out there. My daughter calls it 'going to the maul'. ;0) News reports look good, though.))

The thing is, it's not about '75% off sales' or two hour special offers.
It's about the experience you create. It's about connecting with your customer.
It's about offering what people want and what touches them, not what you think they need to buy, at a price that is fair to both of you.
It's about helping people live better, more creative, inspired, centered, fulfilling lives.
And yes, a new tablecloth can help them do that. If that's what they need to make their family celebration perfect, it most certainly can.

But shopping just for shopping's sake, hitting sales just to save half off of items you don't want or need, and buying a slew of meaningless items to give to people who DO mean something to you is the great myth of retail. The whole world has fallen for this sales tactic, and that has made retailers lazy and complacent. They think they can get by with a huge blowout the day after Thanksgiving, fine details be damned. I wonder how much better they could do for a longer period of time if they'd put some effort into it for the entire season?

If malls and shopping centers and main streets would just realize that success doesn't just mean 'running the holiday rat race' because it's what's always been done, selling the same old things in the same old ways, then retail could revitalize itself. Put some thought, some creativity, some fresh new ideas into it for heaven's sake!

((I WILL add that Bath & Body Works was, as always, a light in the darkness. And busy as heck. Check out one of their well-lit and signed, spaciously arranged, heavily- stocked and creatively displayed stores in any location and you'll see people touching, lotioning, spraying, smelling, and investigating their products. And buying them by the ton.))

I always tell my clients that opening your store's doors every day is like opening your home's front door to guests: it's an Event. Prepare for them - source, order, stock, display, clean, and staff your store. Invite them - send the emails, broadcast the ads, the fliers, the commercials. Welcome them - open the door, smile, say "hello" and "we are so glad you are here". Entertain them - show them something unique, new, inspiring, memorable. Appreciate them - talk with them, get to know them, let them get to know you, and give them something of value while they are in your presence. Finally, Thank them - with quailty goods, fair prices, excellent service, and a handshake or a hug. Yes, every day. If you can't do that, get out of retail and get a telemarketing gig.

Let's leave the 1970's decor and the 1990's attitude behind us, and redesign retail everywhere..... and if that's too much to think about right now, just remember: before you know it, the 'Christmas Rush' will be over and a New Year will be here. A good time to start fresh. What will YOU do in 2010 to challenge the retail status quo?

Image Credit: Life Magazine, 1948. Photographed by Nina Leen; found on Google image search.

A Day In the Life of a Decorator.....

2009-11-18T23:19:00.000-08:00

YouTube clip from the 1941 RKO film 'Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House'

'Display Challenge' Article Part 2 in OneCoast Advisor

2009-11-16T18:25:00.000-08:00

The second installment in my three-part article 'Retail Display Challenge' appears Tuesday in the OneCoast Advisor Newsletter and web site. You can access it here. (You can still access the first part in their online archives). Part three is still to come! While you are on the OneCoast site, make sure you sign up to receive the Advisor - it's a great resource for retailers.

Blast from the Past

2009-11-16T01:06:00.000-08:00

I was just reminded by a reader of a previous Holiday season blog post: My Top Ten Ornament Display Ideas. Since it's a topic a lot of readers are searching for info on right now, I thought I'd run a copy of it again.... enjoy!

1. Turn a fan trellis (wood or wire) upside down – voila, it's a Christmas tree! Hang ornaments in between the supports.
2. Use wire wreath forms horizontally in graduated sizes to create a hanging ‘tree’ shape. Dangle ornaments, lights, and ribbons from both the outside and inside edges.
3. Fill tall glass vases and wide bowls with unbreakable ornaments (fabric, wood, resin) for a contemporary look.
4. Bring nature in: Big bare branches can sweep down from the ceiling to hold an array of twirling items. Paint black for Halloween, then flock white for Christmas & winter seasons!
5. Hang wire wreath forms on the wall in a line, then display ornaments of one color on each – create a rainbow. Great way to top a slatwall of hooks with ornaments on it.
6. Get Sweet! Pop pastel or bright ornaments into cupcake tins with paper liners, sundae and candy dishes, and even into real ice cream cones propped up in a juice glass! Try ice cream tubs, egg cartons, jewelry boxes…think outside the proverbial ornament box.
7. Fill up a real sink or bathtub with white poly batting, then nestle clear, white, and iridescent balls on top like bubbles. ‘Float’ a few above using fishing line. (Great way to highlight bath gift items)
8. Old windows and French doors, sans glass panes, can be hinged together to form a freestanding screen. Hang ornaments in each pane with ribbon. This forms a great backdrop for a vignette.
9. Don’t forget to use NON-ornaments on your trees, wreaths, tabletops, and mantel displays: teacups, plates, purses, books, toys, garden supplies, sachets, art, lamps, etc. Inspire your customers to use their personality to decorate.
10. Tree toppers are best displayed on mantels or in centerpieces – slip them into tall glass cylinder vases or slide them over a taper candle in a candlestick for stability. And on trees, use unique things like chandeliers, angel wings, giant snowflakes, etc. as toppers!

Content original to Debi Ward Kennedy 2002-9. All rights reserved.

Knit One, Purl Two - and Deb, Too!

2009-11-14T21:22:00.000-08:00

It's official: In March, 2010, I'll be speaking at the Yarn Market News Smart Business Conference in Seattle at the FABulous W Hotel!

The 2010 Yarn Market News Smart Business Conference is a three-day conference featuring speakers and sessions devoted to providing the tools yarn retailers and business owners need to thrive in today's marketplace. Sponsored by Yarn Market News and SoHo Publishing, the goal of the event is to help savvy retailers learn how to innovate, how to sell and how to thrive - providing specific seminars focused on bolstering retailing skills and lots of peer-to-peer networking.

My seminar presentation is entitled 'Tell Your Own Story: Express Your Brand Image in Your Store Environment' and will help yarn shop owners make brand-centric and budget-wise choices for their store fixturing, lighting, decor, and more. This helps build a rock-solid image for a brand and business, lifts it above the competition, and literally envelops customers in the brand experience.

Look at this subject from the perspective of my audience at the conference.... as fiber artisans (knitters, crocheters, and other needle arts), they already know that each choice made for a project - yarn weight, color, and texture, as well as needle size - affects the outcome of the final product. I'll show them that as a retailer, each choice made for their store's environment - color, paint, textures, fixtures, lighting, layout - similarly affect the image their business presents, and the way it is perceived. I have a plethora of tips, tricks, helpful information and copious resources to share on this subject that will help each and every attendee maximize their visual impact and Build a Better Business.

Following my seminar on Tuesday morning, my friend and former gift show seminar cohort Linda Cahan will be speaking on the topics of visual merchandising and sensory marketing. More great info for retailers! The conference will have many speakers addressing a variety of topics relevant to retail, and the keynote speaker for the event is Cinda Baxter of The 3/50 Project.

I am really looking forward to speaking at this conference.... not only is it a whole new group of retailers to meet, educate, inspire, and share with, but these are all CREATIVE people! I've been told they will sit and knit the entire hour that I am onstage speaking.... and that I shouldn't let that bother me. ;0) Good thing I always have handouts of my notes!

If you are a retailer with an interest in attending this conference, get more information here. (And if you're just wondering if there is anything more to yarn than knitting, check out this post on the YMN Blog. Creativity knows no bounds!)

Image Credit: YMN, used with permission. Some text (description of conference) originally appears on the YMN site.

Deb's 'Retail Display Challenge' Article in OneCoast Advisor

2009-11-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

Another of my recent articles is appearing in the OneCoast Advisor Newsletter and web archives today. The 'Display Challenge' article that I wrote for Country Business Magazine has been split into a three-part series, and will run in concurrent issues of the advisor. The first segment mailed today, and you can access it here. You'll find great information and inspiration for your store displays in these three articles, as I review three stylist's designs using the same product lines. All three of them offer excellent merchandising & sales techniques that you can learn from.

Thank you, OneCoast and Country Business Magazine, for sharing this information with more retail readers! For more information about OneCoast, and to sign up to receive this free newsletter filled with helpful retailer resources, visit their web site at www.onecoast.com.

Image Credit OneCoast; used with permission.

myOWs (no, I don't need a bandage!)

2009-10-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

(Image property of & copyright myOWs.com; used here only for promotion of myOWs)

Today I received a hot tip in an email from my friend Randy (thanks, Ran!) about a new web tool on the horizon. 'myOWs' is a web service for helping creatives to protect the copyright on their original works.

'myOWs' is an acronym for 'my Original Works', and the site was set to launch in August of this year. Developing a new concept often takes longer than expected, and the service rollout is still on the drawing board. However, it's set to be the next big thing for creative artists of many mediums, and I'm on board to support it wholeheartedly!

I've added the site link to my right sidebar, along with other tools to help you with copyright and online content theft issues. I'll pass along news about the launch as soon as I hear something.

Check out this Interview with Max Guedy, founder of this incredible concept, on Frisk Design's site to learn more about myOWs and how it can help YOU protect your creative property.... and thanks, Max, for sending me this COOOOL 3-D image of your logo! (He said I could be the first one to share it!!!)

Craig Ferguson read this post and sent a comment in, along with a link to his interview with Max. Thanks, Craig! The more we all spread the word, the more we people we can help Max help!

Deb's Article in One Coast Advisor (link added)

2009-10-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

One Coast is the largest U.S. sales rep agency for merchandise in the retail gift industry. Their website is not only a wholesale sales venue for those products, but also a resource filled with information that helps retailers succeed and a hub that connects people, ideas, and products. It's no wonder that they are known as much for their educational videos, podcasts, and articles as they are for the products they sell - and with many categories of subject matter, the information is helpful to retailers no matter what kind of products you carry.

One Coast contacted me about running one of my blog posts as an article in their biweekly e-newsletter, 'OneCoast Advisor'. It's nice to be asked, for one thing, and it's also nice to be recognized as a resource that can benefit retailers and help them..... yep, you got it: ...'Build Better Businesses'! I'm thankful for the kind acknowledgment of my value ("You have great insights that our retailers would like to read") and am looking forward to this opportunity for exposure to the One Coast reader base. (Thanks, Vicki!)

The most recent newsletter has been broadcast, and my article in it has been added to the OneCoast Advisor Archives. Read it online here.

For more about One Coast, their product lines, their large resource library, and to sign up to receive the 'OneCoast Advisor' newsletter (so you don't miss my article!), go here: http://www.onecoast.com

Image property of One Coast; used with permission.
No renumeration or payment received from One Coast for post reprint or promotional post.

Q and A: Store Lighting for Impact

2009-10-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

I received the following email last week, asking for my assistance with a retail visual impact issue: how to counteract the darkness of dreary winter weather and early evenings during this season. I thought that since I had just completed a consultation with a new client to solve exactly the same problems, sharing some info about this issue might be helpful to many of you. So, here we go:

Dear Debi, I own a small card, stationery, gift shop in North Seattle (Richmond Beach). I need help with lighting; on a sunny, summer morning my shop looks so inviting but when it starts getting dreary out, especially in the early evenings the shop looks dreary as well. I'm also having trouble with fading. Some is caused by the sun coming through the windows but I think the lights are also a problem. My space has the (ugly) ceiling tiles with inset flourescent lights and I have added track lights. Any suggestions or ideas on where to go for help would be great. Thank you, Susan

Hello Susan, I read your email with interest and a smile.... just last week, I completed a consultation with a new client for exactly the same solutions! The darkness and this 'Northwest Gray' sky have more effects than many people realize! Let me offer you a few general solutions to try:

1. Take a look at the color of the walls in your shop. If they are white or a cool color (blue, green, etc) then they are working against the effect you want to have. Using warm, glowing colors such as ambers, golds, caramels, light browns, earthy oranges, etc. will serve to expand the light within your spaces. Even if you just paint the wall across from the windows one of these colors, you'll see a big difference in the way it feels.

2. Check your track lights and any other light fixtures you have in the store. Are all of the bulbs working? Are the track modules aimed in the most efficient direction? It's common for most light in a store or restaurant to be aimed downward onto tables, counters, displays. This is necessary - but you also have to bounce light around so it hits vertical surfaces and is visible from the street outside. This means aiming a few track modules onto those warmly painted walls so that they glow even more.

Introduce floor & table lamps into your space - several set into your displays throughout the store will serve to cast warm ambient light and draw the eye to them. Best to place these sparingly, and also use incandescent bulbs in them. (I know, it's not the most energy efficient way to do it, but CFL bulbs have a cold light.) You need warmth to draw people in, and using pools of light throughout the space is the best way to do it.

Those overhead flourescent fixtures you have are the bane of all retailers: you need light, but that blue light just flattens out all of the detail in your products. Counteract it with as much natural light as you can - yes, even our Northwest gray gloom is better than flourescent light! Place mirrors on walls & fixtures across from the windows, to bounce the light around the space.

Appropriate for the holidays (and actually any time of year in retail) try adding some twinkling white lights on tall tree branches or a tall garden trellis inside the store. Place them in the back half of your store, across from the windows, and make sure they are on well before dusk. This bit of light and movement will work to attract attention - and it needn't be in the window to work.

3. Although it is true that 'Windows are the eyes to your store', you can't expect them to do all the work! Window displays often get overloaded in an attempt to make them stop traffic. When building window displays, have the goal of providing a large visual statement that clearly represents your store - your brand image, your product offerings, and something interesting or whimsical like a seasonal theme.

Don't try to load every inch of the space with product, though. Use no more of 1/2 of your window space for this - build one large display in the window's center, or two smaller displays on either side - leaving some space open so that customers who walk or drive by can see PAST the displays into your store. This is where the lighting discussed above becomes paramount in importance: The space beyond the windows needs to be well lit to be seen, and to work to pull people in your doors.

This should help a bit with your fading problems, and changing out your window displays each month will also help prevent product damage. Your product is primarily two-dimensional and small, so you need to think a bit out of the box in order to make it work in large window displays: Try making blown-up, inexpensive color copies of interesting seasonal cards, (to an 8X11 size) and hang them from large tree branches or ribbons in the window. The movement factor there is good for attracting attention. Or, find a roll of wallpaper that coordinates with a new stationery line, and use it as a backdrop for a desk whose drawers are pulled out and loaded up with items from the line - and use a color copy of the item to front the box of cards, papers, etc. again to help keep fading to a minimum. A small lamp on the desktop will serve to attract attention, too.

These are general tips that I hope will provide a starting point for improving the visual impact of your store during the darker winter season. You can see in the photo at the top of this post that Cindy Sullivan, owner of Haley's Cottage in Mill Creek, Washington, has utilized all of these tips to help make her store interior sparkle year-round. She has the advantage of having doors & windows at both ends of her space, as well, but large mirrors placed on a back wall can duplicate this effect easily.

For more specific advice and solutions, I am happy to provide my consultation services in person in your store or via email & digital photos. Email me at Debi.WardKennedy (at) Gmail (dot) com for more info on my services and rates.

Photo credit: Taken by DWK of Haley's Cottage 2009; used with permission.

Successful Show Booth Design Resource from Deb

2009-10-02T10:30:00.001-07:00

Last June, I presented a seminar to the vendors selling their wares at an antique show. Following a very harried day of setup for everyone, I shared some tips & tricks of visual merchandising and show booth design. Since most of their booths were already set up at that point, much of that information was intended to help them at their NEXT show. I provided them with handouts filled with everything I spoke about, and more, so they could refer to it later.

Because I know that this information is helpful to all kinds of dealers, artists, artisans, and others who present products at shows in various industries, I want to make this resource available to all of you. I have converted my seminar handout into a Google document. It's available here for you to view, print, and use in the practice of your own business.

To be clear, this is my original copyrighted material.
I am sharing this information here FREE for your 'personal use only'. I ask that you please do not print and distribute more copies of it, nor sell it, nor use it as content on your own blog or web site or in your book, seminar or store, or in any way profit from it.

I could limit access and sell this info, as many people do on their blogs, but I'd rather just get it out there to the new show vendors and my faithful readers so it will benefit you all. So let's all play nice, shall we? (I think that about covers all the bases.... and I think everyone who reads my blog knows what will happen if that request is ignored. SMILE.) If you want to spread the word about it, feel free to link to this post. No problem with that!

Help Is On the Way!

2009-09-29T17:16:00.000-07:00

Take a look over there on the top of my right sidebar... you'll see a new link list titled 'Dealing With Online Content Theft: Tips, Links, Resources, and Words of Wisdom'. I've added the resources I've discovered while on this strange and enlightening journey lately, in hopes that if YOU have the certain displeasure of being a victim of online content theft, you will have somewhere to go to assist you as you start taking action. If you know of other resources, please leave a comment here and I will gladly add them.

I appreciate all of the links, information, and assistance that my dear readers and friends have offered over this past month. It's been hell. I've experienced every emotion possible, compounded with looking like a huge idiot on my very own blog. But, again, I'm human. I fired first and asked questions later - and I've learned from it. Hopefully, so have you.

Please educate yourselves by reading through all of the materials offered - yes, including all of the links contained on the Google search page! - so that you are prepared to defend your intellectual and creative property. Because it WILL happen to you at some point. Yes, it will.

Seriously, if you still don't see how this is problematic for anyone with their business presence online - whether it's a Facebook page or a blog or a web site or an ad - let me put it to you this way:

Sitting back and letting online content theft happen without taking action is just like sitting behind your cash register and letting people walk into your store, pick up things they like, walk out without paying for them, and then put them up for sale in their stores.

We all have to act. We all have to stand up and protect what is our property. Just because it exists in text and images, instead of 3-D merchandise, does not mean it is not valuable and considered 'inventory' or 'assets'. It costs us money that we can't recoup.

The words 'Inform. Educate. Empower.' are in my mission statement for a reason!

Blogging With Integrity

2009-09-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

Now THIS is a cause I can certainly get behind! And frankly, should 'he-who-shall-not-be-named-because-it-gives-him-a-higher-Google-ranking' steal THIS post, I'll be THRILLED to see it appear on any of his twelve blogs!

Sasha at BloggedyBlogBlog brought this movement to my attention in her recent post. An organization has been formed, and people are banding together to pledge that they will display integrity, fairness, honesty, and good conduct in their blogging practices. Well, I never.... what a FABulous idea, no?!

Go here to read about the organization, their mission, and sign the pledge.

Then get yourself one of these hot buttons to place on your blog, and let the blog thieves out there know that they are up against a mounting army of legal beagles who are paying attention!

As a part of this pledge, I'll remind readers that I do not offer ad space on my blog. My recommendations for books, videos, web sites, and blogs are made because I am familiar with the products & people providing them, and believe they are valuable resources for your business. (I do not get paid anything at all for doing this. I only get a small commission (1 to 3% of product cost)from Amazon and Artella if you click through and purchase any of the books I have linked here.) I do not offer product or service reviews for a fee or for compensation of any kind (products, bonuses, trips, gifts, or otherwise). If I discover something and am wowed by it, I share it. Without any strings attached.

I get dozens of inquiries for link exchanges and ads each week, and I turn down 100% of the ads and over 95% of the links because my goal is to offer you only the best retail & visual-related material & resources. Just today, a local merchant whom I was speaking to on the phone made me an offer for my blog readers - and it is one that I may take her up on during the upcoming holiday season. If and when I do, the connection between us and the terms of the 'deal' will be clearly posted here.

I will continue to endeavor to provide links and credit for any content I use that is not my original work. I may miss something one day, like when I credited one source for the wine shop display photos but missed another. (This can get VERY convoluted with all the linking & sharing going on, and I spend a lot of time searching for the originator and asking permission/notifying of linked posts.) My GOAL is to have proper credit & access to all of the materials, content, and resources included in this blog. If I do miss something, please email me or leave a comment with verifiable info and I'll add it ASAP.

And because of the convolutedness of this whole issue, I will endeavor to produce my OWN content, including subject matter, text, and images, on much larger scale than I have recently. Even WITH permission from the originator, I need to work harder to offer originality here - not a regurgitaion of content discovered elsewhere. I think my links to other online resources will suffice in helping you locate what's already out there.

Likewise, if you see something of mine on another web site or blog, please shoot me an email and let me know where it is.... it helps to have other pairs of eyes looking for that! I may have granted permission for its use already, but then again...... ;0)

(BTW, I'll have a post up soon with all of the resources I've discovered in regard to combating blog content theft....)

Image Credits: www.BlogWithIntegrity.com

No Dessert for YOU, Mister...

2009-09-18T16:32:00.001-07:00

If you are reading this post anywhere other than a site/page that is licensed/owned/maintained by Debi Ward Kennedy, you are viewing stolen content that is being used without permission.

To my devoted and very supportive readers, I offer my thanks to you. To new readers/visitors, please peruse the plethora of resources that are in my archived posts, sidebars, and links to find helpful information for your retail businesses. You may contact me via my email link posted in the left sidebar. For the past three years, it has been my privilege to offer you helpful and inspiring resources & information that will help you build better businesses...I just never realized that all of my hard work to that end was also helping criminals build THEIR businesses.

Readers, I am going to let this blog go idle for now.
It will languish awhile, as I will be adding no new posts or information so that I may starve Mr. Jeschke out - I figure that if I don't feed the little pest, he will stop setting up new sites to steal my content from this one. I am still pursuing him with legal action, but in the meantime I am cutting off his feeding frenzy on my knowledge, experience, skill, and effort.

he knows what he did is wrong and illegal. He took his site down for several days and then put it back up with the archives disabled. However, he is still uploading my blog posts to his site.

If you would like to be of help in this horrendous situation, please note the contact information found online for Mr. Jeschke:

www.hrantiques.com
IP 70.32.68.86
created 19 sept 07
expires 19 Sept 10
Hosted by MediaTemple.net

Registered Owner:
hr GMT Inc.
601 Cleveland Street Suite 950
Clearwater, Florida 33755

727.443.4800
727.443.2200 fax

ALSO: 'Viva Vita Inc'
www.jeschke.com
Hans Peter Jeschke
1684 Pine Place
Clearwater, Florida 33755

727.641.7186
727.446.8482
727.446.7979 fax

Administrative and Technical Contact:
Hans Peter Jeschke
hp@hrgmt.com

I'd love to see a slew of people send him emails, faxes, and snail mails demanding that he cease and desist from ALL forms of internet content theft on ALL of his web sites. I, and many others whose content is being stolen by this criminal, thank you if you stand up to this bully.

image credit: Facebook 'Flair' button, hosted at data.rockyou.com, uploaded to Facebook for public use.

All content in this post is original to Debi Ward Kennedy/DWK/DebiWardKennedy.com and DecoDivaDebi.blogspot, unless otherwise credited. As such is protected by Copyright. Reproduction or rebroadcast of any content in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited. Content copyright 2009 DWK; All Rights Reserved.

If you are reading this post anywhere other than a site/page that is licensed/owned/maintained by Debi Ward Kennedy, you are viewing stolen content that is being used without permission.

The Face of A Thief?

2009-09-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

Do you know this man? This picture appears on his Facebook listing - but I'd bet it's not really him! He's probably stolen the photo just as he has everything else he puts up online. (Funny that he didn't find a more handsome guy to impersonate....) He is cowering behind his computer screen and stealing property that belongs to other people to make a profit. I did a Google Search on Mr. Hans Peter Jeschke, and found out some interesting info... one thing is that he owns many, many web domains and spam sites. Another is that he's selling a link building service. Check it out: http://jeschke.com/link-building-service.html

So not only is he getting paid for Google ads on his site, generated by stolen content, but he's being paid from $9.90 to $14.90 per link by hapless and greedy idiots who think he'll drive traffic to their sites with his links. So THEY can make money from Google ads. I love how he says he has 'collected' his web site and blog links himself. That makes it sound SO much nicer and friendlier than 'I have a long list of blogs and web sites whose content I am stealing and whose links I am selling you without their knowledge or permission', doesn't it?

This guy is a piece of work, as an old friend of mine used to say.

Thank you, Andreas, for the heads-up on this. I'll send off another DMCA notice.

All content in this post is original to Debi Ward Kennedy/DWK/DebiWardKennedy.com and DecoDivaDebi.blogspot. As such is protected by Copyright. Reproduction or rebroadcast of any content in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited. Content copyright 2009 DWK; All Rights Reserved

HE'S BACK AT IT AGAIN

2009-09-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

Hans Peter Jeschke put his site back up, (apparently he took it down before, not his web host) and it now includes all of my posts which appear below talking about this very situation. How ridiculously STUPID is that? Interestingly enough, I can only access one page. I can't access older posts or sidebar archives. But it's still loading my newest posts. And others'.

To quote Julia Roberts in 'Pretty Woman': "Big Mistake. HUGE."

This is not over. Not by a long shot.

All content in this post is original to Debi Ward Kennedy/DWK/DebiWardKennedy.com and DecoDivaDebi.blogspot. As such is protected by Copyright. Reproduction or rebroadcast of any content in whole or part without express written permission is prohibited. Content copyright 2009 DWK; All Rights Reserved

Squeaky Wheel

2009-09-14T08:27:00.000-07:00

This morning, I received a comment from a reader telling me to check out the offending web site. It's been taken down. Not sure if it's been removed by the owner or by the web host in response to my filed complaint, but it's down. 'The squeaky wheel gets the oil' indeed.

For now, this hot mess has exhausted me and I'm taking some time off the computer. I'll be checking email and comments, but no new posts for a bit. Sometime in the next few weeks, the info about internet content theft resources will post here. Once that's up, I really hope to not cover this subject again!

and now we return to this episode of 'How the Blog Burns'....

2009-09-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

To Recap:
For all of the people who have read the first and second posts in this blog soap opera and then neglected to read the third, may I ask that you please stop sending me comments until you catch up with where things stand now - including my public session of 'eating crow'? Scroll down a bit and read 'em ALL. In the meantime, Lemme’ ‘splain. No, it takes too long. Lemme’ sum up: (Thank you, Inigo Montoya*)…

Andreas is listed on the offending site as ‘Designed by Andreas Viklund’, with a link to his site. It does not say ‘Template Designed by…’ therefore my impression was that the SITE was designed by him. I myself have designed blog sites and set them up for clients. I am responsible for how I set them up, and if I had set them up to pull RSS feeds and post them as content, then I would indeed be responsible for any claims of theft of content. So would the owner, but I would be implicated and morally responsible. This is what my impression of the situation was.

He was also the sole person with a working link on that site, with no other contact info available. This is why I suggested to Andreas that he have that notation amended to read ‘TEMPLATE Designed by Andreas Viklund’ - because, of his own admission and that of other designers on his site, this is a misconception that happens quite often. I’m not the first person to make the incorrect assumption that the ‘designer’ is involved with the site itself. And now that he knows that this site is a problem, he's likely to get at least one more victimized person who reacts as I did.

As a patient and professional creative person and businessman, Andreas took time out of his life to respond to me and to educate me about the situation. And while I read some sarcasm into his first response, I was wrong in doing so. He did not become rude nor did he admit wrongdoing. He simply explained why he was not involved in the situation. It took the poor man two lengthy emails to get that fact through to me in my highly agitated state. As soon as light dawned on my marble head, I thanked him, apologized both privately and publicly, let everyone know what was happening with the situation, and began directing my actions toward the web site owner.

If you are coming here via the conversation links from Andreas’ site or haven’t read that post, please catch up. If you are a tech designer God who wants to rip me a new one for my lack of knowledge of web protocol - save it. I’ve heard it from oh so many of your contemporaries in the past few days. And to counteract your comments: I’m not an idiot, I behaved like one. I’m not a moron. I’m feeling decidedly foolish right now, a bit embarrassed, and that’s not fun, but the name calling is not necessary and makes you look pretty ridiculous yourself. I’m not unprofessional, I acted unprofessionally. I have tried to the best of my ability to repair the damage my words may have done to Andreas – if I still look dumb, fine. People make MISTAKES.

As I said to Andreas, I’m pretty sure he (and perhaps many of you) view me as a knee-jerk reacting hotheaded creative (and add ‘woman’ in a derogative tone to that, for the many men who have sent me such undelightful comments) but then you are entitled to your opinion. I was hotheaded, I did react before researching, and I was aggressive. I don’t apologize for the aggressive part. Nor for being a woman. (Note please, all you tech Gods on high horses, that my original comments to Andreas attack him for his actions – I did not accuse him of being a horrible person and call him names. Let's talk professionalism now....) A reader on my Facebook page said ‘Your reaction was not out of line. The issue was a serious concern. As it played out we all learned something. I think that is a valuable lesson to all of us. There is nothing wrong in that what so ever. Thank you, Deb, for putting yourself out there. We are all the better for it.’ She was right in one definite sense – my reaction was not out of line, it was just mis-directed.

The comment means a lot to me and also makes me laugh. ‘Yep’, I responded, ‘that’s me – just puttin’ myself out here to take the lumps for the good of all concerned!’. I DID put myself out there by sharing all of this here. I did that to inform & educate – which are both elements of my mission statement and this blog – even tho it hasn’t exactly reflected well on me. I hope those of you reading this DID learn something from this situation. If you are faced with something similar (which I would only wish on my worst enemy) I hope you have an easier time of it because of what I’ve experienced & shared here.

All of the resources that I’ve discovered and that kind people like Andreas and Randy and Monica have shared with me are going to be compiled and posted about soon. I think I’ll even add them in a new sidebar box… that way, if you are ever the victim of online theft, you’ll know where to start. And that’s what got me in the first place – I am a victim of theft. So are the other photographers, artists, and writers that Hans Peter Jeschke (owner of the web site) is stealing content from. I rose up to protect myself, and others. And ‘aimed in the wrong direction’, as Andreas said (not sarcastically!).

I've not had any response from Hans Peter Jeschke, the owner/administrative & technical contact for the offending web site. Legal proceedings have begun from my end and I'll keep ya' posted. In the meantime, I'm on my soapbox posting here on my blog about this issue so that my posts will pop up on his site! And if they don't, well, then I"ll know that it's not an automated RSS feed doing this but a MANUAL choosing, copying, and posting of my content on his site. (Smart, eh?)

Thank you for following along. And now, if you'd like to send me your comments, please do.

*Inigo Montoya quote from 'The Princess Bride' film, Act III Communications, 1987. Info from IMDB

....and more..... with apologies......

2009-09-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

More from Andreas...
____________________________________________________________________________________________
On Thu, Sep 10, 2009 at 10:12 AM, Andreas Viklund wrote:
Hello again!

I could answer in the same aggresive spirit, but I won't. I am a bit too friendly to do that. I'll give you one more chance, in all kindness, to understand what you are doing wrong here. Here are the URLs you should see first:

http://andreasviklund.com/general/on-the-move/
(here is the one and single comment you have posted on my site - and my replies.)

http://andreasviklund.com/contact/read-this-first/
(here is a page explaining why questions, comments and inquiries about any other site than andreasviklund.com should NOT be sent to me - not even if I am credited as the original designer of a site - as well as a short explanation of the concept of website templates that you need to understand to avoid wasting an awful amount of energy on something that will not take you anywhere.)

The short and very simple point is that I am a website template designer. You can see the original XHTML/CSS-based website template named "andreas09" here:

http://andreasviklund.com/templates/andreas09/

That template, which can be freely downloaded by anyone, has been downloaded in hundreds of thousands of copies. It has been ported by other designers into themes for numerous content management systems (including WordPress, Drupal, blogspot, Etomite and many others). These themes are also freely available to anyone who wants to use the designs through a simple download. Most ported versions keep my name in the footer, crediting me as the original designer of the layout.

What you have seen on the spam blog you have found to use your content, is a WordPress (www.wordpress.org) theme called WP-Andreas09 - a theme created by Ainslie Johnson based on my original Andreas09 template. You can find the WP-Andreas09 theme for WordPress here:

http://webgazette.co.uk/wordpress-themes/wp-andreas09/

That theme is currently used on a lot of websites and blogs all over the world. A Google.com search for "andreas09 by andreasviklund" gave me millions of hits. The spam blog you have found is one of those blogs. There are many others (as well as spam blogs that use other designers themes and templates). Not one of those millions of blogs and websites are run, managed or even supported by me. I run andreasviklund.com only, and I am not in any way affiliated with the spam blog you have found. I have no contact information (I couldn't possibly have that) for the blog owner, and there is nothing I can do to help you in your fight - other than telling you to make sure that you aim at the correct target. In this case, that would be GoDaddy if GoDaddy is the host of the spam blog. Targeting me, andreasviklund.com, Ainslie Johnson, WordPress or anything or anyone else than the actual spam blog is not just wrong, it is a waste of time, money and energy.

The only thing I have done to get involved in your situation, is that I have designed the original CSS template, which someone else (in this case Ainslie) built upon and created a WordPress theme from. That theme was then downloaded by an unknown person, who applied it on his/her blog. What this means in reality is that the blog owner could have used any of the tens of thousands of available WordPress themes that can be freely downloaded. If the blog owner would have used a theme by another designer, you would have seen another name in the theme design credits. And with your way of reasoning, you would have ended up being angry on a completely different person - who would in return have given you the same answer as I did: "I am not the right person to contact".

Of course, I can't stop you from trying to take legal action against me. But it would be a bad idea, since any legal representative that would get involved would make sure to do their research - and they would write me off in a minute. And you would still end up having to apologize for forcing me to spend my time on handling a situation which I am not in any way involved in.

During the four years that I have worked as a professional website template designer, I have seen many misunderstandings like this happen. I have been threatened, yelled at and verbally attacked many times. In every single situation, I have been able to get my point through sooner or later, and got the apology I have deserved. In several cases, I have considered legal counter-action to defend my reputation and business. So far, it has not been needed. I hope it won't be needed in this case either. As said, I am a friendly person - often too friendly...

Now, I have spent working time on explaining things that you should have figured out before even considering to accuse me of content theft. I am happy to do that to avoid further misunderstandings. But I don't want to continue discussing a situation which is none of my business. I am providing you with all the information you need to understand what you did wrong, what "aim at the right direction" means, why I can happily wish you the best of luck with resolving your situation - and why I deserve an apology. I won't discuss this topic further, so I hope that you understand my point and can move on to spend your energy on finding the real spam blogger and content thief, and get his/her blog closed down through the blogs hosting company. And, of course, stop attacking website template designers - because that is generally not a friendly thing to do!

If this information doesn't sort out your misunderstanding and you make any kind of move to put my name, website, profession or templates in the dirt, I will post all correspondence on my blog to make sure that both visitors and template users can see the facts that you have so far missed. Please don't push this that far, I'd rather spend my time on building more website templates for the world to use. :)

Best regards,

--Andreas Viklund, andreasviklund.com
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My email response WITH APOLOGY:

OK, Andreas, I give you credit for maintaining a somewhat level tone in this latest email. Your first one was rather sarcastic.
In all fairness, you can certainly understand WHY I am aggressively pursuing this, yes? You would do the same if your web template designs were being used by the same person on a regular basis, helping them make money, without proper credit to you. Of course you would. I am a friendly person too, and I love helping people make connections to others who can help them build better businesses. It's a large part of why I have a blog. But this kind of underhanded behavior gets my hackles up - I have to protect my business and my reputation. You landed in my 'sights' because of the link to you as being involved with this website.

I have read your responses, and I thank you for your concise explanations and the links to further info that you provided in them and in your email. After reading them all, I see your well-made point about the limits of your responsibility here. Unless you are responsible for creating the settings that use RSS feeds to upload content to the hrantiques.com site, you are apparently not responsible for this situation. I will post this response to you on my blog, my Facebook page, and as a comment on your own site.

In addition, I offer you my most sincere apology for jumping on the first name found on the offending site - your name - and accusing you of wrongdoing. Again, if you had nothing to do with the programming of settings for this blog, then you are not responsible for the theft of content. I apologize for any ill will that I or others have expressed against you because of this situation. I will post this response to you on my blog, my Facebook page, and as a comment on your own site to ensure that anyone who has read my previous statements regarding this situation sees that I am recanting my accusation and hoping for absolution for it. But oh, believe me, I am still all over this situation.

I know that keeping track of the many uses of your templates is impossible, but now that you know this particular one is putting you out there as the single available contact for it, you may just want to have that link and your name removed. It may prevent you being contacted by other writers whose content is being stolen. (Although I sincerely suspect that that site is about to be shut down.) When faced with this kind of heinous offense against them, many of us creatives whose very livelihood is threatened act first and think later. I am sure, as a designer, you understand this. I was thinking when I wrote the comments to you and on my blog, but needed to do further research before sending them. This is a mistake that many others may make when seeing your name associated with a site that has no other visible contact information.

I have obtained the information on the registered owner of that site, and am pursuing action against them. In the case that you wish to do so as well, here it is:

www.hrantiques.com
IP 70.32.68.86
created 19 sept 07
expires 19 Sept 10
Hosted by MediaTemple.net

Registered Owner:
hr GMT Inc.
601 Cleveland Street Suite 950
Clearwater, Florida 33755

727.443.4800
727.443.2200 fax

Administrative and Technical Contact:
Hans Peter Jeschke
hp@hrgmt.com

Dear Mr. Hans Peter is going to get an earful from me, let me tell you....

Again, Andreas, I thank you for your professional conduct in your last reply, for your patience, and for allowing me to see the entire story. I hope that my apology is sufficient to end this communication between us, even though I am quite sure that you regard me as a hot headed artist at this point. ;) It's ok, I can deal with that. Passion drives creativity.
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Off to post on Facebook and send emails to Hans Peter......