On Display: Take Me Away!

I traveled to Texas twice last summer, and was pleasantly surprised to find

some EXCELLENT examples of retail display technique in the AIRPORT!

yes, you read that right...

next to the endless Starbucks line and the bar and the news stand,

there was an airport shop that absolutely nailed using a regional focus as a theme...

Aptly named, amAZing (see what they did there?)
offers up the standard tourist-driven souvenir airport merchandise
in a fresh, fun, engaging and visually exciting new way...

Click 'Read More' for loads of pictures and details on WHY this works!

On Display: Regional Style

 My current article in the Winter Issue of Gift Shop Magazine

is titled 'Let California Inspire Your Retail Displays', 

and focuses on how to bring a regional influence into your store...

even if you're not in California.

That photo above is an example of this principle in action.
Taking elements of the outdoors found in National Parks,

this shop has created a display that immediately translates that theme.

The large canoe hanging overhead is your first clue :)
and then you take in the rustic woodsy-ness of the ceiling and shelving.
The green tone of the legs on the nested tables plays into the forest, as well.

Stepping closer, you can see the elements that bring more regional flavor:
a small faux pine tree, packaged seedling sequoia trees for sale
(those are the tan cylinders in the rear left-side cabinet),
keychains with national park logos (in the front left-side cabinet)
and small blue cans that hold poppy seeds... the California State flower.

Apparel products include a fun felt 'ranger hat' and tee shirts (both short and long sleeved)
and sweatshirts - all with Smokey the Bear and California logos.

This is enough to flesh out the theme... but there's more to this display.
Click 'Read More' to find out what it is and WHY it works!