Themed windows: Back to School by John Lewis

Since I was already on the topic of John Lewis, I realised that back in London a couple of months ago, I had actually passed by the store and had a few snapshots of their "Back to School" window displays, which I shall showcase here. In case you're just like me, living in a weird country; where schooling is such a top priority in young children to university young adults, as seen by the amount of money parents are willing to spend on their tuition, but no one sees potential to tap on this "Back to School" theme at all. You can sell a zillion things! See how John Lewis departmental store does it right:

See, when I mentioned that they are a heritage store, what they intended was to inculcate the idea to consumers that this will be THE store not only where your grandparents and your parents shopped, but it will be always there for you and even your future children.

Right from when your little ones come into this world, they're ready for you.

For the girls:

And the boys:

This may not be entirely relevant to the Singapore context where kids wear school uniforms to school. In fact, I guess it's the same for UK kids as well. Nevertheless, the fact that they decided to use this theme, not only makes you think of having to wear new uniforms and get new books, but also remind you to buy new clothing for the children for out-of-school social events such as their birthdays, or just out for the weekend. After all, who doesn't like new stuff?

And I like that they have the posters to clearly indicate the gender so that people don't have to look for clues. There is a whole lot of stuff hanging in there, and I wouldn't believe that a busy parent with a couple of kids on their hands has enough time span to scrutinize what's going on in this window display. The peg walls are good for display a variety of products visibly in this space too, as compared to the plinths. It works especially for outfits, so that it doesn't have to be cluttered with too many mannequins in the window.

I love these three windows below 'cause it's so relevant! Haven't seen a window for college students, perhaps there was, but it was probably just college fashion for the new semester.

 See how this window has attracted a mom and her daughter who might be moving to college soon?

But this is so useful for freshmen who are moving into apartments or hostels as we call it here and want to shop for stuff for their entire living space. The stuff are already nicely grouped into kitchenware and stuff for the bedroom and desk, so they can almost make "wall" selections of stuff instead of going to individual places for different stuff that will probably be mismatched or take up too much time. Who wants what?! College life is all about productivity! Either study-time or party-time! No time to fuss about buying home stuff!

xoxo,
Yuhan

Shopper STOPPER: Mind The GAP

GAP. At first glance, this brand, pretty well known for their pretty pricey basics and jeans almost has zero appeal except perhaps their best-selling jumpers or clothing with the word 'GAP' on it. Doesn't help that it is wayyyyy more expensive here in SG as compared to the States and we now have Uniqlo which provides every bit of quality with every cent paid. 

But apparently, GAP has upped their game in their new windows. I love this boxed up concept, it helps brings focus to that particular key product you want the customer to SEE. This seems to be trending now considering that H&M has a similar concept in their window (See below), however GAP goes one notch higher by using their signature blue light + the striking "Colour a Chord" makes it almost impossible to ignore the otherwise pretty dull colour palate of the display.

H&M's window using a magnifying glass-like prop to highlight the key products. 

I love this store front! This space looks wide, especially the walkway surrounding the four mannequins on GAP decorated plinths seducing the customer to walk in and take a look at the outfits and also the campaign poster at the back. Also, the two racks on each side have exactly the products dressed on the mannequins, convenient for the male customers to search for what they want.

And for their children's store, it's even brighter and more fun! Being in London, I was well aware that 'back to school' is a common window theme for many stores there but I haven't seen one in SG, that was until I saw this: 'Back to Cool!' Makes going back to school a little less painful, don't you think?

I can feel the EXCITEMENT in the mannequins!

On the other side is more for toddlers, light and small little kids, GAP has chosen to hang the outfits up, as with the floating balloons with a pink heart. Awwww... just like how every kid is their parents' love.

The extra pic! Took this while I was in London, which coincidentally was when the Royal couple, Prince William and his Duchess of Cambridge, Kate gave birth to Prince George. Love the suspending handkerchiefs, (reminds me of graduation) and totally puts one into celebratory mood!  And look! Even the colours are purposely chosen to reflect UK's royal colours: Red, white and blue. Shows effort put in to incorporate into the London culture despite being a US retail company.

xoxo,
Yuhan