To subscribe, click here. To return to list of past issues, click here. June 2009Newer Retail Concepts, Formats, and Stores
As a student of retail, I am always looking for interesting new
retail concepts, formats, and stores. Sometimes my explorations
end with the ordinary, but other times I discover some truly
unique treasures. Recently I had the opportunity to visit two
charming stores in Beverly Hills, California.
HANNSPREE
FASHIONOLOGY LA
Fashionology LA is an innovative concept store and web site that
caters to girls 7 to 14 years of age. Using cutting edge
technology, customers can create their own customized apparel.
But is this unique concept enough to build a sustainable business?
NO MERGER!Last week The National Retail Federation (NRF) and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) called off their proposed merger. While the announcement did not give specific reasons for the decision, the two groups serve a distinctly different group of retailers. The NRF membership of approximately 2,500 consists of large national chains, some independents, restaurants, and online retailers. The RILA membership includes approximately 200 large retail chains, retail industry suppliers, and service providers. A NEW CREDIT OFFER FROM SEARS!
As retailers struggle to find ways to attract customers and get
them to buy higher priced items, creative credit programs seem
to be an effective sales builder. Sears announced a test program
that allows customers who spend at least $399 on appliances and
other related merchandise and then lose their jobs to have
one-twelfth of the purchase price credited to their account
every month they are out of work. Should they remain unemployed
for a full year the entire debt will be forgiven and they can
keep the appliance.
MY NEW BOOK!
Until next month...
It is always a challenge for independent retailers when
consumers cut back and limit their spending as they do during a
recession. Yet, in the middle of one of the most severe economic
downturns in memory, there are independent retailers who are not
just surviving but thriving. Any retailer who wants to build a
more successful business can learn some extraordinary lessons
from these superstar independents. Participants will learn how...
--Independent retailers stand-out and thrive against much larger competitors including national chain stores.
This is a program retailers won't want to miss!Whether you're planning a convention, trade show, corporate conference, or managers' meeting, a presentation by George Whalin will add value for your attendees. Check out George's other presentation topics at whalinonretail.com.
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There certainly are lots of stores selling such consumer
electronics as televisions, computer monitors, laptops, digital
photo frames, and the like. But there aren't many that sell
small TVs shaped like a basketball, soccer ball, giraffe,
elephant, or even an apple. No, at Hannspree the actual TV
screens don't come in these shapes, but the frame or cabinet the
screens are mounted in come in hundreds of shapes, styles, and
colors.
When I first walked past Hannspree on North Beverly Drive, I
thought it just looked like an interesting electronics store.
After spending some time in the store I discovered that
Hannspree is not just the retailer but also the manufacturer of
these televisions, computer monitors, and digital photo frames
that are sold all over the world. They have taken the standard
shapes and sizes of TVs and computer monitors and made them fun
and colorful.
Founded in 2003 in Taipei, Republic of China, Hannspree
currently operates eight of its own stores in major cities and
sell products to other retailers around the world. With a
primary focus on LCD flat panel displays, the company's products
include a wide range of licensed products from Major League
Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and Disney. While
the company does make larger sized TVs, up to 55 inches, its
real strength is in smaller TVs for the kitchen, bedroom, and
bathroom.
As customers enter the store they come upon round white posts
with large interactive video screens on either side. This is
where the young customers start the fun of creating their own
fashions. Standing in front of the screens they can choose from
five core apparel styles. The next step is to select the item
they want to customize. Varieties of tanks and Ts, pants and
shorts, dresses and skirts, and hoodies and pullovers make up
the choices. Once they decide what they want they can embellish
it with a wonderful assortment of heat transferred designs and
accessories including pins, charms, and rhinestones.
Coming back to my question of whether a unique concept is
enough to build a sustainable business, I believe Ms. Wiatt
and Ms. Tisch have a great concept. With what appears to be
sufficient capital to build the business they are not likely to
run into money problems at least through the start-up phase.
I'm delighted to tell you my new book Retail Superstars: Inside
the 25 Best Independent Stores in America has received rave
reviews. Selling lots of books is the kind of thing that warms
an old retailer's heart.
