Display & Design Ideas - August 2009 - (Page 10)

10 | Newsworthy | Headlining Goodwill ditches the thrift-store vibe its stores through television, print and online advertising, social media marketing and promotional events. One particular branch has even sent direct mailings to local shoppers, in hopes of attracting customers who do not typically shop at Goodwill. “Goodwill is making a push to improve our image, reputation and brand,” says Lauren Lawson, spokeswoman for the company. “We’re trying to promote Goodwill as a cool place to shop, where you can find chic and unique items at affordable prices.” So far, it seems to be working. In the first five months of 2009, same-store sales in North America have jumped 5.9 percent, compared to the first five months of the previous year. Additionally, by the end of 2008, Goodwill operated 2,324 thrift outlets in North America, up from 2,245 locations in 2007. According to Lawson, the renovations and new marketing pitches have succeeded in building interest in Goodwill, with agencies noticing more foot traffic inside their stores. As people begin to tighten their wallets, more and more shoppers are looking toward Goodwill for their purchases. “[The store in Chelsea] goes against the image of a thrift store filled with unwanted castoffs,” she adds. “This store appeals to shoppers who like high-end resale shops and the clearance section of department stores.” —TIFFANY JYANG, EDITORIAL INTERN F ollowing recent renovations, the 5,500-sq.ft. Goodwill store in Chelsea, N.Y., has become more than just a traditional thrift store. Rockville, Md.-based Goodwill Industries Intl. is attempting to create a more upscale shopping experience for a higher-end demographic, using its Chelsea branch as a blueprint. In an effort to boost its marketability among shoppers who are fashion-forward yet cautious to spend, Goodwill is transforming its image and merchandising strategies in stores across the United States. With intentions of losing the lowend atmosphere, independent Goodwill agencies—including several headquartered in Illinois, Florida and Oregon—have launched “boutique” stores that carry secondhand designer labels and department store brands, offering great finds to “recessionistas” and stylish bargain-hunters. Other of the company’s stores have been made over, introducing lighting changes, the use of mannequins and larger floor space to display items more generously. The company is endorsing | Books Yabu Pushelberg to publish first book he first book on the work of renowned interior design duo Yabu Pushelberg will be released in October 2009 by Architecture/Interiors Press Inc. Titled “Yabu Pushelberg,” the volume features more than 220 pages of color photography of the firm’s top hotel, retail, restaurant and residential interiors. The large-scale, bound, hardcover book provides multiple views into more than 30 of Yabu Pushelberg’s projects worldwide, including Bergdorf Goodman and Shibuya restaurant. Residences in T New York, Toronto and Miami also are featured. Additionally, the book will include six essays by William Norwich, contributing editor to Vogue and former style and entertaining editor of The New York Times Magazine. “Yabu Pushelberg,” which will be available for purchase for $70, will be sold internationally at all online, traditional and specialty booksellers. Book launch events will take place in the fall at Bergdorf Goodman in New York, The Hazelton Hotel in Toronto and Lane Crawford in Hong Kong. |ÊÊAug ustÊ2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Display & Design Ideas - August 2009

Display & Design Ideas - August 2009
Contents
From the Editor
Newsworthy
Consumer Insights
Quick Tips
Greentailing
Editor’s Choice
Design Snapshot
Barbie Shanghai
Channel Focus: Alternative Retail
Store Windows Showcase
Right Light
Product Spotlight
Preview: DDI Forum 2009
Calendar
Advertisers
Classifieds
Think Tank

Display & Design Ideas - August 2009