Display & Design Ideas - January 2009 - (Page 1)

from the editor 1 Until winter ends A s the uncertainty of 2009 is thrust upon us like a wintry slap of wind, retailers have a unique challenge ahead—or opportunity, if you’re an optimist as I like to believe I am. How do we do more with less? How do we weather this cold, harsh storm? How do we grow revenue, while reducing our number of stores? The first option is to downsize your collection of scarves, hats and mittens and run screaming into the cold in the name of cost cutting and “getting by,” hoping that the scrap of a jacket you have on will be enough to get you through the long winter. For a more insightful alternative (and less chill bump-inducing) you can turn creativity to your advantage to use the storm as a catalyst for new solutions. Perhaps last year’s sweater might pair nicely with a new, brightly colored wool scarf? And yes, adding a new lining to this once-worn coat does indeed keep the cold air out, and applying those vintage buttons adds a bit of bedazzle as well. It is entirely possible to update your winter wardrobe without throwing out the pieces you hold near and dear. As I walked the streets of New York last month for the judging of this magazine’s annual holiday Winning Windows competition (see page 6), I wasn’t noting the cost cutting in visual presentation and, most likely, downsizing of visual teams. I wasn’t counting the number of stores that had been shuttered or wondering which of these companies might soon be filing for Chapter 11. What I saw was a resurgence of creativity in the windows of these stores—a yearning for retailers to establish a real connection with their customers. From the intricacies of Bergdorf’s minute and exquisite detailing to the festive, holiday spirit Macy’s always brings, this was not a year to bemoan our economic situation. It was a year to delight. Creativity is absolutely recession-proof. While budgets may be cut and labor may be scarce, imagination and creativity thrive in a time when resources simply are what they are. The motivation to perceive and implement ideas and processes differently than you have ever before is crucial. Accept the tools you are given and use them to reinvent what you cannot build from scratch. Use that talent you were born with, and turn it into new, innovative solutions for your stores and your customers. DDI has no intention of standing by and letting this economic storm pass by unnoticed— we are in the business of helping our readers with tools and solutions that can enable them to do their jobs better. Next month, DDI will be launching the first of a two-part editorial series on how the economy is affecting the retail design community—and what the industry is proactively doing about it. Use your unbridled creativity to wrap yourself and your stores in warmth this year, and do your very best to keep out the bitter cold until spring comes again. A Happy New Year to you all. Alison Embrey Medina Executive Editor Circle Number 2 Number 6 at www.ddimagazine.com/readerservice January 2009 www.ddimagazine.com http://www.clearrcorp.com http://www.ddimagazine.com/readerservice http://www.ddimagazine.com

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

Display & Design Ideas - January 2009
From the Editor
Contents
DDI’s Winning Windows in New York
The NADI Show 2008
GlobalShop Preview
Alphabetical Company Listings
Product Category Index
Product Listings
Classifieds
Calendar
Advertisers' Index
Industry Associations

Display & Design Ideas - January 2009