WITH SPRING JUST around the corner, there is much optimism and renewed vigor within the VM and retail industry.
After a very long two years into the pandemic, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Not only has retail survived, but it is also fighting back, continuing to innovate and excite the shoppers in our shopping malls and on our High Streets.
We have certainly learned how to shop online and utilize QR codes. This is now part of our everyday life. Technology has brought new and exciting opportunities for creative brands to connect with us in ways that add value to our shopping experience.
From department stores to independent retailers to coffee shops and eateries, these are far from extinct. They have reinvented themselves as exciting places to shop and to be seen in. We have all craved that interaction with other people during the various lockdowns.
My own business (Creative Download) worked on a project with an independent gift shop during the pandemic to completely revamp the shop. Fixtures were moved, walls were painted, a slat wall was repaired, and despite not having any new merchandise, the entire shop looks like a million dollars! It just proves what can be created to energize a retail establishment on a small budget.
At present, there are some exciting window concepts in the London stores such as Harvey Nichols and Fortnum & Mason, through to Anthropology and Selfridges. These windows create the retail theater that we have missed during the pandemic and new data has predicted that London’s West End is set for a rapid recovery.
Here in the U.K., our Queen will be celebrating her Platinum Jubilee in June. This undoubtedly will play a major part in the retail industry and increase visitor numbers to our capital city. I know that there are many stores finalizing Royal-themed window concepts. (My company is already working on a few concepts for its clients.)
Being an avid fan and user of LinkedIn, I have noticed a many visual merchandising roles being advertised, which is good for the industry. Either retailers are realizing that VM plays a key part in the commercial success of their business or there is a general move around of VM staff who are going onto larger and exciting roles.
Speaking of the importance of VM, as Chair of The British Display Society, I am thrilled to announce that the VM & Display Show is taking place at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London this April 4-5.
This is a very exciting time for the VM industry with so many companies exhibiting – The British Display Society can be found on the ground floor, so do come along and say hello to the BDS team. In addition to this, we are delighted to announce a VM Student area which will consist of three exhibition spaces that have been given over to three of our London-based Centre of Excellence Colleges. The students have been given a brief with a budget of £150. As we know, sadly, many VM budgets have been cut, so we must be resilient to changes and create something out of nothing to attract the passing consumer.