Unique Concepts Spring 2008

by Emily Lambert, Claude Solnik, Dan Rafter and Bernadette Starzee

Nine Hot Ideas

By combining 3-D scanning with vitrography, Germany-based LOOXIS has created a unique kiosk concept that's a hit overseas and recently expanded to the US.

Customers vote at the cash register and PoliticalShopping.com wins.

Expanding with a mall cart turned out to be a sweet deal for two Canadian business owners.

Retailer David Serata opened a Webkinz cart and temp in-line to make the most sales possible while the toy is still hot, hot, hot.

Two sisters in two countries use seasonal kiosks and in-store demos to build a unique retail and wholesale business.

Nicholas Hurlburt launched his cart with a solid strategy: By selling unusual products he'd have less competition and catch the attention of more shoppers. His approach has paid off.

A kind of headband for the hips, the Hipband is getting around, thanks to a new year-round kiosk.

At Hattitude, if you're not wearing a hat, you're not where it's at.

There might be other massage concepts out there, but Steven Chen's Oriental Chi reaches a higher level of service to land the sales. His commitment to quality not only attracts customers, but they're willing to pay a bit more, too.