2010 Visual Victories Award Winners

Specialty Retail Report has always believed in the necessity of quality visual merchandising to successfully sell product. We also celebrate the creativity and intelligence behind this important work. The sponsors of our 13th annual Visual Victories Awards—Glimcher Realty Trust and Ivanhoe Cambridge—agree. They operate properties around the world with this key tenet in mind: Visual merchandising matters.

Glimcher Realty Trust is a leading U.S. REIT based in Ohio. Ivanhoe Cambridge is a premier Montreal-based development and management firm. We thank these leaders in the specialty retail industry for their valued sponsorship and for helping recognize outstanding visual merchandising—implemented through gifted Visual Merchandisers, retailers and specialty leasing managers who work in tandem every day to yield winning results.

The categories:

• Best Cart Display
• Best Kiosk Display
• Best Store Design
• Best Promotional Display
• Best Store Signage
• Best Use of a Prop
• Most Improved Retail Display

Our panel of judges represents a cross-section of the specialty leasing industry. We thank them for their time and expertise in helping making the contest a success.

Picture unavailable
Bill Hall
Senior Vice President of Local Leasing
Simon

Best Cart Display

First Place: Silver Secrets

Retailer: Raymond Alvarez
Location: Dolphin Mall, Miami, FL
Center/Owner: The Taubman Company
Entry submitted by: Lisa M. Wilcox
Visual Merchandiser: Robin Bliss & Matt Grace/Visual*ize & Studio G Designs

This winning cart is successful through the use of a black and white color palette, different levels of fixtures, and designer elements. The uncomplicated palette and easy placement of merchandise on neck, earring and bracelet forms makes the RMU effortless to shop. A touch of elegance is added through the lit chandelier and black and white damask patterned panels throughout the presentation. The additional use of black lacquered cake stands enhances the “cascade” placement of jewelry.

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Second Place: Organic World

Retailer: Arik Trysker
Location: Dolphin Mall, Miami, FL
Center/Owner: The Taubman Company
Entry submitted by: Chuck Willetts
Visual Merchandiser: Matt Grace & Robin Bliss, Visual*ize & Studio G Designs

This cart is a good example of having all the right ingredients for a prizewinning visual presentation: composition, unusual color
combination, and texture through the choice of materials. By using the complementary colors of purple and green, this RMU stands out. The use of real bamboo adds a natural element underscoring the business name. The white stone tile contrasts with the shiny floor covering and arresting color combination. Placement of props creates horizontal and vertical visual interest and at the same time, leaves the products visible to the customer.

Third Place: WOW Green

Retailer: Kevin Riley
Location: Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi, MI
Center/Owner: The Taubman Company
Entry submitted by: Christine Manley
Visual Merchandiser: Michael Onyskin, Nouveau Design Studio

The one color palette makes this cart effective and striking. The packages’ color is enhanced by the matching floor pads and vertical graphics. The props, floating logos and flat screen monitor—all arranged in a pyramid configuration—fill in the dead space and bring the eye to products on the lower half of the cart. The product in the white bottles acts as a “highlighter” to effectively break the monochromatic presentation.

Best Kiosk Display

First Place: Disney’s Doorway to Dreams

Retailer: Disney
Location: Woodfield Shopping Center, Schaumburg, IL
Center/Owner: The Taubman Company
Entry submitted by: April Tschappat
Visual Merchandiser: N/A

The repetitive use of the iconic mouse ears in the design of this vacation Disney kiosk makes it easily identifiable and draws the customer to the kiosk. The mouse ears are used for the angled “mouse” arch, the plexi “fencing” and the mouse world. A simple color palette of black, white and blue allows the color picture globe to show different destinations. It is an effective use of space and fixtures, sure to catch and hold the attention of passersby, while showing the different trips available.

Second Place: NYS Collection

Retailer: Shay Gru
Location: San Francisco Centre, San Francisco, CA
Center/Owner: Westfield
Entry submitted by: Sal Babbino
Visual Merchandiser: AC Designs

Through the employment of sleek graphic shapes and color, the customer is drawn to this sunglass kiosk. The open, airy layout of fixtures allows the customer to move freely through the kiosk to look at the sunglasses. At the same time the layout gives the kiosk a shop feel. The backlighting shows the colored lenses as well as the frames available. Graphics and signage are kept to a minimum so there is more emphasis on the product.

Third Place: The Threading Station

Retailer: Margarita Kleinknecht
Location: Garden State Plaza, Glen Rock, NJ
Center/Owner: Westfield
Entry submitted by: Frank Riggio
Visual Merchandiser: AC Designs

Thinking out of the box and utilizing dead space makes this kiosk work to the maximum. Decorative glass panels, white Formica fixtures, and a grouping of light fixtures make an otherwise non-leaseable area in a mall, bright and attractive. The unusual space is defined by the wood floor and “warmed up” by honey-colored wood cabinetry. The straightforward design of the cabinetry allows the swirling pattern on the glass panels to be the major focal point of interest. Judge Sharon Loeff said the station displayed great ingenuity especially in a challenging location. Vicki Morton at Glimcher noted the location provides privacy—needed for this business.

Best Promotional Cart Display

First Place: Wu Xing Massage

Retailer: Humin Tang
Location: Fairlane Town Center, Dearborn, MI
Center/Owner: The Taubman Company
Entry submitted by: Tracy Cadorin
Visual Merchandiser: Robin Bliss & Matt Grace, Visual*ize & Studio G Designs

By utilizing Feng Shui, the massage RMU projects a serene oasis in a busy retail environment. The choice of natural props highlighted by the powerful color choice of purple makes for a dramatic presentation. The placement of materials transforms the RMU so it can attract customers at all times.

Second Place: Grow Your Business

Retailer: Twelve Oaks Mall
Location: Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi, MI
Center/Owner: The Taubman Company
Entry submitted by: Christine Manley
Visual Merchandiser: Christine Manley, Specialty Leasing Agent

Everyday props used in an unusual manner create interest in this RMU. The information sign in the center is the focal point and is enhanced by the vertical green pads. These pads and gardening props support the “growth” theme for a business at Twelve Oaks.

Third Place: MagiQuest

Retailer: Denise Weston
Location: Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Center/Owner: MOA Mall Holdings, LLC
Entry submitted by: Lisa Taylor
Visual Merchandiser: Brett Beaudette, Mall of America

The MagiQuest RMU is cleanly designed and efficiently acts as a teaser, encouraging customers to visit the store. The visual is not limited just to the bed of the RMU; all physical aspects of the RMU—such as the header and the storage area under the bed—are considered viable for advertising. Simple graphics, the consistent use of color and theme-related props help to project the excitement of the store.

Best Store Design

First Place: Just Baked

Retailer: Pam & Todd Turkin, Adele Rosen
Location: Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi, MI
Center/Owner: The Taubman Company
Entry submitted by: Christine Manley
Visual Merchandiser: Pam Turkin

A judicious use of the color palette—soft chocolate browns accented with pink—speaks to the wildly popular cupcake theme effortlessly. The cupcake display case and the associated graphics at the entrance leave little doubt about what is sold inside. The wall graphics behind the display units and counter continue to sell the cupcake theme. The simple typeface and icon used for the logo, the interior menu boards and the wall graphics all work to tie the concept together.

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Second Place: Bark Ave West

Retailer: Natalie & Kori Zohar
Location: Coquitlam Centre, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia
Center/Owner: Morguard Investments Limited
Entry submitted by: Barbara Cady
Visual Merchandiser: N/A

This arrangement proves that a small space works well for small merchandise. The open storefront visually makes the store appear larger than it actually is. Dramatic molding—framing the entrance—enhanced by customer friendly “pets,” draws the customer into the store. The use of neutral color for materials and props for the upscale pet store interior provides an excellent backdrop for the colorful merchandise.

Third Place: MagiQuest

Retailer: Denise Weston
Location: Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Center/Owner: MOA Mall Holdings, LLC
Entry submitted by: Lisa Taylor
Visual Merchandiser: Rich Hoge/Brett Beaudette, Mall of America

All aspects of an empty store—the storefront, the fixtures and structural supports—have been transformed by MagiQuest. By using a simple color palette and exciting visuals, the space grabs consumers’ attention and brings them inside for an unusual shopping experience. The use of interactive computer games aimed at younger sci-fi aficionados holds their attention and promotes shopping.

Best Store Signage

First Place: Corks Fine Wines, Liquors & Ale

Retailer: Chris Sikorsky
Location: Cross Iron Mills, Rockview, Alberta, Canada
Center/Owner: Ivanhoe Cambridge
Entry submitted by: Heather Kane-MacLeod
Visual Merchandiser: Patty Miles, Miles Display

By incorporating the icon of a corkscrew into the simple store name, the consumer understands what is sold in the store. The contrast of materials is rich and well-designed: the metal logo against a backdrop of mahogany wood, accented by the royal blue frame. The repetition of the logo beneath the store sign and on the interior cashwrap wall reiterates the store’s concept.

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Second Place: MagiQuest

Retailer: Denise Weston
Location: Mall of America, Bloomington, MN
Center/Owner: MOA Mall Holdings, LLC
Entry submitted by: Lisa Taylor
Visual Merchandiser: Brett Beaudette, Mall of America

This is more than just a sign on a façade. The store sign and arch create the entrance to an exciting environment. What’s more the entire unit creates a very medieval “dungeons and dragons” look, an indication of what’s in store inside. The contrast of the gold lettering against the black façade makes the sign jump out and draws the customer into the store for an interesting experience.

Third Place: Vagabond

Retailer: Zakariya Najjar
Location: Brea Mall, Brea, CA
Center/Owner: Simon Property Group
Entry submitted by: Trudy Young
Visual Merchandiser: Zakariya Najjar

A trendy clothing store needs an eye-catching, trendy sign. The frayed, decaying look to the sign perfectly captures the store name—Vagabond. The silver metallic finish of the sign contrasts well against the wood façade and is carried into the interior of the store. The ragged edge at the bottom of the sign breaks up the rectangular shape and adds interest and flair.

Best Use of a Prop

First Place: I Scream Humor Enterprises

Retailer: Good Humor Ice Cream
Location: Opry Mills, Nashville, TN
Center/Owner: The Mills—A Simon Company
Entry submitted by: Teresa Nicula
Visual Merchandiser: N/A

When simplicity works, it works well. This Good Humor promotion is a perfect example. It’s effective and easy to understand. The major focal point is a real Good Humor truck. The customer can immediately figure out what is being sold/promoted. The life-size truck also draws customers’ curiosity prompting them to ask the question, “Where did they find that?” Nostalgia is one of the key factors to evoke when making sales. The attention paid even to the smallest of details—gate, fireplug, dog and uniforms—surrounding the truck, efficiently adds to the ambience and evokes nostalgia.

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Second Place: Eyebrow Designer

Retailer: Gulam Mustafa
Location: Potomac Mills Mall, Woodbridge, VA
Center/Owner: The Mills—A Simon Company
Entry submitted by: Rachel E. Ross
Visual Merchandiser: Steve Lippert/Any Ideas

A perfect eyebrow graphic—accented with abstract thread art—used at the center of the RMU communicates the RMU’s purpose to the customer. The clean and simple use of props and color highlights the perfect brow image. Oversized spools of thread act as vertical supports for the shelf holding the tools of the trade—further underscoring that the concept is all about threading.

Third Place: Sam’s Sheets

Retailer: Saeed Zabihialam
Location: Jersey Gardens Mall, Edison, NJ
Center/Owner: Glimcher Properties
Entry submitted by: Denise Monahan
Visual Merchandiser: Kat Contreras/Kat & Company

What a creative use of props! The bedroom environment recreated with a miniature bed and accessories for the RMU, projects what is being sold. Sheets are boring—the unusual prop adds spice to what would have otherwise been a staid display. The logo for the sheet packaging is utilized for the sign. The sheet sets are organized in wicker baskets for a neat presentation. The wicker baskets along with the bed prop also help the display evoke a feeling of home—warm coziness.

Most Improved Retail Display

First Place: Monique

Retailer: Nasrullah Ebrahimi
Location: Stonestown Galleria, San Francisco, CA
Center/Owner: General Growth Properties
Entry submitted by: Christine Miller
Visual Merchandiser: Ed Dahl/After Science

Here’s a great example of how making even a few changes can turn around an RMU’s presentation. A cramped, boring and overly merchandised accessories RMU has been transformed into a beautiful, upscale, and visually pleasing one. The customer can actually see and select merchandise without being overwhelmed. By limiting the merchandise on display and picking an unusual color combination, the RMU looks different from its competitors and will attract new customers. The open placement of custom fixtures allows the merchandise to shine.

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Second Place: Instant Beauty

Retailer: Beauty Effect, LLC
Location: Fashion Show Mall, Las Vegas, NV
Center/Owner: General Growth Properties
Entry submitted by: David Palomo
Visual Merchandiser: Jose Leyya/Plastic Man, Inc.

Editing plays a very important role in the before and after transformation of this RMU. By narrowing the product selection and utilizing unusual materials, the visual presentation for the RMU is contemporary and updated. It now says “luxury boutique” rather than “drugstore.” The closed-in, heavy, boxy fixtures (similar to discount merchandising) in the old display is now updated through the use of more contemporary-looking fixtures. The unusual material choice makes this beauty RMU a stand-out.

Third Place: It’s About Time

Retailer: Taris Hamad
Location: Dolphin Mall, Miami, FL
Center/Owner: The Taubman Company
Entry submitted by: Chuck Willetts
Visual Merchandiser: Matt Grace & Robin Bliss/Display Queens

Great opportunities present themselves with new RMUs—it’s always an occasion to revamp old concepts of presentation. By using custom fixtures and graphics, a boring, run-of-the-mill, watches RMU gets a new life. The interesting color combination of yellow and blue attracts the customer to the RMU to see what is being sold. With the same amount of merchandise on the new cart, sales are not lost. The product is shown in a cleaner, visible, not overwhelming presentation, thus making the watches appear to be more high-end.