Blockbuster: More Than Just Movies

If April showers bring May flowers, what do April snow showers bring? As I’m typing this post, this is what greets me from outside my window:

Ah, the perfect weather for heading to my local Blockbuster, picking up those handful of movies that I’ve been meaning to watch, and settling in for the night.

I don’t know about you, but when I think of Blockbuster, I think of movie rentals. A quick in and out visit (unless I don’t know what I’m in the mood for and then it could be an hour or more). Turns out this video rental retailer is looking to change that with its new prototype stores that feature more than just a rental library.

According to an article in the Dallas Morning News, a handful of Dallas-area stores have been turned into labs for testing new initiatives aimed at keeping the retailer relevant in this web-based world. Some of these programs include:

• Having stores open as early as 6 a.m. to accommodate the morning commuter
• Serving hot and cold beverages at in-store drink counters
• Featuring gaming areas
• Allocating floor space for the sale of electronic components

While it’s still too early to tell whether these investments will make a positive difference for the video rental giant, early reviews are looking promising for at least a few of the new additions; and they are helping Blockbuster stores towards their goal of becoming a “destination for entertainment.”

Blockbuster isn’t the only retailer hopping on the “shoppertainment” bandwagon. I’ve given my opinion in a previous post on the topic. Think it’s a great idea or the worst idea ever? Tell us what you think.

Celebrating the Little Guy

Since 1963, U.S. presidents have been declaring one week a year as National Small Business Week, and this year’s event runs from today through Friday. The Small Business Administration, along with a handful of other co-sponsors, has planned a week’s worth of activities including a 3-day conference in Washington D.C. and ceremonies in New York to mark the occasion (go here for more details), but I think the party shouldn’t be limited to just these two locales. Given small business’s large role in our nation’s economy, there’s plenty to celebrate. According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses (i.e., independent businesses with 500 or fewer employees) represent 99.7% of all firms and employ about ½ of the private sector. They account for over 45% of the U.S.’s payroll and have generated 60-80% of net new jobs over the last decade. Some impressive stats indeed!

So, from one member of the small business world to the rest: Cheers and Happy National Small Business Week!

Technolo-Gee

I don’t consider myself a computer whiz, but somehow I’ve inadvertently become a bit of a troubleshooter for my co-workers. I’d like to blame my age for that.

Being a part of the younger generation, computers are just another part of life -something to embrace and get comfortable with. Sure, they can be uncooperative and frustrating, but ultimately they make our lives easier.

According to this article on VSMD.com, that mentality will play a big role in shaping the future of retail design. In fact, you could argue -and some of the experts interviewed for the article do- that that future is already here. What was once done on a drawing table is now being designed in 3 dimensions at a computer desk. To secure a job in the field, applicants need to show experience and competency in working with the different design programs out there. Eric Feigenbaum, founding member of The Planning and Visual Education Partnership (PAVE), sums the movement up nicely by saying, “We have gone from an experienced-based industry to a skills-based industry. It’s no longer ‘Where have you worked?’ but rather ‘What skills do you have?’”

Luckily for those looking to break into the retail design world, leading visual merchandising and design schools around the country have developed comprehensive courses that equip aspiring designers with the right arsenal of computer design know-how to get the job done.

And when I get to sneak a peek at what our designers are doing on their computers, I can say with absolute certainty that, as far as computers go, I’ve got a lot to learn.

What's My Name?

If asked what the most important aspect of display and retail design is, what would you say? Materials? While important, I’d argue there’s something even bigger. Color? Now we’re warming up. The product(s)? Oh so hot.

Spend just one day with a member of our sales team or our designers and it becomes crystal clear: the most important aspect is the brand’s identity. What good is a brand’s display or environment if the consumer can’t immediately figure out the manufacturer or retailer behind it?

A couple years back, F.C. Dadson relocated its sales team to the office suite adjacent to our warehouse that was previously home to a moving company. With the exception of the snazzy new reception desk and modular wall units that were designed specifically for the office, the space has remained a blank canvas...until now.

Here’s what we have to work with:

Waiting Area Wall










Wall Behind Reception Area


Any ideas?