So holiday break is over for the The Dadson Diaries and we're back to deliver one last entry before 2009 hits. If you're one of the lucky ones still on your holiday break, enjoy it. Unfortunately, some of us have to work around here. But enough complaining and on with the post...
For someone who isn't a big follower of football, I must admit that it was a huge relief to see our Green Bay Packers send the Detroit Lions into NFL history yesterday afternoon. I mean, it's terrible to go 0-16 on the season, but it could be quite embarrassing to be beaten by a 0-15 team at home, right? Anyway, I come into work this morning to find out that the Lions fired their head coach.
This was not an unexpected move by any means. After all, it's usually the head coach (or executive in the case of a business) that gets the ax for bad performances. I mean, sure, they are supposed to come up with the game plan and help develop and lead the team, but I just have to ask, "What about the rest of the team?" You know, the ones that are hired and trusted to implement and carry out the plan?
I've always heard that you're only as good as your team. Sure, a great coach or manager can add to that team, but at some point it comes down to whether the team makes things happen. I'd guess that in most successful businesses, you'll find teams getting the job done. And when the team isn't getting it done? Well, you could say that someone ends up 0-16 and out of a job.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Top 5 Retail Design Trends for 2009: Value Engineering
The office is buzzing with excitement. Sure, most of it is for the impending holidays, but this blog editor thinks that a little bit of that enthusiasm is due to The Dadson Diaries reaching that pinnacle that is its 100th post. And what better way to celebrate the milestone than by revealing our final trend in our "Top Retail Design Trends for 2009" list?! We've covered flexibility, sustainability, and authenticity. This last one doesn't end in -ty, but it's a biggie: value.
#1: Value Engineering
One other big factor -perhaps the biggest given today's chilly economic climate- that we see affecting retail design and displays is value. Retailers will be seeking additional value for the money they spend. Value engineering isn't new to the scene by any means, but we hear it being brought up in more conversations heading into 2009.
Designers and manufacturers have and will continue to respond in a number of ways. To start, we'll continue to see more modular roll outs. The ease of repetition and consistency of design will be appealing because of the additional efficiency that can be built into the program once it gets started. Secondly, we'll see materials being substituted for more cost-effective alternatives that still offer the same appeal and integrity. This could very well be the year for laminate and veneer, both of which have stepped up their games in recent years to become viable candidates for a wide range of projects. Solid surface and acrylic are also likely to enter the fray as substitutes for more expensive options.
And there you have it, folks. Our picks for the top 5 trends to watch for in 2009. Any thoughts on our list? Leave a comment.
In celebration of our trend list's completion -and also because it's Christmas vacation- The Dadson Diaries is taking Thursday off. Worry not; we'll be back with a new post Monday. Happy Holidays, everybody!
#1: Value Engineering
One other big factor -perhaps the biggest given today's chilly economic climate- that we see affecting retail design and displays is value. Retailers will be seeking additional value for the money they spend. Value engineering isn't new to the scene by any means, but we hear it being brought up in more conversations heading into 2009.
Designers and manufacturers have and will continue to respond in a number of ways. To start, we'll continue to see more modular roll outs. The ease of repetition and consistency of design will be appealing because of the additional efficiency that can be built into the program once it gets started. Secondly, we'll see materials being substituted for more cost-effective alternatives that still offer the same appeal and integrity. This could very well be the year for laminate and veneer, both of which have stepped up their games in recent years to become viable candidates for a wide range of projects. Solid surface and acrylic are also likely to enter the fray as substitutes for more expensive options.
And there you have it, folks. Our picks for the top 5 trends to watch for in 2009. Any thoughts on our list? Leave a comment.
In celebration of our trend list's completion -and also because it's Christmas vacation- The Dadson Diaries is taking Thursday off. Worry not; we'll be back with a new post Monday. Happy Holidays, everybody!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Top 5 Retail Design Trends for 2009: Authenticity (& the Story)
Christmas is just a week away and we've reached the fourth trend in our "Top 5 Design Trends for 2009" list. The first three trends we wrote about focused on flexibility and sustainability. Now we move onto another important -ity word for the New Year: authenticity.
#2: Authenticity (& the Story)
Consumers have become skeptics -especially as of late with reports of "greenwashing," food and product recalls, and executive greed among other things. In the coming year, people will be looking for brands they can trust and connect with.
One of the strongest ways to connect with consumers is through their emotions, and one of the best ways to invoke emotion is through storytelling. Hollywood and novelists know this. Even marketers have caught on. Now it's retail's turn. Look for environments and displays to tell a brand's story. It'll be found in the colors and materials, the graphics and merchandising vignettes -little touches to make a brand believable.
Be sure to tune in Monday when The Dadson Diaries unveils its final trend pick for 2009...
#2: Authenticity (& the Story)
Consumers have become skeptics -especially as of late with reports of "greenwashing," food and product recalls, and executive greed among other things. In the coming year, people will be looking for brands they can trust and connect with.
One of the strongest ways to connect with consumers is through their emotions, and one of the best ways to invoke emotion is through storytelling. Hollywood and novelists know this. Even marketers have caught on. Now it's retail's turn. Look for environments and displays to tell a brand's story. It'll be found in the colors and materials, the graphics and merchandising vignettes -little touches to make a brand believable.
Be sure to tune in Monday when The Dadson Diaries unveils its final trend pick for 2009...
Monday, December 15, 2008
Top 5 Retail Design Trends for 2009: LEED for Retail
Well, we've reached the half way point in our list of Top 5 Retail Design Trends for 2009 list. To get those who have just joined us up to speed, we started the list with Flexible Fixtures (displays and designs that offer store owners some versatility in configuration) and continued with Pop-Up Environments (which are proving to be quite popular this holiday season). For our next trend, we move from flexibility to sustainability.
#3: LEED for Retail
2009 will be the year that green gets certifiably cool. We've seen an increase in environmental and social awareness from retailers in recent years, but with the LEED for Retail program expected to launch in the first quarter next year, expect to see more businesses strive for certification. The new program takes into consideration the special circumstances of retail build outs and will offer two variations - New Construction and Commercial Interiors. This means that designers and manufacturers will need to acquaint themselves with the new programs' guidelines and create solutions that fit within their scope.
Think we're on target or missing the boat with our trend picks? Leave a comment and let us know.
#3: LEED for Retail
2009 will be the year that green gets certifiably cool. We've seen an increase in environmental and social awareness from retailers in recent years, but with the LEED for Retail program expected to launch in the first quarter next year, expect to see more businesses strive for certification. The new program takes into consideration the special circumstances of retail build outs and will offer two variations - New Construction and Commercial Interiors. This means that designers and manufacturers will need to acquaint themselves with the new programs' guidelines and create solutions that fit within their scope.
Think we're on target or missing the boat with our trend picks? Leave a comment and let us know.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Top 5 Retail Design Trends for 2009: Pop-Up Environments
In our last post, we introduced The Dadson Diaries' "Top 5 Retail Design Trends for 2009" list and kicked it off with a doozie: flexible fixtures. Flexibility is the name of the game for the New Year and our next trend ties right in.
#4: Pop-Up Environments
2009 will not only bring flexibility in fixture designs but also to the retail environments themselves is this next trend has anything to say about it. Pop-up stores and retail exhibits found homes in vacant store fronts, college bookstores, and established retailers in 2008, and as results of these efforts begin to come in, we see these temporary stores breaking out in 2009.
That means designers and manufacturers will have to start thinking in terms of the short-term. Taking a cue from the trade show industry, these temporary environments will call for portable pieces that break down easily -either to be moved to a different location or discarded. In another nod to trade shows, we'll also be challenged to communicate the full brand story in a condensed space without sacrificing impact or appeal.
What do you think of the list so far? Agree? Disagree? Leave your comments.
#4: Pop-Up Environments
2009 will not only bring flexibility in fixture designs but also to the retail environments themselves is this next trend has anything to say about it. Pop-up stores and retail exhibits found homes in vacant store fronts, college bookstores, and established retailers in 2008, and as results of these efforts begin to come in, we see these temporary stores breaking out in 2009.
That means designers and manufacturers will have to start thinking in terms of the short-term. Taking a cue from the trade show industry, these temporary environments will call for portable pieces that break down easily -either to be moved to a different location or discarded. In another nod to trade shows, we'll also be challenged to communicate the full brand story in a condensed space without sacrificing impact or appeal.
What do you think of the list so far? Agree? Disagree? Leave your comments.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Top 5 Retail Design Trends for 2009: Flexible Fixtures
Last year around this time, The Dadson Diaries highlighted what we felt would be the top trends in retail displays and design for 2008. We've decided to carry on the tradition (call us sentimental) and created a new "Top 5" list for 2009. Starting today, over the next 5 posts, we'll reveal what made the cut.
#5: Flexible Fixtures
Perhaps it's the economy or something else at play, but it appears that retailers are looking to get more mileage out of their fixtures in 2009. Display designs are on a roll -literally- as more are being outfitted with casters. The added mobility is giving retailers the freedom to switch up floor plans with ease.
Another proponent of the flexibility trend is the addition of flexible display solutions themselves. Whether it's incorporating slat wall with its variety of available display accessories or adjustable shelving, these trendy design elements turn fixtures into one-size-fits-all display pieces that accommodate a wide range of merchandise.
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Have a keen eye for design trends? We'd love to hear what you think the big trends will be in 2009. Leave your thoughts here and they might just be featured in an upcoming post.
#5: Flexible Fixtures
Perhaps it's the economy or something else at play, but it appears that retailers are looking to get more mileage out of their fixtures in 2009. Display designs are on a roll -literally- as more are being outfitted with casters. The added mobility is giving retailers the freedom to switch up floor plans with ease.
Another proponent of the flexibility trend is the addition of flexible display solutions themselves. Whether it's incorporating slat wall with its variety of available display accessories or adjustable shelving, these trendy design elements turn fixtures into one-size-fits-all display pieces that accommodate a wide range of merchandise.
---
Have a keen eye for design trends? We'd love to hear what you think the big trends will be in 2009. Leave your thoughts here and they might just be featured in an upcoming post.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
McDonald's New Look
If you've been to a McDonald's recently (say in the last year or so), you've probably noticed some changes happening. It started with the roll out of new interiors and continued with the addition of the McCafe menu items. Well, looks like the fast food giant is at it again - this time taking on its packaging.
According to this article on BusinessWeek.com, McDonald's has begun what will eventually become a global roll out of new sandwich boxes and wrappers, fry containers, and cups "splashed with bold text and crisp imagery." As the article's sub-headline states, the new designs are "aimed at fortifying the brand and staying ahead of obesity concerns."
Ok, I can agree with the "fortifying the brand" part. While the basic design elements of the packaging will remain the same, the text and images will be tweaked to accomodate the local culture. Rolling out a unifying design worldwide ties back to the restaurant's global mission. Allowing some element of customization keeps it relevant to each county.
The part I have some trouble with is the last part, the "staying ahead of obesity concerns" part. The packaging will feature images of the menu items' ingredients as homage to the locally-grown food products McDonald's uses. Sure it makes the food seem more authentic. Still, these pictures do nothing to eliminate any of the gazillion (ok, I exaggerate) calories currently found in a Big Mac. Wouldn't putting some effort into making the food inside the package healthier be a better step to stay ahead of obesity concerns? I applaud the new packaging, but I have a hard time believing it will play a big role in changing a majority's opinion about the healthiness of the food.
The same can be said about retail design and displays. If you're finding yourself falling behind with consumers, implementing a new updated design might be part of the solution, but it's usually not the entire answer. You also need to look at the products and services displayed or housed inside to make sure they also move in the direction you'd like to go.
According to this article on BusinessWeek.com, McDonald's has begun what will eventually become a global roll out of new sandwich boxes and wrappers, fry containers, and cups "splashed with bold text and crisp imagery." As the article's sub-headline states, the new designs are "aimed at fortifying the brand and staying ahead of obesity concerns."
Ok, I can agree with the "fortifying the brand" part. While the basic design elements of the packaging will remain the same, the text and images will be tweaked to accomodate the local culture. Rolling out a unifying design worldwide ties back to the restaurant's global mission. Allowing some element of customization keeps it relevant to each county.
The part I have some trouble with is the last part, the "staying ahead of obesity concerns" part. The packaging will feature images of the menu items' ingredients as homage to the locally-grown food products McDonald's uses. Sure it makes the food seem more authentic. Still, these pictures do nothing to eliminate any of the gazillion (ok, I exaggerate) calories currently found in a Big Mac. Wouldn't putting some effort into making the food inside the package healthier be a better step to stay ahead of obesity concerns? I applaud the new packaging, but I have a hard time believing it will play a big role in changing a majority's opinion about the healthiness of the food.
The same can be said about retail design and displays. If you're finding yourself falling behind with consumers, implementing a new updated design might be part of the solution, but it's usually not the entire answer. You also need to look at the products and services displayed or housed inside to make sure they also move in the direction you'd like to go.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Bring On the Crowds
On most days, I'm thankful that one of Wisconsin's largest malls is right down the road. It comes in handy -- especially when you forget it's your friend's birthday and you'll be seeing him/her later that day. A last minute gift is never more than minutes away.
But then the weekend before Thanksgiving arrives and so do the people. What was once a quick in-and-out shopping trip now takes an hour or more as I circle the parking lot for a spot, battle through the crowded aisles, and endure the lines at the check out.
The reports are saying that Black Friday traffic was up, but that shopper numbers dwindled as the weekend continued. This surprised me considering the mall parking lot was jammed Friday through Sunday. Even driving by at 6:30 Sunday night, the lot was still pretty full. I expect the story to stay the same for the weekends leading up to Christmas and shortly after.
As for me, to beat out the crowds, I might just have to participate in America's newest holiday shopping tradition: Cyber Monday.
But then the weekend before Thanksgiving arrives and so do the people. What was once a quick in-and-out shopping trip now takes an hour or more as I circle the parking lot for a spot, battle through the crowded aisles, and endure the lines at the check out.
The reports are saying that Black Friday traffic was up, but that shopper numbers dwindled as the weekend continued. This surprised me considering the mall parking lot was jammed Friday through Sunday. Even driving by at 6:30 Sunday night, the lot was still pretty full. I expect the story to stay the same for the weekends leading up to Christmas and shortly after.
As for me, to beat out the crowds, I might just have to participate in America's newest holiday shopping tradition: Cyber Monday.
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