Anthropologie Gears Up for UK Growth

16 June, 2011

US fashion and homewares retailer Anthropologie has said it could have more than 10 stores in the UK as it opened its third shop in Edinburgh this week.

http://www.retail-week.com/latest-news/anthropologie-gears-up-for-uk-growth/5026235.article

Louis Vuitton's Memorable Retail Spaces

Louis Vuitton, in collaboration with parent company LVMH, launches Louis Vuitton – Architecture and Interiors in an effort to promote the arts. The 304-page publication includes insights from the brand’s distinguished architects such as Peter Marino, Christian de Portzamparc, and Jun Aoki; and never-seen-before sketches, blueprints, and mock-ups of retail spaces. At $85, devoted fans can own the beautifully-bound book, or if they want to shell out $130, the limited edition features three separate photographs on the cover to coincide with the three monogrammed fabric slipcases – gold, silver, and copper. The book is available in Louis Vuitton retail locations and speciality book stores starting October 1.

http://www.psfk.com/2011/08/an-inside-look-at-louis-vuittons-most-memorable-retail-spaces.html#ixzz1VwAKbWiS

Customers Can Create Preferences on App Tailored for In Store Experiences - PSFK

The IdentityMine store concept connects associates and consumers both inside and outside of brick and mortar stores. Designed in partnership with Microsoft, an app on shoppers’ phones allows them to create a shopping list visible to store associates. Before a store visit, customers can browse inventory while being supported by staff with targeted deals, product suggestions, and the ability to send questions to store associates. Customers check-in when they arrive at a physical store, alerting staff members and syncing their user profiles, shopping lists, and purchase history. Staff can then reach out to shoppers via intra-app messages in order to offer help and lend expertise. Connected signage and digital kiosks let shoppers ‘throw’ content and wish lists from their app to larger screens in order to enjoy enhanced browsing and customer service.

via PSFK: http://www.psfk.com/2011/08/customers-create-preferences-on-app-for-tailored-in-store-experience.html#ixzz1TrZppxh9

The Future of Retail - PSFK

The Retail Space - What is the Future of the Store? - PSFK

In the new Future Of Retail report, we hope to tell a story about how the use of technology has turned the corner, and forward-thinking retailers and brands are using it to put a human face back onto the shopping experience. Around the world, we’ve encountered news about the death of brick and mortar stores, struck down by the ascendency of e-commerce, but I would argue that the physical store will continue to be a vital part of our culture because of technology, not despite it.

Our research shows a promising future for shopper experiences across the entire retail landscape from big-box retailers and department stores to corner shops and independent boutiques.

We will look at the holistic shopping experience and how technology can introduce a social and vibrant market atmosphere to every retail occasion throughout the purchase path from browsing to buying.

http://www.slideshare.net/PSFK/psfk-future-of-retail-report-2011-preview

 

via PSFK: http://www.psfk.com/2011/08/the-retail-space-what-is-the-future-of-the-store.html#ixzz1TrT9Pe00

Tap into Sephora's Virtual World of Beauty - PFSK

Beauty company Sephora‘s new iPad app has some innovative features to keep you up-to-date with all the latest trends. The free app has a magazine-like Beauty Report, with expert tips, animation and articles on hair, make-up, skincare and fragrances. There is also a social media hub where users can get real-time updates from social channels on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and BeautyTalk.

A video library lets you watch expert how-to’s and discover new product innovations, and you can browse and buy products in the shop without having to leave the app. The clever Virtual Mirror feature transforms your iPad into a split-screen mirror and video player so you can watch how to achieve a certain look and follow along. This beauty app for the iPad presents the different aspects of social media, editorial and retail in one neat package.

via PSFK: http://www.psfk.com/2011/07/tap-into-sephoras-virtual-world-of-beauty.html#ixzz1TrQG5MIj

News - 26/07/11 - 2/08/11

Jaeger Boosts Store Portfolio

Premium retailer Jaeger is to launch seven standalone concessions for its younger, lower-priced sub brand Boutique by Jaeger as the retailer expands its UK store portfolio with two further stores.

American Apparel to Launch Online Ebay Shop

US fashion chain American Apparel is to launch an e-commerce shop on eBay in September in an effort to expand its distribution base beyond its own stores.

Vogue.com to Launch Online Fashion Week

Vogue.com is to launch Online Fashion Week, a five day event that will see retailers offer exclusive deals to customers ahead of Christmas, later this year.

Tom Ford's Shop-in-Shop Harrods

Fashion designer Tom Ford has opened a new womenswear shop-in-shop in Harrods. The shop, Ford’s first in the UK, opened Tuesday and offers the designer’s complete ready to wear line alongside sunglasses, accessories and jewellery. The shop partners Ford’s existing men’s wear shop-in-shop, which is housed in the Knightsbridge department store’s basement.

Nicole Farhi Relocates Flagship Store

Luxury womenswear retailer Nicole Farhi is to open its new flagship store on Conduit Street this week, relocating from New Bond Street after 17 years.

Beyond Foursquare - PFSK

If location-based services began collecting the size and frequency of purchases across all locations and mining the data of check-ins (including likes and dislikes), they could begin to build the next generation of loyalty rewards programs comprised of customer, spending, location, and sentiment. Such a program would benefit location-based service providers, brands, and customers alike.

Take this example: if every day a consumer purchases a latte from Starbucks and then walks across the street to Dunkin' Donuts to pick up a turkey sausage flatbread, both companies could benefit from that information. If many customers display similar habits, Starbucks could add a similar breakfast sandwich to their menu or even discontinue their current breakfast fare at that location.

With a ripe opportunity for brands to use location-based data to power the next generation of loyalty programs, mining the rich data of check-ins will give companies a more holistic view of consumer behavior, which will help cultivate customer loyalty and drive sales. In short, when finally taken seriously, location-based services have the potential to become more than just a game — and much more than having bragging rights as mayor of a local haunt.

http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2010/10/beyond_foursquare_the_next_gen.html

25 NYC Start-Ups with Future Potential - PFSK

Business Insider has a great collection of the 25 New York City start-ups to watch out for, selecting the companies on the right track to becoming the next big thing in tech. Here’s the list with links and a brief description:

1. Neverware – makes old computers run like new by updating them with the latest software via the cloud.
2. Artsicle – transform your home into a gallery by renting original artwork by the month.
3. Tutorspree – an online marketplace for high quality tutoring for finding private tutors near your location.
4. Turntable.fm – “Pandora for groups”, multiple people can listen to the same playlist from different locations and add songs to it.
5. BillGuard – antivirus for your bills, scans your credit cards and alerts you to hidden fees, fraudulent charges, billing errors and scams.
6. Kohort – “Facebook Groups meets Evite”, a social network for groups of people.
7. Turf – location-based video game.
8. SpotOn – personalized recommendations for places to go.
9. JIBE – find jobs with help from your personal connections.
10. OnSwipe – create app-like experiences on tablet and phone browsers.
11. Sonar – mobile app that uncovers connections between strangers.
12. Fridge – share photos, messages, events with specific groups of people.
13. Quartzy – free online management software for life scientists.
14. Shelby.TV -  discover and enjoy videos your friends are sharing.
15. Goodsie – easy-to-use e-commerce site for setting up an online store.
16. Lot18 – exclusive discounts on wines and spirits.
17. SignPost – searchable group deals platform.
18. SinglePlatform – helps local businesses manage their digital presence and gain customers.
19. CrowdTwist – marketing via social media that rewards loyal fans.
20. ThinkNear – location-based ad targeting platform.
21. Immersive Labs – software for digital signs that deliver tailored messages to customers in real-time.
22. SkillShare – crowdsourced teaching, a marketplace of classes to learn anything from teachers in your community.
23. Nodejitsu – cloud hosting for individuals and enterprises.
24. Movable Ink – real-time content for email marketing.
25. Of a Kind – discover new designers, learn their stories and purchase limited-edition pieces.

via PSFK: http://www.psfk.com/2011/07/25-nyc-start-ups-with-future-potential.html#ixzz1TrKmHsjO