Very Small Shops!!

I've just read a book called Very Small Shops...pretty obvious what its about! It had some great pictures of small shops and boutiques from around the world so I thought I'd post a few.

I tried to pick ones with a similar aesthetic to Grace and with interesting Visual Merchandising.

Pictures: Charles Fish, London. Hunt & Gather, Vancouver. Lil Shop, Berlin.

Kathryn x

The Future Laboratory

I've finally managed to finish reading the notes from The Future Laboratory's latest report! There were some interesting thoughts and insights which link to my project and independent retailing. The report covers four sections Conviviality, Future Media Landscape, Generation D, Rurban.

Here are some key points:

• Although social networking is still very popular, people have become disconnected and are wanting to engage face to face again. This is known as the Conviviality Culture.
• Consumers are looking beyond consumption and are seeking happiness through activities other than shopping.
• Community values are returning.
• A Connoisseur Culture means people are increasingly branding themselves to say:

'This is who I am and what I'm about'

• In a Salon Culture consumers are re-discovering the art of conversation but holding debates and discussions.
• 'Boutique' festivals and events are the new way to connect with consumers.
• Consumers are seeking quality over quantity and experiences over goods. The want a connection with the brands rather than material products.
• Although online is now massive paper is not dead.

'With print, we stop, take time out to enjoy the content slowly and immerse ourselves in it'

• The gap between content and commerce is closing. Magtailing is a popular trend which combines magazines and retail.
• Hauling is a process in which shoppers film themselves showing off items from a latest spree, giving the brands recognition.
• A Comment Culture opens up a participatory aspect of the web. It allows brands and consumers to create content, debate, rate, comment and subscribe.
• People are after convenience and this is key to retaining consumer loyalty.
• Inline Retail means brands should operate in the virtual and real world and combine the two experiences.
• With so many online retailers and price comparison services retailers need to offer a unique experience...competitors are only a click away!
• People are rejecting impersonal experiences and connecting with communities, we are seeing the return of the corner shop. People want brands they can associate with and that feel human.
• Small scale micro-brands are being embraced....yay!

'Theres power in being small'

• Urban dwellers are making their lives feel as rural as possible.

There is a lot to take in but some really good thoughts from The Future Laboratory!!

Kathryn x

Boudoir Boutique

Thanks to Drapers and their dedication to independents I have found yet another great boutique! Boudoir Boutique is located in Caverns Walk, Liverpool and stocks a great collection of young and vintage fashion. They have a very girly look which is coherent throughout and is good marketing. The boutique has proved very successful and has grown 10 times larger since the original launch, this is really good for an independent retailer and is something Grace Boutique can aspire to.

Boudoir Boutique has future plans are to launch a transactional website which should be happening next month, and further store openings in Manchester and other possible cities.

I love the visuals of the store and the layout is really enticing too.

Kathryn x

ASOS Marketplace

A new concept has launched from fashion retailing giants, ASOS Marketplace gives up and coming designers and small boutiques a great opportunity. It allows you to open and run virtual online stores to sell your products, which must be photographed in a cool way! It encourages retailers big and small to join applications must be accepted meaning only the best and most stylish are chosen.

Browns Focus and many more small and vintage stalls and boutiques have already joined ASOS Marketplace and you are guaranteed to fine something different and treasured! Its great for the brands and the customers who can discover new pieces.

I think this is great for everyone! It gives small retailers an exciting opportunity and customers a new shopping experience.

Kathryn x

Designer Desirables

Designer Desirables is another online boutique nominated for a Drapers Award. They specialise in designer brands and have a great selection. The boutique is online only so it's interesting to see how they communicate with customers.

The website includes a blog, Look Book and and a Celeb Style section where customers can buy exactly what their favourite celebrities including Miranda Kerr and Nicole Richie.

Kathryn x

Girl Meets Dress

Whilst browsing through the Drapers Etail Awards I found some really interesting online businesses. Customers are demanding more and more so retailers are having to become a lot more innovative!

I really like the concept of Girl Meets Dress which is basically a dress hire company. The website has hundreds to choose from and designers include Marc Jacobs, Halston, Fendi, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Stella McCartney, Preen, Herve Leger and sooo many more. And why buy an expensive dress which you may only wear once? The website allows you to hire for up to a week and the idea is simple: Order...Try On...Party...Return!

The Girl Meets Dress website is also packed with other great things such as online and on-call style advisers, Stylist Q&A's and you can even hire accessories to compliment your perfect outfit.

Kathryn x

E-newsletters: French Connection, Jack Wills, All Saints

I have also had a look at some of the newsletters Ive received from more established high street retailers...sorry the pics are so small!

Kathryn x

E-newsletters

Many companies use e-newsletter to reach their consumer directly, it is a way of telling people about new collections, events and any other exciting news. They are also good for raising awareness of your website and any interactive material such as blogs and style advice.

Here are a few Oxygen Boutique, Young Ideas and a local gift shop, Bow.

Some are really simple and some are quite busy but I think they all reflect what the brand is about.

Kathryn x

Drapers Inspiring Independent 2011

Drapers have teamed with trade show Pure to celebrate the success of independent retailers in the UK and Republic of Ireland. They have always supported boutiques calling them 'the most exciting and innovative in the world'.

You can nominate your favourite shop providing they sell numerous brands and have less than 11 stores. The 50 best independents will then be selected to feature in a Drapers supplement released in a February 2011 issue. They also get to attend an exclusive Drapers celebration party...I want to be there!

It is great to see coverage for the smaller shops and maybe I'll see some of the ones I've blogged about in there!

xxx

Projects

Yes, another Nottingham retailer. But I really like Projects Design Wear boutique, stretched across two floors the shop displays some interesting display concepts including a chaise lounge, a tree stump and a throne!

Brands stocked include Miss Sixty, Lipsy, Diesel, Numph, Motel and Religion.

http://www.projectsclothing.com/

xxx

Pink and Lilly

Pink and Lilly is an eclectic and girly boutique in Nottingham's Lace Market. They sell everything from casual wear to prom dresses, accompanied by a great range of unique accessories. Brands stocked include Ringspun, Mink Pink, Liquorish, Irregular Choice and Stolen Thunder.

The boutique definitely stands out, decorated top to toe in pink with hand painted illustrations and vintage furniture. They also pride themselves of the expert advice of staff and their made to measure dress and corset service.

In their own words:

"Pink and Lilly is a chance to return to the days of the boutique with personalised service and hard to find labels that will have everyone begging to know where you buy your clothes."

Pink and Lilly opened in 2006 and in 2009 was voted Heart FM's Fashion Retailer of the Year.

http://www.pinkandlilly.co.uk/

xxx

Collard Manson

Collard Manson is a unique boutique located only in Nottingham and Sheffield. Their style is uncompromising and recognisable and has great attitude. They have a strong vision and aren't too bothered about trends which creates their individual identity.

Alot of their collection is about exciting accessories and I love the jewellery selection.

Brand stocked include Irregular Choice, Jean Paul Gaultier, Melissa Shoes and Mawi Jewellery.

xxx

Nottingham Research!

Today I hit the streets of Nottingham to seek out some of the top independent retailers.

I noticed a big difference to the high street chains and in general had a better shopping experience! The staff and owners were really friendly and helpful and she shop layouts and VM were a bit more innovative and exciting.

Here are just a few pictures of shops I visited which included Projects Design Wear, Rose and Lilly, Collard Manson, Kitsch and Cow.

xxx