DDi - September 2009 - (Page 34)

34 | AWARDS 2009 Best Visual Merchandising Programs Anthropologie First Place T o describe the philosophy behind Anthropolgie’s visual merchandising scheme is difficult—but the visual pictures it creates in its stores tell a story all their own. The women’s apparel, accessories and home décor retailer, owned by Philadelphiabased Urban Outfitters Inc., makes it a mission to delight its customers on a regular basis. “We are inspired by everyday things, common materials and how using them differently, or changing your perception of them can create something unexpected and beautiful,” says Kristin Norris, executive creative director, Anthropologie. The visual team holds close the philosophy of “wabi-sabi,” which Norris explains “finds perfection in imperfection” and balances organic with manufactured, light with dark, new with old. “We thrive on eclectic combinations of both materials and ideas,” she adds. The company’s assorted merchandise displays and window presentations are inspired by everything from a person, place, color, song or piece of art to a scrap of fabric, photograph, movie or repetition of an idea or object—literally anything. But what ties the look so closely to its customer base is the organic feeling the displays emit, using simple staples such as buttons, plush fabrics, rosettes, an old sewing table—or even hundreds of bear-shaped bottles of honey. The company takes effort to assure that | September 2009 Photos: Becky Bornstein each Anthropologie location has its own distinct visual personality, and is committed to having like-minded visual artists in all of its stores, each bringing his or her point of view and background to the general direction from the home office. “We are a group of rebels, really,” says Missy Peltz, director of merchandising and display, Anthropologie. “We want consistency, but we also embrace and thrill in acts of rebellion and differentiation. Each of our stores is a single entity—each space is different, each staff is unique, each community has its own flavor, and we embrace the complexity that creates.” There are no rules to Anthropologie’s visual merchandising strategy: only ideas. Explains Norris: “We firmly believe the minute you make something a rule, it breaks. Change is the single constant, and hiring the right people and trusting them to do the best thing is the right philosophy.” —ALISON EMBREY MEDINA, EXECUTIVE EDITOR Photos: xxxxxx

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DDi - September 2009

Display & Design Ideas - September 2009
Contents
From the Editor
Newsworthy
Greentailing
Editor’s Choice
Portfolio Awards 2009
Retail Design Luminaries
Retail Design Influencers
Design Firms of the Year
Best Visual Merchandising Programs
Retailer of the Year
Best-Designed Stores of the Year
Best-Designed Hospitality
Retail Standouts
Calendar
Advertisers
Classifieds
Shopping with Paco

DDi - September 2009