One of my favourites: The Israel-based Aroma Espresso Bars.

According to the Business Week article: "When you order a morning coffee at a café owned by Israel-based Aroma Espresso Bars, an image of a croissant may suddenly appear on a digital display next to the cash register. Stop by for a sandwich or salad later in the day, and the display could flash a picture of a suggested beverage. Aroma Espresso says sales of desserts and drinks featured on the screens have increased as much as 68% in outlets where it has installed the display systems, starting about a year ago.”

And here is an example I've found in the Retail Customer Experience Magazine:

The SlideBuy Shopper Information System by Frank Mayer & Associates Inc. is a touchscreen placed on existing store shelving. It allows shoppers to inform themselves about the products. By gliding forth and back, product information is directly taken to the shelf without displacing existing products.

Since digital and retail worlds are more and more converging, it won’t take long until well-known social media applications from the Internet arrive in the store. Maybe Aroma Espresso Bar will soon start to display reviews, votings, rankings and recommendations by their customers.

Mae Linat © 2008

2. One of our bestsellers (left, this Somerset Lavender handmade goats milk soap is prettily packaged in fabric and smells divine. (Also available in Rosewood and Patchouli, Gardeners, and Lavender and Rose Geranium) £4.00

3. One for kids or crafty grown ups! Felt Flowers craft kit (other kits available) £6.50 (below right)

6. Just on the £10 mark, Oneless Plastic Bag is an ingenious handmade shopper made from vintage saris which tucks into its own pocket to be kept in your handbag. £10

7. Rosewood and Patchouli Handcream (below left - also available in Somerset Lavender, and Lavender and Rose Geranium) - paraben free and handmade in Somerset and topped with pretty fabric to match the soap. (If you put them together it makes a lovely set for £10!) £6.00

8. Mustn't forget the card! Recycled Christmas Card (Also available: Robin) £2.00

10. And if you really are struggling, how about a gift voucher? They come in £5, £10 and £20 denominations.

While sometimes the old adage "Bigger is better" may be true, sometimes it isn't. It has come up clearly in the news that a lot of small businesses are what are keeping our world constant. While the bigger companies have floundered and made huge mistakes with their crazy risk taking plans, some smaller companies that have been more conservative and played it safe have been able to survive the harsh storm of this financial crisis. Some companies have grown very large on gambles that obviously didn't pay off. Like building a house, if you don't have a strong foundation, when the slightest storm comes along, your house of cards will crumble.

Indeed many companies have crumbled, and some may be bailed out by government intervention (the effects of which are still uncertain), but how can you use this knowledge to continue on with your life. After all you can't put your life on hold waiting for this mess to sort itself out. It's very simple: Use common sense and shop carefully. There are many companies out there that , as I said before have been cautious with their money, and limited their risks, and are still strong and weathering the harsh winds of financial change. There are some companies that are teetering on the brink of disaster. How do you know which are strong and which are weak?

It's really simple, Ask! When you are hiring someone to do a job for you, just ask them, "How strong is your company right now? Are you going to be here to finish the job you start? If you close your doors, will I get my deposit back? If you are dealing with honest people they will answer the questions honestly. If you are dealing with a fraud, I'm sure you will be able to tell that you are being lied to.

A few simple tips to help you: If you are dealing with a contractor for example, only dole out as much cash as is needed for the materials at a given time. That way you know that if they don't finish the job, they don't get paid, and all along you only paid for the materials you get to keep anyway.

If you are getting married and need a Videographer, DJ, Photographer, Caterer, Limo, Etc, I would suggest you check and see how long they have been around. They may tell you this right on their website (If they have been around for a few years, they will display it proudly) or simply ask them. Also never pay your entire amount up front if your wedding is not until next year. For last minute bookings, sometimes paying up front is required, but you will probably be using the services in a few days, not a few months. Most companies will take a deposit to reserve your date (30%, 40%, 50%, etc depending on the companies policies) This way you have something to loose if you cancel on them, and they have something to loose if they don't show up. You are both at risk, and this makes everyone behave properly.

Ask them if they go out of business with they refund the deposit? Also ask them if they already have bookings for next year, or are you the only one? I would simply suggest that you find yourself a medium sized company to deal with. Too big, and they may have financial problems and be gone tomorrow. Too small and they may not have the equipment, manpower or experience to deal with your requirements properly.

For wedding Videography, DJ, and Photography I can recommend Advanced Video Services. They have been around since 1991, and have consistently weathered the changes in financial markets by being conservative and not growing or expanding in equipment or employees unless they had the funds to manage these changes on their own. They have grown from a small videography company to be top rated on Google searches in Southern California and have grown to produce not only wedding Videography, but also Photography and DJ services for your Wedding or Special event. A rock solid company that will be here tomorrow and the day after. While others have folded, they have remained strong.

When looking for an Orange County Wedding Videographer, or Orange County Wedding Photographer or Wedding DJ, you can count on them. They also cover all the counties in Southern California and will never charge you for travel time unlike other companies. Check out their website for complete details on pricing, packages, and policies. You can also check out their website www.advancedvideo.50webs.com for online demos.

For inhouse shopper marketing discipline here at Leo Burnett, the following Deloitte study is music to our ears. The first moment of truth, meaning people and their behavior in front of the shelf is a key vehicle to increase relevance of your brand's products.

Says Brandweek:

Nineteen percent of consumer packaged goods manufacturers and half of retailers rank shopper marketing as the most effective activity for generating strong return-on-investment. Overall, 75% of manufacturers and 86% of retailers studied ranked in-store marketing among the top four activities in terms of gaining strong ROI.

No 30 second spot will help you when your product isn't staged the right way and can't show off it's unique purpose to people in the approriate context.

  
The facade and my intended first purchase  

 I don’t know if it is the caffeine buzz I’m experiencing as I have deprived myself of it for the last 4 weeks, or the fact that I finally feel like I have found my Hong Kong.  The dedication in researching the hidden highlights of Hong Kong has left me with incense burns (on both arms and hair), ruining my clothes with paint, and feeling like I’ve spent 6 hours in a sauna dressed in fur.  However in doing so, I have had local people coming up to talk to me (probably to find out if I am crazy or not as I’m taking photo’s of incense coils burning from every angle), locals telling me where all the temples are that I must visit if I like incense coils, and visiting places that take my breathe away (yes due to smoke inhalation from the coils, but also due to some of the shops sheer beautiful goods).

I can only start my unwrapping of Hong Kong's gifts with Select 18.  The first time I saw it, I just stopped and stared.  And stared.  I watched a few locals stop and stare, but they walked on.  I walked in.  It was like sneaking into the closet of a group of trendy grandmothers who had left their treasured belongings behind.  For me, I felt my heartbeat quicken.  How could such a revolutionary place exist on the same slanting road as the green 2 metre by 2 metre timber shack stalls, where nearby fish stands scaling their daily catch?  Someone must have had some courage to open this shop, and it has paid off. 

Having come from London where thrift shops and anything older than 5 years are classed as vintage and highly sort after, the mouthwatering jems in Shop 18, would have to be classed as true artifacts.  I felt lucky, very lucky to have walked in and not walked on.

Where to find:  On the corner of Peel Street and Hollywood Road, Hong Kong Island
What you'll find:  Second hand goods such as jewellery, clothing, sunglasses, reading glasses, shoes, handbags, clocks, toys, homeware, lighing, as well as local Hong Kong designer goods

[gallery]Looking for an eco-friendly/animal friendly handbag or accessory?  Check out the Jazzd handbags and accessories.  Jazzd makes hip handbags and a variety of other accessories, from cosmetic cases to jewelry boxes.  Jazzd handbags come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes to choose from. They also have silk clutches that are adorable, which come in a variety of colors to suit your needs.  

 Their polka dot line with fun colors like hot pink, yellow, lime green and turquoise are great for teens. Need a gift for a birthday?  Are you a early holiday shopper?  If not and your interested in Jazzd don't wait, they sell fast and are very affordable. 

A Few Gift Ideas:
Jazzd cosmetic case - fill it with makeup, like a lipstick, mascara, eye shadow and blush. 
Jazzd jewelry box - There can be 2 gift ideas for this.  The first would be to put cute jewelry in the box, a pair of earrings, matching necklaces, possibly a ring or two.  

The second idea would be a memento box, fill it with the mementos of the recipient, like badges and achievement pins. When choosing a jewelry box think of the room the jewelry box will be in and the colors.  Jazzd jewelry boxes come in multiple colors so you are able to find one that would match your decor.

For more Jazzd handbags & accessories visit: www.crazyforthat.com

1. I dropped my blackjack in a puddle. No seriously. Ironically, I was talking to a friend about a potential fuck-up on the part of a certain someone (no names, no identifying info for the time being...).

2. Subway overcharged me (by like $2) for a sandwich. So much for $5 foot longs...

3. There is still a huge ding in my truck after someone backed into me. SMH.

4. Sunday mall shoppers are creepy and/or hormonal people who we often as workers are tempted to call security (and Chuck Norris) on.

5. Tina Fey makes a helluva Sarah Palin impression.

6. I'm first in my Fantasy Football League division, and I still don't know how to play...

7. Damn gas prices. Again. I seriously watched them jump from $3.99 (I caught that deal) to $4.49 in 15 minutes time!!!

8. I realized that I drink way too much coffee when the barrista at Starbucks called me out for not having the sbux card as much as I'm there. Damn, it was bad enough when the local coffee shop did it to me.

So there it is: my week in a nutshell. Hope you enjoyed that, and hopefully I will get enough time (and mental strength) to post a few times this week.

Before I go, well wishes to those who are cleaning up from the effects/aftereffects of Ike....may you all be blessed and get back on track quickly and with the least financial and emotional burdens on you all. Especially those who are dealing with crazy flood waters spanning from Texas to the Midwest. You are all in my prayers.

'Fashion Now' Events Designed to Please Tenants, not Just Shoppers

NEW YORK (AdAge.com) -- With the economy weakening and retail closures on the rise, malls are looking for ways to attract customers and keep tenants happy. This month, Simon Property Group, which operates nearly 400 malls worldwide, is rolling out a new program called "Fashion Now" that aims to do both.

FULL ARTICLE

This is the picture of an ordinary shopper buying at a retail outlet. Most often than not, she would have no idea how complicated it was to get the products available within her reach when she gets to the supermarket. The retail landscape has evolved so much that an ordinary shopper would probably not be able to fully comprehend the complexity of it.

Just imagine you're in a marathon with few rules. You have more than a thousand competitors competing for the top spot in the spectators' eyes. Each contestant must devise a way on how to stand out from the race and beat the competitors to the finish. The retail scene is a lot like that. A single product that you see in a supermarket would compete with at least 20,000 other products to get to your basket and have a share of your money. How could it attract your attention and finally win your nod in the battle of purchase decisions?

Usually, we know about a product through various media sources from television to print ads to radio, and even to coupons in the mail. That's merely the tip of the iceberg, so they say. When we get to the retail store, the companies would try their best to showcase their products and try to connect with their shoppers in the span of 30 minutes inside the store. They would probably start by installing different merchandising materials to catch your attention. Sometimes they would offer samples of the product for free. Next, you might find someone who would endorse that product inside the supermarket or perform a trial for you. It doesn't end with all of that. In any given time, companies will always try to find means to get a shopper's attention and hopefully win approval after all the efforts.

Before I got into a multinational company, I never notice all these extraordinary things that happen in the supermarket. My normal routine when I shop is go to the store and pick up the things that I want. Period. I never linger in any of the aisles, look over the products, check out what's new and then finally make my purchase.

Ever since I started working, I learned to appreciate the retail scene more. I am quick to recognize the investments that the company makes to get to my basket. When I see a sampling activity, I try it. When there's a product that I need and there's a freebie that comes with it, I buy it. I am now more sensitive to various promotions that these companies do to be more competitive in the retail landscape. I'm happy because I have learned to appreciate the dynamics of shopping more. Before, I never even bother to pick up items on sale or those with freebies. I didn't realize the value of it back then. Normally, I would think that probably the products are not selling so well so that's why they're putting it on sale. When I found myself on the other side of the fence, I realized that it takes much work to convince the shoppers to buy my brands. That's why when I see products highlighted for value and it's one of the things that I need, I grab the opportunity to buy that product since I already know that the company has invested more in it.

Next time you go into a supermarket, be a smart shopper and look more keenly at the environment around you. Appreciate the extra things that you find in the supermarket, like sampling and promotions. It's never simple to organize a retail space. It's always a battle out there, and thousands of companies put their very best into the landscape to try to win your attention. Most of them invest more for the consumers' benefit. If you're quick to realize that, you would definitely gain a lot more from your shopping experience.

Voorkant:

Achterkant:

A very few  “Corner-shops” still survive, hardly competition for the “out of town” supermarkets  - I think this one has seen better days.

German shopper mood remains weak

German consumers are not in an optimistic mood

German consumer confidence has fallen to a fresh five-year low, as recession and high inflation fears continue to sour the mood among shoppers.

The news came from market research firm GFK, whose forward-looking consumer confidence index has dipped to 1.5 points for September from August's 2.1.

Further gloom was offered by restated official data which confirmed that the economy contracted from April to June.

Germany's economic output fell 0.5% quarter-on-quarter in the period.

If this contraction was to continue between July and September, then Germany would formally be in recession.

'Depressed mood'

Fueled by high energy and food costs, German inflation is continuing at its highest level since 1993, hitting household spending.

German companies are further being hit by high raw material costs, and in addition to lower domestic consumer spending, concerns remain the impact of a global economic slowdown.

The high value of the euro has also been a problem over the past year, although the dollar has rallied in recent weeks, offering some respite to German exporters.

"In addition to the continued price hikes for energy and fast moving consumer goods, expectations of weaker economic development are depressing the consumer mood in particular," said the GFK report.

GFK surveys around 2,000 consumers for its monthly consumer confidence guide.

Leia o texto completo no motokando.com

Imagine if you could find the best auto insurance at the cheapest rates and do it within minutes simply by filling out one short quote form.

Get the Facts

• 115 = people who die every day in vehicle accidents in the US.
• $230,000,000,000 = amount spent each year due to auto accidents.
• 13 = Minutes between automobile deaths

Cheap Car Insurance Sites:
For those of you who are pure price shoppers, we have reviewed sites and offered advice on the best sites to find cheap car insurance online. Beware that these results are only based on price, not other factors you should consider such as service, reputation, claims practice etc. However, we feel that it should give you a good starting point to determining a base line for finding low car insurance rates online. and for uk visit this site
Auto Insurance Rates UK

Detail:

What we see here is a cooler shelf with convenience products, such as sausages, paddies and the like. Do you see the title for the products?

"Convenience"

Remember, we are in Germany here. While the term is known in the retail industry, i.e. to store owners and purchasing departments, how many people do you think find it "convenient" to try to guess the meaning of an English word while looking at a bunch of sausages? And why on earth is it in English anyway? There are perfectly good names available in German.

You might say, who cares? When people see the products, they know what it is. Well yeah, when and if they see them. But think about it: people navigate stores by browsing or searching. When you search, you are on a wayfinding path where you check of "your" products from a list. Where would you start looking for "Convenience" food when you don't even know the term? Also, convenience foods are often placed at tactically relevant places for cross-selling purposes. This means it's already hard to find them when you are expressly looking for them.

For the most part, a lot of retail experiences are still like websites in the mid-90s: confusing navigation, little orientation, cluttered signage, price confusion, little customer service, and long checkout times. So, when we do experience audits, whether for digital channels or physical retail channels, what happens a lot is that I get a Gary Larson moment. While surveying the store, I was reminded of his "Inconvenience Store" Comic.

When it comes to retail experiences, it's definitely time some stores took more of a human view point. Apart from being better for people, it also helps your sales.

Related: shopper, princess bubble, market, gift store, childrens store, buyer

PS. Kasia loves tea in Taiwan!

Tree Curtain Shopper

Originally uploaded by Psaryce

I was in bag-making mode yesterday! Using a pair of curtains kindly donated to me through Freecycle, I made this bag. I created a pattern from an evil plastic grocery store bag (no this is not an original idea I know others do this too!). I hate short handles so made mine a bit longer. You cannot tell from the photo but the fabric is a bit thick and so the bag feels luxuriously sturdy.