So I've been visiting several stores off late. And,I have been thinking- what makes a store exceptional?
Although site of the store is important,it's not always location,location,location that cuts it.
Here are a few thoughts to take into consideration (in no particular order) while you design your store:
1.A store that knows its target audience. For example: The MoMa store (in NYC) does not target a certain demographic, but rather goes one step beyond to cater to a certain lifestyle (those who are interested in design)
2.Consistent brand identity. For example:consistent colours, logos, and look and feel of interiors etc.
3.Helpful information. For example: a visual on how to put pieces together, or what the latest trends are.
4.Great customer service without being pushy. For example: The Genius Bar at the Apple Stores or Nordstrom's personal service, both very helpful but not pushy.
5.Uniquely designed store, that fits with the brand experience. For example: The minimalist Prada store in Soho, NYC or the exclusive club-like Abercrombie store on 5th ave in the same city.
6.Great visual merchandising and promotions that fit with the look of the brand
7.And, of course, a strong, differentiated selection of merchandise to back up the brand promise
8.A customer care number, and a web address listed on packaging which makes for easy follow-up
9.Personalized follow-up communications once you have signed up For example: Crate and Barrel sends personalized emails once you sign up for their registry
10. And a trademark, something that's uniquely yours: For example: Aveda serves white tea at all its boutiques.
What do you think? Is there something else that could contribute to a store's success?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Foot Massage Magic!
If there was ever a special, blissful, treat you'd like to gift someone, let this be it.
Located at several areas in the city of Bombay, AromaThai- the foot spa, is a treat for the senses. Their one hour long "Sawadee" foot massage priced at about INR 700, is a relief for those hard at work in this stressful city.
To divulge all would take away from the experience, but let's just say it includes a gentle foot wash and scrub, about 40 minutes of foot rub and accupressure with your choice of aromatic oil, about 20 minutes of head and shoulder massage and some warm, mild thai tea to top it all off.
For first-timers and returning customers alike, the experience is a delight and can be a case in point for Bombay services looking to learn a few lessons in great branded customer experience.
Why, you ask? The welcome you receive is in soft thai. You have no doubt that the shoes/slippers you leave in their custody will be well taken care of. The ambience is soothing with beautifully designed walls and artfully done foot tubs. The expertise that they display in handling your feet, is above average, and done with a smile. And, the thai theme extends to the flowers that the masseuses wear in their hair. For the most part, you feel like you are in some exotic village in Thailand.
The one drawback is that the hostess (in the Bandra spa) is located as you enter (rightfully so) but that the hum of her voice and buzz of the telephone distract you, even as you try and make this journey through Thailand. So, a tip: Seat yourselves upstairs, since the constant buzz of the telephone might prevent you from dozing off during your spa hour!
Just in case, you'd like to check them out, they're at http://www.aromathai.net where they also give you some important points to remember, as you decide to take a trip to Thailand, from just down your street!
Located at several areas in the city of Bombay, AromaThai- the foot spa, is a treat for the senses. Their one hour long "Sawadee" foot massage priced at about INR 700, is a relief for those hard at work in this stressful city.
To divulge all would take away from the experience, but let's just say it includes a gentle foot wash and scrub, about 40 minutes of foot rub and accupressure with your choice of aromatic oil, about 20 minutes of head and shoulder massage and some warm, mild thai tea to top it all off.
For first-timers and returning customers alike, the experience is a delight and can be a case in point for Bombay services looking to learn a few lessons in great branded customer experience.
Why, you ask? The welcome you receive is in soft thai. You have no doubt that the shoes/slippers you leave in their custody will be well taken care of. The ambience is soothing with beautifully designed walls and artfully done foot tubs. The expertise that they display in handling your feet, is above average, and done with a smile. And, the thai theme extends to the flowers that the masseuses wear in their hair. For the most part, you feel like you are in some exotic village in Thailand.
The one drawback is that the hostess (in the Bandra spa) is located as you enter (rightfully so) but that the hum of her voice and buzz of the telephone distract you, even as you try and make this journey through Thailand. So, a tip: Seat yourselves upstairs, since the constant buzz of the telephone might prevent you from dozing off during your spa hour!
Just in case, you'd like to check them out, they're at http://www.aromathai.net where they also give you some important points to remember, as you decide to take a trip to Thailand, from just down your street!
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