sigh.  it’s the dawn of a new year yet again.  this is when we resolve to lose weight, eat better, save money, etc.  or perhaps you’re looking for a new look – hairstyle?  wardrobe?  lipstick?  it’s all about ringing in the NEW.

so don’t neglect your business!  whether your business is a store front or a website – perhaps it’s time for a little freshening up.  ideas are limitless – but here a a few that are easy to implement and will hopefully provide a new (and successful) outlook for 2010 that both you and your clients will appreciate and adore.

• paint your front door a new color – or if that isn’t appropriate – get a plant, new open/close sign or something chic to welcome your customers.
• mix things up – literally.  if you have your racks and table situated “just so” – perhaps move them around – make it feel like a new experience to shop in your store (note:  this is also a great idea for your home!).
• replace the carpet/floors in your dressing rooms.  or add a rug, cute new seat, perhaps some artwork?  anything to make your regulars smile and take notice!
• and speaking of artwork – perhaps you can showcase a local artist or friend’s work on your walls – either on the sales floor, behind the counter, in the dressing rooms  – or even the bathroom.  a great way to add flair while helping a new artist gain exposure.
• create new accessory displays – whether a cute towel rack for scarves or a set of hooks for necklaces/belts/purses…..it’s a small and inexpensive way to add something new.  this one from Urban Outfitters is cute.

• try a fun new fixture – perhaps it will inspire new types of merchandise?  i adore this rotating bookshelf from PB Teen.  pretty adorable.

 

What are your ideas for freshening up your store (or home) this year?  i’d love to hear em.  Please comment with your brilliance!

do you ever wake up and suddenly decide you hate your hair, nothing in your closet is even remotely wearable, and you desperately need a new lipstick?  i think we all have our own versions of the need for a makeover. 

boutiques are no different.  after all, your boutique is likely an extension of you.  you change:  your style may shift as you get older or your lifestyle changes.  you may get sick of your haircut and decide to go for a new ‘do.  it’s a natural part of personal evolution.  while we can make some quick, easy changes to our personal appearance, changing the look of your store may seem like a daunting (and expensive) task.

not necessarily so.

when i first opened ooma, i had this grand vision that my shop would be divided by style “moods” separated by bright, vivid colors.  it was nothing short of delicious.  everyone who walked in the door for the first time always had a pleasant, wondrous reaction.    smiles abound as they perused the fun, colorful prints and the bright walls of sass.

 

ooma - the early days

after 5 years, i found that i was drawn to a more sophisticated look and as i planned my retro chic black & white wedding – i found that i was especially drawn to the simplicity of the graphic boldness of the palette. 

so i decided to mix things up – just a tad.  i painted all the walls white  (except the pink wall behind the cash wrap) and wallpapered my dividers in a graphic b&w print.

ooma: after makeover

i removed the carpet in the dressing rooms and added pergo floors with FLOR tiles.  i painted my dressing room chairs black and re-covered the seats with black & white fabric.

i painted the exterior and got a new outdoor hanging sign.

and i moved everything around got a few new shelves, painted some old ones – and VOILA!  it was like my store got a fun new makeover.  it still felt essentially like ooma – but with a new sensibility that reflected the subtle changes in my merchandise selection.  some of the changes were gradual – which made is easier to budget in terms of time and money (not once did i close my store on a day when i was usually open).

ooma: spruced up

does your store need a little spruce up or makeover?  i do offer consulting in this realm and would quite love to help you.  as the economy shapes up – perhaps now is the best time to reintroduce yourself?  email me if you’d like my assistance.