STATE OF THE UNION: mall shopping and visual merchandising

F21 windows

I stepped out a few days ago to a local mall NOT owned by Westfield. (what?! yes, they exist). Granted, it's not the best quality mall, but it has recognizable stores nonetheless. I was amazed by the window displays (and not in a good way), and thought you all might like a peek.

Okay, so yes, I'm always looking at what F21's doing- but mainly since they're one of the few retailers that seem to be doing decently- they're growing and hiring! Their mannequins looked to be channeling a version of Lady Gaga with the abundance of platinum wigs- and one was brazen enough to go out without bottoms! She's coyly covering her plastic bits with her hands, but I'm not buying her innocent act...

 bench

Okay, so this image of Bench isn't really too interesting. More interesting was the merchandise inside, but the manager was eying me and practically followed me outside as I took this pic. Apparently it's a brand imported in from the Philippines. Gone are the days where our "rich" country would outsource production of our own popular brands to the Philippines- the tables have turned as we are now selling $2.99 body sprays and "Filipino" t-shirts branded in the Phillippines. I really find that sooo interesting. Wonder what it's going to look like as more American clothing companies continue to struggle...and other imported brands take their place?

agaci?! what is this?

WINNER of Worst Display Ever!! Agaci, yet another fast fashion brand in this mall, put together these outfits above. Soooo NOT cute!!! Of ALL the clothing in your store, those are the BEST outfits you could come up with to entice people to buy?! In case you can't tell, there is a ruffled shirt layered under the teal v-neck tee...

Bath and Body Works...did you know they are having a sale??

WINNER of Abusive Marketing!! Bath and Body Works is having a sale...did you know??? How could you NOT? I've never seen a B&BW look like this before, with neon yellow signage in every possible open space. It's probably more horrible it's in yellow. Reminded me of ketchup and mustard. Did it make me want to go in? Nope, I strolled right by- amd it doesn't look like anyone else is in there either. Yellow signs on everything!

i bet they wanted to write "hello SALE" then decided against it. look at those hanging sale letters...wow.