Adding a Dash of Art
Hello everyone! This week, I thought I would post about a trend that has really developed over the last few years – art in retail. From insanely large store installations to a tiny hanging of curated prints, art can add plenty of value to your shop. Not only does it look great but it can make your space a sought-after spot for art gazing and gathering (which also helps bring people in the door). A stationery shop holding a mini-show of paper craft, a clothing store hiring an artist to interpret their new collection in a large installation or a kitchen store throwing a party for a food illustrator – adding a dash of art to retail is beneficial for both the maker and the shop owner. Let’s ponder!
images via the design process , it's nice that and the import
When one thinks of art in retail, they usually highlight shop windows first. A unique design draws in foot traffic and makes your shop become the neighborhood’s “store with the awesome windows”. Whether it is your own in-house talent for designing or the hiring of a local artist, your windows are one the best places for a big dash of art. If designing your own isn’t your thing, think about partnering with a local artist or rotating group of creatives. Don’t be afraid to think outside the (window) box and use your whole storefront. Local legalities apply but there is so much that can be done to a storefront that will really grab attention. I love that orange installation above created at Anthropologie, the thought-provoking art windows of Kyle Bean or the Word-a-Coaster windows at Selfridges (a fabulously interactive, playful fortune telling machine that you need to read more about!)
images via poppytalk , myan duong and chloé douglas
Beyond the more traditional retail art of window design are the many possibilities of shop interiors. From small pieces above a clothing hanger to whole walls, there are so many opportunities to infuse art. Anthropologie is a trendsetter in this area as they beautifully blend both big and small dashes of art into their retail spaces. I love the fringe look they have experimented with lately as well as the topography shapes created out of old carpet. An in-house design or hired creative can add some artistic spice to your interiors. At Vancouver sewing lounge Spool of Thread, the sales counter was created out of vintage yard sticks which is inexpensive but artfully eye-catching.
images via marc jacobs
Another option could be hiring a creative to design one wall or central piece of furniture. I like the graphic murals artist Will Broome did for a Marc Jacobs shop. Who knows? That art student you hire to adorn your cash desk might turn out to be the next big creative rock star. Perhaps your shop could become a tourist destination!
image via the village
One of the best facets of art is that it can emerge anywhere. Don’t overlook the unlikely spots like the back door or parking lot. Who wouldn’t want to check out a shop with a back entrance like this one at Seasons in Moscow?
images via soderbergagentur and simply pix
Perhaps you aren’t big on installations inside or outside your shop. How about creating a mini gallery of art? While hanging canvas all over the shop is handsome, I quite like the cluster look so popular lately. The pieces could be static or be for sale and ever-changing. Curate a collection to a certain theme or partner with one maker and have a launch party. Even the smallest collection is sure to have people stopping in to check out the latest grouping of gorgeous.
images via mod men and kate spade
Another way art can become part of your retail life is to jump on the very popular trend of Do-It-Yourself interactive experiences. To celebrate the in-store flag tape installation of artist Rebecca Ward, Kate Spade had a cocktail party with DIY stations so party-goers could adorn notebooks and themselves with the neon tape. Everyone walked away with a custom keepsake and I imagine the fun tape festooning was a great ice-breaker.
images via regional assembly of text , vancouver is awesome and an endless banquet
Similarly popular in this digital age is community-building creative events. Regional Assembly of Text, a stationery shop in Vancouver, has a monthly “Letter Writing Club” with the tagline “we provide paper, envelopes, typewriters, tea, cookies & encouragement”. Who wouldn’t want to attend something with that kind of promise? This type of fun and unique art event is press-worthy, a great way to meet customers and fosters a creative community loyal to your shop.
Okay, let’s talk large scale art installation. Now, this topic might appear outside your budget but there are so many materials and different levels of installation to explore. From an in-house team (a.k.a. you) hanging ropes of marshmallows all over the shop for the holidays to complex pieces by known artists, there is something attainable for every price range. One approach is to spend a bit more money and have your installation be a permanent facet of the shop’s architecture. For example, Ayako Maruta’s stunning light installation at the Diesel Denim Gallery in Aoyama, Tokyo. Another idea is to use the installation as an interactive backdrop for display like Finnish knife shop Martiini. Whether you invest in some pieces from an artist you love and display them proudly, hire a creative to carry out your vision or design your own display, an art installation is always possible. Consider your budget and creative desires when deciding if you want a prefab, custom, permanent or ever changing approach.
image via suppose
I love this installation at Karis by Suppose Design Office. Cardboard tubes become a beautiful work of art that is both relatively inexpensive and environmentally conscious. Art can really come from anything. Time to start saving those wrapping paper rolls!
The products you sell and how you decide to display them can inspire an art installation. This seems to hold particularly true when a shop sells one particular item. The way UrbanEars showcased their colourful headphones on white walls became its own art installation. Similarly, Parisian wax merchant Cire Trudon displays their candles in a handsomely artful way.
images via hip shops and imagine these
If the shop items themselves don”t create an installation, try using a related material or component. I love how Wool and the Gang, a knitwear and knitting kit company, used yarn to create a gorgeous installation of handcrafted balls. Similarly, Botas 66 sneakers at Designblok10 had a vibrant installation of 1800 hanging shoe laces. Both of these pieces show that an art installation can be impactful and engaging regardless of size and without a lot of money needed.
images via confetti system , christopher bettig and kyle jordre
The examples of art installations above are a bit more large scale but plenty inspiring for sheer beauty and detail. The forest of paper and foil whimsy was created for a J. Crew flagship in Tribeca, New York by studio Confetti System. Another J. Crew commission is the 30 foot tall wood installation by artist Christopher Bettig for the Rockefeller location. Both are permanent pieces of gorgeous art. The paint can wall was created for the grand opening of the duce. clothing in Phoenix and is an example of an inexpensive idea executed perfectly.
images via flowers by bornay, seesaw and inhabitat
If you are not ready to jump into the world of retail art or your budget needs to grow a bit more before your dream can be realized, dip your feet into the artistic pool with something small. How about flowers or greens? Partner with a floral designer or try it yourself. Post the weekly floral design to your store’s blog and make it your signature artistic endeavor. You may just become known for the stunning blooms that adorn your shop from modern bowls to fresh hanging garlands. Louis Vuitton is currently in the process of creating a shop exterior using a verdant vertical garden of living greenery in the shapes of the brand’s ionic logo designs. Perhaps this will cue a green trend in retail art installations? In short, you can start small when trying art in your retail space. Perhaps one piece of art on a wall or shelf that changes every season (you can unveil it like the Vogue September issue cover!) Or learn a new skill and apply it to your window design. Art is always evolving and your retail creativity can too.
images via vancouver is awesome and walrus
Whatever your approach to infusing your shop with art, remember to celebrate it and share it on your blog, on twitter or facebook and by having events (Donna wrote a fantastic post about the value of throwing parties for any retail operation). Walrus, one of my favourite Vancouver places, is a shop of carefully curated items on the right and a gallery of ever changing themes on the left. They have constant events and shows that have not only built a creative community but insured their status as an influential city favourite.
From wee details to shop windows to small galleries to large scale installations, there are so many artistic directions to explore. Develop your own creative skills or approach local designers, studios and art schools. On the maker/artist side of things, look for shops you could partner with to showcase your work in a show or installation. Regardless of budget, there is no end to the ways art can make your store even more successful, beautiful and press-worthy. Until next time, I am off to daydream about art installations and cardboard tubes… – Chloé / plenty of colour
Thanks for stopping by. I work with creative small business owners and entrepreneurs to take them to the next level. How can I help you?
Fantastic posting, very inspirational! The possibilities are endless!
This is such an fantastic collection! Thank you for assembling it. Each example is just as inspiring as the one before it.
First, I find a space. Then I open a shop. Then I get to curate a show like these!
(right?)
What a fantastic article. I love installations+exhibits because the are perfectly located between architecture and art – there is obviously the graphic appeal but it engages ordinary spaces and people.
Plus the constraint of the store can actually kickstart the design itself, and many of your examples do that. Great collection, thanks for sharing!
Wow I love this! I love the geometric installation in J Crew. I think its a great strategy for retailers to incorporate art. I think it certainly works for Anthropology the way they change out and layout their store. The right displays and art work can make a shop that much more inviting!
Really great post. I’m inspired to get proactive.
Truly inspiring and very helpful!