Dear Readers,

Have you ever noticed the camaraderie among NBA players on the basketball court? In the spirit of competition, players applaud their teammates; it doesn't matter whether they are watching a winning basket or a missed free throw. The effort expended is worthy of support and recognition.

We believe this example parallels our work over the past 2 years now. Your support and contribution of our efforts, is appreciated and extends beyond mere reinforcement. Medals and plaques are unimportant to us. Thank you for supporting our initiative. Hope you are enjoying the ThinkTank updates; we look forward for your more suggestions and contributions.

Also, this month most of the Visual Merchandisers and retailers will be seen at the In-Store Asia 2009 held at Bangaluru from 16-18 July 2009. Most importantly the exclusive workshop on Visual Merchandising conducted by Jose Maria Bustos - President / Creative Director - Visual Merchandising Asia Pvt. Ltd., is a must for every visual merchandiser, retail designer, store planners, and retailers. This workshop will cover the understanding of important trends and fashions that drive grocery retailing; Identifying different types of grocery and food stores; Common layouts and fixtures; Describing key locations for product displays; Utilizing techniques to create mass displays and focal areas & Locating resources for creative inspiration. Date: Saturday 18th July'09 Time: 10:30 am to 1:30 am.

So, hoping to see most of you there!
Happy reading!

Team THINKtank

Apple has debuted new window displays for its new iPod Hi-Fi and Intel processor computers. The above window will have police patrol officers doing a double-take for weeks, because it simulates a broken window in front of a iPod Hi-Fi sound component. Great idea, and for sure an attention grabber.

Mastering Layout On The Art Of Eye Appeal
ISBN #: 9780911380682
by Mike Stevens

This best-selling book covers the fundamental principles of layout for signs. Ask any "old timer" in the sign industry and they will tell you to get Mike Stephens' Mastering Layout. It teaches how to see, organize and manipulate graphic elements for unified, legible and visually appealing results. Over 80 illustrations demonstrate "before-and-after" results of applying the principles. Includes a troubleshooting checklist for isolating, analyzing and correcting layout weaknesses in your own designs. This book has literally taught thousands the principles and practices for excellence in sign design;
Soft-cover: 10.5 x 8, 127 pages; PRICE: $29.95

Source: http://bookstore.stmediagroup.com

1 . Consider intensity, value and contrast when developing color schemes.
a . Be careful when using strong contrast and loud colors.
b . The more intense the color, the smaller the area it should cover
c. The more intense the color, the softer the second color should be. Do not combine two or more strong colors without changing the value or intensity.
d . Do not paint large areas in strong colors.

2 . Match the color scheme to the merchandise on display.
a . Use a neutral color, or one of the main colors of the merchandise for the floor, walls and background.
b . Use soft tints rather than saturated hues.

3 . Associate the value of the merchandise displayed to the selection of colors in the display.
a . Lower-priced merchandise is generally displayed in a color scheme of vivid hue.
b . Use a more refined color scheme with the more exclusive merchandise. Color schemes seen in current fashion are acceptable.
c . Do not mix high-priced and low-priced merchandise in a display. Items should be grouped by price and design.

4 . Light tints are pleasing to the eye. Light tints seem to deepen the window space, increasing the window size.

5 . Dark shades appear to bring the background to the fore, shortening the perceived window space.

6 . Color contrasts are welcome, but dangerous.
a . Watch for color clashes.
b . Be careful about confining strong contrasts to smal accessories.
c . Bold combinations can be very effective if done in good taste.

7 . More than two principal colors can be grouped proportionately in one display. Greater effort must be made, however, to achieve harmony. Pastels go well together.

Certain color combinations work because they have been traditionally accepted. New color combinations have to be carefully thought out to avoid shock or offense hrough an inappropriate use of a familiar color. One way to learn about color is to observe some of the newer stores and see what color combinations have been used in the different departments.

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