The best of january

Because I haven’t published that much this month I will therefore give you a wrap-up of the most interesting things I already twittered with some explanation why I consider it interesting.

1. Sleep above the store at Maison Rika in Amsterdam

A guest room above a store? What is more engaging than being so close to the  store the brand and its story.

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2.  Small businesses can sell their product at Target

3. The first  ‘Start up store’ opened its doors in New York

Individualism and an uncertain employment market infuses the rise of a new mercantile class. Retail concepts that offer more niche products/services and takes the (new) small entrepreneurs serious will be winners.

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4. Top shop bus service to promote new store

If viral marketing is the word, than this ‘billboard’ bus that drives you to the new shop location is a winner.

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5. Radio Shack recognize it roots and starts a community site

Acknowledge your heritage by giving your first fans a platform to meet and share knowledge is a wise marketing move for every brand. When this platform is all about creating, it’s spot on the current trends.

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6. Swap vending machine

Now the environment and the crisis are dictating the way we think about consumption. New (commercial) initiatives around swapping are more relevant than ever.

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7. JC Penny’s groundbreaking (price) strategy

In a time that service seems to be a must and price is leading. Thinking different about pricing your product can be  a great way to keep the lead.

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Tags: brand, business, design, design strategy, e tail, e-commerce, entrepreneur, jc penny, marketing, merken, retail, retail branding, retail trends, technology, top shop, trends, vending machine, winkelontwerp