Double Vision

I have probably posted these notes about daytime storefronts in the wrong order.  This post  really should have been first because the images provide a visual definition of the main problem a designer faces when dealing with storefront display options at a time of day...

Bright is Basic

Speaking of the perfect daytime storefront, this photo, actually taken with a smart phone by one of my clients, could not be more instructive.  Daytime storefronts almost always have a double image and often a triple or more.  Here there is a perfect picture of the...

Maximize Inherent Marketing Potential

While on the subject of sunglasses, maybe a look at the ubiquitous revolving floor display’s is in order. Let’s face it. If you are a drug store, convenience store, variety store, gift and card shop, hardware store, news stand, travel shop, grocery or any...

Reaching the walk and drive by market.

Independent opticians and eyewear retailers often miss a marketing opportunity because they don’t know how to make a visual impact with their storefront.  Glasses like jewelry and accessories fall into the small product category, i.e., anything smaller than a...

Think “LA Ink”

After you get over the initial shock and take a close look, you soon realize that these European locations are not a lot different from a typical “Old Town” street-scape.  Three story facades with shops opening onto sidewalks form interesting urban...

The area of a sign in Alexandria, VA

Whether you are a new business or retailer or just looking to give your place a face lift, this post will help you figure out how Zoning and Planning in the City of Alexandria calculates the area of a sign.  Here is a link to the code.  Also this is not the same as...