Jul 9, 2007

Visual merchandisingBy Chris BlackInsideRetailing.com

How do winning retailers go about maximising the visual impact of their stores? Inside Retailing Magazine has checked out two finalists in the Best Overall Use of Visual Merchandising category at The Gift Awards 2007, held recently in Sydney.

They are Melbourne newsagency The Source (last year’s winner) and another Melbourne outfit, Classy Paperie. Both businesses have approached their visual merchandising with forethought and flair.

The Source is located on the site of one of central Melbourne’s oldest newsagents – but there is nothing traditional about this newcomer.

Founders Matthew Harris and Scott Druce say their venture, launched in 2005, is unlike any other newsagent. “We offer an unrivalled product range that is well considered and well sourced,” they submitted. “It is painstakingly hand-selected to suit the particular taste and discriminating needs of our clients.” Apart from newspapers and magazines, The Source offers “lifestyle essentials” including gourmet food, fine chocolates, fresh flowers, homewares and much more.

“The store is located within a heritage-listed building and we have outfitted the interior in order to draw on the architecture of the exterior,” says the partners. “The interior is a combination of original fittings with contemporary flair. The lighting is bright, warm and inviting.

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