Archive for November, 2008

Coconut Grove is best known for its quietly breathtaking natural beauty as well as being one of Miami’s cultural hubs hosting an array of unique stores art galleries and fine dining. Wander the brick sidewalks among some 100 shops and boutiques ranging from national brands to eccentric little boutiques, perfect for seasonal holiday shopping that you won’t find anywhere else. Be surprised around every corner, this  shopping experience will be pure entertainment due to the area’s eccentric residents and exciting visual window displays. Take a tour along the Main Highway and Commodore Plaza to find such dining gems as Ludo’s Italian Restaurant, while Grand Avenue, Main Highway and McFarlane Road play host to an array of fashion houses such as American Apparel and G by Guess.

Mpdclick has chosen fashion boutique Ana G as our retail feature within Miami’s Coconut Grove.In April 2007 the successful fashion designer Ana Guiulfo opened her first U.S store, located in the heart of the famous shopping corridor of Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida, sitting between local café’s, restaurants and Miami’s curious visitors. 

The shop front window display entices customers to enter through the magical, one-of-a-kind dresses displayed, awakening inspiration. Sky blue walls, circus inspired decoration and Victorian furniture create character and warmth, strengthening the brands identity. Ana G’s style; rock and roll soul juxtaposed with contemporary ballet dancer. The collection is summarized by custom made silk and taffeta occasion dresses, hand painted in watercolour splashes of ice-cream shades.

 Ana G., 3423 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Tel: 305 441 2998

www.Anaguiulfo.com

Image source: flickr – amonserrat

As the global credit crunch continues to dominate the press and make a considerable affect on the retail market, consumers begin to make far more considered purchases and expect more from their overall shopping experience. With the average middleclass customer now choosing to do the majority of their spending online in an attempt to find a bargain, and cut down on travel costs, retailers are forced to work harder to bring customers in-store. Mpdclick looks to concept store Dover Street Market and asks if the shabby chic art gallery ethos embraced there is a theory fashion retailers should follow in order to bring customers back to the high street?

Dover Street Market opened in London UK’s exclusive Mayfair area in September 2004. When creating the new store founder Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo had the intention of generating a feeling of chaos and character similar to that of the old Kensington Market. She wanted her customers to enjoy the energy of the store and treat it as a creative and inspirational place, without sole emphasis on buying and were allowed the luxury of time to look and enjoy in a similar vain to an art gallery. Dover Street Market of course carries the creator’s signature ‘Comme Des Garcons’ label but also invites desirable and cutting edge designers to be ‘stall holders’ for a season encouraging them to produce one off ranges and design a ‘creative space’ at DSM to showcase them, ensuring that when a customer does decide to buy they have the same satisfaction as finding a rare gem at a vintage market.

Mpdclick believes that retailers need to redefine their brand’s ranges and shopping spaces in order to appeal to the new mood of consumers, who now more than ever need to justify their spending. Take inspiration from ‘Dover Street Market’ and consider offering a complete shopping experience that allows the consumer to feel they have spent wisely and paid not only for a product but found a special prized possession and possibly a new creative perspective. Look out for Mpdclick’s in depth report of redefining retail within our up and coming culture reports.