In today’s downtrodden economy, it’s more important than ever for stores to sell, sell, sell. I try to do my part to help out. I shop when I can. But I feel the need to do more. So, I want to offer some advice to all the clothing stores out there. Something for you all to keep in mind not only as we collectively face a recession, but for future reference too.
But no one likes just flat-out advice, right? So let’s begin with a recent anecdote. It starts last night. Actually, it starts Monday night. When My Guy told me I had plans for Saturday and that I should dress up a bit. We aren’t talking cocktail dress or anything, but something to match his own dressier outfit. But he would say nothing more.
Clearly he has something up his sleeve. I figure the most a girl can do in this situation is buy a new dress for the mystery occasion. And really, I’ll take any excuse to hit up some of my favorite stores. And no, I won’t post a pic of my dress. It’s a surprise, really all I have to counter his. I think he takes the cake on surprises in this scenario though.
Anyway, yesterday after work, I hit Michigan Avenue. There is something to be said for working a block east and just a touch south of a famous shopping district. I tried on dresses, and cute as they may be I noticed something I’ve always noticed while shopping. Garish, fluorescent lighting washing me out and giving me greenish undertones, highlighting the general pastiness of my nearly translucent skin and making my eyes look like I hadn’t slept in a good month or so.
And so we come to the advice section of this post. It applies to all stores as I have yet to encounter one that has picked up on it. Here it is: soft lighting is our friend. Seriously, put me in some flattering light while I try on your merchandise and I’ll stick around a while and end up saying “Damn, I look good, I must buy this…and this…and this,” instead of “Augh! I’m a hot mess, must flee the store immediately!”
Seriously, what I wouldn’t give for somebody to just get that!
I agree. The bad lighting just makes me feel awful and I buy nothing!
Bad lighting should be reserved for the banks who received the bailout…I mean, really! I totally agree with you…when are stores going to get a clue?!
Wow this is a great post topic. I was talking to a friend about a similar topic. That’s so crazy!
I have thought that for years! Such a backwards strategy, given their ultimate goal: the cash register ringing.
On the flip side, I just returned from a trip to San Antonio, which reminded me how flattering the light in an airplane bathroom is. For no good reason. (You’d think they want us in and out quickly, no mirror gazing.)
Agreed! I should be thinking that I am hot and sexy and have perfect skin…not that I need to race out of the store and head to the gym and tan.
Just passing by.Btw, your website have great content!
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Making Money $150 An Hour
DUDE. you are so RIGHT ON about the lighting. i say that all the time!!!
I never really went shopping even when the economy was good. I feel like the economy falling apart is all my fault.
Agreed! I hate hate hate hate store lighting! Hope they heed your advice!
I heard that some stores kept mirrors that were slightly curved to make you look taller and slimmer in the dressing rooms. Maybe they’re better off investing in more flattering lighting.
I wholeheartedly agree on this one. I look much better in my mirror at home than I ever do in store dressing rooms, which seems to find every blemish, stretch mark, and bit of flab on my torso.
Wilco? I love this song.
That would be cool to work so close to such a famous shopping district. I work in an area known for industrial businesses so not much clothing shopping to be had. If you want carpet or countertops, I can point you in the right direction.
So what was the surprise?