Visual presentation of merchandise has expanded beyond traditional forms in stores and windows and into new establishments. This collection features the best of those presentations, including apparel, accessories and specialty items;the latest Christmas windows in New York and beyond; restaurateurs who retail,and more. A special section on branding, signage and graphics emphasizes the importance of image and identity in today's visual merchandising.

APPAREL

ACCESSORIES

SPECIALTY RETAIL

SEASONAL

DISPLAYS/FIXTURES

RESTAURANTS

BRANDING/SIG NAGE/GRAPHICS

INDEX OF DESIGN FIRMS

INDEX OF MERCHANTS

Displaying clothes has never been more exciting and challenging.With an increasingly diverse range of fixtures and forms, apparel retailers have discovered presentations that work well for one clothier may not transfer so successfully to another. For instance, while simplicity and elegance seems to be the right retail potion for Chloe,Blades Board & Skate targets Gen Y consumers with an attitude-driven merchandising concept that even boasts a half-ramp for testdriving the wares.

But for all successful apparel retailers, effective display relies on a combination of elements: lighting, mannequins/forms, clear and interesting signage, interactive and modular fixtures, and a complementary materials palette from the floor up. All these parts must fit together to produce a visually pleasing design that will translate to constant and repeat customer traffic.

Here, we show a diverse range of in-store apparel presentations. At Carter"s, for instance, an "imagination" theme is conveyed through colorful, kid-friendly wall graphics and fixtures. Additionally, the store"s "imagination machine" fixture gives parents access to educational materials, while below, children put their own imaginations to work --or play. Timberland"s new vendor concept takes cues from the brand, incorporating the shoemaker"s trademark orange leather into signage. The company"s "green lean" is also evident in its environmentally friendly materials palette and earthy fixture system.