Merchandising matters to me. I'm a visual person. I like pretty things, but more-so I like pretty things that are well curated, artfully displayed in a manner that speaks to me subconsciously, seamlessly melding with my life or rather my dream life with the products on display.
You know the life I'm talking about…full of fabulous well weathered rustic yet fashionably chic leather couches, quirky boldly coloured embroidered throw pillows, delicate hand painted tea cups and frilly over-the-top 1950's inspired aprons.
Have you seen my dream life?
You've probably walked right through it.
You've pranced through my living room without removing your shoes and lounged lazily on my couch.
You picked up some plates in my dining room and regarded them with slight disdain looking for cracks in the china.
And you cheekily waltzed through bedroom and touched my retro inspired sexy, come hither lingerie sets. You may have even brazenly sat upon my bed.
Yes it's true that I have far too many clothes at my house, scattered amongst artwork, large tactile collages I'm trying to finish or my many inspiring books that I've discarded nonchalantly after returning from a cup of tea in the garden.
Yes I'm sure you've visited my dream life.
Admit it.
You've been to Anthropologie and you know what I'm talking about.
They had me at "hello our store looks like a catalogue you want to live in".
The first Anthro store I ever discovered was in NYC years ago. I peered through the windows curious to see what was on display in the art gallery. It wasn't until I walked in and made my way around the huge open space that I realized it was in fact a store. A clothing store no less.
Now I am simply ruined for any other ho hum boring mundane shop that displays its merchandise without thought or creativity.
Where is the excitement?
Where is the romance?
Where is the love people?
Stores with inventory piled high on shelves do not coerce me into a dream-like trance of exploration and discovery ensuring I spend hours leisurely making my way through the museum quality space, taking in every detail of inspiration to feed my incessant desire to admire all things beautiful and possibly uncovering a treasure or two to claim as my own.
When was the last time you felt like sitting down inside a Forever 21 store or a H&M store?
Sitting down to take a load off your aching feet doesn't count BTW.
Can you feel the pull of the merchandising arm when you are trying to decide where to shop?
Does the store environment make a difference to you?
Or am I the only one lusting to live in a catalogue?
I’ve never actually been to an Anthropologie store…I have no idea where the closest one around here is. The atmosphere can certainly make a huge difference in the shopping experience…but I admit that I’m more likely to shop wherever is cheapest, atmosphere or none. But I do like to wander the fancier, boutique-style stores.
THAT’S a retail store?? WOW– we have no Anthropologie anywhere near me.
Funny thing–i get antsy in the mall stores or department stores. Put me in a disheveled thrift and I am in heaven.
Go figure!
Um I LOVE Anthro for that reason! It’s like you’re walking through a beautiful, perfect home and you always want every. single. thing. in there!! Gah! I seriously could just live there..
Jessi
http://haircutandgeneralattitude.blogspot.com
Wow. I’ll have to put Anthropologie on the list of places to visit when I come to the states later in the year. Is it bad to spend most of your holiday in shops? Shops tell stories. This one does. Wow again!
No Anthropologie near me. My greatest dream would be to walk into a store that has everything organized by category. For example, all sleeveless tops in one area, all tunics another, all jackets together, etc,etc. I hate it when I am just about to pay for an item at the cash register, and in the back of my mind I am wondering if perhaps there is a better item located somewhere else in the store. I hate that stores organize their inventory by brands.
Well if you ever get a chance to visit one it’s worth it. Just to hang out in for a while and get some inspiration. Every time I leave I feel 100% creatively revitalized.
You would still like these stores because they have a bit of thrift/antique/vintage vibe squeezed between the art and the clothes. Like a thrift store has died and gone to heaven.
Do you think they would mind if we just brought our vintage suitcases along one day, plopped them on the nearest bed and started unpacking? LOL
We could tell them we are part of the new window installation.
Bring along your latest gorgeous photos from that forest photoshoot you did. They’ll believe you’re meant to be on display ; )
Wherever you visit in the States check out the Anthro stores. And don’t do just one because they are all vastly different from each other. There is no template design for their stores. Do a few if you can. They are each a gallery unto themselves. I promise you your mind will be buzzing with ideas and excitement after soaking up all the unusual artsy innovation scattered throughout the store. It’s like a creativity charger.
And no…I didn’t get paid a dime to promote them. I just love their stores and the concept of art seamlessly melding with life.
I totally understand that feeling.
I think in fact I get more of that feeling at Anthropologie.
Their stores aren’t set up with normal shopping in mind. It is meant to be sensory overload. You are meant to slowly uncover each corner and all the secrets within.
It’s not the place for quick decisive shopping. It’s the place for meandering slowly, picking your way through the details.
I can spend literally 2 hours in a store that isn’t that big and still have the feeling that I’ve missed seeing some of the products they have for sale. Honestly though that is the charm of it all. It keeps me coming back.
I love Anthro. I would actually love to be a visual director for one of their stores. It seems like such a fun and inspiring job, right?
xo
Ashley
Southern (California) Belle
I’ve never been in an Anthro store, but it sounds gorgeous! I’ve seen smaller, independent shops like that, and I just love the mix of housewares and clothing that create a whole, well, life. If only it was MY life.