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What Is The Best Wall Color For A Retail Gift Shop
Posted By: careybrown* on 7/6/2005 2:47 PM (CST) 250 Points
I own a small shop in the Texas Hill Country. It is one of 15 shops on the River. This area is very artistic and hosts a variety of merchants and artists. We opened two years ago. There is little cooperation among the merchants to work together on a major marketing effort. Therefore, I am on my own. My building site is in a good location. The interior is very rustic. We started out with a variety of gift items and home decor crafted by professionals. Now, we are making our own line of natural edge tables. In addition, we sublease to a wood sculptor that is very well known and has an established high end clientele. We are desparate for marketing ideas, including interior wall color that will stimulate buyers and enhance our appearance. We tried to integrate a "fun" rustic environment, but this has been unsuccessful in attracting "spending" customers. Is this something you can help me with?

Posted by: Papadoc (Steve)* Accepted Answer
7/6/2005 3:23 PM (CST)
Sometimes there is a very nice cross-blending effect of working with rustic and delicate textures and colors. The effect can be an understated elegance and people can find something in the room to identify with. Sometimes the amazing contrast will simultaneously emphasize the attributes of both.

This might sound a bit strange, but with the above in mind, consider the value of a very light pink to offset the rustic side and give it a bit of passion and femininity. Pink also happens to be an incredibly soothing color and one that makes the mind at ease, relaxed, and open to humor. Maybe just the right thing for a card store.
 
Posted by: ccoldren Accepted Answer
7/6/2005 4:21 PM (CST)
I live in Texas and I can envision your type of store! Steve’s idea of more delicate colors is good. Let me ask a few questions:

How high is the ceiling? How big is your store – do you have “sections” or “rooms in which you can play with color? When you say rustic, how rustic? Is it log cabin rustic or upscale contemporary rustic? Do your items lean toward an Indian influence (terra cotta and turquoise colors)?

I’ll press on anyway. You mentioned high-end and spending customers, so here are some color palettes that might work and be different:

So much rustic décor relies on earth tones. Instead of dark browns, burgundies, and forest greens, taupes and other neutrals can really add elegance to the rustic atmosphere. Add a dusky aqua or an icy lavender-blue (tone-on-tone would be very chic -- a darker and pale version!). These colors would enhance the wood tones and be a bit upscale yet relaxing. Depending on how dark the interior is and how many walls and partitions you have to play with, you can experiment. Paint is relatively cheap.

I would also suggest browsing through some décor books and magazines, too – I found this site (http://www.beansboats.com/books.htm) that features books that are close to your genre that might give you some ideas.

You didn’t mention what you’re doing currently for outbound marketing, but you said you’re looking for marketing ideas. What is the draw in your town? Are there events, artist conferences, or other calendar draws? Is the Chamber active? Tell us more.
 
Posted by: AndrewS Accepted Answer
7/7/2005 6:43 AM (CST)
There are a number of sensory branding options you can look at, colour is obviously one of them, but also take some time to look at sound and smell too!
 
Posted by: AndrewS Member Response
7/8/2005 4:35 AM (CST)
Just thought it was best to have a look at colours and moods:

RED: heat, passion, danger, urgency, optimism
ORANGE: playful, joyful, warm, vibrant, reassuring
GREEN: nature, health, growth, balance, peaceful
BLUE: truth, dignity, power, trust
YELLOW: warmth, sunshine, cheer, energy, happiness
TURQUOISE: invigorating, cooling, calming
PURPLE: wealth, royalty, sophistication, intellectual, spirituality
BROWN: safe, stable, practical
 
Posted by: Sai* Accepted Answer
7/10/2005 12:42 AM (CST)
The basic idea here would be to differentiate yourself- you said there are about 15 shops... how do they look like? There should be something in your shop whuch customers do not get to experience in the others. Although it is a gift and card shop ( and hence the suggestion of pink from an esteemed co-member), go in for the straight lines look... use plenty of glass and concealed lighting with white walls... have a wall panel with zebra patterns for a bit of a contrast...it will look stylish and can accentuate your display of gifts. Moreover, it will be a fresh approach in an area that is already cloyed with 'artistic' shops!!!
 
Posted by: Mushfique Manzoor Accepted Answer
7/20/2005 7:46 AM (CST)
hi careybrown

there is no best wall color, in factthe best color depends on the interior decor of the shop. it would have been best if we could see the pics of your shop interior.

anyway, i was just thinking, if you could color the walls on the color of the river located nearby, as you mentioned. the color could be light aqua or algie-blue. you could also use light orange to complement the rustic looks and also to denote the sunlight, warmth,vibrant.

hope that helps.

cheers!!
 
Posted by: cread Accepted Answer
7/21/2005 12:06 PM (CST)
You may want to consider wall coverings instead of just color.

This is Texas! Steer hides can come any color you want and or interesting patterns. Leather and wood always work well together.

Some antique wood working (or replicas) tools along with area appropriate agricultural tools hung in an interesting display.

Blown up photos of antique wood objects (Furniture, Tools, Buildings, Famous Carvings). Black and white as opposed to color will increase the feeling of age.

A pictorial Tutorial of the wood carving, or the tables manufacturing, or your other artists producing their product. Information along with decore. Peolple will buy things they understand and can take ownership in their production over the unknown.

If your clientele is mainly out of State they will want a BIG "Texas" experience. Take advantage of that.

If they are mostly Texans teach them things they don't know about Texas and they will love you.

Good Luck!
 
Posted by: carrie77 Moderator Response
7/26/2005 8:12 AM (CST)
Hello all. I am closing this question since it's more than 2 weeks old. We do this to reward the contributions of participants in a timely manner + to give increased visibility to the newer questions.

Thanks for participating!
Carrie (Production Editor)
 


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