store
For FMD 566 Advanced Visual Merchandising
store
October 2023
As part of my FMD 566 Advanced Visual Merchandising course at Central Michigan University, I was tasked with conceptualizing and designing a retail store for a brand of my choice. This project required in-depth brand research to ensure the store’s aesthetic and functionality aligned with its identity and target market. I began by developing a mood board to establish the overall atmosphere and visual storytelling of the space. From there, I designed window displays, wall displays, floor plans, and product display techniques. Additionally, I selected a point of purchase that aligned with the brand’s customer experience, ensuring a cohesive and immersive shopping environment. This project allowed me to apply visual merchandising principles in a hands-on setting, reinforcing my ability to merge creativity with strategic retail planning.
MOOD &
CONCEPT
BOARD
Created using Adobe Photoshop
For my mood board, I curated a vibrant yet refined color palette inspired by Ralph Lauren’s signature aesthetic, incorporating shades of pink, blue, green, cream, yellow, and orange. These hues reflect the warmth and freshness of spring while staying true to the brand’s timeless elegance. I integrated a variety of images showcasing Ralph Lauren models, sunlit bodies of water, and sophisticated architecture. By combining these elements, I aimed to capture the essence of the brand’s connection to nature while balancing structure and luxury. The mood board served as the foundation for my store concept, guiding the overall ambiance and ensuring that every design choice aligned with Ralph Lauren’s classic yet evolving identity.
FLOOR
Created using Adobe Illustrator
PLANS
The layout was designed to enhance customer experience and brand identity, incorporating key elements that align with Ralph Lauren’s aesthetic. To immerse shoppers in the brand’s world, I included TVs displaying the latest campaigns and runway shows, reinforcing Ralph Lauren’s storytelling. While lounge areas with chairs and sofas were placed to create a welcoming and luxurious atmosphere. The cashier and cash wrap area were positioned for efficiency, while the fitting rooms can be found at eyes view of the cashier, ensuring safety and customer convenience. The floor plans reflect both functionality and the timeless sophistication synonymous with the Ralph Lauren brand.
ture, and soft ambient lighting further enhance the warm, nature-inspired elegance of the scene, making the display inviting while staying true to Ralph Lauren’s aesthetic.
The second image features a wall display within the store, designed to create a structured yet inviting shopping experience. The layout is carefully curated, with garments arranged by color and silhouette, including soft pastels and bold, seasonal hues that reflect a fresh spring palette. Elegant shelving showcases accessories and decorative elements, while framed images of Ralph Lauren runway moments reinforce the brand’s timeless legacy. The space is anchored by two lush green lounge chairs, a sculptural mid-century modern table, and a geometric area rug, creating a comfortable and upscale ambiance. The lighting, furniture, and display techniques work harmoniously to balance sophistication with a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that the store remains both aspirational and approachable.
The first image showcases the stores window display. The backdrop features a rustic, European-style courtyard setting, reinforcing an organic and timeless atmosphere. Two mannequins stand elegantly, dressed in sophisticated spring ensembles—one in a striking red off-the-shoulder dress with a ruffled hem, and the other in a flowing ivory satin gown with an asymmetric neckline. A carefully curated display table in the center presents luxury accessories, including handbags, sunglasses, and perfumes, emphasizing the brand’s atten-
tion to detail and craftsmanship. Elements such as a woven rug, wooden furni-
WINDOW
&
WALL
DIRECTIVES
Created using Adobe Photoshop
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PRODUCT DISPLAY
TECHNIQUE:
FOLDING
Created using Adobe Photoshop
After researching Ralph Lauren’s merchandising approach, I found that they frequently use folded garment displays on tables, often dedicating the entire surface to neatly stacked apparel. Wanting to stay true to their established techniques while introducing a fresh perspective, I incorporated both classic and modern elements into my display.
In addition to folded garments, I integrated home décor pieces from Ralph Lauren’s home collection, adding depth and variety to the presentation. To further elevate the display, I incorporated under-table lighting to subtly highlight the shoes, ensuring a visually engaging and well-balanced setup.
POINT-OF-PURCHASE
FEATURING:
Created using Adobe Photoshop
FRAGRANCES
My Point of Purchase (POP) display highlights their Ralph Lauren Luxury Collection Parfum, some fragrance I personally found fitting for the store’s atmosphere. I wanted to create a sensory experience by subtly infusing the space with this scent, enhancing the shopping environment without overwhelming customers. By dedicating a POP display solely to this fragrance, I aimed to make it more accessible and enticing for consumers. Placing it near the checkout area encourages impulse purchases, while an extra POP display on the other side of the wall display allows for foot traffic to shift throughout the store.