Pamela Danziger- Shopping

I can tell that Danziger is going to be a huge influence on my essay, as she clearly highlights some of the key aspects in the relationship between consumers and shopping.

I found this book really interesting, as it was a really in depth analysis of many sides of the consumerism argument.

KEY QUOTES:

‘What is really important to understand about shopping today is that shoppers focus on the total shopping experience’ Danziger p.xiv (intro)

‘Today the shopper wants more- lots more- when he goes shopping’ p.xv (intro)

‘because now it is more important than products that stimulate shoppers to buy’ Danziger p.xvii (intro)

‘An authentic concept- A shop that pops is more than just a store selling stuff. It is conceptually driven and reflects a visionary’s values’ Danziger p.xx (intro)

‘it is about building a lifelong relationship with the customer that transcends the time spent in the store making the purchase. Johnson explains, “We didn’t think about the experience in the store”’ p.xxi (intro)

‘Shoppers’ need is one of the most misunderstood concepts in marketing today, and it is frequently used interchangeably with shoppers’ desire’ p.15

‘All kinds of consumer goods offer the promise of relaxation and stress relief’ Danziger p.21

‘In retailing, I see the brightest future and greatest opportunity for the small retailers where true innovation, passion, and drive for excellence reside. Their key advantage is flexibility’ p.274

Past Dissertation research

I spent some time in the LCA library looking at past dissertations and understanding how they tackled and condensed large topics into cohesive essays.

I chose a few which discussed similar topics to which I had selected, colour and packaging, and pin pointed the key theories they found and took notes on several ideologies I need to research more into for my own dissertation.

This exercise was really useful to me, as I was feeling quite daunted by the prospect of researching and writing a dissertation, but through looking as some examples, I've realised that I am definitely capable of undertaking this, and I'm really looking forward to developing my skills in this area and learning more about a subject I am passionate about.

Paper City Hull VISIT

Design agency Made Thought created 'The Fabric of Hull' for Hull City of Culture 2017, which I was able to see during a recent visit. 

"The installation is a huge suspended tapestry of Colorplan paper, handwoven in the G . F Smith factory in Hull by its employees, which makes reference to the jobs, community and relationships that the company has created in the city during their 130-year history."

I found this installation really inspiring, as it used all 50 colours from their Colourplan range and 'the worlds favourite colour' Marrs Green, and binds these together through the metaphor of the stories from the companies 137 year history, founded in Hull. 

From standing right next to the piece, I felt there was a huge difference in tone and message through the colours placed next to each other. These ranged from dark, harsh tones to bright and soft, and really made me want to explore more the relationship between different tones and how they build an ethos and impression on different individuals, especially in reference to sustainability.

Lazerian created 'Local Fish' also as part of Paper City for Hull City of Culture 2017. The creative agency's work focused on cod being the symbol of Hull, and how this can be immortalised through the construction of paper. 

However, what struck me was the by-product of the 'fish and chip boxes' for sale, which was the hung up remains from the lazer cut outs. Placed to show the nets, I thought these talked a lot about sustainability and re-using, as well as waste. Over fishing is a huge problem at the moment, and I feel these pieces highlight the behind the scenes waste often produced, whilst offering a slight remedy through selling them as art.