Author: Shanin McKavish
First Authored: February 21, 2012
Last Revised: June 13, 2018
Students will already know the characteristics of effective exterior retail displays. In teams, students will construct a window display as a culminating project after learning about visual merchandising.
Hooks / Set
Have the Word of the Day displayed while students are entering the room. Today's word is "Displays." Explain that specific retail stores use displays both in store and in the window to showcase merchandise.
After students have settled and are done writing, the word show the "Breakfast at Tiffany's" video clip.
Discussion:
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Guided Practice
Break students into 6 groups. Provide each group with a copy of the Window Display Brainstorm Sheet. There are 6 different sheets, make sure each group receives a different one. Tell each group to brainstorm about their assigned item/product. They need to think of as many different ways a customer might use the product and themes that could be used to create a window display with the item. Encourage students to think beyond the obvious and be creative. Tell the students they have 10 minutes to complete the brainstorm. They will need a recorder and a spokesperson for their group.
After 10 minutes ask each group to share the ideas they came up with for their assigned product. You will find that students usually come up with uses and themes that are extremely creative.
Explain to the class that there are many ways to create a window display and highlight a given product. Some stores are more literal in their display others are more abstract. Ask them to tell you the types of store who have window displays (department, specialty and boutiques).
Teacher note -- This lesson is the culminating activity after the class has discussed all of the details about visual merchandising such as store layout, types of fixtures and displays. Students have also been educated on the types of retail stores and what differentiates each type.
The brainstorm topics are intentionally vague. Give students the opportunity to decided the details of the item -- the the hat a baseball cap or a ski cap, is the chair a or chaise lounge, etc. You will get more thoughtful results without providing them with too many specifics.
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Lecture
Show the class the video about the History of Window Displays. Discuss how windows have changed over the years into more elaborate displays. Talk to students about the significance of window displays, both to the retailer and the customer. This information should be review from all of the material covered through visual merchandising. This is a good opportunity to check for understanding on the topic of window displays.
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Group Work
Hand out the directions for the creating the Window Display Project. Explain the project in detail, telling students they can have up to 4 people in their group. Show the PowerPoint with examples. You can also show the video showing the behind the scenes of making a Louis Vuitton display. Explain to students they need to be creative and resourceful. Do not allow prom or lingerie displays but be open to anything fashion related, i.e., accessories, handbags, cosmetics, footwear, etc.
Tell the students they have part of two class periods. The first day is planning and prepping. The second day is assembly of the display and presentations. Provide about an hour the second day for finishing the display then start presentations.
The presentations should be about 2-3 minutes per group. Have each group member participate in the presentation while showing their display to the class. After the presentations have each group member grade their other group members on their participation.
Teacher note - you will need to provide boxes, copy paper boxes and lids. Students will need colored paper and possibly paint. Tell them what supplies you have available for them in the classroom. They have the first day of the project to plan and prep. If they need something for their display that is not available in class they need to bring it with them to following class period. On the second day give them about an hour to finish then have the groups present.
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Assessment Types: Rubrics, Projects
To assess students, observe them as they are creating their display. Walk around and ask students why they chose each element – theme, slogan, merchandise, type of display, etc. During the presentations you will get a brief overview of their project. Make note how thorough each presentation is and if they included all of the required elements. After students turn in their project grade their completion of the assignment using the rubric.
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