Testing the "Six Pixel" Theory in Retail Store Fixtures

For almost 40 years now, OMG I am getting old, I have been a marketing director in health care, broadcasting and now manufacturing retail store fixtures. I don't remember in all those years feeling to the degree that I do that marketing is such an up hill battle. Perhaps it is my age; perhaps it is the economy or a combination of both. Can't really say.

However, when I read Mitch Joel's Six Pixels of Separation, I was hopeful and skeptical all in one breath. Hopeful that if our company dared to 'enter the social media conversation', we might stand a chance to ride this wave of economic uncertainty. Sceptical after all these years that this concept would work for a small company in Lexington, Kentucky competing for an ever-decreasing piece of the pie.

Corman and Associates is a small custom store fixture manufacturing company. Since 1947 we have been competing very well nationally for what now seems a shrinking target audience of consumers for retail store fixtures.

We're in the same position many other small businesses find themselves right now--fighting for our lives. The business is out there for B2B. But, reaching them seems overwhelming at times when we have had to squeeze the last ounce of blood from our budget. Then, with the 6 pixel theory a ray of hope. We can blog. We can greet on facebook. We can tweet and feed. We can linkin. And, maybe, just maybe, we can reach our target specialty market of specialty gift shops, museum shops, amusement parks, national parks retail, and other retail settings around the country on the internet.

I am trusting that the subtitle of Joel's book is true: "Everyone is connected. Connect Your Business to Everyone." Even though those 6 little pixels feel a million miles apart. Even though I am expending every ounce of energy to get the phone to ring at our corporate headquarters. We are joining the social media mix to reach out to establish a voice with our audience. We want to connect with other small business owners. We want to talk to other marketing directors and CEOs who feel overwhelmed, even hopeless, right now.

Most importantly, we want to reach retailers and visual merchandisers who want good value for their fixture budget dollars in reaching shoppers in a difficult economy.

And, Mitch Joel, we respectfully want to see just how long it will take to connect with YOU! LOL.

Affordable Fixtures Equal Recession-Busting Strategy

Retailers concerned about changing the environment of their stores to attract shoppers should consider the exclusive offering of the K-Line designed and engineered by Corman and Associates.

This new line is: easy on the budget, easy to ship, and easy to assemble. What could be easier? You can refresh and refit a retail setting without sacrificing style and durability using this new concept in fixturing. They are more affordable because they ship flat. More affordable because they have a custom fixture look at a standard, in stock price. And, more affordable because they easily assemble without hardware, saving on installation costs.

Other cost effective advantages of updating your retail space on an "economy-friendly" budget include:

• Increased merchandise ROI.
• Multiple standard melamine finishes including maple, grey, black and white or two-tone combinations.
• Paint finishes for easy adaptation to new products or locations.
• Modular flexibility.
• Sturdy, durable construction.
• Adaptable for POP, slots, accessories etc.

To view the full K-Line by product item visit www.cormanmarketplace.com and click Custom Manufacturing/K-Line.

Copyright 2010/All engineering and production property of Corman and Associates Inc.

Cormans To Build Yellowstone Store

The gift shop at the Yosemite National
Park in California is just one
of many retail settings built
by Corman and Associates. 
A similar type project is planned
for Yellowstone National Park.




As Kentucky residents travel the U.S. this summer, what they may not know is that a local company has outfitted the retail shops for most of the amusement parks throughout the country.  Weary travelers who make a stop for pizza at Chuck-E-Cheese might not know that Corman's has designed and manufactured the stage for the franchisee all over the US. Shopping from a store at Disney World?  Chances are one of the themed fixtures was created right her in Central Kentucky.

Corman and Associates, the Lexington-based company nationally known for its expertise in developing retail environments for many high profile companies around the country, has just signed on to build the new retail store at the iconic Old Faithful Visitors Center in Yellowstone National Park.  The new store is being built for the non-profit Yellowstone Association that operates many of the retail shops throughout Yellowstone National Park.  Corman is working with Black River Architects, Cambridge, MA to bring their unique design to fulfillment.  Corman's has previously built stores at Yosemite National Park in California and Canyonlands in Moab, Utah, as well as multiple retail venues for all types of other cultural facilities nationwide.

So, whether you may be a Kentucky resident or not, somewhere during this year's summer travels, you are likely to encounter a retail space fabricated here in Lexington.