• Grand Rapids, MI • A.K. Rikk’s is a contemporary fashion boutique that specializes in men’s and women’s wardrobe and home furniture and accessories
Theme: Christmas Trees, Santa, Santa’s Sleigh, Santa’s Reindeer, Green & Red, Silver & Gold, Glitter, Luxury
Artwork: Christmas Trees and Plaid
Props: Reindeer, Christmas trees
Logo & Tag Line
Other ideas I had, before I reached my final design.
I took A.K. Rikk’s original logo and changed the coloring of it to resemble the holidays. I did this by adding a plaid background and inserting small cutout Christmas trees, two in the graphic and one in the lettering where the “I” would be. I kept my changes subtle so their branding was still recognizable. I thought he tag line “Dear Santa I Can Explain…” was clever and fitting for this type of store. It can mean something different for each customer. With the store being a high end retailer, people are bound to spend lots of money, so saying “I can explain…” is a cute way of making and excuses for spending a little extra this season. Shop now, explain later!
Souvenirs / POP Items A.K. Rikk’s has a full liquor bar at the front of it’s store. Guests are greeted and offered a cocktail while they shop. I thought a great souvenir for this retailer to give away with purchase would be a Bloody Mary Mix. It could be a house recipe, or a partnership with a company like McClure’s mixers. This souvenir is a great treat for customers to enjoy, or to even regift for someone on their list. It will make them remember their shopping experience, while enjoying a refreshing cocktail. The tag line, “Dear Santa, I can Explain…” works great with this product because it is implying that it is a guilty little pleasure.
Souvenirs / POP Items The second item I designed is a candle. Who doesn’t love a candle? The scent will be chosen by the store and will be burned throughout the holiday season as A.K. Rikk’s signature scent. The candle will be available for purchase, or will be given away with a certain dollar amount spent. The candle is simple white with a pop of color in the AK graphic.
The bust form I created for the Jewelry/ Accessories department is more festive than your average bust form. I wanted to incorporate my theme, so I choose to design a large, gold painted porcelain reindeer form. It will stand about 1.5 feet tall and its antlers will span almost 2 feet. Its antlers will be dipped in glitter to add a shimmery affect, and added detail. Jewelry can hang from its antlers, around its neck, and from its ears. Miniature versions of this display will be available for sale.
Because A.K. Rikk’s is a large store, that can afford to use large fixtures without compromising any of their needed selling space. I designed a large (about 8 feet long) sleigh-like fixture, that was inspired by vintage sleighs (found on my Pinterest page). The outside of the sleigh will be black, and the inside will be a metallic silver. There will be two glass shelves that hold the store’s greatest holiday gifts, to make gift shopping easier. Underneath the two shelves, and in the belly of the sleigh will be a series of thick fur blankets. These are easily seen and easy to touch. They take up a lot of room and do not need to be displayed at eye level like some of the other items. They will also make a great holiday gift. On the top shelf I add a few holiday accessories to “jazz” up the display and to tie in the theme. Small decorated artificial trees and garland will be placed. The miniature reindeer jewelry holders will also be found on this display.
The inspiration and explanation of my window can be found on my Pinterest page http://www.pinterest.com/xomorgz333ox/holiday-themed-window/.