Well this is my first blog and I thought what better time to start than when we have just secured an order to promote the new GORE-TEX Active-Shell Clothing Range. It has been an extremely interesting project for Impulse. We were asked to create a shop floor display which would demonstrate what GORE-TEX stand for as a company - the highest quality and revolutionary ideas. We submitted several designs, along with a number of competitors. GORE-TEX chose Impulse as their preferred supplier. We were told that out of the four companies that submitted designs, we understood GORE-TEX and achieved the task of relaying their message through our design most effectively.
It has been a long and exciting journey, and Impulse are proud to be working with GORE-TEX on this new campaign. This is an “all – encompassing” project which lead us from a competitive visualization pitch to development and prototyping. This project also incorporates a variety of materials from Timber, Metal, Print and Acrylic, to LED Lighting, a Full Sized Mannequin, an Interactive Screen and even Gravel!!
We’ve developed the prototype, the order for further units has been confirmed and we will be starting the installation into high-status stores in September. Impulse have been chosen by GORE-TEX to carry out all aspects of this project, from design to manufacture, following on with installation and ongoing maintenance. I would call this a great achievement for Impulse, and as the Account Handler, am excited to be working with GORE-TEX further.
Images to follow, subject to client approval.

its been a while, I’m glad to say we’ve been unexpectedly busy, and the prospects for 2010 are much improved!

Impulse are busier than ever developing in two completely different areas: on the one hand, we are creating a breath of fresh air in the one of the UK’s largest Niche food retailers – a project aptly named “Impulse 2010″. We have taken new sweet ranges, and displayed them on a new system that retro-fits onto the existing Shopkit in store. We have achieved clear category segmentation, and are very proud of the “WOWâ€� factor created by the 4 metre display. After the launch, we’ll publish the case study on our website.

On the other hand, we have developed an Interactive Display with a DVD Retailer, which is undergoing an aggressive trial programme – and are installing the first 20 sites in April. Fingers crossed!

January and February seem to have been constant pitching – Michele Jones, our designer, has never been so busy – and we are now seeing the benefit of all the hard work.

I’ve been looking for Design inspiration on the internet, and found the following post quite stimulating

The main issues discussed is common sense, but using the “Entice/Invite/Engage/Empower� model, it helps you to analyse the process you are following. I found it a useful prompt, I hope you do too.

Thankfully we can put 2009 behind us!
There is definately a better feel to 2010, and we are already in a better Sales position than January 2009.
We’ve had meetings in London today – discussing a large roll-out destined for the High Street in March.

Did you know…..?
One of Impulse’s core strengths is the production of Entertainment Displays
We’ve produced thousands of DVD / CD Displays over the years, and have a vast knowledge of the best ways to present all Multimedia Formats.
Lately we have been seeing a trend towards Nintendo DS products along side the normal DVD displays – Bluray is our next growth area.
Impulse design and manufacture bespoke Music Displays, and produce a range of standard Spinner Displays – we’ll be adding details of these to our website soon.

I spent a good day last week at Destination Growth, speakers included Greg Dyke and Alan Sugar and the commercial director of Williams F1. The most interesting was Michelle Mone, the founder of Ultimo Bras – an inspiring talk.

Its always a good confidence builder going to these conferences, you leave with a renewed passion for success, which is something we all need from time to time.

We have had a good few weeks, are through to the final stages of a major pitch for a premium Chocolate Retailer, and in the early stages of developing a Music System destined for the aisles of a major grocer.

Christmas….. just as we thought we were seeing the last of Christmas POP work, we have taken on three orders today on short lead-times – which of course we are happy to do!

it seems that no-one really knows what is going on in Retail – and Christmas is just another milestone to reach, and survive past for many.

After a difficult year we are now enjoying a busy period. Impulse Point of Purchase Designs and Builds Point of Purchase Displays.

After investing £250,000 in a new laser machine at the end of last year, we are now at full capacity for the machine for the next 4 weeks, 24 hours a day.

is this a sign of the economy picking up? I believe that it is looking brighter, but as demand has been so low for 12 months stocks are low, we should remain busy for a while – well thats me being optimistic! We had some exciting news on Friday – we are through to the last stage on a Tender for a large Confectionary Business. Fingers crossed for the final stages..