http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/ Impulse POP - Recent Blog Entries en-gb 5 http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/happy-new-year.php Happy New Year! After a welcome break its great to be back and looking forward to a positive 2012.Last year beat expectations, and with a healthy order book, insist on remaining optimistic about the year ahead. Why not? an Olympic Year, and an opportunity to prove all the sceptics wrong.I’m excited to welcome Sean, our New Business Development Manager, to the the team. As part of our expansion plan for 2012, we are even better set to provide the full service package in Retail Design and Build.New Year Roll-outs include Gore-tex, Homebase, Pioneer and Champion Wipers.We are currently recruiting, and will be back soon with more news. http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/what-is-the-size-of-the-global-pop-industry.php I was asked recently by a Global POP Business based in the US to provide my opinion on the current market size. I obviously have my own views, so thought it best to back it up with some recent research. First stop POPAI. i’m appalled to report that there hasn’t been a study done since 2003! So rather than start a rant about the value (?) of such an association, i’d like to appeal to anyone in our industry to give their opinion.Here goes mine - based on $17 billion in 2003, i would suggest a 40% increase taking it to approximately $23 billion. My limited research is based on conversations with FMCG brands, and has some bearing on the market value growth over this period.i have read reports that suggest $50bn - do you think this is more accurate?As a service provider in this industry, the overall size of the market does not affect our day to day business. Without having this information as a starting point, i’d go as far to say that you cannot really comment accurately - its all down to a matter of opinion.i’m told a study is to be carried out soon - will be interesting to see how close i was!This highlights to me the importance of spotting trends, and acting early enough to be in front of the rest. This is where brands can be content in knowing that UK Retail Design is second to none, and our approach is not complacent. This year we’ve seen some of the best creative work around - from all of the key players in the industry. One of the most exciting aspects of our industry is the evolution of the POP Agency - forcing new ideas from both old and new businesses. Impulse have enjoyed a busy 2011, and look forward to an exciting, expansive 2012. http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/social-media-and-its-impact-on-retail-marketing.php Do you tweet, Blog, Poke on Facebook, linkedin, Ping or now Google + ?We’ve embraced this form of communication, but not only is difficult to keep up with, its difficult to integrate it into your Marketing PLan.The idea is genius, and has endless opportunities, hence the necessity to include this media in Retail Marketing.in the last 18 months, the Shopping Environment has transformed completely. Impulse are now being asked to Design and Produce more Interactive displays than ever. In the last 6 months alone we’ve been working on pitches for Tailored Shirts, X-Box, Blackberry, Fitness Supplements, DVD Rentals to name a few. An In-Store Display now has to merchandise and inform in high quality media, whereas, in the past, the brief was less demanding.This direction is relying on quot;instant reactivityquot; via Social Media, through Smart Phones, gaining client details for future campaigns.It is advisable to approach success of this style of marketing as you would a website. If you cannot gain interest within 3 seconds, then the client will lose interest and move on.We all want the traffic viewing our websites, created by the likes of Facebook and Twitter, and Marketeers are discovering the benefits of people hitting the quot;likequot; buttons on websites, which then leaves a cybertrail which can be used again.When i first used twitter, I was immediately put off with the amount of quot;interferencequot; created with useless comments etc. You have to disregard this, and look closer into who you connect with, and also who others are connected to.its a full time job - and as we spend more time analysing the platform not only for our own use, but at clients requests, it is useful to have industry specific knowledge.if you wish to consult us on how to use this to enhance brand awareness, and ultimately sell more products, please contact us HERE Impulse realise the importance of adapting Displays not only to Physical Fashion Trends, but to the Cultural changes being forced by the Social Media Evolution.Impulse on Twitter Impulse on Facebook PLease test the process by clicking the quot;likequot; button at the top of the entry - only if you do like it though! http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/impulse-win-gore-tex-contract.php 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. http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/in-store-show-2011--are-exhibitions-a-valid-part-of-the-marketing-mix.php Impulse exhibited for the third year running, and are pleased to confirm that we are booked again for 2012.Analysis after the show was mixed, the hard evidence is that each year has been successful from the all important Sales and Client perspective - its all about the orders!The quantity of visitors was lower this year, yet the quality seemed to be as good as previous years.It makes me wonder if the culture of doing business is changing, or are people just getting lazier? i’ll explain... as the marketing landscape changes, social marketing enables a higher perception of accessibility. So why bother to make an effort to go and see what is going on at an exhibition? The internet should provide all the information you need - but does it?In my humble opinion, no!! Impulse have developed a range of IPAD Displays . You would think that the most popular, and best selling Technology item of 2011, will have every conceivable accessory / Display available to view on the internet. You try and Google it, and the results are a mess. You cannot put all your trust in web research alone. The experience of face to face communication should not be under estimated. Each time we prepare for the show, we all question the effort required to carry it out - but nothing beats actually facing people and spending a few minutes in a worthwhile conversation.So, in a round about way, this is why we will be exhibiting in 2012.Apply this to the Retail Environment - you cannot rely on virtual advertising alone - people want to touch and feel the products, see them on engaging and exciting Displays, hence why over 60% of buying decisions are made at the Point of Purchase.Please contact us here show you to make your products sell exponentially. http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/spring-or-summer.php I havent blogged for a while, so as i sit in the departure lounge before going to Frankfurt, thought it a good opportunity to write a quick note.Firstly i’m going to have to have a moan about April - what a terrible month for anyone trying to produce anything! it was worse than a bad December for invoicing, but great for seeing more of the family - so get your priorities right Mark!its meant we are into our busiest May on record, lets hope this continues through to the Summer now. The weather is great, but from a retail perspective i think we now have to assume Summer is now going to be April to June - what happens after then is anyones guess! Shopping behaviour is certainly changing, with reports out yesterday heralding good footfall and turnover during the Hot spell we’ve just had. This seems to have been the trend over the last 2 years, so i wouldnt be surprised if the peak promotional periods are tweaked slightly to suit.We are putting units into 270 Burton stores over 5 days next week which is hitting the Fathers Day period for Music and Entertainment. This is a classic example of the service Impulse offer, we’ve designed the stands and POS, manufactured and are installing the units on the shopfloor, tied in with Product Merchandisers to ensure compliance and smooth launch. We’ve entered the 2011 Popai Awards, hoping for another success - details of our entry will be published shortly.We’ve decided to revamp the website - to accommodate the expanding needs of the business, and our clients. This will be launched prior to us exhibiting at this years In Store Show.Finally with the launch of the IPAD 2 (love it) we will have some exciting news to share with you around this product - on the next blog. http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/off-to-euroshop.php its been an odd month, Impulse have maintained above average turnover, yet the feeling from clients is definately more quot;here and nowquot; rather than anything long term. This is not unusual in our world, but is now much more the norm. This means reacting quickly and being able to switch overtime on at a moments notice - something we have always been good at!This month has seen the first delivery of the Choices Interactive Pods (Look here for images).Weacirc;€™ve also despatched out first orders for our new client The Daily Mail, and made 200 metal units for Cadburyacirc;€™s in that lovely purple!Impulse delivered 100 x Smart looking Displays to support Meridian Audio Core 200 Hi-Fi Products We are off to Euroshop on monday, time to fill the creative banks, and look for new opportunities for the coming year.We will be exhibiting at The In Store Marketing Show 2011, which has proven successfull the last two years we have attended.Markacirc;€™s been writing a blog for The Field Marketing and Brand Experience Sector. Good to see the different viewpoints coming in.We have also uploaded a film of one of our Laser Machines cutting out some Stainless - click here to see more. http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/new-year--a-positive-outlook-is-required.php Welcome back!2010 turned out to be our highest turnover yet. We expect to beat this in 2011, and it looks like it is going to be a challenging year. inflation will play a heavy part in both our personal and business lives - the effect on Retail will mean worsening costs and a much more competitive sector. The inevitable rise of Interest Rates will make life interesting too!We have no reason not to keep positive, are enjoying a good order book, and a refreshingly buoyant attitude from our clients.A good indicator for us is the level of quality pitches we are involved in - which is up by 30% from this time last yearImpulse are currently working on a 330 x One Stop Roll-out for DVD stands, an exciting new Rental Interactive Unit, and continued Hamp;M Store equipment for European Destinations.its great seeing our lasered components appearing in Gulliivers Travels, which is a departure from our usual work - look out later in the year for Captain America, we worked extensively on the shields and car interiors - images will be posted when we are allowed to!We have just supplied all Display Equipment for a DVD, Music and Games Shop opening in London, this and other similar enquiries received since we made changes to the Impulse POP Website are making us look at further potential services we can offer via the website. Impulse have a vast experience in the Home Entertainment sector, and also produce a range of standard products which will be more accessible later this year.Other things on our quot;to doquot; list include:-Further Exporting - our exports in 2010 were up by 28%, we see more potential in 2011-Greater emphasis on alternative Supply Chain - Impulse have always offered alternative routes, and most pitches we make that exceed Acirc;pound;100,000 require cost driven alternatives.-Impulse expect to invest in further capital equipment in 2011. The success of our quot;Lights Outquot; Automatic Laser Profiler means that we can work smarter, and our capacity has grown. The effect this has on the business is currently being evaluated.-2012 Olympics - more quoting and hopefully winning some of the work is important to us.-Growth in the Convenience Sector, we have been successful working for a major Newspaper, and look forward to extending the range of displays for them and others in this areaWe hope you enjoy reading this, and if you have any enquiries to discuss, or wish to talk further about the business, contact us by email on sales@impulsepop.co.uk or phone 01767 682756 http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/as-we-approach-christmas.php Impulse won our first Award! We won a Bronze within the Confectionary Section, for our work with Thorntons PLC. See details of the case study HERE!.After a good four months of non stop overtime, the business is enjoying a slightly quieter period. Its given everyone the opportunity to take a breath, and we are now planning for 2011.Its evident that Brands have invested heavily into this Christmas, and we all hope that this optimism carries over into next year. We are benefitting from a successful year invested in greater web and industry presence - new projects currently underway include creative work for Bacardi Impulse units and further DVD units for a convenience roll-out.We are excited to be pitching for the 2012 Olympics Equipment, and are currently working hard with three other major brands, which are being developed for production early next year.At a client meeting today, we were discussing the merits of Far East Supply. The project in question requires this option to be considered, and we are comfortable in offering this service, especially if time permits - the cost advantage is key here. There is generally an air of trepidation associated with this route, based on quality, cash-flow and guaranteed lead-times. We are happy to discuss this further if you have a requirement in mind. Impulse offer a completely flexible service, where different manufacturing routes can be synchronised to suit required timescales, i.e feed in initial quantities from UK, then follow up from alternative, cheaper supply chain with longer lead-times. http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/awards-ceremony-beckons.php We are off to the POPAI Awards on the 21st October. Having been nominated for our work on the Thorntons Impulse Project, we are proud to be there to accept the award.Proof of the Design and Functionality is in the double digit sales uplift. Its always good to prove valuable ROI, especially in these times where any capital expenditure is difficult to justify. http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/impulse-news-.php Weacirc;€™ve had a fantastic couple of weeks, and we currently have a 6 week production visibility - thats pretty unusual in our business.Work we are currently producing includes the continuing Hamp;M roll-out, 350 x TK Maxx displays, 140 store roll-out of DVD Spinners, and 300 Battery stands for Debenhams.We are concluding a BHS order, which involves the DVD gondolas being assembled and delivered individually to each store, meeting product merchandisers, in time for the all important fourth quarter sales.....On the creative side, we have a few exciting briefs that have progressed to prototypes, examples this week are Retail Displayacirc;€™s for House of Fraser, and a new range of Newspaper Displays, both being viewed over the next few days.We have taken on new staff to handle the additional workload, which drives us to keep the work coming in. Weacirc;€™ll keep you posted on the outcome! http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/brands-getting-ready-for-christmas.php Iacirc;€™m pleased to say that our turnover level in August will be double what we did in August 2009.I gave up years ago trying to analyse trends, and predict what is going to happen next. Major retailers are filling the media with stories of fragility, and doom about what is around the corner.Whereas Brands appear to be finally quot;putting their money where their mouths arequot;. I was at Diageo last week - their display development plans are inspired, weacirc;€™ve now got to come up with the goods!Impulse are also prototyping for two large FMCG brands, and rather than the work being speculative, the capital expenditure is already signed off, and its now just a case of type of unit, rather than wondering if it will actually happen at all. i take some heart from this, and hope we are not being naive in believing that these are positive signs of a recovering recession.Impulse welcome the opportunity to work with Brands and Retailers directly, or via chosen partners - give us a call to see just how good we are! http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/the-difference-between-winning-and-losing-the-right-type-of-work.php Impulse have just finished 2nd quarter of the financial year. The business is enjoying unprecedented levels of enquires, but the important fact is how much is being won?Unlike our competitors Blogs, which only ever focus on the wins, i feel its also important to understand the disappointments - as we canacirc;€™t win them all!Win or Lose on Price.....We have noticed that there is a consistent policy of some companies in our sector that will push the price down to dangerous levels. We declined to continue our involvement in a large tender last month, when the price level went below the true manufactured cost of the product.We are disappointed to not be doing the work - as we could have had the order, if we could have hit a certain price. But thereacirc;€™s no point, if it puts the business at risk. I think this highlights the fragility of the Retail Sector. We all seem busy (speaking to others in our sector) - but the importance of Profit (and therefore Survival) over Turnover is less so for some.Win or lose the right type of work for your business...Impulse are finalising details on a new project, a new client for the business. The process has been a fantastic learning process, where a good relationship has been developed, and the strength of this partnership has meant that we were able to choose the elements of the project that best suited our business, and this therefore gives the best service to the client. This isnacirc;€™t always possible, but it does prove the strength and honesty of your relationship with your client. http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/impulse-website-refresh.php Impulse have just completed refreshing the website.Its been a busy year, big new wins include Thorntons PLC and Choices, read more about it in the portfolio area.A large part of our business is in the Displaying of DVD and Software , we produce a standard range of free-standing, and wall units. in the last 2 months we have rolled out Spinner units to all Maplins stores, and are currently trialling the same units in 30 x Asda Stores.Impulse will plan store layouts, or manufacture Bespoke solutions. http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/overseas-supply-chain--.php We are experiencing the necessary evil of The Large Tender process at the moment, currently four on the go, all in completely different FMCG sectors.They are all Christmas related, and already the potentially cheaper overseas window is fast closing as the month of June disappears.As a UK Manufacturer, you could say this is playing perfectly into our hands - but i do sympathise with the Brand Owners. The need to drive cost out has become more important, yet the inflationary effect on all materials, and the decreasing cost differences in Eastern Europe is causing difficult margin issues.Impulse can offer either UK or Overseas Supply Chain - speak to us so you can make an informed choice. http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/signs-of-spring.php its been a while, Iacirc;€™m glad to say weacirc;€™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 UKacirc;€™s largest Niche food retailers acirc;€“ a project aptly named acirc;€śImpulse 2010amp;#8243;. 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 acirc;€śWOWacirc;€ť factor created by the 4 metre display. After the launch, weacirc;€™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 acirc;€“ and are installing the first 20 sites in April. Fingers crossed!January and February seem to have been constant pitching acirc;€“ Michele Jones, our designer, has never been so busy acirc;€“ and we are now seeing the benefit of all the hard work.Iacirc;€™ve been looking for Design inspiration on the internet, and found the following post quite stimulatingThe main issues discussed is common sense, but using the acirc;€śEntice/Invite/Engage/Empoweracirc;€ť model, it helps you to analyse the process you are following. I found it a useful prompt, I hope you do too. http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/2010-point-of-purchase-retail.php 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.Weacirc;€™ve had meetings in London today acirc;€“ discussing a large roll-out destined for the High Street in March.Did you knowacirc;€brvbar;..?One of Impulseacirc;€™s core strengths is the production of Entertainment DisplaysWeacirc;€™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 acirc;€“ Bluray is our next growth area.Impulse design and manufacture bespoke Music Displays, and produce a range of standard Spinner Displays acirc;€“ weacirc;€™ll be adding details of these to our website soon. http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/christmasare-we-there-yet-in-pop.php 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 acirc;€“ 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.Christmasacirc;€brvbar;.. just as we thought we were seeing the last of Christmas POP work, we have taken on three orders today on short lead-times acirc;€“ which of course we are happy to do!it seems that no-one really knows what is going on in Retail acirc;€“ and Christmas is just another milestone to reach, and survive past for many. http://www.impulsepop.co.uk/blog/entry/impulse-enters-the-world-of-blog.php After a difficult year we are now enjoying a busy period. Impulse Point of Purchase Designs and Builds Point of Purchase Displays.After investing Acirc;pound;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 acirc;€“ well thats me being optimistic! We had some exciting news on Friday acirc;€“ we are through to the last stage on a Tender for a large Confectionary Business. Fingers crossed for the final stages..