North Street Records

I saved the best for last. The final store I stopped at was North Street Records.

I absolutely loved their window. I think it was because it was a mix of all amazing things from the past. North Street really played on the nostalgia emotion. Not only that but they really appealed to the hipster trend. Where all things old and uncool are suddenly cool. 

In the picture above, the records would move, adding to the aesthetic of the window. North Street used its' own merchandise as props.

There was a lot going on in the display but I loved it. It made me want to go inside the store because if the window has a lot of merchandise, I'm sure I would find a lot to buy!

North Street only made use of one graphic, the name of their store. That's all they really needed, the graphic fit the personality of their store well.

The only thing North Street could have done differently was have better lighting. Lighting, seems to be a struggle with many of the stores in Uptown. 

I think out of all the stores in Uptown Normal, North Street Records' window display succeeded because out of all of them I actually wanted to go inside and shop.

Fabulous Affairs

Right next door to The Pod was Fabulous Affairs. 

I love the simplicity trend that is hot right now, so personally I really enjoyed the white trimming of the window. 

Fabulous Affairs used some personal props for the display and their own merchandise. Color scheme (whites, browns, and pinks) flowed well together. Like I said I love simplicity but I'm not sure this display was meant for a window. It was not very eye catching and I only noticed how cute it was when I really peered in.

Perhaps if they would have used better lighting the display may have been more noticeable. 

I did love how their theme was Valentines day. The DIY paper hearts were adorable. I like them so much I might even attempt to make them myself! 

Overall Fabulous Affairs had a cute display, just not an enticing window display. 

The Pod

The Pod in Uptown Normal is sure to stop everyone in their tracks.

Before I even evaluate the window display, just look at how the store is painted! Who wouldn't be tempted to go into a store with a purple door? 

One of the first things I noticed was the awesome lighting The Pod was using! They may have been using florescent light bulbs, but the light fixture itself was so interesting! I loved how they weren't all the same. The different lights went well with the store's personality. 

The window display gave off a cozy vibe. As much as we don't want it to be, it's still winter and The Pod reminds us with it's Christmas trees and fake snow. Some of the snow flakes appeared to be graphics (window clings) but the snowflakes that were hanging were the store's own merchandise. 

Also in the window the store used a jewelry bust to showcase the cute necklaces the store has to offer. 

The Pod definitely captured my attention and brightened my mood after being disappointed by the Garlic Press! 

Garlic Press

Garlic Press is one of my favorite shops in Uptown Normal, I was so disappointed when I saw their window display!

(It was really hard not to get a glare while taking the picture.)

 In the window was a simple mannequin with an apron on.  They relied on their own merchandise as props by using boxes to create risers while displaying the products they had available for purchase.

The dishes displayed weren't anything someone would stop and stare at, just light blue and white plates/bowls. I think they should have showcased their most unique dishes!  

There were no eye catching graphics or designs. 

Honestly the worst part was they didn't even have their lights on! The window was so dark that it almost appeared that they weren't even open. 

I expected more from the Garlic Press. I'm going to revisit their window in the spring and hopefully their window will showcase the store they actually are!