Hobby Lobby

1.   I observed the Hobby Lobby, which markets to people looking for arts and crafts, fabrics and different household decorations. 

 

2a) The store has a simple front with a red sign that reads Hobby Lobby.  The color of the store is a dull white and the front of the store has windows to see inside.  

2b) The store wasn't playing any music, but you could hear different customers asking questions to employees.  

2c,d,e) The merchandise was on shelves on the floor all placed in different categories labeled with large signs above each aisle.  The store was very cluttered and it was difficult to find a specific item without asking an employee where to look.  The floor was white tile and the signs had writing with large font in order to make it easier for the customers to find items.  All the products the store carried were on display to make for visual marketability; therefore, when customers walk through the store looking for one thing they might see something else they want to buy. 

2f) The cashier area is located in the front of the store for easy access.  The area is filled with impulse buys like gum, candy and magazines.

 

3.   Hobby Lobby tries to project the image of an art studio with an at home feel.  The store exemplifies this by setting out all their products out, which are generally items used in the home, so the consumer sees an item and imagines how it would look in their home.  The store also wants to convey an image of easy to use by using large signs to direct shoppers and by having cashiers in the front.

4.   Customers seemed intrigued by the stores vastness and product layout.  Customers seemed to come for one product, but would see other items they might want which led them to wander the store further.

5.   I thought it was interesting that the store smelled so good.  The first thing I noticed when I walked in the store was how warm it was and how it smelled like a grandma’s house.  I think the store was specifically designed to give off this homey feel.