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Observation Lab: Hidden Opportunities… and more

Maggie Yau

+Things my sister told me not to do while I was out documenting my observations…

Try not to take pictures of strangers.

There’s more where this came from.

Don’t creep people out, okay?

But it’s kind of hard when you use an iPad to take pictures… and you’re staring out like this.

+Places I went

Macy’s

Bloomingdales

Mira Mira Boutique

Public Bike Store

Casa Bonampak

Aardvark Books

How I picked: Mostly shops I encountered over the past week during my move to San Francisco, but I thought were a diverse collection of stores.

What hidden opportunities did I notice?When I started paying attention… at some point I noticed some teenagers looking suspicious, when I realized it is actually pretty darn easy to shoplift from these stores.

+Macy’s – the not as nice department store

The entrance isn’t particularly welcoming visually

The doors are closed and require some arm strength to open

Sales! Sales!


The cosmetics department smells lovely.

And Christmas decorations? Bring them on!

It’s not too hard to navigate.

So far so good.


But wait, not that much Christmas. It’s still two months away guys!

And you know what? It’s starting to smell like dust around here…It smells… stale…


Everywhere you go, merchandise is just overflowing, overwhelming you with choice. It’s too much!

But at least the salespeople aren’t pushy. I hate that.

+Bloomingdales – the more nice department store

These doors? Much easier to push.

Oh no… the lights, the sleekness… it’s calling me in…

+Bloomingdales – the more nice department store

Shiny tiles! Black and white color scheme. The glitzy mannequins (and one topless one) to greet you. 15% off! The chic fluorescent lighting (can lighting be chic?) Everything here is so sleek.

And it smells nice. Not musty at all!

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Bloomingdales – the more nice department store Those are real flowers

Curated displays! Her majesty’s handbags? How could I resist?

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Bloomingdales – the more nice department store But they really don’t want you to leave! I couldn’t capture it on camera, but it’s a maze in there. I visited two other exits before I could find mine.

+Public Bikes – your colorful neighborhood bike shop

How could you resist that sign?

I think they’re trying to kill me with the pastels. It’s like an eye orgasm.

The friendly mid-20s hipster really embodies the spirit of the store. He probably bikes to work.


Where it get’s confusing. Why does a bike store also sell furniture?

A lot of wandering through the stacks of beautiful chairs and tables and china sets and fresh flowers before I get my answer…


Oh! So it shares it’s space with a gallery! That makes sense…

Turns out, that’s why there’s a divide in the home-y floor. I feel so perfectly distressed!

+Mira Mira – your lovely, really curated boutique

Flowers on the bench outside! Don’t mind if I like this store already…

And what’s that lovely smell? CINNAMON SUGAR? I’m warm in a blanket burrito in my own home after I’d made cookies. Not sure if it makes me want to shop more or less though… it’s just nice


Such a nice and attractive shop girl! Asked if I could take pictures for class, she was extremely welcoming

Screw the project, can I go shopping now please?


In little displays, in a little boutique I feel like what I’m buying is unique .. Even if it’s not!

Changing rooms can be inviting too!

+Casa Bonampak – as far as I’m concerned, it’s the Dia de los Muertos store

Skulls!

Dia de los Muertos activities for the whole family


But tell me, what’s with all the love for the Obamas?

The color explosions I understand, but the Obamas?


A secret workspace in the back!

+Aardvark Books – your neighborhood bookstore

You seem authentic, bookstore! I’ll come in


All the books you could want


Handmade signs and old posters! Continuing with the authentic vibe.

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