EYE : Ben’s Cookies – Great Use of Tiny Space

The new Ben’s Cookies store on Oxford Street is cute yet chic.  It’s a great use of teeny-tiny space too. 

Ben's Cookies, Oxford Street. Apologies for the terrible picture which doesn't really highlight how cute or well executed this is..

 

PRODUCT WATCH : LA : Crisps /snacking

What’s happening in LA? : Crisps/ snacks @ Wholefoods

1. Falafel chips – made with chickpeas, an apparently healthy crisp which is high in protein and Middle Eastern flavour. 

2. Hippie Chips with hemp (seed)- another healthy crisp option which claims to have 50% less fat than regular crisps.  I love the fun hippy name – very en vogue – but it’s a shame that they don’t offer some kind of omega benefit which hemp is known for. 

3. Glenny’s Soy Crisps – think these have been around for a while…low fat (s0me as low as 1g of fat per bag) and healthier than ‘regular’ crisps.

4. Dried Mulberries- look a bit like anaemic raspberries, apparently high in antioxidants including the resveratrol.

5. Terramazon Sachi Inchi - seeds from the fruit of a herbaceous vine native to the Amazon rainforest.  Rich in omega 3,6 and 9. 

6. Terramazon Yacon slices - melon tasting semi dried slices taken from the root of the Yacon plant.  Amongst other benefits these are prebiotic.

Falafel Chips, Hippie Chips with hemp, Glenny’s Soy Crisps, Terramazon Yacon slices

Fro-yo

Frozen yoghurt is big business in the US – particularly in SoCal where a mild weather lifestyle meets a health conscious consumer.  Despite issues with market saturation and the economic downturn, fro-yo still remains popular and it is slowly growing a fanbase in the UK with a number of joints popping up over London and the South East.  Frozen yoghurt is the ultimate healthy snack being (generally) fat-free, delicious and tastes kind of like ice cream.  Due to its frozen nature, it also takes a while to eat – so you get to indulge for longer and eat less calories than you would with a stack of biscuits or a chocolate bar.

Trends in the UK?

Whether we see soy or hemp crisps on our shelves or not, it’s certain that more innovative, healthier snack options will be available to the consumer soon. For example, take Pret founder Julian Metcalfe’s Skinny popcorn – at approx 3g of fat a bag, it’s a far better choice nutritionally than a packet of crisps – it tastes yummy too.  And with fro-yo – cute, small independent operations are opening up all over London – but might this extend to the big boys too? Sushi chain Itsu (another Julian Metcalfe venture) offers this healthy treat so could we see coffee chains or even McDonalds following suit?

VISUAL MERCHANDISING : Aesthetically Pleasing Food Offer @ Starbucks

I admit to being quite partial to my daily latte from Starbucks, but never have I been tempted by their food offer – cheap and nasty looking pastries in a soulless and uninspiring counter display.  How many people have I seen grab their morning coffee from Starbucks only to choose their breakfast treat from the Paul’s nearby (where the displays are beautiful and product authentic). 

But now Starbucks have done a re-haul with their food.  The Live Well range is a healthier and more wholesome affair with new products and better ingredients…but what’s interesting is how appealing and stylish it looks thanks to a chic but really simple black design theme – which includes the pack, marketing material and cleverly, the black ‘boards’ which the products sit on.  It’s so effective that I catch myself staring at the food and contemplating a purchase.  On the occasions that I’ve visited, the counters have been pretty empty so I’m wondering if I’m not alone with these thoughts!

EYE : Best of Top Drawer

I had a whizz around Top Drawer at the weekend and these suppliers caught my eye :

Cable and Cotton lights.  Eye-catching, colourful, well-priced and appeals to a broad range of customers – grown-ups and kids.  Very commercial. 

Lulu and Nat home and lifestyle range.  I love the pattern and colours of everything in this collection which is handcrafted and made in India.  I can see this brand becoming quite cultish.

Curious Chocolate.  The original styling of this stand caught my eye as did the lovely packaging. 

Somerville Scarves.  Love the cool and funky designs.  Wear them or frame them. 

 

TREND : Londoners and Ice Cream

Ice cream bars are popping up all over London.   Much like the gourmet chocolate and cupcake stores/cafes trend of the last few years * ice cream dine n’ retail seems to be where it’s at now. 

Some examples west-side include upscale gelataria Gelato Mio on Holland Park Road which has opened another branch at Notting Hill Gate, the recently opened (and very nice) Ca’puccino cafe at Westfields which offers a big range of delicious home made ice creams, and pop up shop Icecreamists opens today in Selfridges offering a wild and fabulous range of flavours. 

*  …btw – new cupcake store opening on Kensington Park Road soon….

RETAIL : Thumbs down to the AmAp Returns Policy

I tried to take back a t-shirt to American Apparel today and was told that it was exchange or credit note only.  I’m sure I’ve taken stuff back before and got a full refund, and unless I’m dreaming it, I also remember being wowed by the very generous 90 day (or thereabouts) grace period too.  It must have been ages ago as I don’t often buy AmAp. 

I’m disappointed by this mean policy which goes against the company’s cool, people-centric image, and it really isn’t in line with other high street stores who target such a young audience.  I was given the impression that many angry parents vent their frustration about this issue too.

EYE : Mary Quant to Open SW3

I noticed that a Mary Quant shop is going to open in the Duke of York Square, off the Kings Road in Chelsea. Looking forward to it. 

 

PRODUCT WATCH : YOGHURTS : Slovenia

Trends in yoghurt :

1. Probiotics – live bacteria is big in this market – much more so than in the UK (I’ve been told that Slovenia is the wellness centre of Europe which may explain!)

Other products of interest :

2 – EGO Slim and Vital – a low fat drinking yoghurt which contains essential amino acid L-Carnitine and Coenzymes Q1o for energy…this is what the EGO website says about  the product benefits:

• Greater fat burning and its more efficient conversion into energy,
• Faster regeneration after physical workout
• An appropriate supply of essential nutrients to the heart, brain, immune cells and many other vital body parts.

The product is aimed at dieters, athletes, pregnant women and anyone who wants to maintain a healthy body weight along with physical activity and vitality.  I tried the plain version – interestingly it was completely unsweetened, which is unusual for an on-the-go drink.  Other flavours include strawberry, peach and tropical fruit.

3 – EGO Vec Kot (More Than) Yoghurts – probiotic yoghurts in flavours which include flowers, herbs and plants eg strawberry and rose, apple and basil, lime and aloe vera (I’m not sure if these ingredients are for health / beauty benefits or just for flavouring)

PRODUCT WATCH : SHOWER GELS : Slovenia

Trends in the Shower aisle :

1 – Pretty Pretty :  flowers, pinks, ultra feminine ingredients ie waterlily, rose, passionflower etc

2 – Luxe femme – diamonds, pearls etc

Other interesting examples :

3 – Adidas Gym Vibes – funky packaging – this is a nice sporty pack which I would definitely take to the gym

4 – Subrina Chocolate Dream – doesn’t sound wildly refreshing – the angle here is pampering and maybe sensual

VISUAL MERCHANDISING – Knicker Bunting

I saw this bunting made out of knickers at an exhibition last December – and thought it was such a cute idea.  An adaptation of this concept would work really well for a brand like Jack Wills, and possibly Victoria’s Secret Pink if they were working with an English theme.

ps apologies for the poor-quality mobile phone photo! 

Bunting made out of knickers