WHAT WORKS: The White Hat Italian Frozen Yogurt

Red Mango is still my favorite yogurt place ---because it's the first ever frozen yogurt I really liked.

But I also go to White Hat.

What I like about White Hat is they already have suggested yogurt combos.  It's just much easier to order.  Especially if your 2 year old keep on asking, "Where is it (yogurt)?" while you're ordering.

White Hat Choco-Loco is our super favorite.  She eats all the Oreos and mini kisses while I eat the yogurt and the brownies.

They also have magazines --- probably for the likes of my husband who needs a place to hang-out while waiting for me to finish shopping.

*Menu photos courtesy of patikimako.blogspot.com

SPOTTED: Globe Telecom opens newly-renovated Business Centers

It's refreshing to see that even local service industries are starting to realize the importance of Shopper Marketing.  I recently saw the newly-renovated Globe Telecom Business Center in SM Taytay and the new look motivated me to go inside the store.

First off, there was no glass wall.  It seemed more inviting.  It kind of extended the store.
You could easily see and hear whatever's going on inside, which may trigger Shoppers to look at the available units.

Second, all demo units are actual celphones.  You can try the units (yes, even the iPhone 4G) and explore the features.

Then there are the guards dressed in barongs (not the usual intimidating guard uniforms).
They act like an extension of the salesforce, too --- they are well-informed, polite and helpful.  They know which flyers to give out, depending on your inquiry.  Yes, I didn't get the usual, "Please just ask inside."

The sections are also clearly grouped according to Shopper needs/inquiries.

The model unit section is out front and center, with the accessories right behind it.  A waiting area at the side, with a comfortable couch for those waiting for their numbers to be called out.  Business and Personal Customer Service inquiries are separate.  They even have mood lighting so you feel comfortable spending time there.

Usually, business centers make me feel like I'm in a hospital.  But this time, I felt like I was in a mac showroom, free to explore the available units.

SPOTTED: Fresh Produce Display @ SM Hypermarket

This particular fresh produce brand exerted effort in differentiating their display from the other brands.  Usually, vegetables are just placed in crates or baskets.  I like the dramatic way the vegetables fall from the basket.  It's simple but it makes you think that these are fresher than the other brands.  This brand even put some information about the fruits & veggies.

I see this as a good opportunity for cross-merchandising.  Any complimentary category product positioned as "fresh" and "natural" would benefit from the  halo effect.  (I think I mentioned that to a client before but I guess it wasn't taken seriously)  Put your products in one of the crates, have a strategic messaging on the stick-outs...

Anyway, back to the display: the only problem is, less people get from this shelf.  I think it's seen too much as a "display".  You know, things that are nice to look at but forbidden to touch.  It's not really that spectacular but the thing is, it's so different from all the other fresh produce displays.

Or maybe...there's a bit of shop-ability problem.  Maybe most shoppers are afraid everything will tumble down once they get a piece.

Or maybe...most shoppers that I saw during that time were on an "auto-pilot" mode.  Grab and go?  Stock up?  Refill?  Would this appeal better to those in discovery mode?

Or maybe...shoppers don't see vegetables as "branded".  They just look at the product (freshness, size, color) and the price instead.

Or maybe...this has been done a million times before and I just never had the time to notice.