An Environmental Cleanup in Every Aisle

For this weeks' blog, I read an article on www.nytimes.com called 'An Environmental Cleanup in Every Aisle'. The article is about a new store called Green Depot, which sells only environmentally friendly home improvement products.

One of the major advantages of the store is that it is organized into sections according to interest, instead of according to specific product. There are sections for energy and lighting and air and water filtration, for example. The store also plays up-tempo indie type music to appeal to younger audiences. Another thing the store has going for it is the fact that they sell products that appeal to pretty everyone: biodegradable dog poop bags, eco-friendly rugs, packing peanuts, and even cribs. With such a huge variety, people from all classes and backgrounds can find something that they like instead of just having to look up to celebrities who can afford expensive eco-friendly products.

In order to remain a good company, it makes sure to assess and evaluate every single product, as well as examine all of the ingredients to make sure that the products are free of harmful chemicals. The products have different chemicals on them to let the consumers know the characteristics of the product they are buying.

I think that this is a very good idea. People are becoming more and more conscious of the environment and treating it well and having a store that sells eco-friendly products for relatively low prices will be beneficial. People from all social classes and backgrounds will have access to products that are not so bad for the planet.

Irresistable and Affordable

For my blog this week, I read an article called 'Irresistable and Affordable' on www.nytimes.com. The article is about how people who normally spend a lot of money on their clothing are trying to save money by trading their Saks 5th Avenue Jimmy Choos for consignment store Jimmy Choos.

The article addresses how more and more designers are sprucing up their clothes for lower priced markets. They know that the economy is bad and consumers do not have as much money to shop and so they are trading down from Neiman Marcus to places like Macy's and Ann Taylor. These stores want to make sure that they are offering stylish clothing that looks expensive but is actually very affordable. Stores like Ann Taylor and Talbots want customers to feel like they are buying designer clothes without the designer price.

The challenge that places are facing is that people these days are really shopping out of necessity. Stylish clothes are not a necessity (usually) even if they are in the lower price range. Stores have to come up with a way to get people in the stores and actually buy things instead of just passing by or browsing. Some places are trying to revamp the basics (like the little black dress, and classic dress pants), because these items are things people always feel like they will wear.

I have noticed a slight shift in the style of clothing, especially passing through department stores. Macy's offers lines from big companies and designers, like Michael Kors and BCBG, but for much affordable prices. Designers are trying to compensate for the lack of sales in their showrooms and boutiques by offering clothes to a wider audience; one that might be able to afford the prices.