Firstly, we will need to obtain feedback on the overall store concept. This could be done by using a "smoke screen" type of advertising. We could market the idea as a coming soon attraction and based peoples reactions and feedback as to see if the store would be something Calgarians would be interested in. This wouldn't break the bank financially and would be a great starting point to see if we want to continue pursuing our idea or if we need to pivot and take another look at the idea. We would receive our potential customers feedback by integrating a survey and interview strategy, asking our customers what they liked and didn't like about the store's ideas. This concept will also help us to determine whether we attract more men or women. This will in turn help us to determine who our buyers and users will be.
Secondly, we could also test the idea by opening up a kiosk in Chinook Centre. This will allow us to test the idea before investing in the rent, store design, and inventory of a full front store. This would save us a great deal of initial start up cash, and would provide us with an idea of how much interest we could attract in Chinook Mall. In addition to selling some basic products, and gaining some attention, we would be collecting feedback as to what other products and services people would like to see and would be willing to invest in if there were in fact a real store in Calgary.
The MVP prototype approach that we want to utilize would be a "Mock-Up Demo." Due to the fact that we are a store based venture, other approaches such as Concierge would not be appropriate for us. By using the Mock-Up Demo, we are able to use resources to create a floor plan for the His Man Friday business space and a store front design to clearly articulate our vision. The mental picture that we see for our store right now is a play off of the Tudor style (British renaissance architecture) along with some modern day adjustments. To make sure that this space is appealing to men, we want to use the following:
Another thing we want to do, is create brand awareness through our logo. For example, when you purchase a product from Apple the words 'Apple' do not appear on the bag - it is merely a symbol. Or when you buy something from Tiffany's it's the powder blue box that every girl wants to have. By using this 'synonymous brand and logo' method with our brand, we would be able to create awareness, appear prestigious, and generate conversation and buzz. By seeing a logo that you recognize, you immediately decide whether or not you would want to associate yourself with that brand or not. For some people, having that identification with a brand that everyone will recognize confirms you are willing to be apart of and represent that brand name. If you play an influential part in your social circle, you will most likely inspire others to share that brand name with you. Word of mouth will play a huge part in how our name and products get out there.
The MVP prototype approach that we want to utilize would be a "Mock-Up Demo." Due to the fact that we are a store based venture, other approaches such as Concierge would not be appropriate for us. By using the Mock-Up Demo, we are able to use resources to create a floor plan for the His Man Friday business space and a store front design to clearly articulate our vision. The mental picture that we see for our store right now is a play off of the Tudor style (British renaissance architecture) along with some modern day adjustments. To make sure that this space is appealing to men, we want to use the following:
- Wood paneling on the walls
- Hardwood flooring
- Darker blues, greens, and black for any colors used
- These colors will help us to keep it gender neutral enough to attract both men and women, while finally giving men the comfortable and welcoming store that they've been waiting for.
- Glass shelving to show off the product well, and keep it stylish and classy
- Leather seating options give it warmth against the cool colors and glass materials and give it a masculine feel as well
- Black and white photos
- Big screen TVs - a pit stop to catch the game highlights
Another thing we want to do, is create brand awareness through our logo. For example, when you purchase a product from Apple the words 'Apple' do not appear on the bag - it is merely a symbol. Or when you buy something from Tiffany's it's the powder blue box that every girl wants to have. By using this 'synonymous brand and logo' method with our brand, we would be able to create awareness, appear prestigious, and generate conversation and buzz. By seeing a logo that you recognize, you immediately decide whether or not you would want to associate yourself with that brand or not. For some people, having that identification with a brand that everyone will recognize confirms you are willing to be apart of and represent that brand name. If you play an influential part in your social circle, you will most likely inspire others to share that brand name with you. Word of mouth will play a huge part in how our name and products get out there.
