The objective of this study was to analyze the visual communication of fashion brand identity through the concept of window displays. Window displays are often categorized as an aspect of a much larger concept of visual merchandising that should be seen as a crucial part of the entire marketing communications. Although the concept of window displays is not new, their effect on the overall brand image creation remains relatively unexplored. The interpretation of communication in a visual form is complex in nature, and this research approaches the matter from a semiotic perspective. The approach was selected due to its capability to explore deeper meanings behind visual objects. In this study, window display is understood as a crucial part of the sign system of a fashion store. Window display is commonly regarded as the starting point of the entire shopping experience, and therefore in the lack of previous research, it is a logical starting point for this study. The analytical framework of the study follows the thee metafunctions of semiotic modes as discussed in the Theory of the Grammar of Visual Design by Kress and van Leeuwen (2006). The analytical framework is then applied to analyze six different window displays produced by the same fashion brand. Findings of the research are discussed in terms of the three metafunctions of ideational, interpersonal and textual, and the purpose is to increase the knowledge of how window displays can be used to depict different relations between brand, people, places and things. In terms of brand identity communication, the most important contribution is to understand the complex relationship that is formed between the window (the brand) and its viewer (the customer). As a result, this research finds that the window displays are loaded with multiple visual cues all of which intend to serve the same purpose of brand identity communication. Clothing and accessories are the most salient elements used and they can be understood as the embodiment of the brand identity. Images of models and mannequins are used to address the viewers and create a specific relationship with them. The less salient elements in the window displays are used to support the message the brand is conveying through the display.

A basic assumption in the thesis is that the expansion of production and consumption in the Swedish society during the first half of the 20th century involved market as well as consumer activities of a new kind. The thesis explores the development and practice of marketing towards consumers as a main activity of actors in the market, how it was formulated in textbooks an trade journals and followed up in the activity of two Swedish companies (Barnängen and MEA, Militärekiperingsaktiebolaget). The focus is on the period 1920-1965. In the first part the main lines of the dissertation is drawn. The second part focus on texts on marketing and the main characteristics of the period is discussed. It covers the topics of marketing, distribution, advertising and selling on a general level. In two more detailed chapters, the topics of market analysis and the marketing problems and praxis in retailing is dealt with. The third part focus on the practice in the two companies. Market research from the company of Barnängen is examined with the focus on products, groups of consumers, which technique was used, how and if recommendations were followed up in product politics or advertising. The results showed a shift in the use of techniques and product politics towards more sophisticated instruments and a closer relation to a wider market. Retailers use of marketing practice is examined in the company of MEA (Militär Ekiperings Aktiebolaget). The result showed a shift in both use of advertising and advertised products over the period 1930-1960. It was also detected a shit in the relation to the market that went from customer relation to a more anonymous consumer market. The fourth part ties the normative and practical levels together. The consequences for the consumers are also taken in for discussion. It showed that in the overall perspective a change towards a wider consumer market took place.

Le rôle de l’attraction des éléments extérieurs du point de vente physique demeure une problématique complexe pour les commerçants. De plus, l’expérience en point de vente physique est en pleine évolution, due en partie à une présence accrue des nouvelles technologies. Cette thèse répond à la problématique suivante : comment la vitrine du point de vente influence-t-elle l’expérience de magasinage anticipée ? Nous nous focalisons sur l’influence de la technologie interactive et du niveau de représentation (construal level) en vitrine sur la perception de l’atmosphère, les réponses attentionnelles, les réponses affectives, la valeur de magasinage anticipée et les intentions comportementales. Nous testons les effets modérateurs de la motivation de magasinage et de la tendance exploratoire du consommateur. Nous adoptons une approche hypothético-déductive et nous procédons à deux expérimentations afin de répondre à notre problématique.Les résultats de la première expérimentation in situ (n=251) révèlent un effet stimulant et hédonique de l’utilisation de la technologie interactive en vitrine. La deuxième expérimentation, en laboratoire (n=144), a mobilisé une méthode d’eye-tracking pour collecter les données sur l’influence du niveau de représentation des éléments en vitrine. Les résultats montrent une influence significative du niveau de représentation sur l’atmosphère globale perçue et sur les intentions comportementales. Les résultats des cartes de chaleur montrent que la motivation de magasinage utilitaire renforce l’attention visuelle sur les produits en vitrine. Aucun effet modérateur de la tendance exploratoire n’a été détecté dans les deux expérimentations. / One of the relevant issues for retailers in this dissertation is the role of marketing mix elements outside the physical store in attracting customers. Another relevant issue is the evolution of the physical retailing experience which is partly due to the ever increasing presence of new retail technology. The aim of this dissertation is to answer the following question: how do store windows influence anticipated shopping experience? We focus on the influence of interactive technology and construal level in store windows on perceived global atmosphere, visual attention, affective response, anticipated shopping value and patronage intentions. Shopping motivation and exploratory buying behavior tendency were tested for moderating effects. Two experiments were conducted for this doctoral research. The results from the in situ field experiment (n=251) reveal a hedonic and arousing effect from usage of the interactive window display. The second experiment on store window construal level (n=144) was conducted using eyeLtracking equipment in a controlled laboratory setting. The results show a significant influence of store window construal level on perceived global atmosphere and on patronage intentions. The results from the heat map analysis show that utilitarian shopping motivation reinforces visual attention to products in the window display. No moderating effect was found in either study for exploratory buying behavior tendency.