In-Store Photo Policies: Time for a Change?
Ok. I’ve had my hand nearly slapped at least a dozen times over the past month when trying to snap a few pics inside stores on my NYC shopping adventures. Let me preface by saying I understand there are “reasons” why they have these policies in place, but as a PR nerd girl, I’m counting the number of missed opportunities they encounter as a result.
One instance in particular occurred last week at Opening Ceremony. It was my first time in the store and I caught a glimpse of some really intruiging jewelry I wanted to post about. When the staff shook their finger at me, they let me know I could pull the pics from their website. To be frank, it totally killed the inspiration. Seriously, I’m trying to promote your brand for free and your asking me to add extra steps? On top of that, using a brand’s pictures is less authentic. As an indpendent blogger, I prefer to create my own content. Though I don’t mind using photos that aren’t mine, this was one of the instances where I would have told the story through my own pictures.The same thing happened at Topshop when I wanted to do a mobile pic to share on Facebook and Twitter of the new Christopher Kane collection.Again, I understand there are legal reasons why stores have these policies, but if the objective at the end of the day is to drive sales, why not re-evaluate? Or perhaps come up with some sort of compromise?
Thoughts? I saw rules were meant to be broken and learned from my undercover Nordstrom price-match videos (part 1 and sequel) that sometimes, brands will even appreciate it!
Honestly for retail stores I don’t understand the policy. Those goods are already out there in public being viewed, bought, etc. It would be different if you were talking about a showroom where there was a potential to knock off the products before they make it to stores but… with this I just don’t quite get it.
Wow, this is really interesting! I get that there are some legalities involved, but if you are using the images in a way that benefits the store, you would think they would want the PR.
I def agree with you, it’ free advertising it’s not like your there to hurt them.
I was once told by someone who made an attempt to be friendly that they dont like people taking pictures because employees from small brands come, take pictures and make almost identical knockoffs.. but if thats the case they can get it from the website anyway so its a bunch of BS!
I wish they would make some sort of press pass people who blog etc. so they can know we’re just trying to share what inspires us and at the end it only promotes there brand anyway.
Jesica – Yes, totally agree. If the shops are open to the public, the content is out there anyway. When it comes to show-rooms, however, it’s a completely different situation.
Thanks for weighing in from a designer standpoint! I was talking about you and Sara last night with Chrissy Rhee at Deanne’s (Dream Sequins) birthday drinks.
Skinny Purse – I know! I think maybe it’s just a missed connection with PR and sales…they probably haven’t even thought about it!
Nubia – Exactly! That’s a great idea! It’d be smart of stores to keep a press list for these sorts of visits from bloggers. Enable us to help you…don’t make us work for it and jump through hoops!
I couldn’t even take my Nikon out of my bag last week at Starbucks…can you believe that? I couldn’t take a photo of my GF while we were having a nice time together. Really gets me!
- http://21Arrondissement.com
Photo is a HUGELY popular medium, for everybody… in ANY walk of life. I was talking to Melody last night about how a lot of iPhone pics can be really fantastic – this makes me wonder, are they going to prevent people with phones from taking mobile pictures?
you are absolutely right…but then again, i have a ‘no posting’ policy for stores/designers who are bitchy about photos.
I agree it’s crazy. What are companies so worried about getting onto the World Wide Web? I’d be interested in hearing a story where allowing people to publish their own content from inside a store has hurt them. Good post!
I love Blue and Cream don’t get me wrong, great shop but last time I was there with another blogger Laurel we were taking all kinds of photos and we literally got kicked out of the store, no warning nothing just kicked out! Didn’t even get to buy our stuff
I agree in spirit with what you are saying, and the logic is undeniable – there is almost no detraction, and the PR must be worthwhile.
I can think of a couple of good reasons not to allow photos though. One, the “if we let you suddenly everyone will be in here taking pictures”. Unlikely in some stores, but probably a real problem in a place like Colette.
Two, protection of image rules might simply not allow them to let you take the photo. Whatever brand they’re carrying might say, if these show up on a website we’re pulling you as a supplier. Not the most logical thing, but could be the case.
Logic aside though, it is entirely within the stores right to say no, and I think blog writers would do well to respect that. It makes little sense, it probably harms a brand more than helps it, but ultimately it is their right. And I think respecting rights builds respect of blog writers.
@Nubiasnonsense I reckon it is usually the other way around, i.e. big brand steal ideas from poor little brand, make in China for nothing and sell dirt cheap!
But I agree with the sentiment, interest in the products should be encouraged surely!
When I was working retail at U.O., it was a strictly loss prevention tool that we didn’t allow photos. It’s harder for honest consumers to remember, but retail companies are often hit hard by professional thiefs, and photography is a tool used to capture the locations of high ticket items, create plans on how to get in, how not to be seen, etc.
That being said, I DO think there needs to be some sort of compromise ability, because media is changing so quickly. Maybe more companies need to create times for certified press to come in, take images for content– the company could have their contact information/websites on file, etc.
I so agree on this. Even the Asian market I shop doesn’t allow you to take photos, but whether I’m in a market or a high-end store, I’m usually trying to take and post photos of things I like & recommend. I’m pretty good at taking sneaky cell phone shots, despite the fact that I can’t figure out how to turn off the click sound when my BB snaps a photo.
Definitely sounds like a lost opportunity for the store! Have you tried introducing yourself, explaining you are a fashion writer, then asking to take pics? The only time I have taken photos on a store floor, was in Paris. I asked first, in the smaller shops, and they said “Of course”! They knew the power of tourist pr!
Adama (Le 21eme Arrondissement) – Wow, that’s really interesting! Maybe they want to avoid anything that could implicate them from a health dept standpoint…like if an employee in the background was doing something they shouldn’t? I know the Starbucks PR ppl and will have to ask them about this! I think it’d be cool for their brand to have pics like yours published!
Birdie – They already do prevent mobile phone pics! That’s what I was trying to do for both of the examples mentioned! For Topshop, I just wanted to Twitpic b/c I thought the new collection was awesome! So sad.
Jennine – Haha, nice! Sharing is caring!
Jordan – I know! Thanks!
Jillian – OMG! It’s one thing to ask you not to take pics (per my above examples), but the fact that they kicked you out opens another can of worms! Seriously? Not only do they not want you to help drive positive impressions of their brand, they don’t want your money either? Wow…I don’t plan on going there, but if I did, it’d just be to test them to see how they treated me.
Thom – I totally agree about respecting the policies, which is why I haven’t ever pushed back. I just find it interesting that some shops that would fall into the same category (all your points applied) are more flexible and open. I think there ought to be some sort of compromise or form that could be filled out for editorial purposes, which is still work, but maybe it’s as easy as signing a one-pager on what the photos would be used for? Thanks for weighing in.
Grumpy Little Brand (aww, sad comment name) – To your point, I think it works both ways. Either way, if the shop is open to the public, the products are out there and can be replicated. Out of all the times people try to take pictures in stores, it’d be interesting to see the stats of ppl wanting to share content (e.g. a blog), see how they look in an outfit and think about it (I would do that too…wedding and evening dress shops already encourage this) and who is taking pics to knock something off. I bet the percentages would be much higher among the first two (I’m sure anyone who does it to copycat would be sneaky anyway). Even if you don’t put pics online yourself, how are people supposed to know about and/or discover your brand if you don’t make your products accessible online? Again, it’s very sad when this happens, but I don’t think pics in stores is the driver these days.
Janine – You are so cute, haha! It’s really too bad the “whistle blowers” in these situations aren’t having conversations with PR/marketing. I’m sure you wouldn’t run into this problem (unless the policies are in place as part of a contract with designers per Thom’s comment above) if they were having those conversations. I’m going to pass this post on to some of the retail PR ppl I know to see if they want to chime in.
I usually ask first before taking a shot of the store. But you’re right– this policy is completely inane and more stores should be open to photographers.
THE WHOLE THING IS JUST RIDICULOUS! DURING FASHION’S NIGHT OUT, I WAS IN A STORE ON 5TH AVENUE, AND WAS TAKING PHOTOS TO BLOG ABOUT THE EVENT, WHEN I WAS TOLD NOT TO. THEN AS I WAS WALKING OUT OF THE STORE A VERY OBVIOUS FOREIGNER WAS TAKING PHOTOS OF HIS WIFE AS SHE CAME OUT OF THE DRESSING ROOM IN DIFFERENT LOOKS AS THE GUARD LOOKED ON, SAYING NOTHING, I SHOOK MY FINGERS AT HIM AND SAID NO PHOTOS!!! AND SAUNTERED OFF. I WAS REALLY ANGRY ABOUT THE SITUATION, BUT AT LEAST IT GOT A GOOD LAUGH OUT OF MY MOM WHO WITNESSED THE WHOLE THING!
I love this post.
I used to be the Marketing Manager for Arden B, and part of my job was to scout out our competitors displays, windows, discounts, etc…meaning I had to go all around LA to the malls and take pictures. NERVE RACKING…sometimes I would be on the top level trying to shoot Bebe’s windows a floor below because they’d kicked me out. I completely understood then…obviously.
Now, as a fashion blogger (that was before I started my blog) I want to take pictures when I’m out and about so badly, especially when I’m traveling. I love using my own images but it’s just SO hard. I always get kicked out…I agree with you that it is free advertising, I highly doubt that any reputable fashion blogger would be taking pictures of pieces we hate, or a horrid window display. I think retail is slowly understanding that our voice is a powerful one, and growing everyday.
That was a lot. Ha. Happy Thanksgiving love!