Successful use of displays in stores arouses consumers' curiosity, and induces them to purchase a product after a visit. Facade is a word meaning an external front wall of a building, and is usually the first point of visual contact for the consumers. The present study is an empirical investigation of external appearance of a clothing store, with a 2×2×2 factorial design of facade, show window, and wall surface material designed for the purpose of the study. Dependent variables were store image variables and attitude toward store. A total of 320 questionnaires from male and female consumers were used for the analysis. Facade type and material had significant main and interaction effects, while show window type had no meaningful effects overall. A facade of irregular design prompted significantly higher levels of perceived ‘elegance’, ‘uniqueness’, and ‘attractiveness’ of the store. Material itself did not have significant influence but did have significant interaction effect with facade design. The interaction effect was found in store attitude as well. In order to create a positive store attitude, a concrete material facade should have an irregular design. Companies owning fashion brands should carefully select facade type and wall surface material in the visual merchandising strategies of a store.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of store attributes on brand equity of and brand attitude toward Korean SPA brands. Data were collected from women living in Seoul in ages from 18 to 39 with purchasing experience at Korean SPA brands. A total of 554 questionnaires were used in the statistical analysis including factor analysis and structure equation analysis. The results were as follows: For store attributes, 8 factors were extracted: product assortment, fashionability, price, quality, store environment, service, convenience in location and advertisement. Two factors, brand awareness, brand image were extracted for brand equity, and brand attitude was derived as a single dimension. Product-related store attributes such as product assortment, price, quality have positive effects on brand awareness, brand image and brand attitude. Other attribute such as store environment has positive effect on brand awareness and brand image, Attribute such as advertisement has positive effect on brand awareness and service, convenience in location have positive effect on brand attitude. Moreover, brand image and brand awareness have positive effect on brand attitude. These results indicate the product-related attributes are important factors to consider for improving brand equity and brand attitude for Korean SPA brands.