Window displays as vehicles of social commentary: The case of Harvey Nichols

The output is a case study about Harvey Nichols, the luxury department store. Specifically, it is about how they used the window displays of their London store in September 2018 in order to commemorate the centenary of women’s suffrage in the UK. The case study has been created for teaching purposes, particularly for students that are becoming familiarised with different notions of branding and visual merchandising. Research process: A variety of literature relating to window displays and visual merchandising was consulted. Additionally, examples of other fashion brands using window displays as a medium of social discourse were researched. Also, different public sources such as social media, websites and blogs were examined to identify the reactions of the public to the revelation of the Harvey Nichols window displays. Research insights: The case study begins with learning objectives. Through a combination of theory and narrative the story is presented accompanied by questions that are there to stimulate conversation and reflection. Also, teaching notes are available for tutor use as a guide to further tasks/assignments that could be based on this specific case. Dissemination: It is published on the subscription-only online resource Bloomsbury Fashion Business Cases Academics and University libraries from around the world have access to the resource and tutors are invited to use the case studies as part of their teaching practices