When winter lets go of it’s cold hold, color is the first to rush out. It is important for retailers and merchandisers to utilize this in their marketing and signage. There is no doubt that color elicits emotion and moods, so use this to your advantage to coax that indecisive shopper to purchase and feel good about it.
Color Psychology 101
Black
Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. It is also stylish and timeless. Black also implies submission. Priests wear black to signify submission to God. Some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies submission to men. Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or evil. Villains, such as Dracula, often wear black.
White
Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity. White reflects light and is considered a summer color. White is popular in decorating and in fashion because it is light, neutral, and goes with everything. However, white shows dirt and is therefore more difficult to keep clean than other colors. Doctors and nurses wear white to imply sterility.
Red
The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also the color of love. Red clothing gets noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it is an extreme color, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations. Red cars are popular targets for thieves. In decorating, red is usually used as an accent. Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention.
The most romantic color, pink, is more tranquilizing. Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so their opponents will lose energy.
Blue
The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms. In ancient Rome, public servants wore blue. Today, police and other public servants wear blue.
Green
Currently the most popular decorating color, green symbolizes nature. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. It is a calming, refreshing color. People waiting to appear on TV sit in “green rooms” to relax. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients. Brides in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility. Dark green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth. However, seamstresses often refuse to use green thread on the eve of a fashion show for fear it will bring bad luck.
Yellow
Cheerful sunny yellow is an attention getter. While it is considered an optimistic color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances concentration, hence its use for legal pads. It also speeds metabolism. In India, yellow is the symbol for a merchant or farmer.
Purple
The color of royalty, purple connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic. However, because it is rare in nature, purple can appear artificial.
Leonardo da Vinci believed that the power of meditation increases 10 times when done in a purple light, as in the purple light of stained glass. Purple in a child’s room is said to help develop the imagination according to color theory.
Brown
Solid, reliable brown is the color of earth and is abundant in nature. Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar to wood or leather. Brown can also be sad and wistful. Men are more apt to say brown is one of their favorite colors.
[Excert from "The Importance of Color" by David Johnson and the FactMonster.com]
Chalk Ink Markers has the widest color selection of chalk markers on the market. You can always find the appropriate color for your signage and home decor.
…and these are my latest d-tells
Alamo Draft House Cinema is hip to the current trends; something we should all be aware of in retail. They are also fantastic edgy retailers. I bought a shirt they had printed just for the memorial. I think other retailers, bars and restaurants could take a page from Alamo’s book.
Have you ever been walking down the street, window shopping, noticing the beautiful graphics and window displays and come across the picturesque cafe? Only to find an outside chalkboard inviting you in… Or I think that’s what they’re saying. The chalkboard is so badly written and the board is so dirty my first impression is… “Is this what the kitchen and bathrooms look like?” First impressions mean everything. Why go into business only to insult customers at the entry. Owners spend a lot of money on decor, staff, music, chefs, and even white table cloths; these things need to work for you towards your success. 
There are tools available that can help clean-up your act or kitchen or bathrooms or back rooms for that matter, just by purchasing a decent 
