Zen Jeweler: A Simple Matter of Context

AS A STUNT, The Washington Post asked world-acclaimed violinist Joshua Bell to play his Stradiva-rius during rush-hour in a Metro subway station. Here’s what happened: 

He played for 45 minutes. Six people stopped to listen (out of nearly 1,100). He made $32 and change. The Post article talks about context and framing and how we have no more time for beauty. The article has led me to ask a question. 

When people enter your store, can they see and feel that you are a concert hall, acoustically perfect? Does everything (from the lighting to the length of time the concert goes on before you pause for intermission) work together to show off the musicians, the dancers, and the works of art you wish them to appreciate? 

Taken out of context, Joshua Bell is just another street musician. But get the context right and he is something extraordinary. Look with a critical eye at every single facet of your store. Get the frames and the context right, and your works of art will be pre-sold.