I think a layout like this, with visuals for the different sections within the store (this seasons trends, shoes, coats, etc.), could be an interesting way to navigate. It would be ideal to give the user the option to navigate in this way or use the simple text approach.. this could be done by editing settings?!
I think that having an interesting, quirky element is important to an app. It doesn't have to be too complex but from the example above, it's different and has a unique layout and automatically sets it apart from the rest of the apps i've used. I like how they've created the navigation to resemble a filing system, it's not a common layout for an app, however, everyone knows how a filing system works, therefore would be able to navigate their way through the app easily.
After researching some of the best apps of 2011, i discovered they all had a similar layout. None were too abstract or complex, each had a simple navigation formula and large buttons + icons to assist you through the app. Most of the options were stacked in a list form, so not to confuse the user with too much information, and none were overcomplicated.
Apps that had many options didn't use any images, they simply arranged their icons to allow you to choose where you would like to go within the app and didn't add anything unnecessary.
