2-2 Blog: Store Fixtures and Visual Merchandising

After watching the video for Barr Display, I realized how much thought and effort goes into selecting the displays for a retail store there really is. There are so many different options to choose from for each category including size, shape, and colors. Your goal is to draw in your target market before they even step foot into your store, and by giving them an exceptional experience you can encourage them to want to come back to shop with you again.

For displaying clothing, it’s important to consider how you want your customers to view the merchandise and the effects of the displays. For an upscale clothing store, it would not be wise to have “cheap” plastic looking hangers since you are trying to promote a pricier brand. Utilizing a nicer hanger for clothing such as the wooden ones would present your brand much more effectively.

You can also utilize shelving units to display your merchandise, but it is important that if you are going to select high shelving units, to not display items too high up and to reserve it for extra storage. By keeping products at eye-level, customers will be able to see your products without having to put in any extra effort. Slat walls can be used to insert pegs to hang products and can be found in many different colors. When selecting a slat wall design, it’s important to consider what type of merchandise you are selling in your store because you don’t want to get a design that contradicts your product style. If you are selling bright colored clothing, a white colored design can be beneficial and accent the brightly colored clothing and draw more attention to them.

Mannequins are useful in a retail setting because they can show customers a general idea of the clothing on an actual body instead of laying flat on a table or on a hanger. Having mannequins that represent different body types of potential customers will help make them feel like they should be shopping at your store and not excluded. There are different types of mannequins and the poses you have them in can drastically change how customers view the clothing. It is advised for you not to put a suit and tie on a mannequin that is demonstrating running as this can confuse your customers and make your brand appear to be confused itself.

The store environment contributes to sales because you want to make your target market feel welcomed and valued. If you want to attract a younger crowd, having bright colors and catering to their trends will draw them in, but it can also deter other demographics. You want to give them an enjoyable experience when they visit your store, so that they will want to visit again when they are shopping.