Visual merchandising in it’s simplest definition, is the presentation of products in a way that is pleasing to consumers and encourages them to make a purchase. The Retail Details blog features display ideas to spotlight basic techniques and inspire creativity in store displays in order to stimulate consumer interest, increase store traffic and generate sales.
Filigree - Lubbock, TX
Denim: a back-to-school staple; challenging items to display. Filigree in Lubbock, TX, chose peace sign props for this themed display of female jeans. By hanging jeans on gold curtain rods with bold brackets, the customer can easily see the unique features of the denim like the leg width and the back pocket design. Jeans are generally the only apparel item that is best displayed showing the back. For more denim display ideas, click here to read a Retail Details blog post dedicated to denim.
Opening Ceremony - Los Angeles
Oversized common items make fun props. Extra large push pins serve the purpose of suspending satchel bags on a wall at Opening Ceremony store in Los Angeles, CA. Using unique display hooks attracts attention to your merchandise and adds a fun, whimsical feel to the shopping experience. This is especially effective when tots through teens are your target customer.
- BeTween Scene – Dallas, TX & Baton Rouge, LA
For marketing to “tweens”, you can take advantage of brand recognition, as shown in these displays using skateboard props, targeting the adolescent boy customer. BeTween Scene stores in Dallas, TX and Baton Rouge, LA, specialize in youth clothing and accessories. They have the unique job of creating displays to attract the customer who may be shopping for Silly Bandz and True Religion jeans in the same day.
When creating displays for a “tween” girl customer, bright colors and carefully chosen props are the answer. In this picture, the use of doors as an “age-neutral” prop neither indicates that the merchandise is for a younger or an older child. Unusual color combinations draw attention to the display. Soft colors could indicate a more childish display and complementary colors may imply a display more suited to “Mom’s” merchandise.
Boca Clothing - Pacific Palisades, CA
I found this example of color usage at Boca Clothing in Pacific Palisades, CA. Not only did they utilize bright colors to mix with jeans on this display table, you may note a special attention to color detail. The sleeves of the shirts are folded such that the darker cuff area folds neatly across the lighter part of the top, thus creating an additional contrast in the display.
When jewelry trends lend themselves to an edgier style, alternative display fixtures may prove more effective that the usual t-bars and velvet busts. Leather bracelets and dog tag necklaces are appropriately displayed on these galvanized pipes. This display is easy to create with a simple visit to a home improvement store. It is also very flexible since the pipe can be purchased in varying lengths.
Photo courtesy of Dillon Photography
School lockers at Urban Kidz Wear in Scottsdale, AZ, are part of a traditional back-to-school display in the boys section of their shop. Slatwall allows for both hanging bars and faceout displays on the wall next to the lockers. Bookbags placed in the well-lit area above the slatwall remind me that displays need not be unusual to be good.
Tweed Baby Outfitters - Nashville, TN
Tweed Baby Outfitters, in Nashville, TN, created this pulley display for diaper bags. It is such a great idea, I think it could work well for bookbags, satchels and even handbags, as well.
Thanks for taking the time to read the Retail Details blog. I hope you find inspiration for great displays and that you will choose to share them. You can submit your store display pictures for blog consideration to SwirlMarketing(at)comcast.net
Fund Raising Request: You can also contact me at that email address if you have a dress to donate to the Love That Dress benefit for the Pace Center for Girls of Lee County. If you have a dress that you’ve already been seen in or a dress in your closet that you have not worn, you can donate it for a good cause. New and gently used dresses are needed for the September 1 event sale in Lee County, Florida. Retailers… do you have left-over sale stock that you could donate? Thanks!
Stay display inspired!
~Becky Tyre, Retail Details blog
Thanks you for showing all the great displays. Sometimes I can see what is special, but usually I have to read your words to really observe what is good about the picture. I am learning so much! I work for 2 small stores and I am always looking for new ideas. What I want to know is where is the best place to buy props on a small budget? I go to thrift stores but I don’t find much there. Thank u.
Dear Marcia,
The two stores that you work for are lucky to have you. The fact that you continue to learn and seek out new ideas shows great interest in your job. Where to buy inexpensive props? The answer is anywhere, but specifically, check out the sale aisle in any store that sells home decor items. Exercise your creativity by stopping at an item that catches your attention and try to think of what could be displayed on it, in it or with it. Now turn it upside down and sideways and review it’s uses again. Can you paint it, hang it, stack it, break it in half? My point? Props are everywhere and the most interesting ones are frequently items that are reused with a new twist. Have you viewed my blog post from February that included a list of garage sale and thrift store items to buy? Check it out:
http://www.swirlmarketing.com/blog/retaildetails/2010/02/25/is-that-a-refrigerator-door-on-your-wall/
Have fun and stay display inspired! ~Becky
WOW i love the saftey pins with the Proenza Schouler bags! Looks great visually!
http://www.thewindowshopper.co.uk
xx
Hi Victoria. Opening Ceremony has numerous impressive displays… more to come! Thanks for your comment. ~Becky
Im going to LA in Sept (im from England) and definitly think I need to pay a visit! x