NOTE: Click “Display Contest” under PAGES in the sidebar of this blog (on the right, over there>>>) to read about the Retail Details Store Display Contest and how to enter.
- MY SUIT – New York, NY
In a made-to-measure men’s suit store, you expect to choose between single or double breasted, two buttons or three, pleated or flat front, buttons or cuff-links, but at My Suit in New York City, you can choose the vest as shown on the orange or on the blue mannequin. WHAT? (insert sound effect *here* tires screeching to a halt). Brightly colored mannequins in a men’s tailor shop? Absolutely, if done correctly. The poses are the key to this mannequin success story at My Suit. Maybe the Yankee’s won or the DOW is up, but these mannequins are pumped up and ready to celebrate amidst a world of navy, black and gray. It’s refreshing to see a modern store design in this fashion genre. Hat tip to the store designers and visual merchandisers! (Cue the theme from Rocky *here*).
Home decor stores, florists and gift shops struggle with clear glass containers and how to display them. A few ideas to consider:
- 2000 A.D. Concepts in Floral Art (left) in Atlanta, GA and The Miller House (right) in Stephens City, VA
Flowers, fruits and vegetables bring life to clear glass vases, bowls, cylinders, pitchers and other glass vessels whether they are part of your product mix or used as display props to enhance other merchandise. With apologies, in advance, to my friend J M.H. Schwanke over at UBloom, you can use fresh or faux fruit, flowers & veggies. Use fresh if you are able to monitor and change the display frequently or you can use paraffin oil to preserve the items if you are displaying them submerged. Another idea is to use obviously “fake” products like sparkly glass apples or cloth tomatoes. I am currently researching faux food display prop sources for the guys at The Display Lab. If you know of any good sources, please email me the link or contact info. Thanks!
Which way is up? I look through a lot of pictures every week. You are all so kind to send them via email or link me to your facebook albums. I get so excited when I see the same prop in various settings and configurations. In this case, At Mary’s, a “much-more-than-just-gifts” shop in Bardstown, KY, features china inside a crown – or is it a cake plate? In good visual merchandising, there are no labels. Intended uses can be ignored. Be creative. Disregard “this side up” stickers.
Fence posts, cut in various lengths make up these jewelry displays at UniquExpressions in Pine Mountain, GA. It’s such a simple way to create texture and height in a display and I like that they are used vertically and horizontally. I especially appreciate the way the watch bands are featured more prominently as they are positioned around the posts.
- Brussels Sprouts – Newton, MA
Three mannequin forms. Three clothing colors. It’s not a display rule, but it is an effective technique as shown at Brussels Sprouts Kids in Newton, MA. Actually, there are numerous things “done right” in this display. Note that the are skirts are placed on both sides with pants in the middle. Note that the center form is taller. Note how the outerwear, both in black, bookends the display story.
The Painted Door in Oklahoma City shows a little whimsy in this display of bracelets and watches. Besides, why display on two arms, when you can use eight? This is a fun example of a full-round display, as well.
In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’ve been waiting to share Amberella with my blog readers. Amberella Gallery and Boutique in Philadelphia, PA takes their pink so seriously that they painted ALL their display items – furniture, fixtures, frames, forms and even the floor - PINK. Perhaps it’s not the right shade for everyone, but it certainly has impact. Gotta love a shop with personality!
As always, thanks for taking the time to read the Retail Details blog. I hope you will consider entering the current Retail Details New Year Store Display Contest sponsored by Midwest CBK, Gully’s Discount Store Fixtures, Country Business Magazine, and The Display Lab. Finalists will be provided with props to keep and check out the great prizes, too.
Until next time… stay display inspired!
~Becky
Need last-minute 4th of July display ideas?
I found several garden art display ideas where I found this trike at
I don’t think this piece is from a garden department, but this baby bootie and headband display at 
Previous blog post shows my favorite hand hooks ever, 
