Merchandising a store can be a challenge, especially for busy retailers. But when you consider that savvy consumers are used to seeing polished displays in big stores, it makes sense to emphasize and improve merchandising in your store. While merchandising has always been important, the forces being placed on retailers by a new generation of shoppers makes these five tips even more important.

 

1. Window Displays Make a First Impression

The front window display has the power to draw in target customers. A bland or disjointed display will be ignored and the passer-by will keep passing by. When designing the front window, displays with movement, like these hanging strings of fall leaves, can make the most impact.

DYI TIP: Use the Wizard cut art designs to cut the leaves out of brown kraft paper and book pages. Glue them to long strings of finishing line or twine.

Use the same techniques in the front window as you do in-store when combining color, texture and lighting for something eye-catching.

2. Guide Customers Through Your Store

Take clues from merchandising master IKEA. The Sweden-based furniture retailer has laid out their brick-and-mortar locations so well that they practically guide every step their customers take.

This works because when you know how your customers are traveling through the space, you also know where they’re likely to look and they’re likely to see. Using that knowledge, you can place displays, new products, and other priorities in those highly visible spots.

DIY TIP: Watch your customers when they come in. Which direction do they look first? Where do they go? If most people look then turn to the right that is where the most profitable items should be displayed.

3. Give Them a Sign

Shoppers don’t like to search for signs or price tags and many will put a product back instead of asking an associate for its cost. Forcing customers to hunt around your shop is a quick way to lose sales. Make it easy for them to find what’s important.

DIY TIP: Use Letter Art and the vinyl cutting tool to cut wall signs like this artist’s name. This was cut out of inexpensive self-adhesive shelf paper and applied to the wall for a recent art show.

4. Do Your Customer’s a Service

Any retailer who gives their customers something in return is on their way to earning lots of loyal customers. This is thoughtful gesture and brands your business. By providing relief and relaxation to the shoppers, they’re less likely to rush out of the store. This gives them more time to shop — and more time to spend more money.

DIY TIP: Replace the labels on water bottles with your own custom designed label. Add your logo and a call to action, like “Follow Us on Facebook”.

5. Keep It Fresh

Take lessons from the big retailers and rotate your store displays on a regular schedule. On average, visual merchandising displays should be changed every two weeks. This will keep the shop looking fresh when customers come back to pick up their framing projects. Play to the seasons, decorate for holidays and give buyers reasons to be inspired.

DIY TIP: Get inspired with new ideas by checking out Visual Merchandising Ideas on Pinterest.

Effective visual merchandising has the power to attract new customers, engage shoppers in-store and help increase overall sales. Utilize the above tips and reap the benefits for your retail store.