If you are thinking about different ways that you can effectively display clearance apparel, we have the perfect solution for you – round racks. These store fixtures are ideal for hanging marked down merchandise because there is almost not limit to the numbers of hangers they can hold, unlike faceouts that may only have 10 pegs.

Round racks are also very versatile because of their portability. They are stand alone store fixtures, so they can be placed in high or low traffic areas. With the option to add twin wheels or casters to round racks, you can effortlessly transport racks while the merchandise is still hanging.

Additionally, there are several top attachments you can add to your round racks that utilize the empty space above the rack. These handy toppers include:

• Glass Tops
• Wire Basket Topper
• Wood Tops
• Circular Sky Tiers

We recommend using plastic size labeler that will attach to your round racks. These hanging accessories are available in round and oblong shapes for optimal size viewing. You can also choose between S M L sizes, numerical sizes, or infant/toddler sizes.

There is much more to a blowout sale than simply marking down merchandise. You have to prepare your store so that shoppers know exactly where to find discounts, as well as put them in the mood to buy things on sale they might not normally buy for full price. Additionally, department stores and specialty stores are still trying to make up for lost holiday sales which creates more competition.

With the consumer trend still going toward price point and shopping around, when you are preparing a blowout sale leave no question in the customer’s mind that your store has the lowest price. We recommend choosing your sale dates well in advance and making them special. You don’t want to be the store that has dusty sale signs because they are never taken down.

Make sure you change the look and placement of your displays from the norm for huge sales. When your store reflects the sale message, customers will be more likely to buy sale merchandise. For example, when Express has their box sale they literally have cardboard boxes out with discounted apparel. Shoppers know to go directly to the boxes for low prices. These boxes are essentially dump bins that are sorted according to size. They are extremely easy to maintain, involve no hanging and can fit lots of products.

Sale signage is huge. From large sale window banners to the marked down tags on merchandise, clearly indicating a sale to customers outside and inside your store is crucial. Everything down to your packaging and bags can send the message out that your store is having a blowout sale.

Spread the word with advertisements, employees and friends to create buzz around your sale. Have employees tell customers about sales before they start by saying things such as “Next week all of our outdoor gear will be 30% off.” Now is the time to use those email addresses you have been collecting. Additionally, if your store is online, make sure that the sale message carries over to your online customers.

Do you have any tips for other store owners on how to prepare for blowout sales?

Impulse buys are items that shoppers purchase that they had not planned on buying beforehand. Items near registers are not put there on accident. They are strategically placed to capitalize on impulse purchases. Usually these items are smaller, easily identifiable and priced lower than other items in your store. Though the register is a key place for merchandise, you can utilize other areas by creating special displays in high traffic locations or next to related merchandise. For increasing impulse buys, here are a few tips that we recommend trying.

Change out merchandise frequently. We have given this advice before about displays in general, but it is especially important for special displays designed for impulse buying. Regular customers look for updated merchandise, new products and featured sales. Make sure that you are regularly featuring new items so they keep coming back. Try to keep track of what you have displayed, where you setup the display and the success rate. This will help you know what works and what does not.

Highlight return policies near impulse purchase displays. Customers will be more likely to purchase higher priced merchandise on the spot when they are assured that it will be easy for them to return or exchange if they regret the decision later. Also, make sure that you clearly communicate if sales are final either with signs or at the register.

Put accessories next to related items. Accessories are great impulse merchandise sales. For example, when someone is looking for a great coat and sees scarves, gloves and hats to match, it will be too good to pass up. This also works with items that have accessories that are sold separately such as games, toys and tools.

Remember, you won’t know what works until you try it. Now is the time to experiment a bit with holidays such as Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day so you will be extra prepared for maximum sales during the next Christmas season.

What are your best impulse purchase displays?

Not only will your displays draw in customers, but the overall feel of your store will dictate whether or not a person decides to enter your store. The key is to make customers feel as comfortable as possible to put them in the shopping mood.

There are some simple questions to ask yourself to determine how approachable your store is to potential customers. We recommended answering the following questions about your store and from your findings, try some new things to improve.

1) What kind of lighting is best suited for your store?
With lighting you can set the tone of your store and highlight new or seasonal products. Some stores strategically may want it darker and can achieve this by using lamps instead of overhead lighting. Lights that are too bright and white may remind people of the superstore they wanted to avoid. Burnt out lights outside and inside your store should be a red flag. We recommend replacing burnt out lights as soon as you notice them.

2) What is the first smell that a customer is introduced to in your store?
A foul smell is a big turn off to a customer. However, a great scent can be a huge selling point. And because smell and memory are closely linked, have a customer associate a good scent with your store. We recommend going with a clean or widely popular scent such as fresh linens or vanilla. Be careful not to overdo it as that is also a turnoff. Pick clean and light scents that are airy, not overwhelming.

3) How clean is your store? Is there dust on merchandise or dirt on the floor from foot traffic?
Keeping a clean store might sound like a no brainer, but it is something that you are going to have to watch and maintain everyday. If you let this get away from you it will be harder to attain desirable cleanliness in the future and one bad experience may turn a customer away for good.

4) Are key areas in your store clearly marked?
Don’t make customers search for items until they get so frustrated that they give up completely. Have your aisles clearly marked. And remember to let people know where the restrooms, customer service, exits and gift wrapping stations are located.

5) Is there a greeter readily available for customers that need assistance?
Greeters let customers know that you are available and that you genuinely care. However, there is also a threat of becoming overbearing and even intimidating customers who may prefer to browse without interruptions. The trick is to read customers’ verbal and nonverbal language. They will give signals if they want to be left alone.

These are simple things that you can implement to make your store more welcoming. Little things like adding a scented candle or a few daily cleaning duties to your store can go a long way.

How do you make your store more inviting to customers?

From decorating to cooking, people always get into the holidays. So this is your chance to capitalize on holiday merchandise sales. Just putting out your seasonal merchandise is not going to put you above your competition. You have to go the extra mile and really make your seasonal merchandise stand out. Appeal to your customer’s senses and put them in the holiday buying spirit.

Sight
Your displays are going to be a huge factor in attracting customers to your holiday merchandise. People are going to go towards attention grabbing things like lights, moving objects and sparkle, not a tower of boxes. Here is where you should let your creative talents shine. If you are not very artistic, consult employees or friends who can help.

Smell
Draw customers into your store with a holiday scent like gingerbread or pine. This would be especially helpful if you’re selling holiday candles or potpourri. Many people associate the holidays with certain smells, so put them in the holiday mood with the sent of their mom’s fresh baked apple pie.

Sound
“Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la, la la la …” Nothing puts people in the holiday spirit more than Christmas or holiday music. Make sure it’s not too loud and try to have a variety of music play. Also try to avoid religious music and play songs such as Frosty the Snow Man, Let it Snow, Winter Wonderland, etc. or make sure you represent all traditions in your musical selection in order to keep all customers happy.

Taste
Everyone loves samples. If you have a special holiday drink mix or dip consider putting out samples. This is a great marketing tactic because people won’t have to guess at what they are buying. And it shows that you believe in your products enough to put it out and know that people will like it enough to buy it. This will also make people stay in your store longer and lure in others who are wondering what is so interesting.

Touch
If your merchandise is packaged in a box, we recommend having a display out of the box so that customers can pick things up and touch them. If you don’t, people will end up taking items out of boxes themselves. This could potentially damage several products.

Think of what would appeal to your customer’s senses this holiday and you might be pleasantly surprised at the difference it makes in your store.

How do you attract customers into your store?

As independent store owners, it is imperative to make your store unique and standout against larger chain stores. People will come to your store not only for merchandise but to get away from everyday super stores and their bright white lights. Because larger retailers may be able to carry a larger selection of products at a lower price, you will have to highlight the benefits of your store to overcome these obstacles.

While there are many tactics you can implement, we recommend starting small and aim for quality not quantity in this process. Choose a few techniques and do them well. If they are not showing the results you desire, don’t be afraid to try something else. Here are a few things we have seen retailers do that really set them apart from the super store across the street.

Offer onsite services that will save your customers a trip. People don’t mind paying a little extra if the service you offer makes their lives easier. For example, if you sell pants, offer an onsite hemming service. This is also a great way for people to start buzzing about your store by telling their family and friends about the great benefits you offer along with your merchandise.

Treat your customers like friends not just buyers. Personal interactions will keep your customers loyal. Little things like greeting your customers by name and asking about their family, while getting them in and out in a timely manor will make customers feel like they are buying from a friend. Upping your personal attention doesn’t cost a cent but makes a huge difference in the customer’s shopping experience.

Because you don’t have to answer to higher management, you have the ability to haggle a bit when it comes to pricing. On large orders consider throwing in some of the smaller accessories for free or at a discount. For example, in a hardware store if someone is buying tools and materials for building a deck, give them a discount on the nails they use. Or for long time customers, if they run in for something small, let them walk out without paying. Just use your best judgment when doing this, and make sure your employees know that this is a privilege only you can pass out.

Do your research on the big box store competition. You are probably not going to have higher profits than the superstore next door but you can retain a good client base and thrive. Get in the mindset of your customers. Are they looking for quality over convenience? Do they need help finding smaller objects? If you don’t know these answers ask your customers. Pay attention to your competition and make sure you’re doing something different and original.

Focus your efforts on realistic goals for your store. Weigh your options and try to receive feedback from employees and customers.

Do you compete with a large chain store? How do your business tactics keep customers coming back?

Perhaps one of the most important things you can do this holiday season is to use appropriate Holiday Signs to lure customers into your store. Because your store won’t be the only one with holiday signs up, sign placement and message are extremely important.

The Store Supply Warehouse website makes it easy for retailers to shop for holiday store fixtures with the holiday items listed together. With all the options as everyday store signs, holiday signs come in many varieties.

The 11 Piece Holiday Sale Promotional Sign Kit and Holiday Sale Super Sign Kit features “Holiday Sale” and friendly snowman. The Economy Burgundy Sale Sign comes in packs of 100, available in two different sizes and feature holiday present images. Economy Snowflake Sale Signs also come in packs of 100, available in two sizes and are printed with snowflake images. The Holiday Sale Companion Sign comes in packs of 50 with “Holiday Sale” and snowflakes.

These festive signs will let customers know that these are not your everyday sales. Special sale signs mean special sales and discounts. Because the signs are dateless, you can use them over and over again. Try pairing them with holiday displays and keep the discounted merchandise close by.

An easy way to send messages to the community is by utilizing a bulletin board. You can send personal messages out to your customers, feature your organization’s future happenings and endorse causes and events you support.

Wall-Mounted Enclosed Bulletin Boards are perfect to hang anywhere in your store. They come with a lock so you have complete control over what is featured on your board. Brown cork board and black letterboard options are available. These boards have a sleek, contemporary appearance, featuring a rounded, slender frame for maximum viewing area. Letterboard letter sets are 142 piece sets with white letters, numbers and symbols.

Some key items you should think about including on your bulletin board:

• Store hours and holiday hours
• Your company in the news
• Sponsored events
• New departments or employees

Obviously your industry will dictate how personal you can be with your store and products. For example, a mom and pop gift shop will want to be more personal than a large scale grocer. However, no matter your industry, customers like to feel a connection with the store they are investing in. This connection is what will turn them into repeat, lifetime customers.

These personalized touches will come with time from being open and establishing yourself in the community. There are some small things that will make a big difference, so customers always remember your store.

Have a signature color that people can associate with your organization. For example, this Store Supply Warehouse Blog is blue with accent colors. This is something that you have control over and people can expect and connect these colors with your brand. Even the paint color you use in your store can make a difference, if you walked in to a store that was bright yellow it would make an impression (maybe not what you’re going for, but you get the point).

Making your packaging distinguishable is another way you can add a personal touch. Even if your organization’s name isn’t all over the bag, you can still make your packaging memorable and reflect on your store. Consider using tissue paper that matches your store color, or offer paper bags instead of regular plastic bags. We all know that Victoria’s Secret has the pink tissue paper inside their pink striped bags.

If you have long term employees, get them involved and have them become a part of the store. You can feature employee birthdays and anniversaries. Some book stores highlight an employee recommended reading section. Customers can match their tastes with an employee and follow their reading habits. This interaction isn’t something you can buy. You have to build relationships with customers in order for them to last.

How have you personalized your store?

Focal point displays are the first thing that customer sees either outside or inside the store. They will add interest to your store, as well as places the products you want directly in front of your customer’s eyes. There are few important factors to consider when creating focal point displays.

1) Find the right place to set-up. This step can be easy or hard depending on the layout of your store. If there is some sort of large architectural feature of your store, there may be no question as to where the best place in your store is. However, for others in square rooms, this may be more difficult. Consider places in the room that can be seen from outside. Also, a place that can be viewed from all angles of the store is ideal.

2) Choose the product (s) that you want to feature. Here you may want to highlight sale items or seasonal merchandise. If your location is in a place that gets lots of traffic keep breakable products towards the middle.

3) Use appropriate signage to advertise your display. Make clear why you are featuring these products. Whether you are offering a discount or featuring a new product, get the customers excited and in the know about what’s going on.

4) Maintain your focal point display. Hopefully your display will get lots of action, but be prepared to keep up with out of place items. Organize several times per day during slower store hours. Or even put an employee in charge of keeping the area tidy.

How do you use focal point displays to drive sales?

Earlier this week we talked about using current trends as selling points in your store. If you decide to create a green or health section to your store, don’t let it go overlooked. We recommend featuring these products with lights. Lights are a simple, economical way to draw attention to your displays.

There are many different types of lights to choose from, so you can feature any type of product. Tube lights are perfect for glass display cases or outdoor use. These 12 foot long, weather resistant lights are available in Clear, Red, Blue, Purple, Yellow, Green and Red/Green. Consider switching up the colors to match the season or theme. You can also connect up to three tubes together for a 36 foot long strand. Add motion to your tube light with a Chase Speed Control. The controller lets you vary the speed of your chase sequence.

To drive traffic to a particular area of your store Rotating Sale Beacons are ideal. Offered in Red and Blue customers won’t be able to help stopping. Also, Mini Strobe Lights that come with a speed controller can flash up to 10 flashes per second. These lights will draw attention to any corner of your store and are ideal for Halloween displays.

If you want to highlight merchandise on slatwall or wire grid, attach a light for noticeable emphasis. Available in white or black, these lights include a 12 foot cord, 12 inch extension arm and adjustable swivel head. You can’t go wrong with easy and attractive lighting.

You work so hard to create beautiful displays, so shed some light on them. Try adding a light to a display and watch your profits glow.

How do you use lights in your store? What difference does it make?

You never want your store to become dated when it comes to your merchandise and displays. There are some classic products that will always be profitable but you should keep a close eye on the newest trends and your inventory. This is not to say that you should jump at every pet rock craze that comes along, but it’s never a bad idea to know what your customers are talking about and looking for.

Here are some trends with long term value that might be selling points for you now or in the future.

Go Green
According to the 2009 Cone Consumer Environmental Survey, 34% of Americans are more likely to buy environmentally responsible products today. And 70% indicate that they are paying attention to what companies are doing with regard to the environment right now, even if they cannot buy until the future.

Online Sales
With gas prices still high, consumers are looking to the internet to save themselves a costly drive. If you already have an online store consider offering free shipping for spending over a certain amount or advertise a free gift with purchase. However, if you are thinking about creating a new online store, be prepared to advertise or discount aggressively to drive initial traffic in order to build an online customer base.

Buying American
This is not a new concept, but with struggling economy and the American car industry urging consumers to buy American made cars, some consumers are looking at the tags on other items as well. Look at your inventory and weigh if highlighting some of your American made products could make a difference. However, be cautious of this tactic if the majority of your products are not American made, as it will only highlight that you carry imported products. While there is nothing wrong with imported products, certain customers may not like it.

Health
The boomer generation of Americans that were born between 1946 and 1964 are moving into the senior citizen bracket, 65 years of age and up. With the life expectancy hovering around 80, the boomers aren’t going anywhere. In their retirement they have money to spend and are looking to healthier lifestyles to keep up with the grandkids.

Do It Yourself
People are looking for money savers. Instead of paying someone for labor, some are finding that they don’t mind rolling up their sleeves themselves. If your product is suited to do-it-yourselfers, capitalize on your expertise by hosting workshops. People will buy your products for their project and call on you if things don’t end up looking like the picture.

Have you noticed any current trends that have impacted your business?

For any brick and mortar store, or any online store for that matter, one of the hardest things to do as a business is to reach new customers. Sometimes you need to take your store on the road in order to present your merchandise to perspective customers that otherwise are not familiar with your store.

There are many ways to go about doing this. One way is to participate at local events. Events like arts and crafts shows, flea markets or fairs are a great opportunity. Purchase some booth space and sell your materials at the event. Make sure you have plenty of signage, fliers with your address and website on it and business cards at the event in order to make new customers aware of your company.

Also, find local “shows” that highlight your business. For example, every area has bridal shows multiple times a year. These shows are perfect for retailers in the dress and tux industries, but also for florists, framers, shoe stores, accessory stores, bakeries, restaurants and even gift stores. By enhancing your presence at these events, you can reach brides that not only will maybe use your services for their wedding, but they may become long term customers. Home and garden shows are also a great way to showcase your organization.

While at these events, make sure you have displays that are not only portable, but that show off your merchandise. If the event booth is only a table, use countertop displays that allow you to layer your items at different heights so that merchandise on the back of the table gets as much attention as the front. If you have clothing, bring rolling racks of clothes that can easily be transported.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you participate at an event or show, that the show itself is a reflection of your company. So do your research ahead of time and make sure that the event is aligned with your business’ values and mission.  Then, remember that your main job at a show is not only selling one piece of merchandise, but introducing your company to a potential repeat customer.

What type of events do you attend to promote your store?