When creating displays that a targeted toward children, don’t forget that children want to see clothes on a figure their size just like older people like to see outfits on adult sized mannequins.

Child sized mannequins allow you to display complete outfits for children. They are an important display item for any store that sells children’s clothing.

One of the benefits of children’s mannequins is that they are about half the size of a traditional mannequin. So these types of mannequins can be easily used to build levels to any display since they can be either placed on the floor or higher like on a table without being too high.

Youth mannequins can also be integrated with main store displays so that coordinating outfits can be displayed in full family displays with an adult female, adult male, children’s boy and children’s girl mannequins. These types of displays are perfect for stores that want to cater to the entire family.

Many times, in department or larger stores, the children’s clothing sections tend to be in a more remote area of the store. If you have children’s clothing displays toward the front of the store, it will remind shoppers that you have a children’s section and will draw them in. We also recommend pairing accessories with apparel on mannequins such as backpacks, jewelry and hats.

Remember that youth mannequins are a great way to show off your best merchandise, so make sure you mix up what you have your children’s mannequins wearing and they will highlight your children’s merchandise.

How do you display children’s clothing?

While parents make the ultimate buying decisions, children do have quite an influence on many purchases. Researchers at the University of Vienna in Austria found that twice as many purchases in supermarkets are triggered by children than their parents are aware of. As retailers, it is important to cater to the parent while also making sure that children are not only addressed, but that they have access to the right products in the right ways.

If your store caters to families or parents, remember that lower shelves are at eye level for inquisitive children eyes and hands.  So make sure that lower items are targeted to children. Also, remember that busy hands could easier grab and break anything on lower shelves. So even if you aren’t directly marketing to children, make sure you protect your merchandise by stocking lower shelves with items that are durable or soft.

If you are going to have merchandise that is targeted to children, keep in mind that children like to touch and move merchandise. We recommend keeping items in baskets, boxes or other enclosures so that children can easily pick up and choose items that are low. Children also are drawn to displays that encourage interaction. Mix bright colors, shapes, sizes and display types and children will be drawn to these areas.

If your store mostly caters to moms, consider having an activity or play corner for children that is easily visible from most areas of the store. That way mom can shop while her children safely play within her sight.

Remember that there is a fine line between offering items to children and pushing them to the point that you upset your customers. Make sure that you have items within reach of the counter that are at lower price point as well. Parents will be more likely to say yes to these items and the parent and child will both be happy.

How do you create child friendly displays in your store?

When maximizing space, we often suggest that retailers think vertically for ways to make the most of every single inch of space. One of the most versatile store supply display units to build vertical interest in your store is wire grid.

Wire grid can be used against a wall similar to slatwall, but also can be placed independently in store windows or in the middle of the room to create diversity in your displays. Not only is grid lightweight, versatile and can be customized with a variety of accessories, but because it is transparent, your store will still be light and open even though you have displays in a variety of spaces. Other materials such as wood or metal can block light and appear cluttered and bulky if you have too many displays in a small area.

One of our favorite wire grid accessories is the mini grid basket. These baskets come in a variety of sizes and can be stacked together so they are on hand at all times. Wire baskets give you the ability to add merchandise to a small area in your display unit and then easily remove the basket when that merchandise sells out.

We recommend using wire baskets for the follow items:

• Accessories such as scarves, gloves and hats
• Small toys and stuffed animals
• Small clearance items
• Impulse items
• Snacks or candy
• And more

Grid baskets are also perfect when you run out of a certain item in a display and need a quick replacement. Just pop off the face out, hangrail or shelf that is currently on your wire grid, snap on a basket or two featuring small items and your display is once again complete.

What type of items do you sell wire grid baskets?

Have you ever heard the complaint “There just wasn’t a great selection” about a retail store? Sometimes the case isn’t that the store doesn’t have a large selection, but they don’t think they have room to display it all effectively. If you find yourself in the too many products, too little space boat, try some of the space maximizing tips.

Think vertically. Even though customers are naturally going to be drawn to displays that are eye level, you can draw their eyes up with vertically appealing displays. Some recent products we have featured recently that fall into this category include Circular Sky Tiers that attach to round racks and the Standing Hat Tower. These are perfect examples of fixtures that utilize empty space toward your ceiling. Do a quick check with your displays. Start by looking at you display straight on, then make note as to where your eyes go. If they don’t go up then you have just identified a space that you can potentially fill with products.

Fold and stack instead of hanging. As highlighted in a previous blog post, folding and stacking apparel takes up less space than hanging. This is because you don’t have to have a rack or a hanger to display merchandise. However, keep in mind that folding and stacking displays will require more upkeep throughout the day. So, if you don’t think you can spare the extra time, stay with hanging for organizational purposes. We recommend keeping sizes in the same pile instead of putting large sizes on the bottom of smaller sizes. If people can easily find their size they won’t have to go to the bottom of the stack, which means less work for you!

Use your walls. Even if you cannot store products on your walls because of the height, you can still put up non-sales displays to carry out your message to customers. Be creative and start with a clean slate, don’t think about restrictions or space limitations. Don’t be afraid to put ideas out there such as putting your mannequins on a shelf on the top half of your walls.

How do you maximize space in your store? Do you use any non-traditional layouts?

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?

As with any holiday, last minute shoppers will be out and about these next few days. Make your displays inviting and impulse buys convenient in order to maximize profits during this special time of year.

Valentine’s Day is a very good holiday for convincing shoppers to pick up something extra. Jewelry, flowers, candy and stuffed animals are always go-to items for Valentine’s Day, so place these items near the register and in close proximity to other Valentine’s Day gift items.

Also, considering pre-assembling gift baskets or grouping similar items together in order to encourage people to pick up another item that complements the original gift. For example, place coordinating earrings next to a necklace. Put together a variety of spa items such as robes, lotion, pedicure supplies, slippers, etc.

Here are some ideas for gift sets that not only will draw in customers, but will encourage them to spend just a little bit more for a quality gift this year.

Gift Sets for Men

• A toiletry bag filled with nice shaving essentials such as a razor, shaving cream warming, shaving brush, aftershave and cologne.
• Cigar Sets that include nice cigars, cutters, lighters and a cigar box.
• Grilling sets that include utensils, rubs, marinades, spices, smoking chips and kabob skewers.
• Any alcohol gift set that includes alcohol, glasses, a wine opener or bottle opener, a flask and various accoutrements.

Gift Sets for Women

• Spa/bath set including salt scrubs, bubbles, lotion, loofahs and candles.
• Manicure/Pedicure sets with foot scrub, nail polish, pumice stones, hand lotion and cuticle oil.
• Chocolate gift packs with assorted candies.

Another idea would be to provide baskets and a “build your own gift set” with complimentary basket wrapping. Then have a table with various items like perfume, stuffed animals, chocolate and more so that people can build their own gift set that is in range with their exact budget.

Then don’t forget to have some flowers, stuffed animals and extra Valentine’s Day cards at the register so that shopping can pick up these last minute items and add them to their total.

How do you encourage people to purchase gifts in your store?

Hats, scarves, ties and belts can be tricky to display and more difficult to keep organized. However, these can be great impulse purchases when displayed effectively. These fixtures do not take up very much floor space and can enhance other displays as well. Because hats, scarves, ties and belts are great gifts, think about featuring these accessories for Valentine’s Day.

Some great store fixtures are available that are designed specifically for displaying scarves, belts and ties in an eye catching way. The rotating belt/tie/scarf rack features 20 hooks and stands upright. Customers will be able to view these items from all angles. Ball spiral racks are also optimal for scarves, ties and belts. With 29 chrome balls featured in a spiral figure, no items will be hidden from a customer’s view. Additionally, these fixtures are easy to move and go along well with other retail displays. Try putting them in a high traffic area and see if your sales increase.

29-Ball Spiral Rack |     Rotating Belt/Tie/Scarf Racks

There are several varieties of hat displays available to meet your store’s needs. Free standing floor cap towers will add visual dimension to a boring wall. A 12 tier cap tower has the ability to hold 72 hats and a 6 tier cap rack will hold 24 hats. If you’re looking for a countertop hat rack they are available in 2-tier, 3-tier and 4-tier depending on how many caps you wish to display. A 4-tier countertop cap tower is also available.  The difference between racks and towers is that a tower has a front and back and the tiers are stationary, giving it the ability to stand against a wall. The tiers on a cap rack rotate, and therefore must be placed in an area where customers can use the rotating store fixture.

Countertop Cap Tower |     4-Tier Standing Cap Rack

If you have wire grid or slatwall, a cap display that attaches to those fixtures may be more suitable and space saving for your store. Additionally, cap sky tiers will save floor space because they attach to existing display racks. And extra revolving cap tiers are available if you want to add more caps to a rack.

Cap Sky Tier |          Extra Cap Tier

Hat racks keep your merchandise in the best selling condition possible. We wouldn’t recommend throwing hats into a dump bin because they could be damaged and will lose their shape.

Also, think about using these apparel accessories on your mannequin displays. For more about mannequins check out this previous blog post: Mannequins.

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?

Some statistics out there have said that 10% of all engagements in the U.S. happen on Valentine’s Day. This number seems a little high, but the bottom line is that many use this romantic day to pop the big question and that means ring sales! Even if you’re not a diamond selling store, in today’s economy, it is not unusual for women to opt for a non-diamond engagement ring. And really, any store that sells rings can benefit from effectively displaying products. In addition to making rings standout against a flattering background, having ring displays keeps these small items in front of your sales associates.

Depending in your store’s needs there are several ring displays to choose from. And because each of these displays are available in either black velvet or faux white leather, store owners will be able to choose the best color backdrop for featured merchandise.

To display many rings at once we recommend using the five finger ring display, twelve finger ring display, foam ring insert with 72 slots, foam ring inserts with 36 slots or foam ring pads with 8 sections. To highlight a special ring or to let a customer view a ring alone, the single finger ring display is available with either a round or square base. If your goal is to add some interest to your displays, the polystyrene display hand or the horizontal display hand are great options that will make rings sparkle.  the horizontal display hand are great options that will make rings sparkle.

72 Ring Foam Display |   5 Finger Ring Display |  Polystyrene Display Hand |   Single Ring Display

Also, don’t forget a plastic ring size measuring stick and a finger size measuring ring set with 25 plastic rings on a chain so customers know exactly what will work for them.

Ring Size Measuring Stick | Finger Size Measuring Rings

How do you display rings you sell? Do you display single rings? Multiple rings? Or both?

Like many things, it’s not surprising that men and women have different shopping behaviors. It is beneficial for store owners to cater certain displays toward women and others toward men, depending on the item featured and the season. Valentine’s Day is a perfect time to test how creating displays targeted at gender can increase sales because both men and women will be out in search of gifts for their significant others.

You can find countless articles about the different shopping habits between men and women. I would advise glancing over a few of these because they are very interesting. You will find information such as:

• Women spend $4 trillion annually and account for 83% of consumer spending in the U.S. (from WomenCertified.com)
• “A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs. A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn’t need.”
• One of the most important aspects for men when shopping is checking out fast. One of the most important things for women is the experience and feeling like an important customer. (from a 2007 study done at Penn State)

Knowing some of this information, you may be asking yourself how do you translate this to your displays. Here is what we recommend thinking about when displaying for men:

• Make sure items that your popular items for men are very easy to find and in stock. Because men have a “get in, get out” shopping mentality, they may give up at your store if they cannot find exactly what they are looking for quickly. Instead of creating cute, decorated displays we would recommend focusing on visible signage and keeping products organized.
• Men are less likely to ask for help than women, try to make all products available on the floor. Though it may look better to display an item without the clutter of having multiples of that product, men may not go looking for that displayed product if it is not readily available.
• Especially during Valentine’s Day, men may be a little out of their element when shopping for wives or girlfriends. To make them more comfortable, keeping popular Valentine’s Day merchandise in one area might be a good idea so they are not overwhelmed having to walk and search through the entire store.

Women are a little more eclectic in their shopping style, so you have more freedom with your displays. Here is what we recommend thinking about when displaying for women:

• Because women love options and deals, displaying a plethora of merchandise can be advantageous when targeting women. You can utilize a mix of dump bins, tables and racks to feature lots of merchandise. Displaying products at different price points will allow women to measure their options. Most women are not overwhelmed by a large inventory.
• Make sure that you let your female customers know that you appreciate their business and ask for feedback from them. You can do this by adding things such as comment boxes or survey slips in your store.
• Women are more likely to buy multiple items when they can see them together. For example, when a woman is shopping for her husband, pair that great wallet with a snazzy watch.

How do you make displays more appealing to men verses displaying for women?

The way you display jewelry is a very important aspect to generating sales. Chances are that customers are not going to know exactly what they want before they purchase jewelry. These types of purchases are personality and style based and not focused as much on functionality. That is why you must cater these displays to your target buyers’ tastes.

1. Match the display with the style of jewelry you are displaying.
The jewelry you sell probably matches the personality type of your customers. If you sell high end, one-of-a-kind pieces, then you should focus on displaying each piece in a special way. When you have many of the same kinds of pieces, than a variety of merchandise will give customers more choices.

For example, the materials of the jewelry you sell can be a good indicator of what displays are right for you. If you have pieces with precious gems and stones then we recommend using black velvet and lights to make those items really shine and sparkle. Some merchandise might be more eclectic and made with beads, smooth rocks, string and wire. Using other textures and colors in these displays could be more eye catching. Think of a few adjectives you would use to describe your jewelry inventory i.e. casual, funky, formal. Then, have your display match those describing words accordingly.

2. Utilize a variety of mirrors in several places in your store.
From countertop mirrors to floor mirrors, customers will want to view all angles of themselves. Having mirrors around encourages customers to try on pieces and that will make them more likely to buy. You can even strategically place mirrors closer to sales associate stations, so you can ask if they need any assistance. It would also be a good idea to have hand mirrors behind the counter for people to view the backs of their heads or a close up of their face.

3. Make the jewelry the focus.
Be careful not to let your merchandise become hidden by your display materials and accessories. It can be easy to get carried away decorating displays, but sometimes less is more. Take a step back to look at your display and make a note of the function of each material you are using. If you can’t think of a reason for a particular decoration, chances are you would be better off without it.

4. Think about how portable you want your displays.
If you have jewelry displayed during store hours and then put it away at night for safe keeping, then you will want displays that are easy to maintain and move. Think about the difference between stationary displays and portable displays. Stationary displays are more appropriate for stores that do most business in-house. Owners that conduct a large part of their business at craft shows or trade shows will lean toward portable displays. You may find that you have a need for both.

5. Be organized.
Customers can be very frustrated messing with tangled necklaces and bracelets. Likewise, finding a card with a missing earring is a turn off. Choose displays that will be easy for you to maintain and straighten up regularly through the day.

View a previous feature product blog post about portable jewelry displays.

How do you effectively display jewelry in your store?

A store has to watch out for theft and accidents for merchandise that is small, breakable or expensive. An easy, attractive solution to showing these items is a Glass Display Tower. These towers are very practical and can add a vertical dimension to your store.

Display Towers are available in three shapes to meet the needs of your store:
·    Stretch Hexagonal Tower Cases
·    Hexagonal Tower Cases
·    Square Tower Cases

Each style is available in four different colors to match your store’s décor:
·    Maple
·    Cherry
·    Black
·    Gray

All the towers come with a frameless door that is not noticeable to customers. You also have complete control of the contents because you can keep the tower securely locked. In addition, the tower will light up the room with included lights. With the combination of glass and light, products will really shine in the tower. All glass shelves can be easily adjusted for different sized merchandise.

How do you keep small, breakable or expensive products safe?

Mannequins can be a tricky store fixture because they come in all different shapes, sizes and colors. If you are not ready to commit to using mannequins in your store, Mannequin Alternatives are an economical way for you to feature your merchandise in the same way that a mannequin does.

You can display clothing and merchandise the way it is meant to be worn without having to worry about catering to gender, body type or ethnicity. There are different options available to meet your display needs.

For single garment hanging, Adjustable Singles Costumers and Chrome Hook Stand are ideal. These Mannequin Alternatives are best suited for merchandise worn from the waist up. They can be adjusted to fit any type of shirt, sweater or dress.

With the ability to hang pants, Multi-Form Adjustable Mannequin Alternatives and Adjustable Adult UniQuins are made for displaying full outfits. The Adjustable Child UniQuin is a shorter version that fits smaller clothing.

Alternative Mannequins are easy to move and store. They are perfect for highlighting merchandise in window displays, as well as on the floor or on a table. If you are looking for an economical way to display clothing, look into this versatile store fixture.

Shoppers will judge a book by its cover when it comes to window displays. Your display has about five seconds to persuade customers to enter your store. If the display doesn’t give a great first impression, people will lose interest or have no interest in your store at all.

Some super stores have whole creative teams to make holiday, sale and everyday displays. Because you probably do not have a professional staff for your displays, you are going to have to think out of the box to make a statement worth noticing. Here are some tips to think about when planning out your window displays.

More is not always better. Cluttered displays do not grab buyers’ attention. If they’re not right away attracted to your store, it’s easier for them to pass by without another thought. Simple and clean displays with a direct message can be more effective than very intricate designs.

Plan before you act for quick turn around time. If you are changing out displays during store hours, the less transition time you take the better. Have a clear plan of attack for how to dismantle the previous display and have everything ready to go up for the new one. Don’t worry about putting everything away. Your main priority should be getting the new display up.

Be different but not in a bad way. Keep in mind that all types of people will walk by your window including children. Even if you are not targeting kids, make sure that you don’t offend parents by your message. For example, Barneys did a window display in July that depicted its mannequins being attacked. With blood spattered windows, the display had people walking in the opposite direction of the entrance.

Stay true to your brand. Your window display communicates a message to the public about what is important to you and your company. While you may be promoting a sale, also keep your store’s mission in mind. Never compromise your values to make a quick buck.

What are some of the things you have tried with your window displays? What worked for you and what did not?

Retail outlets including drug stores, gift shops, mass merchandisers, grocery stores and convenience stores are almost expected to carry greeting cards. Sometimes these are last minute items that people may need to pick up quickly. So, the key is to place greeting cards in a convenient spot in your store.

The Countertop Greeting Card Rack is great for smaller stores. It holds 12 cards and rotates for easy viewing. The 20 Pocket Countertop Post Card Rack is designed specifically for standard 4” x 6” post cards. Each pocket can hold up to 100 post cards.

The Pocket Greeting Card Rack holds 48 greeting cards and rotates. This standing rack will put your cards right in front of your customers for easy selection and increased impulse sales.

Strategically place your greeting card rack in a place where it is easy to find. Because people usually stand around reading cards, try not to clutter the area around the rack. If you have the space, place your rack away from the wall so more than one person may view the cards.

An easy way to break up lines of racks or shelves is by using tables for focal point displays. Our favorite table is the Three Tier Table because of its vertical interest and ability to easily separate products on three levels.

These tables are available in several sizes to fit your needs and room space. The Economy Tier Tables are perfect for smaller spaces with a tier base measuring 48” x 48”. The Premium Tier Table comes in two different sizes, one with a larger rectangle base table and the other is a smaller square base table. Choose between maple and cherry to match your store’s décor.

Another table option is Nesting Tables. These two piece tables conveniently fit into each other. Depending on how much space you have available, use separately or tier them out by fitting one slightly under the other.

The classic round table is always a store owner’s go-to displayer. The 30” Round Display Table with interlocking wood finger-grove legs is perfect for travel due to its smaller size and easy to set-up and store characteristics. The larger 36” Round Table with folding legs is durable and fit to hold 250 lbs. Dress up these tables with table clothes available in red, green and white and in three sizes.

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?

As the weather changes, you may be looking for ideas to change some displays in your store. Preliminary things to consider are your budget, timeline and central theme. If you have creative employees that can help, ask them for their opinions. Also, think back to previous displays and use what has worked, as well as incorporating new ideas.

An easy way to cut your decorating budget down is by combining your Halloween and Thanksgiving displays. Unless Halloween is one of your bigger holiday selling periods, think about going with a more neutral, harvest theme.

Then remember that holiday displays are not only for getting into the holiday spirit, but they are also a way to highlight seasonal products. So use products as the centerpieces of your displays. And then make sure that those items are located near the display so that your customers can scoop them up right away.

Home and décor stores have a unique advantage during the holidays when it comes to displays because you can use your existing products as the actual display pieces. Let your customers imagine the display in their own home. Huge elaborate themes can become overwhelming. Sometimes simple is more appealing, so your customers think “I can do that.”

Customers look to retailers for ideas, so don’t be afraid to try some new things. Instead of going with cliché brown and orange, consider expanding your color palette to deep pinks, plums, burgundy and olive green.

Have fun being creative this season! Let us know if you have any questions about fall display ideas.

How do you make the change from summer to fall displays?

Wood displays are very versatile, giving store owners several options to display merchandise. If you are going for a natural, crafty look it can be the perfect backdrop for your products. Also, because wood is lighter than other materials such as metal and glass, it is easy to change and transport. All wood displays are unfinished natural pine, however it is simple to stain or paint them to match any store décor.

Many wood displays fold flat and feature removable shelves and accessories, so they are easy to store. Also for business owners who take their store on the go, wood displays are substantial, attractive, easy-to-move pieces that will make viewing products simple and enjoyable.

There are no limits with wood displays. You can hang, stack and feature merchandise as you see fit. With many accessories for slat panel wood displayers and pegboard screens to choose from, there are endless ways to customize your product displays.

Pegboard screens are ideal for hanging awkward products because you can choose from several accessory fixtures. Slat panel wood displayers give store owners the ability to customize units with shelves and accessories including Peg Displays, Waterfall Peg Faceouts and Corner Shelves. Basket and crate displays are nice accents, breaking up shelf units.

Wood displays can create a cozy, at home feel for your store. Consider using wood for functional and eye-catching displays.

The materials you choose to display your merchandise can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your store. Because it can be expensive upgrading to new materials, it is important to make thoughtful decisions for timeless displays.

With so many store fixtures available, sometimes the hardest decision is choosing the best materials to use in your store. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the glass, metal, wire, wood and slatwall options out there, but by asking yourself a few key questions will help narrow down your search to the perfect fixture material.

1) What are you looking for in functionality?
You can answer this question by thinking about the merchandise you have and visualize it displayed in your store. Do you see things hanging? Stacked? By itself or with similar items? Also, keep in mind that accessories can be added to displays such as baskets and shelves.

2) What look and feel do you want for your store?
Here, you should keep your customers’ tastes in mind. For discount shoppers, wire bins, dump tables and sale signs are attractive. If you are going for a more modern, upscale look, sleek lines and darker materials may be a better fit. Another thing to consider is that many materials come with finishing options.

• Wire Grid Panels are available in chrome, black or white.
• Slatwall Gondolas are available in black, white or maple.
• Display Cases are available in black, gray, maple and cherry.

3) How often do you want to change your displays?
Some materials are easier to move and change than others. For example, metal gondolas are much heavier material than wire and wood, so they are better for permanent displays. Also keep in mind that many wire and slatewall fixtures are available with wheels to use anywhere in your store, whereas glass and metal displays stay standard.

If you are still unsure, get ideas from other stores that you like or pull pictures out of magazines for design options. Remember that you will most likely use these fixtures for years, so plan for the future.

What type of display materials do you use and why did you choose that material?

When you are out at local events, make your business stand out from the rest by creating eye catching displays in your designated spot or booth. Some things to find out before the event are how much space you will have, if tables and chairs are provided and the set up and pack up times.

Traveling with displays that are easy to store and move will make things much easier when you are at events. Salesman Rolling Racks are perfect for keeping clothing items organized and visible. The racks feature industrial casters so you can simply roll and lock them in their place. They are durable for everyday use and easy to transport.

Dump tables and other large display items are usually too heavy and bulky to take on the go. A Wire Folding Dump Table is a great alternative. It easily folds and wire is much lighter than other materials for transport. Other wire displays like baskets and shelves are also great for events.

Also, countertop displays and risers can help create eye catching table displays as well. These displays create height layers that enhance the real estate on the back of your table in order to maximize your space.

Just remember that you should have an extra set of hands to help you load and unload so that you don’t have to leave your merchandise behind while you are in the middle of transporting it.

What type of display fixtures do you use when you’re out promoting your store?

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?

With so many different products for the back-to-school season, it is the perfect time to get creative with your displays. However, this can be difficult when items are so varied. Combination racks are an ideal solution to display different items in one store fixture.

Combination rack options include:

• H Shelf Racks – These racks have a sturdy metal frame that is supported in the middle of the rack and on the sides. The result is a two sided rack that can be customized with different shelf types.
• Hanging Rolling Shelf Racks – These racks combine hanging racks with stacking shelves and feature wheels so that they can be easily rearranged in your store.
• Hangrail Shelf Racks – These racks feature a hang rail in the middle and two side shelf racks, making it an efficient and attractive use of space.

Combination racks, shelves and racks ship the same day your order (on orders placed before 3 p.m.). So it isn’t too late to spice up your back-to-school displays.

Take full advantage of the second busiest buying period of the year, back-to-school time. Second only to Christmas, the National Retail Federation reported that this year’s spending is expected to bring in $47.5 billion. Kids of all ages will be out in search of the latest fashions and trends ranging from pens to jeans. Make sure your store is fully prepared for the season.

With the economy, families are still looking for value when they shop. You will want to appeal to kids’ wants and parents’ pocketbooks. The National Retail Federation also reported that families are more likely to reuse items instead of replacing them, such as book bags. We recommend featuring products that have to be purchased new every year such as notebooks and planners.

The National Retail Federation also expects an 11% hike in electronic sales compared to last year. This shows that families are willing to pay a little more for the latest trends in technology. Don’t be afraid to highlight these items just because they are more expensive than folders.

Also keep in mind different products for college students. Parents are willing to spend more money to ensure that their student who is leaving home for the first time has everything they could possibly need, including laptops, flash drives, power strips, cleaning supplies, first aid kits, alarm clocks, rugs, cooking supplies, towels, linens (extra long to fit dorm beds) and gift cards.

Now is the time to get back-to-school merchandise out on the shelves and the sooner the better! Prepare your store as well as your employees for a busy, profitable season.

How does your store prepare for the back-to-school season?

Stores need to be versatile. Some stores have unpredictable merchandise. Consider the antique business; depending on the items you purchase for you store, you could have completely different items from week to week. As a result, store owners should consider having some display elements that can be easily modified to meet your current inventory’s needs.

One of the best systems for versatility is slatwall. Slatwall can turn any wall into a multipurpose selling wall. Or effectively utilize interior space by using slatwall towers or gondola shelves. But the thing that makes slatwall so functional is the types of accessories that can quickly transform slatwalls.

Here are some of the most popular accessories for slatwall.

• Wire Baskets
• Faceouts
• Peg Hooks
• Shelf Brackets
• Shelves (Plastic and Wood Varieties)
• Brochure Holders
• Literature Holders
• Trays
• Sign Holders
• Necklace Busts
• Eyewear Displays
• Jewelry Displays
• Mirrors
• Cap and Hat Racks
• Hang Rails
• Display Lights

With all of these accessory options, your space can be completely changed over as often as needed. So as your merchandise changes, so can your space.

Nail salons are not the only retail organization that could benefit from using glass display cases to brighten up a room and effectively display merchandise. Almost any retailer could utilize a glass display case.

Display cases serve many purposes, there is a perceived value associated with items that are displayed under glass. On a similar note, display cases protect valuables. Display cases can be used individually or as part of larger display arrangements.

There are many options of glass display cases that a business owner has to chose from depending on your needs.

• Glass counter top display cases often double as a front counter for stores. These cases are perfect for small items or expensive items you want to keep within reach of your sales associates.
• Glass tower display cases add vertical appeal to a room and are available in shapes such as hexagons and squares.
• Jewelry display cases showcase necklaces, rings, bracelets and other jewelry items while securing them from theft.

If you are displaying expensive merchandise it would be a good idea to install a ratchet lock on the sliding doors of your countertop display case. This way a customer will have to ask for assistance to purchase the items. Also, the use of lights in glass displays can be an effective way to feature merchandise.

Many sales counters are made of groupings of display cases. For jewelry stores, clothing stores, electronics stores and more, display cases are an extremely effective way to store, exhibit and secure merchandise.

Displays are usually put together using many pieces that fit together to make one unit. Basic display case components include:
•    Full Vision Glass Front Display Cases
•    Gondola Units With High Bases and Glass Shelves
•    Glass Front Wall Unit Displays
•    Well Top Register Stands
•    Flat Top Register Stands
•    90 Degree Open Front Shelf Corner Filler
•    Service Counters
•    Jewelry Display Cases

For many new stores, or stores looking to revamp their current counters, we have a few packages of display cases that piece together full vision display cases, corner displays and register stands to create one cohesive unit that will fit in your space effortlessly.

For stores that want a U-shaped station, Store Supply has a package that includes two 70″L Full Vision Display Cases, two Open Shelf Corner Fillers, one Well-Top Register Stand, and one 70″L Service Counter. A smaller option includes two 70″L Full Vision Display Cases, two Open Shelf Corner Fillers, one Well-Top Register Stand, and one 70″L Service Counter.

L-Shaped arrangements include either two 70″L Full Vision Display Cases or one 70″L Full Vision Display Case with one 48″L Service Counter plus an Open Shelf Corner Filler and a Well-Top Register Stand.

All showcases feature tempered glass throughout, easy sliding rear hardboard doors, finished deck and doors, anodized aluminum frame extrusions and matching steel interior standards and brackets.

The counter is the central hub of your store. Behind your counter are all the business tools such as your register, phone, computer and usually, your associates. The front of your checkout counter can drive impulse sales and serves as the customers’ main interaction point.

So there are two things to keep in mind when designing your main counter space: the functionality from the back and the ability to sell items from the front.

Counters can be completely translucent, allowing customers to see all the way through them or they can be opaque.

To design an effective counter, think of it as a sales station as opposed to a checkout counter. Counters can be customized using interchangeable pieces such as display cases, register stands, corner displays and more.

The customer side of the counter should be optimized to show off your merchandise. Use countertop displays and corner units to improve impulse buys and show off high end items.

The back end of your counter should be functional and should be extremely organized. Many register stands feature shelving for bags and other items.

Just remember to keep your counter as the focal point of your store. Consider placing racks on either side of the line area to funnel people into line and allow them to browse as they wait.

How does your store use your counter space?

Keeping jewelry organized and well displayed is a key to success in the jewelry sales industry. Especially when carrying jewelry from site to site, you need items that will not only keep your items organized, but that can double as displays.

Tray carrying cases are a jewelry salesperson’s best friend. These portable kits allow for jewelry to be organized onto trays. The trays can be pulled out and used to display items. One idea is to organize trays either by style, color or by price point.

One of our favorite carrying cases is the 12 tray aluminum carrying case. This case not only holds 12 black fabric lined trays but the best part is that it has an extendable handle and rolls like a rolling suitcase. Plus the sturdy aluminum exterior keeps your merchandise safely intact.

Other materials to keep in mind when doing jewelry sales are displays like bar displays and earring displays. Also, make sure you keep plenty of plastic or velvet bags around to bag up your merchandise after it is sold.

Remember, the ability to set up and pack up easily is crucial when doing jewelry events. So with some organization tools such as a tray carrying case, you are sure to have an easier time traveling with your merchandise.

On Tuesday, we chatted about creating dynamic displays that are also versatile. One of the easiest ways to achieve a fabulous display that can be easily changed when you get new merchandise is with a wire grid unit.

Options are limitless when using a wire grid unit. There are so many accessories, plus the units can be used as free standing displays or as wall displays. They are also perfect display units for store windows, since they are partially see through so people can see your display items and the items in the store as well.

Grids can be set up in a variety of ways; from L shaped, triangle, U shaped, four way to gondola displays, the options are infinite.

And the accessories that can be added to the units really make these type of displays one of the most useful investments for a store owner. Accessories include:

• Baskets
• Faceouts
• Peg Hooks
• Shelf Brackets
• Hangrail Brackets
• Acrylic Bins, Displays and Trays
• Cap and Hat Racks
• Shelving
• Lights
• Brochure Holders and Literature Racks

By mixing and matching accessories, wire grid shelving units can fit any merchandise display needs and can help showcase items in order to increase sales.

A couple of weeks ago, we touched upon store design and displays. One of the topics in that article was how to design attractive walls that entice individuals to shop in your store. Today we are going to discuss that topic in more detail.

Some of the most valuable real estate in your store is on your walls. Wall displays allow you to take advantage of the vertical space in your store that you can’t use as effectively in the center of your store.

The key to a good wall display is variety. There are many different systems that could help you develop dynamic wall displays that are pleasing to the eye and that help drive sales.

Height is a key player in wall displays. Think about popular store types.  Electronics stores always line the walls with up to three rows of flat panel televisions so that they are the first thing you see when you walk in the store. Clothing stores have clothing displays 10 feet in the air. Book stores tend to display their best sellers on racks lining the walls.

So how do you replicate these gravity defying displays in your store? There are many solutions that can work. However, the most cost effective solution is probably a versatile wall display system that can be changed as needed.

There are a couple of options out there for this type of display. The first type is a slatwall panel. These slotted panels come in a variety of finishes and can be easily painted in order to match the décor of any store. Panels are affixed to walls and then can be customized with a variety of accessories to create a dynamic display. Another option is wire grid units that can be placed against the wall.

We recommend using wall panels to break up the monotony. By alternating racks, baskets, shelves and racks against the wall, people are more apt to browse. Use high areas for displays and then feature the item on racks or shelves below the display so people can reach the items without assistance.

Play with colors, items and textures in order to keep it interesting. Don’t be afraid to experiment. By creating dynamic wall displays, you will always keep shoppers interested and their wallets open.

In keeping with our sale’s theme this week, we wanted to highlight dump bins and their role in stores for sales and for regular merchandise displays. Dump bins are very good for holding sales items because of their elevated sides. Plus they are compact and easy to store, allowing you to keep them in your back room in a corner when not in use.

Folding dump tables are probably the most useful for sales. They have deep bins, yet the legs fold under for storage. One of the best parts about these tables is that they can be easily divided so each clothing size is kept separate.

To store everyday merchandise, we recommending looking into wire dump bins for their versatility and flexibility. Great for specials, closeouts, seasonal merchandise and everyday items. Ten eye-catching baskets invite browsing and buying and they are easy to stock and easy to reposition to take advantage of traffic. These types of bins include:

• Double sided merchandiser racks with 10 baskets
• Four Basket Spinner Racks
• Three Tier Wire Dump Bins
• Large Dump Bins with Adjustable Bottom Shelf
• Wire Folding Dump Table
• Wire Dump Basket

So feel free to stock stuffed animals and giant bouncy balls finally have a place. Look into purchasing some of these racks to help break up the monotony of shelving and standard racks in your store.

On Tuesday, we discussed the benefits of starting a gift certificate program at your store. But what about the person that purchases merchandise for their loved ones? Oftentimes, people are in a rush and would like to get a gift, packaging and wrap all in one place. So today we are going to discuss the different options in gift packaging.

First you need to decide if you are going to offer gift wrap as an additional or complimentary service. Many stores will offer it for free around the holidays to woo in customers. If you have the space, the resources and the man power, it might not be a bad idea to throw this service in on the house after a certain purchase point.

If you are doing gift wrap for free, the most cost effective solution is to purchase gift boxes in bulk and then have several large rolls of gift wrap on hand. The gift wrap you choose says a lot about your store. So it is better to err on the conservative side in higher end stores. We recommend solid gold or silver paper or even gold or silver striped paper. This style of paper is versatile for weddings, birthdays or shower presents. But don’t be afraid to have a little fun, especially if you are a store that caters to children. Choose paper the compliments your store’s logo and design.

Retail gift wrap comes in half ream rolls, so you will want to invest in a gift wrap dispenser. These stands protect your paper, make it extremely easy to measure and cut, and come in a variety of sizes to hold either one or multiple rolls. Then purchase ribbon and tags as the finishing touch to your packaging.

If you aren’t planning on offering gift wrap, another option is to stock wrapping supplies such as gift bags and tissue paper. Then keep these items near the counter and train your sales staff to ask customers if they would like to add gift wrapping supplies to their order.

Another way to do gift wrap is to having shopping bags that can double as gift bags. Victoria’s Secret has perfected this idea by placing every item in a gift bag with their signature pink tissue paper. Glossy euro totes and frosted shopping bags are both good options if going this route.

Just remember, by offering gift wrapping options at your store, you are helping your customers and keeping profits in your store.

How do you handle gift wrapping in your retail store?

At the heart of any clothing display is the mannequin. These faux-humans can bring an item to life. They are even so iconic that major brands such as Old Navy are now even using the mannequin in the center of a national ad campaign.

But let’s face it; mannequins become a representation of your customers. Your target clientele should walk into your store and be able to imagine themselves in your clothes because they can see themselves as that mannequin. So you need to select a mannequin that reflects your customers and your clothing type.

So what type of mannequin is right for your store? While there isn’t a perfect mannequin type, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing a mannequin.

• What hair style should they have? Standard mannequins either come with molded hair or wigs. Both have their advantages. Molded hair can be kept on the mannequin at all times. But mannequins with wigs have many hairstyle options. You can switch hair to coordinate with an outfit’s color and style.

• Ethnicity: Mannequins come in a variety of skin tones. By matching the ethnicity to your customer base’s main ethnicity, your customers will relate to your items. If nothing else, introduce some diversity in your mannequins to appeal to all ethnicities. If you want to completely avoid the skin tone issue, you can purchase cameo mannequins that are cameo white and generic.

• Do you really need the entire body? Many mannequins don’t even have heads. Some are counter top mannequins and have no legs. Others are made for wall displays and don’t have backs. Determine where your mannequins will be placed to decide whether you need to get the whole body.

• Size does matter: Not everyone is a size two. Not all clothing is made for size twos. So if your customers tend to be plus sized, there are mannequins for them.

• Don’t forget the boys: Men need to see clothes on them also, while there are more female mannequin options, there are definitely different male models also.

• Kids need clothes too: Girls, boys and babies all have their own mannequin types.

Of course, if traditional mannequins aren’t your thing, there are alternatives such as uniquins, ladder mannequins and jersey covered dress forms.

What types of mannequins do you use? How do you dress your mannequins to increase sales?

In any clothing store, the way you display your merchandise can make or break your store. You have to walk a fine line between showing off each garment and having enough racks to hold all of your merchandise. So the answer to this dilemma is variety.

There are three main types of clothing displays, wall displays, floor racks and tables. Each needs to be used in order to create an effective flow to your store and to showcase your merchandise.

One thing to remember is that shopping is a visual experience. People gravitate into a store when they see something interesting. We recommend placing something similar to a three tiered table right at the entrance. Frame this table with a couple of mannequins dressed to the nines. Then stock the table with all the necessary items needed to replicate the mannequin’s outfit. The three tiers will allow you to easily separate clothing items while dynamically displaying color and fabric options.

Once a shopper is drawn into your store, their eyes gravitate toward items they can see. Make sure you have racks and wall displays that offer face out clothing that feed into the center of the store. People can’t see your merchandise when it is shoulders out. Have a variety of rack types and heights so that browsing is easy and interesting.

Alternate rack types, have a few four way racks, then intersperse two way racks, one rail racks and an occasional round rack. Round racks have no display options, so we suggest saving these racks for your clearance items to maximize that space. In between racks, break up the monotony with tables of folded items.

For your wall displays, remember that the average person cannot reach items high on the wall. Have items on face out displays up high with a shelf directly underneath with folded clothing. This will be much easier to access than clothes being behind the high display item. Most people will not ask an associate for assistance getting down an item. Then under than shelf, have a hang rail with a variety of sizes and colors.

One tactic that works fairly well is to group clothing styles or colors. By grouping all of the professional attire in one corner, fancy in another section and casual clothing in a different place, people are more likely to grab multiple separates that will mix and match to create entire ensembles.

So, if sales are lagging, try to rearrange your display racks and create a dominant display at the entrance to your store in order to bolster purchases.

What works best for your store?

Earlier this week, we discussed how to choose the right hanger for your store. Now that you have selected a hanger type, it is time to start accessorizing! Hanger accessories are essential for adding functionality and organization to your display racks. Here are some essential hanger accessories for any independent retailer.

Clips

• Piggy Back Clips for 2-Piece Garments: Keep suits, twin sets and coordinates together using a piggy back clip. These clips slide over both hanger tops keeping separates as a bundle.
• Hanger Clips: These clear plastic clips have a hanger top, but a clip on the bottom making them perfect for use on racks, hang rails or counter stands for smaller items.
• Display Hanger Strips: Clear coordinate display hanger strips keep two-piece garments and coordinates together for convenient apparel displays. Strong, flexible clear plastic connector slips over a hanger hook and second hanger just slips into another hole below.

Hanging Devices

• Foam Non-Slips: This self adhesive product can be added to the arms of a hanger to keep items from slipping. Just peel off the backing and apply.
• Hanger Covers: Garments stay neatly on hangers to help prevent spoilage and wrinkling with foam hanger covers. Each foam cover simply slips over hook and pulls over hanger ends.

Sizing Accessories

• Slip-On Mini-Markers: Make your selling floor more productive and end shopper’s confusion by keeping garments neatly sized with Slip-On Mini-Marker hanger markers. These size dividers snap onto hangers to clearly identify clothing sizes.
• Size Dividers: These dividers come in either round or oblong sizes. They fit round or dimensional hang rails to help organize clothing by size.

All of these hanger accessories will ultimately help you protect your merchandise by keeping them clean and organized. Additionally, they will help your customer easily locate the perfect garment.

Do you have a favorite hanger accessory? How have size dividers and hanging devices help you organize your store?

Shelving is a very important investment for any retailer. Choosing the right shelving can effectively display your merchandise and drive sales. Choosing the wrong shelving can make browsing difficult, hurting sales.

Gondola Shelving is one of the most common shelving displays in the industry. Unfortunately, this type of shelving can tend to be a little pricey. These shelves are heavy duty, and hold up to 500 pounds of merchandise, but some retailers don’t need all that muscle.

Luckily, there is an alternative for store owners who want the flexibility of Gondola Shelving but don’t need as much heavy lifting: the new economy line of gondola shelving from Store Supply Warehouse.

These units have a weight limit of 150 pounds, making them ideal for gift shops, specialty stores, museum shops and more!
The economy gondolas are made of high quality steel and are easily adjustable to fit any type of merchandise or space. The shelves hook into one inch slotted uprights in the aisle or wall gondola units. The shelves adjust to two positions: flat or a 15 degree slope. Units are available for aisles and walls and can be customized to any space with end caps, optional shelves and add-on units. Additional upper shelving is available in 12”, 14” or 16” depths. Starter wall unit pricing starts at $114.75.

For more information, visit http://www.storesupply.com/c-745-gondola-shelves.aspx

What type of shelving do you use in your store? Do you have any merchandise display tips for new store owners? What new shelving products would you like to see in Store Supply’s catalogs?