UK POS' Top 10 Visual Merchandising Tips
Top 10 Visual Merchandising Tips
When a customer walks into or past your store, you have limited time to grab their attention. Visual merchandising creates inspiring and intriguing store spaces to engage your customer and encourage sales. A lot of time is spent making stores look great, with months of planning behind every window or in-store display you see.
When thinking about your next display update, you need to think about three things: your products, your customers and your sales.
What is visual merchandising?
Visual merchandising refers to the marketing practice of drawing customersâ attention to products in order to increase sales in store. This can involve using three-dimensional product displays, colour schemes, lighting, floor plans and many other elements. Everything you see in shops is part of visual merchandising, with the aim being to not only increase retail sales, but provide an enjoyable shopping experience for the customer so they want to return.
How can I improve my visual merchandising?
If you have fantastic products, but they are displayed in a bland and uninspiring manner, customers will look elsewhere. You need to focus on accentuating your productsâ best features to maximise your chances of securing a sale. There are many different ways to effectively display your products, but the techniques you choose to use are often dependent on the type of product you are selling. Read on to discover our top 10 visual merchandising ideas for your retail space.
1. Use window displays to bring people in
Your window display is the first point of contact with your customer, so it will create a first impression and help people decide whether to enter your store or not. Did you know an informative window display can boost sales by 42% [1] ?
When it comes to designing your window display , make it stand out. Use colours and unusual props to engage the passing trade.
Your windows must be kept clean and well lit, as passersby will not take any notice of a grimy, dark shop front. This doesnât mean that your window has to be very bright, as minimal lighting around key products can work well as a way to grab attention, especially for high-end brands.
Utilise your window merchandising space as a way of implementing change, whether that be with your product line or the seasons.
See our sector specific help and advice, and our Specially Selected product ranges, ideal for your business.
2. Use directional signage to help customers navigate around your store
People often go into a store knowing what they need and shop with a list. Your job as a retailer is to make this easy for them. Directional signage should highlight where your products, tills, customer service desk are.
If you have the ceiling space, suspended posters work well as they are seen instantly upon entering the store. Floor stickers are a great and affordable alternative.
Use enticing words such as âsaleâ or intriguing words such as âthis wayâ or even a simple arrow. Visual cues will encourage your customers to roam around your store which can often result in impulse purchases.
