Visual Displays Needed to Start a Retail Store

Starting up a retail store can leave your head spinning!  The “to do” lists can be overwhelming.  Part of the start-up requires that you devise a plan for acquiring visual store displays.  This list will hopefully help you to narrow down some of your research and get the show on the road.

First you will need to decide on wall displays.  Choosing the right type of slatwall or gridwall system can save you a lot of space and money.  These types of wall display systems are versatile and help you to accomplish your most basic display goal; to keep the customer interested.  In order to keep your store aesthetically pleasing, you need to create an array of merchandising options that can change with your inventory, promotions and the seasons.  Keep photos of your display arrangements for future reference.  Make notes as to whether or not certain arrangements attracted more customers or more sales.

Floor displays need to function not only as clothing racks, but also as merchandising displays.  Choose garment racks, tables and shelves that give you a variety of options when it comes to displaying clothing.  Long racks of clothing all facing the same way make it difficult for customers or people passing through to see what you have to offer.  Keeping the displays more interesting can result in a better brand image and higher sales.  Try to choose display racks that face clothing outward.  It’s also a good idea to have racks that can accommodate folded and hung clothing.  Reserve less interesting display racks for clearance items.

The next step is to order your showcases.  A showcase is a special display that features a certain item, brand or category of items.  Showcases are often lighted glass cases that are well suited for illuminating certain areas of the store, drawing attention to high priced items, and keeping small valuables safe from shoplifters.  Showcases are regularly used as countertops in the register area of the store.

The last piece of your visual display puzzle is to incorporate mannequins into your design.  Mannequins can last for many years and are a great item to invest in.  They have been responsible for more sales than any other display in history.  They help to set the tone and environment in your retail store.  They communicate your image to customers while visually enticing them to feel emotionally connected with your product.

Once you have your gridwall or slatwall system, your garment racks, showcases and mannequins, you’ll be ready to tackle some of the other details on your list.  Good luck in your endeavor!