Visual Merchandising Tips

Visual impact is a huge component of retailtip reminds us that customers want to see new and
merchandising. Customers entering a store are greatlydifferent products. There is an aspect of entertainment
influenced by the visual information they gather in theand education that customers appreciate when stores
first split second. One simple visual element, such aschange their displays. Stores that don't change their
color, can catch a shopper's attention and also greatlydisplays weekly will have customers simply walking
affect their mood. In today's ultra competitive marketpast displays that are no longer fresh. If the customers
place it is of paramount importance that retailershave seen the same end cap for the last six weeks,
understand the basics of visual merchandising. Herethe displays are no longer new or relevant to them.
are 5 visual merchandising tips to help you maximizeThese stores will not reap the potential rewards of
your efforts.incremental or add-on sales and can lose out to their
1. Display sale products in a creative way. Whencompetition. If the competitor down the street is
building a product display look for products that areconstantly and creatively changing their visuals, there is
natural add-ons to the main product featured. A greata good chance shoppers will gravitate to that store.
visual merchandising tip for a grocery store: Build an4. Color matters. Visual merchandising tips like this one
end cap special on tomato soup, but don't just stopare at the core of any solid merchandising plan. Color
with the soup, get creative. Merchandise the entire endcan demand a shopper's attention, evoke emotion and
cap with tomato soup then place a shelf at eye levelinfluence decisions. Your merchandising plan should
displaying brightly colored soup bowls as an add-oninclude bright colors not only for displays or end caps,
sale item. Visually the display would have a repeatingbut also for the middle of aisle runs. Visually painting
label accented by one ribbon shelf of bowls. This isyour store with colorful focal points will help draw
good visual merchandising practice and great way toshoppers to those key areas.
increase margin.5. Merchandising themes Themes group products
2. Use accent lighting to feature products. Customerstogether for a powerful visual message. Theme
are drawn to light. Lighting can make products shinemerchandising is a fun way to communicate seasonal
and bring colors to life. Using this visual merchandisingactivities or other information. If your store is a
tip to wash a display wall with light will enhance anyhardware store, use garden gloves, flower bulbs,
product. Accent lighting creates visual interest fordecorative pots, hand gardening tools, and potting soil
shoppers, and magically puts products in their sight.to get your sales started for spring. Outdoor grilling
Once a product has captured a customer's attentiondisplays are great themes for grocery stores and
the odds are increased that a purchase is at hand.home centers. Backyard chefs will be attracted to
This visual merchandising tip will impact your customersevery item in your display. Themes connect customers
and your profits.to projects or activities, and as a result, connect their
3. Change displays weekly. This visual merchandisingspending to your profits.