Retail Do's and Dont's

Do and Don't: Replenishment IS critical

2012-01-28T13:49:00.000-08:00

DO: Full product intensity on the shelves convey messages of abundance and good business. To top it off, the chip salsas merchandised near eye level silently multiple sells.

DON'T: Uhh... would you really buy one of these chips? How old are they? Not only do they look uninviting, it also looks like the store doesn't have much to sell and business is in trouble. I realize when product turnover is high, replenishment becomes an issue. However I think this is going too far.

Do and Don't: Hello? Anyone Home?!

2012-01-21T11:28:00.000-08:00

DO: A warm and welcoming storefront converses to customers not only through signage but also its feature products.

DON'T: I was sitting outside this shop for well over half an hour and not a single soul seem to be working in this entrance section. What a wasted opportunity as many people passed by seeing this empty storefront. Avoid wasting any chance to sell!

Do and Don't: Am I Really THIS Short?!

2012-01-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

DO: I love how open display items are so reachable and invites customers' touch!
DON'T: Funny story here- I needed to buy the loofah sponge on the top of the column. The step ladder the shop provides couldn't even reach that height. And of course, there is no sales associate around to provide assistance. When I finally found one, I had to wait a full 8 minutes so they can wheel in a taller ladder. Why all the fuss? Why not just display vertically instead of horizontally so all items are reachable?!

Do and Don't: For the Vertically Challenged

2012-01-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

DO: I like how merchandise is displayed vertically from top to bottom rather from side to side. This introduces customers to new products as they scan left to right. Best of all, for vertically challenged people like me, I can access any product.

DON'T: Well, more in the 'category of could be better' than a real don't. Depending on customer height, the brown boxes will sell faster than the gold ones, which can only be reached when I tippy-toe.

Do and Don't: Eye level displays SELL!

2012-01-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

Two Shoe Warehouse shops: Which one will be easier to buy from? Well, better yet, which one can you see and touch (if you are normal height)?

Do and Don't: Is it Fall or is it Winter?

2011-12-24T12:16:00.000-08:00

DO: A single idea is being sold to customers--- that it is winter and it is time to buy winter basics.

DON'T: Which season is it? Fall or the holidays?! This shop needs to sell only one idea at a time.

Do and Don't: The Romance of the Holidays

2011-12-17T22:30:00.000-08:00

DO: A select few pieces is showcased dramatically with the use of colour and simple props to convey a strong message of holiday gift giving.

DON'T: A holiday window display needs more appeal than the one seen below. The display not only fails to multiple sell within a set, it hardly encourages customers to even want the items displayed. Jewelry is a gift of love and romance. Its absence in this window is simply too jarring.

Do and Don't: What is Being Sold?

2011-12-10T11:36:00.001-08:00

DO: Having text on the window acts like a title to the story being sold. It immediately conveys the store's message to the shopper. Crucial to the placement of the text is its position in the window. It should not hinder sightlines to the main selling point which is around the mannequins' chest area. Placing the text around hip level of the mannequins is a smart move.CAN DO BETTER: In this window, the text is more prominent that the products being promoted. The positioning of the text covers the window's main selling point which is right around the mannequins' chest area.

Do and Don't: In Retail, the Lightbulb IS the Detail

2011-12-03T15:05:00.000-08:00

When stores are encouraging interaction between shoppers and their products; such as this store providing an electrical outlet for customers to test their display lamps, the least they can do is provide the lightbulb.

Do and Don't: If you can'ts spell it...

2011-11-26T12:12:00.000-08:00

This week's entry is just a DON'T photo. I think it speaks for itself and need no further introduction. It simply violates to many guidelines- from hand written signs to spelling and most of all, in devaluing the very product being sold. Enough said!

Do and Don't: Show me the Light!

2011-11-19T11:43:00.001-08:00

DO: Darkened areas can make a store look dramatic. In this case, eyes are drawn to feature highlights such as the focal display right at the centre and makes the power wall products visually pronounced. DON'T: A darkened area just because the lighting is inadequate or out of order is hardly the way to sell prestige cosmetics---Especially when customers are invited to test the products and see how it looks against their skin.

Do and Don't: Its a Trap!

2011-11-12T14:12:00.000-08:00

Ever decide NOT to walk into a shop because it looks like there are no exit pathways? Funny how some retailers fail to realize that the more crowded a space is, the less likely customers will penetrate that selling space.
Customers do not want to feel trapped and unable to quickly exit any space.
DO: Front the storefront, customers can see that all areas of the store is readily accessible. The floor design itself makes the circular racetrack evident. DON'T: Avoid creating dead-ends like the shop below. I realize that at times, inventory levels are high, however it is still vital that customers are able to easily navigate the entire store.

Do and Don't: Can't See!

2011-11-06T14:38:00.000-08:00

GIVEN the choice, will customers still fully penetrate a selling space if they cannot view the shop or will they simply walk past it?
DO: A beautiful display setting that leads the eye from the front low table to the way to the back wall. Guess which direction customer traffic will go? They will surely visit each unit from the front to the back! DON'T: Too bad the front unit is loaded with too much merchandise that it hinders sightlines to the rest of the shop.

Do and Don't: Are we out of stock?

2011-10-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

DO: Product intensity at a prestige shop is less, to correctly convey high price point, high value and its exclusivity. DON'T: A popularly priced gift shop should intensify its merchandise display to maintain a consistent message of its price point and target market. The photo below shows the store to be sadly lacking in inventory.

Do and Don't: Crouch to Browse?

2011-10-22T13:38:00.001-07:00

DO: Shopping for bags is a breeze in this display. All bags are front faced, making it easy to view. Height levels are great as customers need not reach too high nor bend too low to access the products. DON'T: Bags hanging on a waterfall below waist level?! Viewed from a normal height, one sees only the tops of the bag straps. Is this store really expecting customers to crouch down to browse through the selection?

Do and Don't: Multiple Selling, Anyone?

2011-10-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

DO: A great display shows bags of similar price points and end use. To top it off, the store merchandised the bags with coordinating shoes. Multiple sales, anyone? DON'T: Evening bags displayed alongside backpacks and everyday bags? This display would've been better if they segregated a section for evening bags, one for backpacks and one for everyday shoulder bags. Shopping would be easier and the display a lot more organized.

Do and Don't: Where's the Romance?

2011-10-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

DO: What a beautiful and eye catching jewelry display. Not only is the display eye to waist level, the message is conveyed through a fairy tale story. Makes me wish upon a star for the necklace on display. DON'T: This jewelry display is simply too low. Right at eye level, one sees a blank wall. There is also nothing special displayed, just a mass merchandising presentation. Where's the romance in this?

Do and Don't: Handwritten, REALLY?!

2011-10-01T14:21:00.001-07:00

DO: Regardless of how inconvenient it is to get a sign printed, it is vital that they have a professional finish. In this case, the brand and product values are conveyed to customers right before they enter the premises, starting the selling process. DON'T: While effort can be seen in creating this sign, and although the store has up to 50% off sale, this unprofessional look simply devalues the brand, the store and its products.

Do and Don't: Is It Me or Is It Dark In Here?!

2011-09-24T11:33:00.001-07:00

DO: Lighting each shelf over and above general store lighting is a great way to make products more visible. DON'T: While there seems enough ambient lighting, shadows and dark areas abound especially on lower shelving displays. This causes a visibility issue and thus makes the products harder to sell.

Do and Don't: Give me a path to walk on

2011-09-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

DO: Have a defined layout that allows customers an unobstructed path from the front of the store to all the sections at the back. Identifying strike zones and power wall locations minimize challenged areas. DON'T: When there is no path for customers to follow; and when whatever path there is left to walk on is blocked, shoppers tend to BOOMERANG out of the shop- pretty much what happens to this store below.

Do and Don't: I Really Find Slatwalls Unappealing to the EXTREME

2011-09-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

DO: Products deserve to be displayed in the most appealing way. These fixtures provides a showcase that enhances perceived product values. DON'T: I really find slatwalls unappealing to the extreme! These are beautiful gift items totally devalued by the slatwall. To top it off, the repeated patterns of line in the slatwall overpowers the merchandise display.

Do and Don't: I like 45' Angles

2011-09-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

DO: I like how the angled displays greet customers as they walk this aisle. It makes for an eye catching display and makes both product and price easy to see. DON'T: Well, this really isn't a don't, rather after seeing the 45' angled display above, this flat linear display becomes less appealing.

Do and Don't: Lets Confuse the Customer-NOT!

2011-08-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

DO: Make it easy for customers not only to buy but also understand your groupings. By displaying products with the same end-use, in this case a dressy clutch bag with coordinating accessories, it silently sells to customers a one stop shop for their special occasion needs. DON'T: Can this be anymore confusing?! Evening jewelry merchandised alongside an everyday bag; evening clutch bags with everyday wallets immediately below it. Is this how customers will wear them?

Do and Don't: Is that Junk I see on the Window?

2011-08-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

DO: A great seasonal window display-- it effectively conveys target market, expected price points and product selection being promoted. DON'T: So sad they ran out of space for inventory and they just stacked all boxes right behind this window display. Note that customers can see past a display- whether it is in the window, behind the cash desk or tucked underneath a wall display.

Do and Don't: What a Waste!

2011-08-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

DO: Ensure that every opportunity to sell is taken advantaged of. In this case, not only is there an attractive price point sign, a monitor is added to engage customers. It provides not only product information but also emotional appeal to shoppers at the point of purchase. DON'T: What a waste of selling opportunity. Not only does an empty sign stand convey lack of attention to detail, it also becomes a shopping hazard! This is a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Do and Don't: Who Turned Off the Lights?!

2011-08-07T20:08:00.001-07:00

DO: When majority of the merchandise is small in size, adequate lighting allow customers a good view of the items being sold. This also makes the store more inviting and sets a positive tone for shopping. DON'T: Customers have a hard time reading product labels and packaging inside this toy and games store.

Do and Don't: How Skinny Should I Be?!

2011-07-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

DO: Allow space for customers to walk around a feature display. This provides easy access to all merchandise including those displayed in the back. I don't need a sale incentive to look through these items. DON'T: Wow, what a deal, 2 suits for $199! However, I wonder who is skinny enough to squeeze through and browse that suits rack?!

Do and Don't: Nothing Simple in Garbage

2011-07-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

DO: At closing time, bringing garbage out for pick-up in clear plastic bags is a good step in keeping shrinkage down. DON'T: Using store's shopping bag as garbage bins is a surefire way to encourage internal theft.

Do and Don't: Fixtures that OVERpower Product Displays

2011-07-16T11:59:00.000-07:00

DO: If you are already stuck with slatwalls, use a fabric or plastic/card board background that runs vertically. This breaks the horizontal lines and will better highlight product displays. DON'T: Slatwalls offer flexibility in displays. However so do slotted standards and these do not have the very distracting repeated patterns of line that overpower product displays. The only time a slatwall looks good is if it is filled with product and one hardly sees the slatwall.

Do and Don't: A jacket vest with your beddings?

2011-07-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

DO: A nice display bed presented with furniture and accessories that take advantage of multiple selling opportunities. DON'T: Sales Associate to Customer:"Oh such a beautiful bedding set, isn't it? And how about a jacket vest to go with it?!"

Do and Don't: Raw Chicken and Chips

2011-07-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

DO: Pasta sauce and pasta, a combination made in heaven. DON'T: I know they're not on the same gondola but really?! How appetizing is it to buy crunchy chips after viewing raw chicken?

Do and Don't: Windows as Selling Opportunities

2011-06-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

DO: Windows are a great opportunity to commence the selling process. Take this opportunity to dress mannequins in the latest arrivals and entice customers to come in for a closer look. DON'T: Apart from being bare, this window mannequin gets the wrong kind of attention. This also shows lack of attention and care for business.

Do and Don't: Signs that Enhance Product Values

2011-06-18T12:18:00.001-07:00

DO: Premium ladies' fashions requires signage that supports its image and identity. The Jones New York sign above shows how sign fabrication enhances perceived values of clothing displayed. DON'T: Really?! Orange with black and white, with super exciting background superbly fails to convey the clothing line's exclusivity and premium quality.

Do and Don't: Lighting Premium Clothing

2011-06-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

DO: Lighting a clothing store not only requires general lighting but also ones that can focus on specific feature items to create drama and interest. DON'T: The lighting in the store below devalues the premium clothing merchandised. This type of lighting is often used for popular price point goods not unlike those seen in grocery or warehouse type stores.

Do and Don't: Easy Access to Selling Spaces

2011-06-05T11:18:00.001-07:00

DO: Create mini racetracks in tight spaces. This ensures smooth traffic flow. DON'T: Avoid boxing in a tight space. I was not sure who the shop owners think will jump over fixtures to shop this space.

Do and Don't: Access to the Store

2011-05-28T16:14:00.001-07:00

DO: Ensure that the shop is presentable and ready for business during shop hours. All inventory boxes are taken away and out of sight. DON'T: leave inventory boxes around the shop, much less block the shop's main entrance.

Do and Don't: Tiny Products

2011-05-21T13:34:00.001-07:00

DO/ Better Display: This is a better display compared to the one below. Taller items are easily reachable and there is less of a negative space in between displayed products. DON'T: Notice how the smallest items are displayed on the lowest shelf? This makes it not only difficult to view, but also hard to reach. One practically has to crouch down for a closer look. In this case, there is also too much of a negative space between the lowest shelf and the one above it, making the fixture overwhelm the actual display.

Do and Don't: 'Scratch Your Head' Adjacenecies

2011-05-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

DO: Kids clothes and plush toys- a match made in heaven.DON'T: Cookware and slippers...enough said.

Do and Don't: Window Message

2011-05-08T11:51:00.000-07:00

DO: This is a great window display promoting men's leather jackets. The store layered the exact same message three times in a single glance- front window graphics, the mannequin and the large poster behind. This achieves greater impact. Besides, it is always more effective to tell one story at a time. DON'T: The mannequins and graphics on the glass promote back to school clothing. However the large graphics behind the mannequins show a more format approach. --a woman in a tux and a man in a suit, mixed messages anyone?

Do and Don't: Deceiving Store Signs

2011-04-30T11:09:00.001-07:00

DO: Customers interested in an item appreciate conversational signs. Not only do they provide key information, they also promote its sale. DON'T: This got me! I thought the yoga pants on display were only $10. I was disappointed and a little angry to find out that it is $10 off when one purchases the top and bottom set which costs $69.98.

Do and Don't: Lighting Wall Fixtures

2011-04-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

DO: Lighting this disply unit from the front allows customers a good view of the merchandise. DONT: Lighting for this unit can be effective when it is layered with other lighting sources. This display made the sides brighter but the midsection dark.

Do and Don't:Layout - Narrow Shops

2011-04-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

DON'T: A bowling alley space does not encourage shoppers to shop the store fully- especially the back area. The tall units also hinder sightlines. DO: When in a narrow space, give customers a reason to visit the back section. In this case, the cash desk was moved to this challenged space getting people to visit this area. This move also enlarged the front selling space.

Do and Don't: The Right Fixture

2011-04-09T11:50:00.001-07:00

DO: High price point merchandise should be given its due. In this case, each item is given its own display space to convey its value. DON'T: The very same items are displayed in warehouse like fixtures. Not only that, there is way too much merchandise intensity. This display fails to support product values. FYI these are mango wood items accented wuth bronze, silver or gold foil sheets.

Do and Don't: Body Form Displays

2011-04-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

DO: Visual clues such as these body forms convey where these shirts can be found. In this case, the body forms are part of the table display making shopping easy. To enhance this display visually, the green body form should be above the green shirts and same with the brown Alaska shirts. DON'T: The mannequins behind the display table should ideally be sporting the very shirts being sold on the table.

Do and Don't: Irrationality of Combinations

2011-03-26T10:59:00.001-07:00

IRRATIONALITY OF COMBINATIONS
DO: Yes, there is a term for mixing unrelated items in a display. However, the catch is that they still need to belong to a single story as in this case.
The display below of table mats and plates may have nothing to do with pillows and birdcage candle holders but they belong in the same colour story. DON'T: Car mats and kitchen accessories. Hmmm. Even this will not get away with using the term irrationality of combinations.

Do and Don't: Hodge Podge Displays

2011-03-19T11:04:00.001-07:00

DO: Make it easy to buy! Within a single category such as souvenirs, group like items together. E.G. Food within its own subgroup and gifts in another.
DON'T: Avoid displaying all kinds of souvenirs together. Products lose their credibility and perceived values when it is in a hodge podge display.

Do and Don't: Selling Signs-Is Handwritten OK?

2011-03-12T17:00:00.001-08:00

DO: Mass market retailers like the one below, who want to promote the idea of extremely popular price points, use machine printed "handwritten" signs. This is the one instance where actual handwritten signs may also be acceptable although not as preferred as machine print. DON'T: Boutique owners selling mid to high price point goods should avoid handwritten signs. Besides looking unprofessional, printed signs always outsell handwritten ones! Product credibility, not to mention brand credibility is greatly diminished.

Do and Don't: Lighting- How unromantic!

2011-03-05T10:53:00.001-08:00

DO: Ensure that in-store lighting is well mainted from selling spaces to task areas such as the cash desk. Brightest spots are usually found right by the lease line, task areas and focal displays. DON'T Ignore busted light bulbs. While it may seem harmless leaving a burnt out lightbulb, remember, a selling area becomes dim and less attractive to customers. This equates to lost sales!

Do and Don't: Layout-Category Placement

2011-02-26T13:38:00.001-08:00

DO: Keep your merchandise category layout organized and logically sequenced. This makes shopping so much easier. Best of all, it encourages multiple sales between categories. Fixtures that form mini sections can create a clean delineation between categories. DON'T: Refrain from placing merchandise without careful thought of the story you would like to convey.

Do and Don't: Housekeeping- behind the cash desk

2011-02-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

DO: Keep back of cash desks neat and tidy. Just because this is the back does not mean customers now have their blinders on. Remember, this is often where the last impression is formed.

DON'T: When did backs of cash desks become garbage storage? I was purchasing something from this store and this is the cash counter they used to process my transaction. Needless to say the cashier had a harder time bagging my items when she had to move things around to access the bags.

Do and Don't: Valentine Window Display

2011-02-12T15:55:00.001-08:00

I realize that not all retailers can afford to hire professional visual merchandisers to do their window displays all the time. This is just fine, when having the right foundation (in this case, fixtures) and by applying some shape to the set-up can go a long way in creating an eye catching display.
DO: (Above)

1. Nesting tables set a good foundation that creates interest in a display.

2. The products placed from top to bottom invites the eye to view the entire display.

3. The diagonal line created by the bags provide eye direction.

4. The backdrop stops the eye from meandering elsewhere.

5. The strong use of the colour red cannot help but stop the eye.

DON'T:

1. Half hearted attempts at this Valentine display fail to attract positive attention.

2. The sparse merchandising and haphazardly placed merchandise look extremely unprofessional and thus, devalue the products.

3. There is really nothing that attracts the eye to this low display. Eye level is really the interior of the shop which just adds to visual clutter.

TO DO THEMED WINDOWS WELL, YOU GOTTA DO IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT

Do and Don't: Adjacent Merchandise

2011-02-05T11:36:00.000-08:00

Someone must have taken note of the DON'T photo below.
I have often used this photo in my seminars. While this 'don't' photo was taken maybe four years ago, last month I visited the store and saw that they moved the exercise tape unit to be adjacent to fitness equipment. HALLELUJAH!

DO: Exercise tapes with fitness equipment. DON'T: Exercise tapes and watch straps?!

Do and Don't: Customer Service-or the lack of

2011-01-29T14:00:00.000-08:00

DO: Be ready to assist customers. DON'T: This lady was waiting for a long time for someone to open up this glass case so she can get a better look at one of the watches inside. She eventually gave up and left.

Do and Don't: Christmas Hangover

2011-01-22T13:59:00.001-08:00

DO: Keeping props the same scale as your products supports the window's purpose of merchandise promotion. DON'T: In this window, props catch the eye more than products do. Besides, props take centre stage because they are eye level. This set-up does a poor job of promoting actual store merchandise.

Do and Don't: Selling Signs-Location Determines Effectiveness

2011-01-15T15:40:00.000-08:00

DO: When showcasing great prices to entice customers in, a listing of items within eye to waist level makes for an effective promotional sign. DON'T: Hanging a menu board sign with small text simply fails to catch customer interest. Besides, one needs binoculars to read the price listing.

Do and Don't: Lighting

2010-12-26T11:47:00.001-08:00

DO: Keeping some areas dark in a window display draws the eye to the bright spot--or wherever the retailer intends to draw attention upon. In this case, to sell a specific lifestyle. DON'T: Keeping the store dark is just bad for business.

Do and Don't: Layout- Fixtures Placement

2010-12-19T14:24:00.000-08:00

DO: Using a mid-height fixture by the entrance invites the eye to wander from low to high and into the rest of the shop. DON'T: A tall fixtures right by the entrance blocks the view to the rest of the shop.

Do and Don't: Housekeeping-- an Organized Display

2010-12-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

DO: With all items front faced and merchandised military grid style, finding an item is easy. Signs also help identify products. DON'T: How long before a customer gives up looking for an item?

Do and Don't: Holiday Displays

2010-12-04T11:47:00.001-08:00

DO: A relatively inexpensive holiday display that maintains product and brand values. DON'T: Dollar store finds often work when integrated with other elements within a theme. However the example below of haphazardly hung garlands and mismatched bows serve to effectively devalue the store's brand and merchandise.

Do and Don't: Adjacencies

2010-11-27T14:31:00.001-08:00

DO: Mannequins showcasing the dress collection is fully supported by merchandise found adjacent to it, sharing the same colour story and similar styles.

DON'T: A feature display such as the one shown on the mannequin sets an expectation that items similar to it can be found in adjacent units. However, in this case, the adjacent racks show casual T-shirts. Where can one find similar dresses? Waaaay at the back of the store, nowhere near the display.

Do and Don't: Customer Service is the Difference Between Sales and No Sales

2010-11-20T11:07:00.001-08:00

DO: Engage your customers and deliver an experience. DON'T: What a waste! Two potential purchasers ignored.

Do and Don't: Window Selling Opportunity

2010-11-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

DO: There were thousands of people downtown during the Pride Parade weekend. In keeping with this, the store showed their support while promoting their merchandise.DON'T: In contrast, this store missed a great selling opportunity!

Do and Don't: Sale Signs

2010-11-09T10:07:00.000-08:00

DO: These sale signs maintain perceived product values. DON'T: On the other hand, these signs greatly devalue the merchandise.

Do and Don't: Lighting Window Displays

2010-10-30T13:59:00.001-07:00

DO: Good lighting attracts attention and highlights merchandise. DON'T: Who forgot to turn the lights on? Even then, do I really want to look at this window?!

Do and Don't: Shop Layout Entryway

2010-10-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

DO: A clear path all the way into the back of the store encourages customers to shop the entire selling space. DON'T: Avoid cutting off main aisles- this deters customers from fully penetrating the selling space. This is asking for customers to boomerang out.

Do and Don't: Housekeeping--DUSTBALLS ARE NOT ROMANTIC

2010-10-16T11:52:00.001-07:00

DO: Nice, clean fluffy towels invite customers' touch. DON'T: Towels with dustballs, anyone?! Ewwww.

Do and Don't: Jeans Display

2010-10-09T11:57:00.000-07:00

DO: A great looking display statement on Jeans. DON'T: Really? This is the only way one can think of to display designer jeans?!

Do and Don't: Product Adjacencies

2010-10-02T19:08:00.001-07:00

DO: Single branded kitchen accessories easily prompt multiple selling. DON'T: Yes, both are for hygiene but one is for oral and the other for your shoes!

Do and Don't: Customer Service Delivery

2010-09-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

DO: Enlighten customers with product information. Better yet, let them touch/try merchandise. This is a tipping point to encourage an emotional attachment with the product. DON'T: Ignore customers as if they don't exist. Hello? Anyone home?!

Do and Don't: Window Displays

2010-09-18T11:54:00.001-07:00

DO: Keep text consistent to display. DON'T: I see solids, I see checks, where's the faded florals?

Do and Don't: Selling Signs

2010-09-11T14:25:00.000-07:00

DO: Keep sign design consistent from storefront to back. DON'T: Mix poorly handwritten signs with printed ones. Keep them all professionally finished to ensure that perceived product values are not compromised.

Do and Don't: Lighting Displays

2010-09-04T13:06:00.001-07:00

DO: Light displays properly. Spot on the brand, flood on the body forms. DON'T: Ignore the main display. Direct eye to the bust form by adjusting light to focus on it.

Do and Don't: Aisle Width

2010-08-29T11:30:00.001-07:00

DO: Leave customers at least 3' of aisle space. DON'T: Can your customers even breathe in here?!

Do and Don't: Housekeeping- Inventory Replenishment

2010-08-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

DO: This is a wonderful display. One that is not only fully merchandised but invites customers to buy in multiples- a top, a jacket and pants. DON'T: Don't leave a selling opportunity unutilized at any moment. What a waste of prime real estate!

Do and Don't: Feature Area Displays

2010-08-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

DO: Present a clear story, one theme at a time. This has greater impact than displaying multiple stories.DON'T: Too much of everything, customers see nothing!

Do and Don't: Merchandise Adjacencies

2010-08-08T11:40:00.001-07:00

DO: Pasta and sauce makes for an excellent multiple selling display. DON'T: Candies, nuts, feminine hygiene products, anyone?!

Retail Do and Don't: Customer Service

2010-07-31T11:54:00.000-07:00

DO: Interact with customers. DON'T: Chit chat with co-workers while a potential buyer is in the store.

Do and Don't: Window Displays

2010-07-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

DO: Create a window display showing an abundance of related merchandise.DON'T: A near empty window that is not only dark but also uninviting fails to attract attention.

Retail Do and Don't: Store Name

2010-07-17T10:57:00.001-07:00

DO: Choose a store name that reflects your identity--be it locale, product selection, price point, etc. DON'T: This boutique neither sells umbrellas nor rain gear.

Retail Do and Don't: Lighting

2010-07-10T13:50:00.001-07:00

DO: A combination of general and track lighting allows for a brighter store with accents on wall and floor unit displays. DON'T: Inadequate lighting fails to properly illuminate merchandise displays. This makes for an uninviting shopping environment.

Retail Do and Don't: Layout / Entryway

2010-07-03T12:01:00.001-07:00

DO: A clearly defined entryway invites customers to walk further into the store. DON'T: Gondola units that block an entryway hinders not only sight lines but also the main traffic flow into the shop.

Do and Don't Housekeeping: The Right Fixture

2010-06-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

DO: (After) Grouped tightly, things are easy to find and a pleasure to view. Don't: (Before) Even when neatly placed, items belonging to a single story look cluttered when displayed in different units.

Do and Don't Display: Enticing Passers-by

2010-06-19T11:38:00.000-07:00

DO: An inviting and attractive entrance display catches the eye of the passer-by. DON'T: An empty unit up front fails to entice customers into the shop.

Retail Do and Don't: Merchandise Adjacencies

2010-06-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

DO: Maple wine chocolates and maple wine- what a great way to suggest multiple buys!DON'T: Babies don't smell that bad, do they?!

Do and Don't: Customer Service

2010-06-05T11:12:00.001-07:00

DO: Smile and welcome customers. DON'T: Showing your back with arms crossed is hardly welcoming to any potential customer.

Do and Don't: Window Displays

2010-05-29T13:34:00.000-07:00

DO: Merchandise grouped together by colour and theme attracts positive attention. DON'T: Just because a shop carries many different products does not mean they all have to be displayed at the same time and the same location. Choose a single story to tell.

Retail Do and Don't: Signage-Retail Identity

2010-05-23T13:41:00.000-07:00

Storefront signage that convey expected product mix makes for easy shopping. Store names that have little or no bearing to products sold are harder to market. In this case below, crystals and giftware.

Retail Do and Don't: In-store Lighting

2010-05-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

DO: Tracklighting allows for highlighting of merchandise both on the wall or floor unit.DON'T: Potlights are good at providing general illumination but fail to highlight specific merchandise.

2010-05-08T11:53:00.000-07:00

DO and DON'T: SHOP LAYOUT-AISLES
DO: A clear aisle invites customers to interact with products and provides easy access to all merchandise. DON'T: Inventory boxes should be put away during business hours, providing customers with an unobstructed access to all merchandise.

Do and Don't: Housekeeping at the Cash Desk

2010-05-01T10:49:00.001-07:00

DO: A clean, neatly organized cash area leaves a positive impression.

DON'T: Customers can view all angles of a retail cart or kiosk- and this includes the operational areas. Keep in mind the last impression of a customer happens here.

Do and Don't: Display Merchandising

2010-04-24T13:35:00.001-07:00

DO: A strong merchandise story is presented not only through colour and theme but also sharing the same functional end-use.

DON'T: Hardly a logical display! Clothing shown has absolutely nothing to do with home decor accessories surrounding it.

2010-04-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

DO: All merchandise designed for the same end-use makes for a great display story----in this case, mops and cleaning products share the same brand and end-use.

DON'T: Products geared for use in the mouth are better off merchandised apart from items for intimate use.

2010-04-10T17:19:00.001-07:00

DO and DON'T: CUSTOMER SERVICE
DO: Approach customers to serve their needs.

DON'T: Ignoring customers fail to maximize selling opportunities.

2010-04-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

DO and DON'T: SEASONAL WINDOW DISPLAYS
DO: A beautiful spring window reflects the current season. DON'T: This photo was taken in May. Graphics that depict a winter scene must be taken down by February at the latest. Merchandise displayed must also reflect the season's colours.

2010-03-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

DO and DON'T: SELLING SIGNS

DO: Product values are supported when the proper sign design is applied.

DON'T: A $500 item deserve more than a handwritten sign and better display platform.

Retail Do and Don't: Lighting

2010-03-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

DO: A warmer approach to lighting illuminates an inviting selling space

DON'T: Lighting tailored for grocery and drugstores do not work well selling the romance of home furnishings.

Retail Do and Don't: Layout / Aisles

2010-03-13T17:09:00.000-08:00

DO: Ensure an open pathway for shopper traffic to easily penetrate your shop interior. Keep a minimum of 3' for aisle space.

DON'T: Blocking aisles with fixtures is a surefire way to discourage customers from fully shopping your selling space.

2010-03-06T16:23:00.001-08:00

DO: A full display is not only inviting but also supports product values.

DON'T

An unfilled unit leaves a less than positive impression of the business.

Do and Don't: Display

2010-02-27T13:56:00.000-08:00

DO: Products shown facing 30' to 45' from the main aisle are easily viewed by the passing traffic. If fixtures must remain in a 90' angle from the main aisle, try angling displays on these units to face the oncoming traffic.

DON'T: Products flush against the wall are harder to view from the main aisle.

Do and Don't: Merchandise Adjacencies

2010-02-20T21:17:00.000-08:00

DO: Merchandising by theme encourages increased sales per transaction.

DON'T: Be cognizant of adjacent merchandise. This set-up fails to take advantage of multiple selling opportunities. Exercise tapes and watch straps, anyone?