Do: Testers are Always Welcome

Ever been to stores that sell perfume wherein all the bottles are locked up in a glass cabinet? How do they expect customers to be attracted to the products when the displays are uninviting? 

 

The photo in this week’s blog shows one that caught my attention. All the products displayed below have a corresponding tester on the top shelf. The shelf height is a little below chest level and thus easily invites one to try the products. The absence of a sales associate in this case made the displays more welcoming as I knew I could play to my heart’s content without any interruption— and PLAY I did!

 

Do and Don't: Cosmetics is STILL a Mini Luxury, Isn't It?

I subscribe to the belief that merchandise should be supported by the platform it is displayed on to ensure product values are uphelf and most of all, to make them appealing. Isn't that what retailing is all about? Making things begging to be bought?

DO: The right point of purchase display makes the difference between products sold right away and those that remain sitting in the shelf for a long time. Although this is an extremely popular price point, the display continually sells to the customer.

DON'T: I feel bad for the seller of these celebrity endorsed lipsticks. They do not deserve to be presented in a brown corrugated box. Infallible? I think not in this case.

Do and Don't: Don't Say Bad Words

Ever been to shops where you already know the chances of the staff being rude is high? Just the tone of their signs already gives off a signal of this. How sad many shop owners are unaware the power of their signs and how unwelcoming they can be.

DO: This sign says "These items are FRAGILE Please handle with care, We gladly provide assistance." Isnt this a nice way of informing customers to be careful instead of saying the usual "You break you pay"? or "Do not touch"?

DON'T: Hmmmm. The store wants customers to buy but God forbid they try something on. As if the pink paper and border ribbons will make up for "NO FITTING"!

Do and Don't: Which Sells Better?

There are so many display techniques and styles around but at the end of the day, I think the one that wins is the one that sells the most.

Which of these two display styles do you think will sell more?
DO: Each shelf is merchandised exactly the same way with small items flanking taller items creating a triangular effect. I prefer this display in that as customers shop, moving from left to right, they are offered a new product (still within the same category). Talk about silent multiple selling!

DON'T: This isn't really a don't, more of "can be improved". The good thing is that smaller items are placed eye level for easy visibility. However, the drawback is that more customers may purchase the smaller lower margin items than the large bottles displayed on the bottom shelf.

Do and Don't: The Perils of Live Mannequins

DO: This example of a window display using live mannequins show professional models working their best to create interest in the store and their products.

DON'T: This female model is indeed creating interest, just not in a positive way. I do feel bad for her, however she is supposed to promote merchandise, not show how tired she is.