Do and Don't: Irrationality of Combinations

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

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?

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!

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!