Do and Don't: Access to the Store

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

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

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

Do and Don't: Window Message

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

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

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

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.