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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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.