Visual Merchandising Tips + Trends
When it comes to visual merchandising in 2021, it’s all about serene and natural. That is, creating a calming influence in these chaotic times. Here are a few other key visual merchandising trends as well as some evergreen tips.
Tip: “A flat sea of merchandise is unattractive, unappealing, and can appear cluttered.”
• BE TRANSPARENT. Literally. Opt for a natural look with see-through risers so the eye is on product, not the display.
• POP GOES THE… Just because tranquil rules the day, be sure to also add in a pop of color—
a single leaf or flower, for example. The point? Subtle and understated is great for an overall feel, but it becomes devoid of energy without the occasional color surprise.
• THE ENVIRONMENT. Keep it eco-friendly. That applies to both displays and products. As SnapRetail explains, “The vibe of your visual merchandising can reflect that in any number of ways—color, textiles, imagery, product names or descriptions highlighting sustainable ingredients, labor practices or manufacturing processes.”
• MINIMUM HEIGHT. Displays that are too low have minimal impact. “Customers should be able to view displays without bending over,” explains Las Vegas visual merchandiser Travis Reed. “Make vitrines waist-high or higher, and place shelves at about 5 feet off the ground, where most people’s eyes naturally rest. Window displays should have merchandise on risers or props so that products are at a comfortable viewing height.”
• VERTICAL SPACE. To enhance visual appeal, don’t forget about the space above eye level. “A flat sea of merchandise is unattractive, unappealing, and can appear cluttered,” warns New York-based visual merchandising consultant Eric Feigenbaum. “Continuous horizontal displays of eyewear will wear out even the most enthusiastic shopper, whereas vertical merchandising moves the eye upward, opening new vistas and merchandise stories.”
• THE SENSES. It’s not just about seeing your displays, but about touch, sound, and even smell. Play music. Bake cookies. Make sure product is accessible. Hands-off should be limited to a very few special frames that are in closed cases.
• CROSS MERCHANDISING. Create a cross-merchandised display. Visit a local boutique or department store and talk with the manager about borrowing some merchandise—and maybe lending some frames in return.
What are your visual merchandising secrets? Tell us about them and share in the conversation on Facebook here.
Erinn Morgan
Comments are closed.
