Running a retail business poses unending challenges. Retail is one of the most competitive business avenues. Setting up appealing store displays can make the difference between a ghost town and a busy sales floor. Like the cover of a book it is the visual presentation of your store display that is the first interaction your customers will have with your business, however it does not guarantee sales. If you have a great store front or window display, but still find that customers wander through your store and leave without picking up a single product then perhaps the layout of your store needs to be retooled. Once a customer enters your store the goal then becomes to create interaction with your products. Sub consciously everyone is aware of what looks good and feels good. Consider applying these feng shui principles to your sales floor. You may think it is best to display as many different products as possible, but that can lead to a disorganized cluttered store. Space items out so that you are not overloading customer senses. Creating focal points with key items is best. Even small details like cheap or ugly plastic clothes hangers can turn someone off from making a purchase.
Make it a journey through the store. You want aisles to be clear and connect in multiple pathways. Place racks at different angles or in circular fashion. Maintaining clear visibility throughout the store will help people to wander through to whatever interests them the most.
Pay attention to the lighting. Utilize different levels and intensities of light to create different moods for customers. Overhead fluorescent lights provide excellent visibility, but have a cold clinical feel. Table lamps or hanging pendant lights are much warmer and inviting. Experiment with products that create their own light. Sound can play apart as well, for example the gurgling of a fish tank can add a soothing element of water. Do not be afraid to make changes as you go. Talking to customers regularly about their shopping experience can provide the valuable data to make the right ones.
With every decision or product placement you should be striving to create a comfortable environment where people will feel good spending their money. Remember that the emotional experience is a large part of shopping. Use these principles to develop an interesting varied experience for customers, so that they will be more likely to make a purchase. If a client feels good about spending time in your store they will certainly return.
About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of the Closet Hanger Factory, a leading online provider of clothes hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.closethangerfactory.com.
