In the first part of our series, we talked about what visual merchandising is and why it’s important. Now, let’s move on to some simple tips that can help you make your store look better, attract more customers, and increase sales—while making the most of the racking and gondola systems of course.
1. Change Your Window Displays Often
Your window display is the first thing people see, so make sure it grabs their attention. Change it up every few weeks to keep it fresh and exciting. You can use your gondola racks to create layered displays that showcase different product angles, drawing people inside to explore more.
2. Use Color and Lighting Wisely
Colors can affect how people feel in your store. Warm colors can make your space feel cozy, while cool colors create a calm atmosphere. Pair these with the right lighting to highlight your products. Gondola displays with integrated lighting can help draw attention to featured items, making them stand out even more.
3. Optimize Product Placement
Where you place products can make a big difference in sales. Use Uniwell’s adjustable racking systems to position high-demand items at eye level. You can easily rearrange racks to create new display configurations or to highlight seasonal items. Cross-merchandising related products on nearby racks, like placing snacks near drinks, can encourage customers to buy more.
4. Use Signs to Guide Customers
Signs aren’t just for labeling products—they can also guide customers through your store and inform them about deals. Attach signs directly to your gondola racks to highlight promotions or provide product information. Clear, well-placed signage makes it easy for customers to find what they’re looking for and can enhance their shopping experience
5. Create Special Display Areas with Custom Gondolas
Set up special areas in your store to showcase bestsellers, new arrivals, or seasonal items using gondolas. These areas, known as focal points, should be well-lit and easy to spot. Change them regularly to keep things interesting for your customers. Gondolas are perfect for creating these dynamic displays because they’re flexible and easy to move.
6. Engage All Five Senses
Creating a great shopping experience is about more than just what people see. Engage all five senses:
Sight: Visual appeal is the most obvious sense in merchandising. It’s all about using color, lighting, and strategic product placement on racks and gondolas to catch the customer’s eye. A well-organized and visually pleasing display can draw customers in and encourage them to explore more. For instance, arranging colorful products on eye-level shelves with good lighting can instantly attract attention.
Sound: The music or sounds in your store set the tone for the shopping experience. Calming music can make customers feel relaxed, while upbeat tunes might energize them and encourage more browsing. Even the sound of a bustling store or product demonstrations can add to the atmosphere. For example, a soft, instrumental playlist in a boutique can create a serene environment that encourages longer visits.
Smell: Scents have a strong impact on mood and can create a memorable shopping experience. For example, the smell of fresh flowers or a subtle fragrance can make your store feel more inviting. Scents can also be tied to specific products or seasons, making customers more likely to connect with what you’re selling. A candle store, for instance, can use the scent of its best-selling fragrance throughout the store to evoke a warm, welcoming feeling.
Touch: Allowing customers to physically interact with products is crucial. When customers can touch, feel, and pick up items on your racks, they are more likely to make a purchase. The tactile experience helps build a connection with the product and increases the likelihood of a sale. For example, in a clothing store, making sure clothes are easily reachable and inviting customers to feel the fabric can lead to more purchases.
Taste: While this may not apply to all retail environments, offering taste samples can be a powerful tool in food retail. Engaging the sense of taste directly can create an immediate connection and drive impulse purchases, especially when tied to well-displayed products on gondolas. A gourmet food shop could, for example, offer small samples of its top-selling products, encouraging customers to buy the full-sized version.
7. Keep an Eye on What Really Works
Regularly check how your displays on racking and gondolas are performing. Look at sales data and customer feedback to see what’s working. If certain configurations or product placements are successful, consider expanding them to other parts of your store. If not, don’t be afraid to rearrange or adjust your racks and gondolas to try something new.
This simple, easy to understand tips may be difficult to master, but mastering them is worth the reward it provides for your biz! Combined with making the most of Uniwell’s racking and gondola systems, you can create a store environment that attracts customers and boosts sales. Visual merchandising is an ongoing process, so keep refining your approach to keep your store fresh and exciting.
