Merchandising has a lot to say to shoppers. It shapes their perception of your pricing, inventory position and expected level of customer service, and it can influence how much they buy. Powerful merchandising can build your average transaction size and help customers find what they need quickly.
Paint & Decorating Retailer editors have been collecting photos of compelling displays that send customers a message. Each display can influence shoppers in a specific way, such as help them with projects, alert them to a bargain price or encourage add-on sales.
Use these ideas from your peers for inspiration as you develop your merchandising strategy for the new year. As we head into springtime home renovation projects, you will want to be ready with fresh display ideas to help lead them to the right tools for the tasks they have at the top of their lists.
Projects Start Here
Wendy Weiler, owner of Sunbury Ace Hardware in Sunbury, Ohio, says an effective project display inspires customers to start projects. “Maybe they weren’t thinking about painting, but if they come into the store and it’s 50 percent off, they might change their mind,” she says. “We also put something in there they may not have thought about, like the ladder, as a suggested add-on sale.”
Find Something Unique
Homemade endcap displays at Harris Home Hardware slow down customers and encourage them to browse. They also give the signal that there’s something unique about the store’s product selection. “These displays add flair to the area that a regular endcap would never be able to do,” says Harris. “They add something a little different than what customers normally see, and that can make all the difference in retail.”
6 Components of an Effective Display
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Sharp Assembly
Show products assembled and out of the box so customers can touch them and understand how they work.- Curated Assortment
Let customers see the wide assortment of products you carry in the highlighted category and how it differs from your competitors. - Targeted Signage
Reinforce your merchandising message with signage; in this case telling customers about your ability to serve a specific customer group. - Seasonal Suggestions
Change displays with the season to remind customers of the products they’ll need for upcoming projects. - Add-on Sales
Boost transaction size by suggesting the necessary accessories that go with the tool or project you are selling. - Custom Displayer
You likely can construct a simple but effective merchandiser using materials you already have around the store.
