The Do's and Don'ts of Mannequin Displays

Mannequins are an integral part of any retail fashion store or boutique. These otherwise simple accessories allow you to show customers how a garment looks on the human body. There's no denying the fact that seeing a garment on a rolling rack is far different than seeing it worn on a human silhouette. The bottom line is that customers want to know what a garment looks like on the human body, and displaying it on a mannequin is the perfect way to accomplish this. However, there are some things you need to know about mannequin displays before you start using them in your store.

The Do's of Mannequin Displays

If you intend on using mannequins in your store, make sure up at least a few of them directly in the front windows. This is arguably the single most important display area in your store, so you'll want to take full advantage of it. When people are walking outside of your store, a well-dressed mannequin will instantly capture their attention and hopefully attract them inside. In turn, this will result in greater sales and more profits. But just how are you supposed to setup a mannequin in your store window? There are several ways to approach this, but it's usually best to stick with bright, bold colors to catch the attention of passer-bys.

Another tip that's helpful for using mannequins in a retail store is to make them tell a story. Far too many store owners take the easy way out by throwing a shirt and pair of jeans on their mannequin and calling it a day. Not only does this limit its effectiveness, but it's also boring and simply not interesting to look at. Instead, dress your mannequin out from head to toe with a full wardrobe, shoes and accessories. You can even go one step further by doing their hair and makeup.

The Don'ts of Mannequin Displays

Quite possibly the biggest mistake store owners make when using mannequins is not changing and adjusting their outfits often enough. I know it's difficult to find an extra hour or so to place new garments on your mannequins, but you must keep their wardrobes updated to maintain a fresh look. Allowing old garments to remain on your mannequins will result in a poor performance and customer response. Shoppers want to see new things when they go out to stores, so take this into consideration when you are setting up mannequins in your store.

Using Acrylic Displays In a Retail Store

In the world of retail business, how you display and show off your product can either make or break your company. If it's not done right, you'll end up wasting valuable real estate in your store, and this alone could be enough to place you further behind some of the competitors in your industry. The good news, however, is that setting up display correctly will achieve more sales, more recognition and a better all-around shopping experience for your customers. Here we'll take a look at some of the ways to use acrylic displays and how to get the most benefit from them.

Acrylic Sign Holders

Want to display prices or special promotions on certain items in your store? If so, you should use some of the free-standing acrylic sign holders such as the ones shown above. As you can see, they are designed to stand on their own without any additional attachments or devices. If there's an open spot on a shelf or nearby end cap, simply place the acrylic sign holder on top of it. These neat little accessories are designed to be simple enough so that anyone can use them. You just slide in the desired sign into the center and place it standing upright in the desired location within your store.

At first glance, you might assume these acrylic sign holders would break easily. After all, it's inevitable that customers or even employees will end up knocking them down on the ground. The good news, however, is that they are designed with impact-resistant materials to withstand falls such as these. Unlike some of the cheaper sign holders on the market, these will offer you countless years of use in your retail store, allowing you to focus your time and resources on other parts of your business.

Where Should I Use Acrylic Displays?

Unfortunately, trying to determine the best area to use acrylic sign holders and displays isn't always an easy process. Since all store layouts and designs are different, there's no single "best" area to use them. However, a general rule of thumb is to use holders and displays to highlight popular products. The more attention you can draw to your top selling products, the more people will buy it. Use this to your advantage by setting displays and sign holders up around the products that are currently selling well in your retail store. Of course, you can also experiment with different locations to see if something else works better.

Common Uses For a Garment Steamer

A garment steamer is a neat little device that will make your life as a retail clothing store owner far easier. As the name suggests, it uses steam to pull out any wrinkles that many have developed in the clothing. This allows you to display articles of clothing in a clean, wrinkle-free manner that's simply more attractive to look at. Of course, this is only one of the many reasons why every retail clothing store owner should invest in a garment steamer. If you are interested in learning more, keep reading for some of the most common uses and benefits to owning a garment steamer.

Garment Steamer vs Iron

At first glance, you might assume using a traditional iron would be just as effective for removing wrinkles in garments as a steamer. If you've ever used these devices, though, you'll realize that a steamer is far easier and more efficient. There's no need to lay out an ironing board just so you can spend 10-15 minutes slowly ironing out all the wrinkles. A steamer makes the job easier by allowing you to remove the wrinkles while the garment is still on a clothes hanger. Just turn the device on and run it over any visible wrinkles. Within seconds, you'll notice the wrinkles disappearing, leaving behind a smooth garment that you should be proud of displaying in your retail clothing store.

Unusual Fabrics

One of the advantages to using a steamer is the fact that it can help remove wrinkles from some of the more stubborn fabrics and materials. Let's face it, not all garments are made from 100% cotton. Some of them are made from wool, polyester, vinyl, cashmere, silk and more. Using a traditional iron on these fabrics could result in disastrous consequences, placing your clothing at risk for damage. Instead of taking this risk, you can use a steamer to remove the wrinkles in a safe, controlled manner. The bottom line is that garment steamers are a safer option to remove wrinkles without damaging your clothes.

Packaged Garments

Don't you hate opening a package of new garments only to discover they are a wrinkled mess? Even if they are packaged properly, the rough ride during transit is oftentimes enough to force wrinkles into the material. A simple and effective way to remove the wrinkles and prepare them for display is to use a garment steamer. It only takes a couple minutes and will leave your clothes looking clean and wrinkle-free.

Creating an Smart Phone App For Your Retail Store or Business

You might be surprised to hear that there are now over 1 billion smart phone users throughout the world. This means that roughly 1 in 7 people have a working smart phone. While this number is impressive enough as it is, most analyst expect it to grow significantly in the years to come. The fact is that prices for electronic devices and equipment necessary to produce smart phones is dropped; thus, allowing more people to purchase them. As a retail store owner, you can take advantage of this by creating and launching an app for your store. It's an effective way to advertise your business while connecting with the new, "tech-savvy" crowd of today.

Of course, launching your own smart phone app is no easy task. Not only do you need a clear direction, but you'll need to take those plans and turn them into a working app. This requires coding, money and lots of trial and error. If you aren't willing to make the necessary investments, then you should probably pass on trying to develop a smart phone app for your retail store. On the other hand, the cost of developing such an app is sure to pay off in the long run by driving more customers to your store and branding your name in front of the devices of thousands of smart phone users.

The good news is that you don't need any special skills or experience to develop a smart phone app for your store, as there are dozens of professional companies who specialize in this trade. You simply tell them what type of app you are looking for and what features you want it to have, and they will perform all the coding necessary to make it happen. Be warned, though, paying to have an app developed isn't a cheap task. Depending on what type of app you desire, it could easily cost in the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.

Before you even think of developing a smart phone app for your retail store, you need to decide exactly what direction to go with it. For instance, your app could simply offer an updated list of usable in-store coupons with barcodes. Customers downloading this app could then show the coupons to the cashier at your store for a discount on their purchase. Of you could go the direction of creating a free game with your company's logo and/or merchandise in it. Free games are a big hit on smart phone devices, and they can be an equally powerful marketing tool.

3 Reasons Why You Should Use Mannequins In Your Fashion Store

Running a retail fashion store is no easy task. You'll be competing neck-and-neck against others who've already established themselves as a leader in this fast-paced industry. For people and businesses just starting out, this can be frightening and even overwhelming scenario. The good news, however, is that using mannequins in your retail store can help you can the upper-hand. Here we'll take a look at the top 3 reasons why you should use mannequins in your retail fashion store. So, if you are on the fence about using them, just check out some of the reasons listed below.

Reason #1 - Improve Window Display

When it comes to retail fashion stores, window displays are a critical piece of real estate that must be used correctly. People walking by your store without the intent to come in and shop may see your window display and be drawn in; thus, leading to greater sales and more profits. Unfortunately, this is an area that's frequently overlooked by newcomers to the industry. They assume that window displays are just another piece of their store, so they don't create any true sense of direction with it. Instead of setting your window display up just like any other area of your store, you should use a mannequin to create a lifelike appearance that people can actually relate and connect to.

Reason #2 - Change With The Seasons

Now that we're well into the spring season, retail fashion store owners everywhere are looking to update their inventory with more appropriate clothing. As the old saying goes "out with the old and in with the new" holds true for the world of retail fashion. If you have mannequins in your store, you can use them to show off your new spring apparel. While there's nothing wrong with using rolling racks and grid wall for storing apparel, it doesn't offer the same level of appeal that a mannequin does.

Reason #3 - Show Off Accessories

Let's face it, there's no better way to show off accessories than by using a mannequin. People want to see what accessories look like when worn, and a mannequin allows them to do so. Instead of placing fashion accessories like handbags, necklaces and other jewelry on the shelves or counters, perhaps you can use them on a mannequin. Chances are you'll immediately get more questions and comments about the accessories simply by placing them on the mannequins in your retail fashion store.

Tips on Cleaning and Maintaining Grid Wall

There's simply no easier or more effective way to display merchandise in a retail store than with grid wall. The simple grid design allows you to easily change product by moving it around using special connecting hooks. If a product doesn't fit, just do some adjusting with the hooks to free up additional room. However, if you plan on using grid wall in your retail store or business establishment, you'll need to know how to clean it; otherwise, it will continue gathering dust and dirt that will eventually transfer onto your store's products.

Unfortunately, far too many owners and manager overlook the importance of cleaning grid walls and peg boards in their store. When you are busy trying to run a successful business, it's easy to forget about simply tasks like cleaning. As a result, the grid wall becomes covered in a thick layer of dust that makes cleaning even more difficult when the time comes. The bottom line is that you need to get into the habit of keeping it clean now to ensure it stays that way in the future.

Glass Cleaner

There are several different ways to clean grid wall, but I recommend using a basic ammonia-based glass cleaner product on it. To do this, first remove all of the product currently on the grid wall and any hooks connected to it. Trust me, you don't want to accidentally get glass cleaner on your product. Once the product is removed, spray down the grid wall with a minimal amount of glass cleaner. You can then wipe it down using clean paper towels to remove any dust, dirt and grime. Continue doing this until the grid wall is nice and clean with no visible dirt covering it.

One of the great things about using glass cleaner on grid wall is the sparkly finish it leaves behind. Chrome and other metallic grid walls will have a mirror-like glow to them once you are done. This creates a nice little attractive element in your store once the products are placed back on it.

Diluted Vinegar

Another option is to clean your store's grid wall using a solution of diluted vinegar with water. You can buy a bottle of distilled white vinegar from the grocery store for a couple of bucks and dilute it with half water. Using this solution, simply go over the grid wall with some paper towels and it will be clean in no time. For the price, there's no cheaper way to clean grid wall in a store.

Avoid These Common Retail Fashion Store Mistakes

Starting a retail boutique fashion store is no easy task to say the least. If you plan on maintaining a successful and profitable business model, you must battle your way through the big-name competitors that have already cemented their stance in the market. For small boutique stores, this can seem like a daunting task with a never-ending uphill battle. Here we'll take a look at some of the most common mistakes made in the world of retail fashion and why you should avoid them.

Mistake #1 - Poor Window Display

Let's face, small fashion stores need to work ten times harder just to bring customers through the doors. Since the store probably isn't a household name like the big-name stores in the business, they must use alternate means to drive customers in. It's an all-too-common mistake to setup the window display poorly or without any real sense of direction, which ultimately results in fewer customers. The bottom line is that you should take the time to create an attractive, functional window display that tells a story. Don't just throw up some of your best-selling items, but instead use eye-catching colors and bold outfits to really draw attention to your store. This will spark the curiosity of nearby pedestrians and shoppers, and hopefully bring them into your store.

Mistake #2 - Not Keeping Up With The Seasons

As the seasons change, your store's inventory needs to change as well. People use the seasons throughout the year as a time to update their wardrobe with different colors and styles. While a plain-colored sweater and jeans may work well for the winter months, it's probably not the best choice for the spring months. Spring is a time when new colors blanket the landscape through blooming plants and flowers; therefore, wardrobe and outfits should mimic these changes. Keep your store's inventory up to date with the ever-changing seasons so it will remain relevant to customers' interests.

Mistake #3 - No Special Sales or Promotions

Sometimes all it takes to drive more revenue for your small fashion boutique is to offer customers special sales and promotions. Customers want to feel like they are getting a good deal on their purchase, and promotions are the perfect way to accomplish this. You can collect customers' email addresses during their checkout and send them 10-20% coupons. After receiving these coupons, customers will hopefully return and spend even more money at your store. It's a win-win situation that helps both your store and the customers.

Tips For Setting Up Checkout Aisles and Counters In a Retail Store

One of the most underestimated areas in a retail store are the checkout aisles and counters. When you are busy worrying about inventory, shrink, shipments and bringing customers through the door, it's easy to overlook this part of your business. The fact is, however, that setting up your checkout aisles and counters in a more attractive and pleasing manner will result in a greater sales; and that's something every store owner should seek. So, how are you supposed to accomplish this? Keep reading and we'll reveal some essential tips and tricks for setting up checkout aisles and counters in a retail store.

Checkout Shelving

Each checkout aisle should be made with shelving on both sides to offer customers certain one last chance to buy product. The key thing to remember when choosing your checkout aisle product is that it needs to be somewhat of a spontaneous purchase. After all, your customers have probably already picked out the items they came to your store to purchase. Some spur-of-the-moment products include snacks, lip balm, key chains, beverages and really any other type of fun accessory. Try to think outside the box by choosing items that aren't on the everyday "milk n eggs" list.

Merchandiser Displays

In addition to shelving, you should also use merchandiser displays around your checkout aisles. Doing so will allow you to display special offers and promotions to your customers while they are waiting in line to checkout. Studies have shown that customers are more likely to view displays when they are waiting in a line, so use this to your advantage by showing them what sales your store currently has. It's a simple way to give your customers one last exposure to a billboard or advertisement, which could in turn generate more sales in the future. You can fill merchandiser displays with basic product adverts, or you can use them for special in-store promotions.

Move Product Fast

Do you need to get rid of certain product in a hurry? If so, try moving it up closer to the counters and checkout aisles. By placing the product closer to the checkout aisles, it will naturally receive greater exposure; thus, increasing the speed at which it's sold. This is helpful for reducing your store's overall shrink by getting rid of products in a hurry. Just remember to occasionally go back through the items here and replace them with new ones. People get tired of seeing the same products over and over, so keep your checkout aisles updated with new items.

Tips For Fashion Boutique Store Owners

It's no secret that the retail fashion business is a cut-throat industry that can easily lead to failure if you don't take the right approach. With thousands of new clothing and apparel stores popping up throughout the country each year, you must bring something new to the table if you want to succeed; otherwise, your store will blend in with the others and be doomed for failure. So, how are you supposed to stand out as a fashion boutique owner in a sea of other stores? Keep reading and we'll reveal some essential tips and tricks for creating a successful fashion boutique.

Tip #1 - Branding Your Business

Never underestimate the power of branding as a boutique store owner. Once people begin to hear and see your store name being thrown around, your store will automatically receive more customers and a greater amount of trust. But what exactly does branding mean? Basically, it's the process of spreading your unique store or business name around so that people become more familiar with it. There are hundreds of different ways to accomplish this, such as buying billboard advertisements, newspaper advertisements, using social media networking sites, handing out business cards, word of mouth, and much more. The key thing to remember is that your business name must be "unique" so that people will remember it and associate it with your store.

Tip #2 - Find Your Niche

A common mistake boutique store owners make is trying to sell and offer their customers every type of apparel under the sun. Contrary to what some people may believe, more isn't always better when it comes to retail apparel. Instead of creating a generalized apparel store with every type of clothing you can think of, come up with a laser-targeted niche. For instance, you'll likely have greater success by offering female teen apparel items instead of all women's clothing.

Tip #3 - Choose The Right Location

A third tip for creating a successful boutique store is to set it up in a profitable location. Don't choose a location for your store simply because of an attractive lease, but instead look for a place with plenty of parking, nearby restaurants, and a major highway nearby. You want people to notice your boutique while they are driving down the road, as this will naturally bring in more customers. An additional step to making your store more visible from the road is to use a large, light-up sign highlighting your boutique.