Merchandising In Small Spaces
December 1, 2009 by Nicole Reyhle
Filed under All Posts, Boutiques, Merchandising, Retail Real Estate
Not every retail store is open and spacious, and most all stores have a small corner or space that can be challenging to merchandise. The key to maximizing these spaces are to recognize the challenges involved so that you can overcome them. Some suggested merchandising methods to help do this include the following:
1. Make use of both vertical and horizontal space. Do not ignore the opportunities to display items below or above eye level. If your customers can see it, it’s still worth utilizing in displays. Just make sure you can reach the items you are displaying easily – even with some aide – if you have products displayed that are out of reach for the consumer to grab themselves.
2. Layer your displays with texture, add on accessories and other contrasts to create more interest. By offering more in your display, you will draw more attention to that particular area. Don’t mistake this merchandising method for cluttering up a space, though. You still want your display to look visually appealing.
3. Utilize effective lighting to highlight your small space. Too many retailers ignore this crucial element. Don’t overlook this step and instead, maximize it. The right lighting can highlight your small space and displayed items, drawing attention to this possibly overlooked area otherwise.
4. Use color and excitement. Whatever excitement may mean to your store, challenge yourself to use it in small spaces. Enhance this with color. Combined, this will draw interest to your small space and customers will be visually drawn to it, as well.
5. Focus on a theme, collection or focal point. Concentrating on one dedicated product or general assortment of products can make your small space appear cohesive and meant to be. Try and use the space in a dedicated fashion towards one purpose to give your customers a better understanding of this space.
Finally, make sure to re-merchandise your small space often in an effort to bring new interest to it while also giving the items there new life in another space in your store. Remember that the key to all merchandising is to do it routinely for it to impact sales effectively, so don’t just get your small spaces done and settle in for too long. Repeat your actions with new products and new displays often for the best results.
