Displaying Clothing Effectively

Displaying clothing seems so easy. After all, you’ve been managing your own closet all your life. Making clothing “pop” in a store shouldn’t be too hard, right?

Wrong.

Effectively merchandising clothing in a retail environment can be a challenge. Depending on your unique store space, there are lot of things to consider. To start, you have to think about your store entry. And where your cash wrap is. And your aisle space. And your ceiling height. And your dressing rooms. And your mannequins – or lack of them. And so, so much more.

[tweetmeme]To help review your existing space or in an effort to plan for a future space, there are some key points to consider.

1. Wall space, plain and simple.Shelves, wall racks, murals with hanging pegs and open cubicles are great ways to utilize wall space. The key is to not make your wall space so clustered and crammed that customers can’t shop it. For that matter, think about how high you merchandise inventory. Customers should easily be able to reach the products they want to look at it. If you have high space that is valuable, consider double exposing products here (with the same product displayed somewhere more accessible) or simply using this space for decor purposes.

2. Add texture to your displays by using a variey of merchandising options. Floor racks, tables and non-traditional display items all offer variations in how you merchandise your clothes. Assuming you keep things clean, easy to see and approachable, customers will appreciate the depth and variety in a store that has a lot to offer in both their product inventory and display options .

3. Double expose popular items as well as items you are trying to clear out of your inventory. If customers see something more than once, they may get the impression they like it more. Of if they miss it in one spot, they still have a chance to see it another. It’s a win-win.

4. Offer outfit options through your displays and on mannequins. Putting an outfit together may come easily to you… but for some people this is a dreaded chore. If you provide great visual displays of outfits, it makes shopping easier for your customers and hopefully your cash register heavier as well.

5. Avoid overfilling any display case, shelve or fixture. Jamming clothes together NEVER looks good. Let me repeat – jamming clothes together NEVER looks good. Don’t do it.

Part of the appeal of a store is its’ merchandising… not just its’ product assortment. How does your merchandising effect your business and customer impressions? If it’s time for a face lift, consider the points above to get you started. Already accomplished successful clothing merchandising displays? Let us know! Share your tips below.