Affordable Merchandising Ideas For Retail Stores

On a budget? We understand. But that doesn’t mean you have to neglect key responsibilities of retail, including merchandising your store effectively. A few easy and affordable steps that can really help your store stand out from a merchandising perspective include the following:

1. Paint –While painting may take some time, what it doesn’t take is a lot of money. Using paint to freshen up your retail store is an inexpensive way to make changes to your shopping environment. Whether your walls need some serious TLC from too much wear and tear or just for plain old fun, either way the addition of a fresh coat of paint can really brighten things up in your retail space. Don’t just use paint on your walls, though. Fixtures, furniture and even your ceiling can benefit from a fresh coat of paint every now and then.

2. Wallpaper – Ignore the walls here and use wallpaper for other store displays, such as calling out a specific destination in your store or upcoming sale by using it as backdrop to a sign. You can also use wallpaper under a glass display or cash wrap to add some excitement and color to your space. This is a great way to introduce a design or pattern, as well, without having to make a permanent commitment since you are using the wallpaper in more creative, less expensive ways.

3. Light – Effective lighting goes a long way. From your store front windows to your dressing rooms to your overhead lighting, make sure you are using lighting in the best way you can. Consider not only the brightness of your bulb, but the positioning and angle of where the light shines. In addition, is it florescent? Should it be (this depends on how it looks in your store and on your product)? Hopefully, your lighting is enhancing your store, your space and your products. When done successfully, this should  be the outcome. Consult with a trusted friend or associate and ask them what their impressions of your lighting is before making changes so you know where to focus based on more than your own opinion.

4. Mirrors –Is your space feeling too tight? Open it up with some mirrors. Adding depth and the illusion of space to your store also adds value to your shopping environment. In addition, make sure your customers can comfortably view the mirrors if they are meant to help in their shopping decisions.

5. Signage –Professional signage doesn’t have to be expensive. But it will take more than a quick, handwritten message across a plain sheet of paper to tell your store message. Colored paper helps attract attention to the message stated, but don’t eliminate the opportunity to get  messages you want clearly shared and seen to your audience done professionally. Your store front sign and signage indicating important details about your store, such as store hours and sales, should be presented professionally to best represent your business. Local printers are often willing to give discounts to other local businesses for this type of service. The cost is typically affordable and the outcome is usually stronger than that of a handmade sign. Use your best judgment as to when a professional sign is worth investing in.

Retail owners struggle with decisions having to be made everyday. Merchandising should be among the more fun to handle. With these easy, affordable solutions to common retail merchandising problems, getting your store in stronger merchandising shape should be as easy as 1-2-3!

Have other ideas to share with Retail Minded? Please comment below!