Hangers are more than functional fixtures of your retail operation. They can represent your brand—for better or worse. Displaying a high-quality item on a cheap plastic hanger can erode its value in the eye of the discerning shopper and degrade sales. Conversely, presenting a more ordinary piece of apparel on a high-quality hanger can promote the value of your merchandise and boost sales.

Here are three important things you need to know about how the humble hanger can elevate your brand and attract more customers to your store.

Use the right hanger. Different hangers serve different purposes. Delicate lingerie, sleeveless tops and spaghetti string dresses often find it difficult to sit still on plastic, wire and wooden hangers. Non-slip hangers—padded, satin and otherwise—offer more support and prevent sliding. It’s not only unappealing to find clothing on the floor, but it is also frustrating for customers to struggle with refastening apparel or to pick up items that have tumbled on the ground.

Plastic or metal clips offer another way to keep merchandise stationary. They can also be used to neatly fasten skirts and slacks, and to improve the overall appearance of garments, keeping them neat and wrinkle-free.

Wood hangers preserve the shape and enhance the perceived value of sweaters, jackets, coats and heavier items. Always an elegant addition, they can be simple, notched or equipped with other non-slip features. For instance, lock bars are designed to hold slacks securely. Some wood hangers have rubberized patches on the ends to better grasp clothing. Others incorporate specialized features that hold a belt or a tie.

Wire and plastic hangers vary in quality and style. They can be used to suspend lightweight blouses; suggest accessories, such as scarves or belts; or even to dangle an irresistible hat or necklace.

Save money—and your inventory. Quality hangers may cost a little more, but they can save you money in the long run. They less likely to break or get tangled and they also help to protect your inventory from tears and snags. In addition, they can guard against wrinkling and sagging, safeguarding the form and value of your inventory.

Clothing can become misshapen by the wrong hangers. Hangers that do not securely attach apparel result in messy, unappealing floor space and can also get dirty or destroyed. Using the right equipment to display your stock can help you reduce loss by preserving their integrity and maintaining salability, leading to healthier profit margins.

Forge a sharper brand. Shoppers have shown a greater willingness to pay a higher price for superior quality goods. Cheap hangers generate hassles and create a perception of inferiority. Low-quality plastic hangers, for example, tend to be associated with bargain stores, while wooden ones are linked with superior brand value. When you care enough to present your merchandise in a way that is both tasteful and considerate of your patrons, you are displaying more than your product: You are showing respect for your clientele.

Dressing Up

The marketing value of hangers is often overlooked. These details not only help to protect your inventory, but also can distinguish you from your competitors. When you dress up your apparel, you are expanding the opportunities for greater sales and beefier profits.

If you’re a Specialty Store Services Customer who would like more information on Hangers and Accessories, just Email Us. You can also shop for all of your Apparel Supplies online, visit our website, Specialty Store Services, by Live Chat, or by phone at 800-999-0771.