As humans, we generally seek to quantify and categorize. Considering how quickly we often have to decide whether something is a threat or not, this makes sense from a biological perspective. Sometimes, however, it leads us to create rules that don’t actually exist.

Rule of Three in Retail

Consider the common assumptions that both bad and good things come in threes. The third time’s a charm. Plays have three acts. Even phone numbers are grouped into three sections. Is this just an attempt to impose order in a chaotic world, regardless of the obvious silliness of such a rule? In truth, it doesn’t really matter.

What matters is that the human brain finds some measure of symmetry in groupings of three. Just as you can use certain colors in signage to evoke specific emotional and psychological responses, you can use this knowledge to create attractive retail displays. Here are just a few ways to implement the rule of three in your store.

Three-Tier Shelving

Plenty of shelving racks come with more than three shelves or adjustable and customizable shelving options for your displays, but now that you know threes are pleasing, you might want to consider using three-tier shelving throughout your store. Not practical for the amount of merchandise you have to display and the limitations on your square footage?

No problem—just use three-tier display units as central displays for your most important merchandise, such as the newest, most expensive, or most popular items. This should not only draw attention, considering this type of unit will stand out from typical shelving, but customers should find it attractive and compelling.

Three-Tier Counter Displays

You don’t have to limit yourself to floor displays when it comes to the rule of three. You can also use counter displays with three graduated levels, such as acrylic displays that can be used to house smaller items at the POS. These are often used to display items like nail polish, gift cards, or other small retail items near the register to encourage impulse buys.

Other Groupings of Three

While it isn’t necessarily practical to create only groupings of three in your retail space, you can use this tactic in a variety of ways, by adding three rows of items to a slatwall or gridwall, placing three separate bins on a table or shelf display; or even throwing a “buy one, get two free” sale to clear out old inventory, for example.

In Conclusion

The rule of three isn’t a hard and fast rule, but many people find it compelling, perhaps at a subconscious level. When you strategically add threes to your retail space with shelving, counter displays, and more, you may find that your psychologically pleasing tactics pay off.

If you are interested in purchasing Retail Store displays and accessories for your retail store, shop our website, Specialty Store Services.  We have everything you need to be a profitable retailer.  If you have a question that you would like answered immediately, you can Live Chat or phone us at 800-999-0771.