Traditionally, visual merchandising (VM) has invoked visions of window displays and mannequins. Much has changed in recent years and VM is an effective sales tool that extends far beyond clothing. Today, VM addresses all facets of your retail location, from storefronts, to in-store displays, to department-specific designs. While the approach to VM has evolved, the Read More …
What is one of the fastest, most effective way to attract shoppers to your business? The answer may surprise you: Quality signage. While many retailers think of signs as a tactical necessity—and an often expensive one at that–what is missed is the overall strategic value that effective signs offer a small business. Elevating these critical Read More …
Motivating your shoppers to buy from you is why you are in business. Garments that look fresh and pressed are much more likely to sell faster than those that appear to have been just plucked out of a wrapper. To add sizzle to your sales, these seven simple tips can help you transform your newly-arrived Read More …
Do you use gridwall or slatwall in your retail space? If so, why did you choose one over the other? For many store owners and managers, there wasn’t actually much thought put into this choice. Instead, they simply went with what was available—or what was on sale—when the store was furnished. Using the wrong product Read More …
As a retailer, you have mere moments to persuade a person that it is worth his or her time to shop with you. Competition from both brick-and-mortar and internet stores magnifies the importance of conveying an alluring story, and the most effective impact is one that is visually captivating. Mannequins are a palette that present Read More …
If you are thinking about selling jewelry, think of yourself as a curator. A curator is not limited to someone who selects and organizes museum artifacts but also includes anyone with those responsibilities for arranging retail merchandise. Think about it: An eye-catching jewelry display is thoughtfully organized. With a splash of creativity, you can feature Read More …
Vaping is an industry that is on fire. Currently, there are between 6,000 and 7,000 vape shops in the U.S.—not counting smoke shops, convenience stores and other hybrid outlets that also sell vape products. This number is not expected to shrink anytime soon. Distilling the Numbers As the number of tobacco smokers continues to decline, Read More …
It might be difficult to start thinking about discounting seasonal merchandise as the shopping season just heats up, but thoughtful planning now can result in improved cash flow later. Controlled timing and strategically planned clearance events are essential to maximizing your profitability. Knowing how to execute a few fundamental retail strategies can help you shed Read More …
As vines of holiday lights begin to make their climb, small retailers are considering the rise in sales during the year’s busiest shopping period. With locally-owned small retailers earning an estimated 50 percent or more of annual revenues during the holiday shopping season, a few simple steps can optimize results and boost sales. 5 Ideas Read More …
Lighted showcases are wonderful focal points for many retail businesses, from gift shops to jewelry stores. Specialty Store Services currently carries a large variety of showcases and is happy to offer two new lighted showcases to its customers. The lighted showcases include glass sides, offering unobstructed views off all merchandise, and measure 47-1/4″ H x Read More …