Visual Merchandising Tips for Boutiques
Running a successful boutique isn’t always an easy task. Unlike larger retail stores, boutiques typically work with a smaller inventory and limited store space. But even with these limitations, boutique owners can still attract new customers and boost sales by embracing visual merchandising practices. Here are some visual merchandising tips to help your boutique succeed.
Less is More
Don’t assume that you must include a large number of visual elements in your store’s design. On the contrary, focusing on just a few main visual elements will likely prove more beneficial. Boutique owners and managers should follow the “less is more” approach by sticking with a few select elements in their layout. Doing so avoids clutters while creating a stronger connection with shoppers.
Use Warm Colors
We’ve talked about this before on our blog, but it’s worth mentioning again that colors can have a direct influence on shoppers’ decision to buy a product. Black and other dark colors tend to create a gloomy atmosphere that discourages shoppers from buying. On the other hand, warm and bright colors like red, orange, yellow and variations thereof have the opposite effect by triggering a visceral response in shoppers that encourages them to buy. So when designing your store’s layout, stick with warm colors.
Cross-Sell
If you aren’t cross-selling merchandise in your boutique, you are missing out on one of the easiest ways to boost sales. This, of course, is something that visual merchandising can help you achieve. For apparel boutiques, for instance, you could display handbags next to dresses. If a shopper is interested in a dress, she may also be interested in buying a new handbag, making this an effective visual merchandising tactic to boost sales.
Display Products at the Right Time
Visual merchandising is all about timing. If you time your designs and visual merchandising elements right, you’ll reap the benefits of more sales. Think about what products and items customers are currently interested in and display them throughout your store. During the summer, for instance, customers may be interested in buying swimsuits, shorts, v-neck t-shirts, etc. And during the winter, they’ll probably be interested in cold-weather apparel like sweaters, jeans and jackets. By reflecting your store’s layout to the current seasons and trends, you’ll experience more sales.
If you have any questions at all about visual merchandising, please give us a call at 800.241.6897 or email us at /contact-us/.
