My Top 10 Visual Merchandising Tips

Visual merchandising is an essential part of retail that can significantly influence customer behaviour and boost sales. Of course keeping your store looking fresh and engaging requires creativity and strategic planning. Over the 28 years I have been in the visual merchandising industry I have had the opportunity to learn what makes a store stand out so here are my top 10 visual merchandising tips to help you maintain a vibrant and inviting store environment.

1. Change is the Name of the Game

Regularly updating your window displays and key hot spot areas keeps your store looking dynamic and interesting. Change encourages repeat visits as customers anticipate seeing something new each time they visit.

2. Create a Window Display Calendar

Plan ahead by identifying key seasonal and promotional events throughout the year. This allows you to create a well-thought-out schedule for your window displays, ensuring timely and relevant themes that resonate with your audience. Don’t have a window display? This type of planning can still be used for key store displays and visual theatre to maximise customer experience and brand loyalty.

3. Look at Your Store with Fresh Eyes

Avoid becoming too accustomed to your store's appearance. Comparative shopping—visiting competitors and stores that inspire you—helps you return with a fresh perspective. Take photos and critically analyze what you see to bring back new ideas.

4. Look Around for Inspiration

Leverage platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, as well as online and print magazines, for visual merchandising inspiration. These resources are treasure troves of creative ideas that can spark your own innovative displays. Ensure that you adapt any ideas to your brand and that they are in keeping with your style guide and product or service.

5. Do Regular Floorwalks

Conduct regular floorwalks with your team using a checklist to assess the visual merchandising and sales in your store. This helps you identify successes and areas for improvement, ensuring continuous enhancement of your store's presentation.

6. Use Seasonal Events to Give You Ideas

Capitalize on seasonal events that align with your product or service. These events provide natural opportunities for in-store displays, events, and promotions, keeping your store relevant and engaging.

7. Identify VM Talent in Your Team

Recognize and utilize the creative talents within your team. Whether it's an existing staff member with a flair for visual merchandising or hiring a new creative expert, harnessing this talent can elevate your store's visual appeal.

8. Keep the Front of Your Store Looking Fresh

The storefront is your first impression. Regular customers appreciate new displays, while potential customers can be deterred by a lack of effort. Consistently refresh the front of your store to attract and retain customers.

9. Use Underutilized Spaces as VM Opportunity

Transform "dead zones" within your store into engaging activations. These underutilized spaces can become areas for new in-store experiences, adding to the overall customer journey.

10. Keep Standards High

Maintaining high standards is crucial. The best displays are only as effective as their upkeep. Regularly refreshing and maintaining displays ensures they continue to represent your brand's quality and attention to detail.

Visual merchandising is not just about making your store look good—it's about creating an experience that resonates with your customers and keeps them coming back. By implementing these top 10 tips, you can ensure your store remains vibrant, engaging, and successful in attracting and retaining customers. We cover all this and more in Visual Merchandising Bootcamp our signature on-line course for creatives and businesses who want to learn more.

Remember, a well-merchandised store reflects the care and creativity you put into your brand, making a lasting impression on every visitor.

Until next time,

Juliet