I’ve recently been asked how I deal with challenging product lines or
misfit items that are left in the store only to become one-of-a-kind
display nightmares. It is a challenge that most store owners face on a
regular basis, which leads to mismanaged time and merchandising mayhem.
How to Create an Attractive Display by Framing Products
 I’ve recently been asked how I deal with challenging product lines or misfit items that are left in the store only to become one-of-a-kind display nightmares. It is a challenge that most store owners face on a regular basis, which leads to mismanaged time and merchandising mayhem. This may sound familiar and I realize this may be a dilemma for many of you. For this reason, I thought I would share a merchandising technique that just might ease your pain. The technique is called framing and it is quite effective and very efficient when it comes to display time management.
The Dilemma:
Trouble often arises when a store has a product line that has different shapes, sizes and colours – making it difficult to display them as a unit. To break up the line and display the items individually throughout the store, would appear weak and perhaps give the impression of being disorganized. But if the items are piled in one area to be displayed they can appear dumpy and cheap.
The Solution:
Frame the individual products giving each its own space to be admired and appreciated. The individual shelves, create a simple yet bold method of displaying different styles of handbags.
The same display tactic can be used to showcase a variety of items from different product lines otherwise known as misfits. In essence you will be able to create a collage of unrelated merchandise being brought together through the use of framing to create a unified display that directs attention. The key for framing is all in the props. Try a few different approaches depending on the product lines and your shop interior.
 Some options may include larger shelving units as seen in the handbag display or perhaps something smaller may suit your needs, such as the smaller standing shelf or the packaging boxes used in the colourful misfit vignette. You may even want to think about incorporating actual picture frames to direct the eye and save space. Either way, the options are endless. Size, shape, colour, and building materials are all readily available. So the next time you have a misfit challenge, take a moment to think how you can frame the opportunity.
Leslie Groves completed the horticultural technician’s diploma program at Niagara College as well as the retail floristry program at Humber College, where she has instructed. She also has a consulting company called Interior Elements.
|
