Spring 2021 - 101

DISPLAY INSPIRATION
#5-DON'T TREAT YOUR WINDOW LIKE A GARAGE SALE
Pick a theme, color or category. A lot of people think
" more is better " but in the case of windows, putting
everything you sell into a small window isn't
better, it's just busier. The other rule of thumb is, never
leave a mannequin undressed or without hair in the
window. This should go without saying but I see it all too
often. No hair? No problem! Throw a scarf on her head
for a chic look or a hat. Just don't leave her bald.
#6-SHOW ITEMS AS YOU WOULD USE IT
Boxed merchandise tends to stop people from opening
up an item and looking or trying it out. Show one out
of the box as it would be used. We showed this cute
magnifying glass paintbrush with a book so the customer
could see what it does. It also created a chance for the
customer to interact with the product while giving the
display a lifestyle feel.
#7-GET INSPIRED
This is something that was required at Anthropologie
and to this day I still do it! Once a month, get out of
your store and go see what others are doing. I look at
everything from how they sign things, to the window
displays to the way they display. I love getting out and
getting inspired by other retailers!
It doesn't have to be a gift or apparel shop, specialty
grocery shops are one of my favorites because of the way
they bin or stack products, the color and textures of the
produce and how they merchandise it.
My other go-to is magazines. The apparel industry is
about a year and a half ahead of the trends that hit the gift
industry. The big indigo trend that happened a few years
back started in apparel, same as tie dye and the bees
you're seeing pop up now from so many gift vendors. I
use the magazines for sourcing new products, looking
for interesting window ideas, etc... it keeps me on trend!
Some of my favorites:
Magnolia (great display ideas)
Food and Wine (great layouts and styling)
Country Living (visually inspiring)
Any fashion magazine out of the UK
#8-CROSS MERCHANDISING
Cross merchandising does two things. First, it helps
tell a story. Second, and more importantly, it leads to
add-on sales. Show candles cross merchandised with
matches, soap with soap dishes, plush with books that
correlate.
My favorite kitchen concept one year at Anthropologie
was patisserie - dish towels, latte bowls, cake plates and
a candle in a tin that smelled exactly like cake - all cross
merchandised together creating a yummy looking and
smelling presentation.
GIFTSHOPMAG.COM 101
#9-RISERS...THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX
OK...this goes back to my days at Anthropologie. We
were not allowed to use the plexiglass risers in any way
shape or form. No exception. Years later, I still abide by
this rule. We learned to look at everyday merchandise
as a riser. Soup cans without the label as candle risers.
Old books with the covers torn off. Wood slices, 2x4
cut wood, bricks etc...you name it! What it does to your
displays is magical. It gives it texture, adds personality to
your concepts and makes merchandise come to life.
#10-LIFESTYLE PROPS
Hands down my favorite way to bring a display to life!
Using fruits (faux or real), veggies, flowers and plants are
the best way to tell a story! For bar set ups, I like to use
glass mineral water bottles with the labels torn off shown
with glassware. For bowls and table top items, fill with
lemons and oranges in the spring and artichokes in the
fall. Fill bon bon jars with marshmallows and candy canes
at Christmas. It all tells a story, as well as giving your
customer an idea of how to use it in their own home.
Learn more about our Gift Shop®
Plus contributors on page 10.
http://www.GIFTSHOPMAG.COM
Spring 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spring 2021
