Visual merchandising

Visual Merchandising
Defined:
The physical presentation of products

Visual Merchandising is the art of displaying merchandise in a manner that is appealing to the eyes of the customer. Passion for design and creativity are essential to be a good visual merchandiser. Awareness of happenings in the fashion world is needed in order to keep up-to-date with the dynamics of the market constantly. Creating an attractive product display can draw the customer in, promote a slow-moving item, announce a sale, or welcome a season. If your store front is fortunate enough to feature one or more windows, then you have one of the most proven (and least expensive) forms of advertising at your disposal.

Its not just about window displays

Store design, planning, store and department identification, traffic control, store layout, space/ sales analysis, fixturing, window displays, interior concept/ design, and display research, signs, POS, sales promotions etc.

Visual presentation has an advantage over broadcast and print advertisements over 60% of all women get their clothing ideas from store displays.
Martin Pegler (Author of Visual Merchandising and display. 2006)

Who uses VM
Retailers:
Make merchandising desirable Make merchandise easy to locate in the store Introduce and explain new products Promotes store image Entice customers into the store Show merchandise assortment

the eyes of the store

Window:
The window is also know as the eyes to the interior of the store Reinforce brand image Introduce brand/ product line to new or existing customers Strengthen traffic and sales

Types of windows:
Closed back Advantage:
Less background distractions

Disadvantage:
Could appear as a barrier, Intimidating

Open back; Advantage:

Customer can see into the store

Disadvantage:
Distraction from store merchandise Cant use screens, curtains, banners, plants etc

VM design elements
Colour
Can immediately create a mood Lighting: Should accent focal point, if possible Customers entering a store are greatly influenced by the visual information they gather in the first split second. One simple visual element, such as colour, can catch a shopper's attention and also greatly affect their mood. In today's ultra competitive market place it is of paramount importance that retailers understand the basics of visual merchandising. A right choice of colours in the display can turn walkers into stoppers and significantly convert them into customers. It is therefore mandatory to choose the right colour for the right theme of display.

Texture
Surface treatment or feel Smooth surfaces appear lighter Textured surfaces appear darker Can be suggestive:
Feminine versus masculine

Line
Vertical: Strength, height, pride, dignity Horizontal: Easy going, restful Curved: Grace, charm, feminine Diagonal: Action, force, strong

Balance
Symmetrical: Formal Asymmetrical: Informal/ often more interesting

Dominance:
By colour, size or position Attracts the eye first Usually the merchandise

Contrast:
Show a sharp difference between objects Can use colour or texture

Proportion:
Relationship of size, scale, or weight Baby shoes next to a huge teddy bear??? Attracts attention Promote and idea or look
Fragile versus weak

Rhythm:
Movement from element to element From dominant object to subordinate object Use of line, colour, lighting Circular Triangle

Repetition
Colour, line, shape Creates importance and dominance

Window examples

Case study....

Adidas

Adidas
Clarity of thought : The window display focuses on the women wear and accessories specially for the sports. Creativity : The tagline being used is quite motivating for women of this era and would assure her that anything is possible. The straight mannequins also suggest forcefulness and rigidness of the womens attitude. The colour used in the background is blue signifying the cool and sporty look.

Adidas
Effectiveness : The display of upside down women signifies the freedom and independency of women which will motivate them to walk in the store. Why did it work : It forces female customers to ponder what the store holds for them.

Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer

Clarity of thought : The window display clearly shows that the sale season is going on for the apparels and accessories offered by the store. Creativity : The red color is used to indicate sale period which can be discovered from a far distance. Red colour is psychologically attached to the customers; it portrays excitement/ impulse purchase decisions.

Marks & Spencer

Effectiveness : A customer interested would surely walk-in to avail the discounts as the display is shouting out for the sale season. Why did it work : The entire display used the red color tints and shades indicating sales period & also providing an opportunity to avail extra reduction. The big banners as well as mannequins wearing similar t-shirts talking about sale are also very helpful.

Research
Look beyond and read between the lines What are artists doing?
Art instillations

Could this be a source of inspiration.

Competitors Trends Fashion/ Lifestyle

Fendi

Oasis

Burberry

Zara

WGSN...
Top 10 VM trends: A/W 10: Luxury - it won't go away The new thrift sits with green and eco-retailing A return to local values People looking for meaning in what they buy Visual merchandising - doing more with less Visual merchandising - a return to handcrafting Greater emotional connections with shoppers at all levels Don't be global - think local, act local

WGSN VM trends:
New Nostalgia: Glamorous looks are restrained by wartime austerity as
humble and luxury walk hand in hand.

Highlander: The modern manor breathes new life into dusty

heritage looks

Country Grunge: Traditional country styling is distressed

and destroyed with gothic and grunge overtones.

Earthbound: Natural evolution sees weather-worn, decayed and scarred

surfaces inspire chunky knits and geological print directions

80s Power: Sharply structured dressing makes a powerful statement in the

face of economic downturn

80s Cocktail: Indulgence directs this party wear trend, flying

in the face of economic misery. Shimmering fabrics and dramatic 80s styling creates a look designed for hard partying.

Biker Body-con: Building on the season's overriding

mood of power and anarchy, the Biker Body-con look draws on punk and rock influences

Warrior Goddess: The warrior influences span time and space, referencing
gladiators, medieval knights and galactic invaders.