Merchandising with store fixtures isn’t really easy, it requires knowledge and thought. Nonetheless, following these three steps will make the process easier and your results better.

Step 1. Learn as much as you can about store layout and visual merchandising. 

Enroll in retail design and merchandising classes. Read online articles (such as this blog) from industry experts. Visit popular stores and take notes on what you see and how it makes you feel. Bob Phibbs, otherwise known as the Retail Doc, says you should feel free to “steal these 9 visual merchandising and store ideas.” Good idea. Check out Pinterest, too.

Step 2. Learn about fixtures themselves.

You can’t accomplishsales-worthy merchandisingwithout the right fixtures. Gondola shelves don’t work for hanging dresses, and piling cell phone accessories on a table looks like a mess. Store fixtures can be more versatile than you think. But before you get creative, you have to know what types of fixtures exist and how they work best. Fixtures that can be used in multiple ways will bring you the highest return on your investment.

And speaking of investment, many retail experts warn against buying a store-full of used fixtures. You might save money, but you could wind up with something that wasn’t intended for your type of merchandise or which doesn’t quite fit into your space. The same goes for buying off the internet – cheap shouldn’t be your only consideration.

The occasional pre-owned piece may be a great find – if it’s really what you need and you can re-brand it as your own. Mix-and-match modular pieces are also budget-friendly and can give you more opportunities to rearrange your store fixtures without losing overall store coordination. If you want perfect fit in every way – and fixtures that speak directly to your customers and merchandise – custom design is the way to go.

Step 3. Study your clientele.

“Know thy customer” has never been better advice. What makes your store more attractive than the competition? Visual appeal and practical convenience are certainly important, but you have to appeal to your customer’s emotional side, too. Some of that comes from your store’s general ambiance, but understanding the psychology of purchasing drives impulse sales.

It’s all about the experience. Think about how your merchandise benefits your customer’s lifestyle. Does it make her life easier? Save her money? Boost her self-image in some way? Signage and displays that make these points will sell far better than those that simply “display” items. Make it easy for shoppers to handle and try out (or try on) merchandise, because the more they engage with it, the more likely they are to buy it.

Bonus Step 4: Talk to us.

Here at Palmer Retail Solutions, we have decades of experience creating top-performing store fixtures for all types of retailers, including kiosk merchants. We can give you sound guidance and creative advice you won’t find elsewhere, to help you choose or custom-design fixtures perfect for your store.