What are the best ways to create a visual merchandising plan that aligns with your store's surroundings?

1 Know your target market

The first step in creating a visual merchandising plan is to understand who your ideal customers are, what they want, and how they shop. You need to tailor your displays and layout to their preferences, needs, and behaviors. For example, if you are selling high-end fashion, you might want to create a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere that reflects your store's surroundings. On the other hand, if you are selling casual and fun clothing, you might want to create a vibrant and playful vibe that appeals to your target market.

2 Define your brand identity

The next step in creating a visual merchandising plan is to define your brand identity and how you want to communicate it to your customers. Your brand identity is the personality and values of your store, and it should be consistent across all your touchpoints, such as your logo, signage, packaging, and website. Your visual merchandising should also reflect your brand identity and convey your unique selling proposition. For example, if you are selling eco-friendly products, you might want to use natural and recycled materials in your displays and highlight your sustainability message.

3 Choose your color scheme

The third step in creating a visual merchandising plan is to choose your color scheme and how you want to use it in your displays and layout. Color is a powerful tool that can influence your customers' mood, emotions, and buying decisions. You should choose colors that match your brand identity, your products, and your store's surroundings. For example, if you are selling winter clothing, you might want to use cool and cozy colors, such as blue, gray, and white. On the other hand, if you are selling summer clothing, you might want to use warm and bright colors, such as yellow, orange, and pink.

4 Arrange your products

The fourth step in creating a visual merchandising plan is to arrange your products in a way that showcases their features and benefits, and encourages your customers to browse and buy. You should use different techniques, such as grouping, stacking, hanging, and layering, to create visual interest and variety in your displays. You should also use focal points, such as mannequins, props, and lighting, to draw attention to your best-selling or new products. Additionally, you should consider your store's surroundings and how they affect your product arrangement. For example, if you are located in a busy street, you might want to use eye-catching and bold displays that attract passers-by. On the other hand, if you are located in a quiet area, you might want to use subtle and elegant displays that invite customers in.

5 Optimize your layout

The fifth step in creating a visual merchandising plan is to optimize your layout and how it influences your customers' movement and behavior in your store. You should design your layout to create a smooth and comfortable flow that guides your customers through your store and exposes them to your products. You should also use signage, graphics, and symbols to communicate your brand identity, your product categories, and your promotions. Furthermore, you should consider your store's surroundings and how they affect your layout. For example, if you are facing a parking lot, you might want to use a spacious and open layout that welcomes customers from the entrance. On the other hand, if you are facing a park, you might want to use a cozy and intimate layout that connects customers with nature.

6 Evaluate and update your plan

The final step in creating a visual merchandising plan is to evaluate and update your plan regularly to ensure that it is effective and relevant. You should measure your plan's performance by using metrics, such as sales, traffic, conversion, and customer feedback. You should also monitor your plan's impact by using tools, such as cameras, heat maps, and eye tracking. Based on your findings, you should make adjustments and improvements to your plan to optimize your results. Moreover, you should update your plan according to your store's surroundings and how they change over time. For example, if you are in a seasonal location, you might want to change your plan according to the weather, the holidays, and the events.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?