Here’s what I mean by filing:
It’s neat. But are you really tempted by any of these items?
You want your shoppers to get involved in the merchandise, not just glance, yawn, and move on. Tell a story, even if (to you) that story looks over-dramatic.
Here’s story-telling in resale:
Layering merchandise makes it look SO much better.
A quick and simple solution: A: Add plate rails to the back few inches of your shelving units to display plates, plaques, and platters. B: Vary the colors, shapes, sizes and textures. Yes, it looks jumbled and you’d never do that at home. Forget home; your goal in your shop is to tempt, not to line up.
Here’s a test. If a browser can walk through your shop with hands in pockets,
never tempted to touch a teapot, stroke a sundress, caress a couch…
your store’s uninspiring.
Okay, so they can look but not touch, as in a display case? The principle still holds: make it look opulent. Make them desire it. Make their mouths water!
Nice, but pass-up-able.
I call this photo “don’t be shy.” It’s Vicki’s, from Little Specialty Shop.
Besides, telling a story, clustering things together, gives you more room. More room’s always a good thing in resale!
- Pile on the pearls (multiple necklaces on that mannequin.) Displays should be WHOA! not HMMM.
- Fill the spaces beneath (a basket filled with books under that side table.) Tempt ’em to look under, over, above and beyond.
- Drape it (the baby afghan over the stroller, the messenger bag over the urban-look 4way), puddle it (the scarf under the display head), tie it on (rep ties as belts on that jean display.) Opulence…and ideas…sell.
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
I’m a relatively new owner of an upscale women’s clothing store, last month we barely covered our expenses and I need some ideas in order to improve sales for my store. I know this is the slow season, just wondering what else I can do. Also, are there any suggestions of good banks or agencies that really offer loans to small businesses that want to expand and upgrade?
Welcome, Linda! Not only are there lots of ideas that might work for your shop here on the blog, but there’s also lots of help available in our Products for the Professional Resaler, available at TGtbT.com/shop.htm
As to lending institutions, I would suggest you contact your local area SBA if you’re located in the USA, which can put you in touch with a SCORE volunteer mentor who can guide your research into this.
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This is so true….. you want to make your shoppers trip to your store worth every penny they spend. Featuring your merchandise is fun and exciting for your customers and you. And don’t forget to change things around, if you have regular customers, they don’t want to see the same displays week after week.
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Great advice…thanks for always making us better business ownerss Auntie Kate!