Some resale, thrift and consignment shopkeepers so loved the attention-getting ideas from an earlier post about getting shoppers into your back room, that they wanted ideas on actually how to
make back rooms out of open space!
At first thought, this is kinda weird, huh? But on reflection, having a few “departments” in your shop could make for a great browsing experience for your shoppers, and an incredible merchandising opportunity for you!
It all started with this photo from one of TGtbT’s Pinterest Boards:
Having at least 1 corner of your consignment or thrift shop as “treasure trove” is wise merchandising. Here, stacked tables & shelves are a framework for a menagerie of goods… doesn’t it look tempting? Click the pic to visit their blog.
And once I started watching for ways to differentiate space, set up semi-enclosed areas, make “shoppes” out of open space, I had a ball collecting them for you!
A simple, sheer curtain creates a “wall” which creates an entryway. Note: Weight the curtain to keep it from moving around too much. (Curtain weights here.)
For those who love chippy, this is irresistible! Use one, use three as a screen… and the urn just makes it more special, doesn’t it? Same idea, but with less sight-line interference, an old-fashioned looking screen door. (And the mesh can be ideal for displaying French hook earrings or other small goods!
Here, salvaged doors serve to frame a “back room” with no walls… the merchandise creates the barrier and an entry mat creates the path. (Wouldn’t you love to shop here!)
Another entry with minimal side walls (I love the chicken wire!). You could even do something like this with a garden trellis and silk garlands.
More on luring folks into a back room:
Kate talks about sense-ible ways to draw them in.
Additional resources:
- Making a department with no walls, just four posts and a load of style.
- How to no-sew curtains for these ideas.
- If you run across a stash of wide grosgrain ribbon, try this!
- All of these are just too much for your shop? Try this idea.
Photo credits: Some uncredited Pinterest Pins, as well as http://lantlivinorregrd.blogspot.no/ and tracithorsonphotography.com
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
Hi Auntie Kate! These ideas are all beautiful! I’m about to open a women’s and maternity consignment store in Chicago. I like the idea of having a separate space, but I’m worried about theft and feel that it would be better to be able to see the entire store from the counter area. Thoughts?
Thanks for your interest, Jackie. Of course, having a separate space doesn’t mean a “blind” space… think about how you might construct/ arrange a shop-within-a-shop that won’t cut down on visibility. Sometimes it’s as simple as a ceiling treatment, paint, a “suite” of different fixturing, and/or an area rug!
Beautiful! And bulk burlap is so cheap to buy online. We stapled it to walls-ppl love it and hides ugly nail holes.
Thanks, Colleen, re the burlap… did it need airing-out first? I seem to remember burlap being kinda hippie-smelling 😉