Auntie Kate The Resale Expert

Take a look at your sales floor. Is it pulling its weight?

Seriously. Your resale, consignment or thrift shop layout is SO important. It’s even MORE important that the layout of a new merchandise store might be, because not only do you probably have a wider range of categories, styles, colors, sizes, but you also have NO idea what merchandise you’ll have in store a week or a month from now.

So it’s crucial that all the do’s and don’ts of resale sales floor arrangement be tended to. Today, the do’s. Tomorrow the don’ts.

Store Layout Do’s:

DO provide a “foyer” so customers can see what’s available as they enter. Some call this a “landing zone”.

DO allow for a free flow of customer traffic through all areas. If there’s the possiblity of butt-brush, that area will be bypassed.

DO provide generous aisles so customers don’t feel crowded. Crowded = uneasy. Uneasy = they will cut their browsing short and leave.

DO allow space in front of your dressing rooms for a full-length mirror and accessorizing. You want you helpers to have room to interact and upsell.

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DO watch the heights of racks to allow a over-all view of the entire store. If you can’t see their eyes, they can’t see you. If you can’r see them, how are you going to interact with them?

DO allow your merchandise enough space so it looks neat and uncluttered. With the wide variety in resale, this is crucial. You want it to look like a store, not a teenager’s closet.

DO think ahead so you have flexibility in arranging categories. Remember, what will you need room for next week?

DO leave space for displays, two-ways, highlighted racks. Row after row of sleeves hanging out, or couches lined up like soldeiers, never inspired a purchase yet.

DO use “selling” signs that tell customers what’s where… and why they should buy it!Rack signage shouldn’t be JUST informative, it should be motivating! Not shorts but Feel free, wear shorts! or “Let us free” said your knees.

DO use mirrors as much as possible for customer convenience, reflected light, and security. “Nuff said.

DO remember “negative space”: empty areas that set off merchandise. Breathing space. If it feels slightly claustrophobia-inducing to you, it is.

DO allow for space for YOU to work at straightening, markdowns, displays. Give yourself a break and make yourself comfortable. Lest you don’t do ot…

Tomorrow, the dont’s of store layout.