Buying Retail Fixtures
Selecting the right fixtures and displays is one of the most critical elements in planning a successful retail store. The fixtures you use need to fit the overall look and feel of you store, match the merchandise you are selling, and be visually appealing to customers. Price should never be the single factor used to make your purchase decision. The successful store owner or manager must consider how to maximize the use of the available floor space, the versatility of the displays, the image and aesthetic they want their store to convey, and the total cost of purchase.
Several more tips...
- Maximize the Available Floor Space -When laying out a store, it is important to consider the flow of customers through the space, the position of cash wrap and check out stations, and key product lines to be featured, all the while remembering that success depends on getting the highest possible sales per square foot. Be sure that nothing blocks the customers from a path through your store and that eye-catching, high selling products are positioned to pull customers into the store.
Create a floor plan that shows where each fixture will be placed before buying so you can visualize how the store will look when complete
Select displays that can be customized to fit in specific spaces
Avoid fixed sized fixtures that leave large areas without displays
- Understand the versatility of your displays - One of the keys to long term success for any store is regularly updating the look of their spacewith new products or new displays. If the store is outfitted with standard fixtures, updating the look or even accommodating new product lines can be expensive.
Consider future seasonal promotions and product line changes when selecting your fixtures.
Modular Smart Shelves with adjustable heights and widths offer the greatest flexibility
Use nesting tables and smaller displays that can be moved around as necessary to promote product interaction and spontaneous purchase
Avoid built-in units or fixtures branded with a specific product name when possible
- Understand your customers and the image your store needs- You need to consider how your fixtures will match the merchandise you sell and the customers you target. Are you targeting an upscale, urban clientele, suburban moms with kids or seniors on vacation? Your fixtures need to reflect the needs of your customers. Consider eye heights and product accessibility, as well as fixtures materials and colors.
Select fixtures that provide multiple eye heights to encourage customers to browse all parts of your shelves.
Select fixtures materials that complement your products, signage, and other brand elements.
- Understand the total cost of the display you purchase- To understand the total cost of fixtures you purchase, you will need to consider not only the unit price, but also delivery and shipping costs, assembly costs, and expected life of the product. Remember that your time is valuable, so if you have to spend days selecting what you need or assembling your fixtures, the cheapest price fixtures may cost you a lot more than other options.
Consider the manufacturers warranty and return policies for damaged products.
Consider the cost along with ease of assembly.
Compare the quality of the fixtures.