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| Photo via chickaniddy.com |
Spring
is the perfect time to freshen up your merchandising displays. Save money by finding
new uses for old items to create eye-popping displays with “wow factor!” Old
ladders, tables, or wooden crates can make for unexpected and memorable ways to
display your confections.
Before
you spend any money, take a look at items currently used in your store, tucked
away in storage or even at your home that could be repurposed or upcycled with
a fresh coat of paint. Next, visit a local flea market and use your imagination
to search for anything that could be a vesicle to display your products.
Take
tips from RCI’s 2016 Merchandising Essentials course when seeking display pieces
that help satisfy one or more of the following five design principles:
- Focal Point - Every display or category/department should have a focal point or a center of activity, interest or attention.
 Old windows can be reimagined to create a stunning focal point as a glass-enclosed display case. Photo property of re-store.org |
- Balance
(symmetrical or asymmetrical)
– Symmetrical balance is created by repeating the reverse of
a design (or a mirror image) on the opposite side of the vertical axis. Symmetrical
balance is considered formal, sophisticated and easy to visually digest. Asymmetrical
balance is more informal, yet dynamic, achieving balance through
contrast, using different elements that have equal weight.
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An open trunk or small suitcase can be repurposed into
shelving to create the perfect opportunity for a symmetrical display. Check out
remodelaholic.com
for tutorial on how to create a bookshelf (pictured above) out of an antique trunk.
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Upcycle tired tables with vibrant paint to create an asymmetrical balance display, like the ones from resene.com pictured above.
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- Pyramid
Merchandising – This principle is achieved by
creating a pyramid of product, with the top being the focal point that
attracts attention. This is a very effective and foolproof merchandising
technique.
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Here's an example
of pyramid merchandising created by repurposing an old ladder as a shelf. Learn how to
build your own by viewing a tutorial at lovegrowswild.com
- Repetition - Create a striking and clean display through the
repetition of many of the same or similar products.
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The
repetition of inexpensive, painted wooden crates used by chickaniddy.com makes
an impact as a wall display.
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- Harmony – A pleasing combination or arrangement of different things will make your customer feel comfortable and at ease.
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These
repurposed tables by The
Painted Hinge and Gelbach
Designs have been cut in half and mounted on the wall to create
eye-pleasing and space-saving displays. Visit thepaintedhinge.com
for a step-by-step tutorial.
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With an open mind and a little elbow grease, you can breathe new life into old furniture and flea market finds to create merchandising displays that will get your customers saying “WOW!” without breaking the bank.
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more tips and inspiration dedicated to the retail candy maker. Not a
member? Click here to learn how RCI can help
you build your sweet business.
