Over the last several weeks, our ZenGenius team has continued to collaborate and contemplate what the future of retail may hold. While we may not know exactly what is on the horizon, we do know that shoppers want to feel safer and more comfortable than usual.
We also know that through newly executed visual merchandising strategies and displays, brands can reinforce a safe, clean and welcoming environment. With that in mind we've developed our Top 10 Visual Merchandising Strategies for the future of shopping experiences.
1.
Show it off. Introduce a showroom shopping approach. Display a full range of products while keeping a fully stocked back room. Combine this with great customer service or QR codes to help customers shop.
2.
Runway ready. Use more mannequins and forms! Runway style displays can showcase multiple looks and options – including accessories. Offer customer an easy way to shop without having to touch racks of merchandise.
3.
Safety first. Install safety shields at each cash wrap or register. This protects your staff and shoppers. Choose from a variety of readily available, affordable, and easy-to-install options that keep everyone safe.
4.
Be hands-free. Contactless everything! If you haven’t embraced contactless payment options, now is the time. Automatic doors, hand dryers, motion-sensors for lights, too. Hands free is in!
5.
Let’s be clear. Communicate safety messages and inform shoppers of new traffic patterns and safety policies with well-designed graphics that include text and graphics. Reinforce new policies and messaging with a store greeter.
6.
Line ‘em up. Introduce stanchions and queue management tools inside and outside your shop to visually communicate safe distances and traffic patterns. Temporary tape and makeshift marketing should be replaced with permanent solutions.
7.
Room to breath. Give them a little space! Increase the distance between your fixtures and displays, offering shoppers extra space to comfortably shop. No need to overwhelm and overcrowd.
8.
Flaunt it. You’ve got it, so flaunt it! Tap your resources and utilize social media tools like Facebook and Instagram Live to show off what is new in your store and encourage customers to shop again.
9.
Celebrate. Create an event inviting customers to celebrate your re-opening. Offer fun activities like a fresh Instagram photo moment to help drive traffic and promote your brand across all platforms.
10.
Let it shine. Spread positivity. Harness the power of store windows and visual displays to promote and share positive messages. We can inspire and uplift the world through creativity!
While this is just the tip of the iceberg and we don't know all the answers, we do encourage you to be ready to observe and adjust.
Keep an eye on your customers to see how their behaviors have changed. This is the perfect time to experiment, take a risk (or two!) and try something new. Stay flexible. Be ingenious!
With this in mind, we've created a special Visual Merchandising Brainstorm Session offer that includes insight from three of our Zens, two 1-hour video calls and a comprehensive image report to inspire and guide your team. Click below to learn more about this limited offer.
