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Indestructible Displays

Linda Cahan -- Gifts and Dec, 10/21/2010 4:57:38 AM

Indestructible DisplaysWhen I began research for a speech I gave at the ASTRA show, I was surprised at the lack of displays in toy stores. However, if you have a toy store you know why there are so few displays. They are torn apart by the children. So how does a toy retailer enhance their store?
Put toy displays where kids can look but not touch.
     I noticed two major ways. The first was through wall murals, lettering and tattoos. Artists or storeowners went creatively crazy with clouds, planes, gorillas and fun poems. The second was toys displayed high up. To this day I remember the big stuffed animals when I looked up in my neighborhood magazine/soda fountain/candy/toy store. Adults tend to read a store like a book: First they look straight ahead and then scan the store from left to right. Children aren't yet trained to read a store like that. They just look all around at whatever catches their interest. Even if their parents are a little jaded, children recognize and appreciate creativity. They will remember your store and ask to come back over and over. Unlike adults, children don't crave visual change, so you don't need to change overhead displays every two weeks. Just make seasonal changes.

BRING YOUR LOGO into the store so it's memorable. The Green Frog in Portland, OR, does just that and more. They use green on their walls, which calms people down and encourages them to browse longer. A green environment makes people lose touch with time. Twenty-five minutes will feel like five minutes. In this section of the store, the green ceiling and floor nicely compliment the wood slatwall. 

The Green Frog
PURPLE COW TOYS

PURPLE COW TOYS in Astoria, OR, is a perfect example of how to create a fun atmosphere with a strong wall graphic. They bring in their logo, store name and a catchy poem. The art and print is fun but definitely not slick or sophisticated. Perfection is lost on children. They tune in to a feel, a sense of fun, creativity or joy. This graphic creates all three in a breezy manner. 

GEPPETTO'S TOY SHOPPE, Cannon Beach, OR, brings the action above the wrap desk with this curved train set. Trains need to work: If employees can't stand the sound when no customers are around, make them 

GEPPETTO’S TOY SHOPPE
The Green Frog

THE SMALLEST THINGS can entertain a child and stay in their memory for years. An LED colored light is in the faucet in the restroom at The Green Frog. I'm 61 and I was entertained! The lights change color as the water heats up. It made me want to wash my hands longer just to see what colors appeared. Many places sell them from $9.50 up to $20. Try typing in: LED colored lights in faucet. 

ENDCAPS ARE EXCELLENT display + sales areas. This puppet stage creates a great focal point display for large, small and finger puppets of all species. The simple wood creation adds color, energy and a sense of fun to the area. It is the picture that's worth more than words. While a child may not read yet, he or she can tell a puppet stage from early childhood. This clever display was seen at The Green Frog, Portland, OR. 

The Green Frog
G.Wilikers

AT G.Wilikers, Hood River, OR: Not my most favorite photo of myself. But, there is nothing like a fun house mirror for kids to enjoy. It's an easy addition to any store. If you don't have room on the selling floor, put one into the bathroom. If you also sell clothing, add one into the dressing room along with a regular mirror. 

ENTERING INTO A FUN fixture creates a great first impression. If a child can spin or move anything, even better. This charmer was seen at G. Wilikers Toy Shoppe. The sides of are filled with small items at toddler height. The bright colors are repeated in wood fixtures throughout the store. Real wood represents quality, traditional values, longevity and nature. Light blue expands space and calms people down while the small amounts of red and yellow add excitement. 

G. Wilikers Toy Shoppe
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