Displaying New Products

These days, we're all bombarded with information 24/7, and consumers are inevitably attracted to anything new, exciting, and different. So if a customer walks into your store and sees the same old same old, you'll fail to excite them. They're bound to ask: "What's new?"

As a retailer, you must have an answer to that question. For instance, how are you introducing new merchandise? Is it front and center? Have you positioned it near the checkout so you can point it out as customers make their purchases? Is it in a focal area on a wall? What about your windows? Is new stock greeting people as they walk up to your store?

Working new merchandise into your stock will make old pieces look fresh. Make sure new pieces are represented in both your in-store displays on tables or walls, as well as in window displays. And have your staff point out showcased merchandise to customers. When you greet people with new products, you're not only creating excitement but also letting them know you're in business to stay.

Here are some ways to highlight new merchandise and show your customers "what's new."

Choose a focal area on a wall to highlight new merchandise. Add a spotlight and place a fabric-covered pad on the wall behind the products as a backdrop. Other options for the backdrop include wood, laminate, colored glass or acrylic, fake fur, vinyl, woven ribbons, slate, or tree branches cut and bunched to make a "natural" display of bundled twigs.

If you have a limited number of special pieces, create a simple window display with a fabric-covered pedestal and a spotlight to attract attention. Add a fun element such as a group of tin soldiers marching across the pedestal and into the vase.

Attach the soldiers with a tiny amount of hot glue.

Attach a grid to the ceiling above a table display. This will allow you to easily hang fabric, seasonal decorations, or more merchandise.

There are several ways to make a table displays. Utilize a variety of colors and textures to create an arresting showcase for new merchandise. Throw a colored tablecloth over the table and place painted wooden risers on top. Paint the risers the same color as the cloth. Use solid colors, as patterned fabrics draw attention away from the merchandise. Keep two cloths on hand, so that the table is always covered even while one cloth is being cleaned. Have a steamer or iron handy to keep the tablecloth looking fresh.

Install a small lighting track or spotlight above the table with the fixtures lighting the table. Another option is to hang an attractive pendant light above the table.

Using a dowel attached to the ceiling grid, suspend a double-sided fabric down to the tabletop. Let the fabric just hit the top of the table or sweep gently across the surface and down the front, creating an arresting focal area.