Table-Wear
Setting a good table is a gift retailer's best method for establishing a positive first impression.
Linda Cahan -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 6/1/2004
As everyone knows, mannequins are ideal for displaying apparel. For most gift retailers, however, mannequins aren't quite the right fit. Tables, on the other hand, are a great way to show off a group of related products, or a selection from a single vendor. In one glance, a good mannequin tells the customer everything she needs to know about the image, price point, attitude, and style of a store. Tables say the same things for gift retailers.
But because there are so many kinds of tables out there, choosing the right style for your store might seem overwhelming. Sometimes, it's easier to help customers select an image for their home than it is to design an image for your own store. But don't be afraid. With some luck, skill, and planning, you can make your "mannequins" speak for you. Here are some examples to inspire you to re-think your table messages.
| Author Information |
| Linda Cahan is a retail visual design consultant based in Redding, Connecticut. She works with retailers on store design, renovations, and visual programs. She also writes visual standards manuals and lectures on visual merchandising around the world. |
