DISCOVERING A FEW GOLDEN RULES OF VISUAL MERCHANDISING!

Fashion sells Dreams, but it is Visual Merchandising that sells Reality! 

Let's face it—whether actually attainable or merely aspirational— if it isn't the possibility of making it our own then what is the dream of fashion? 

Apart from the sum of their hero products, modern fashion customers now crave a reconnection to real-life events, further prioritizing experience over brand more often.

Not one but every visual merchandiser is standing in the middle of retail highs and lows, creative successions, and changing demands and preferences of modern customers. In this scenario, achieving an out of world in store experience that converts viral moments into a profitable revenue stream holds a lot of importance than what meets the untrained eyes of customers. 

Well, this is because the main objective of implementing any visual merchandising strategy is to make the customer stop, engage, and discover the available things. 

Undoubtedly, human emotions, including surprise, want, and wonder, are the lifeblood of visual merchandising. So why is it that some of the most opulent retail stores feel soulless at times? Well, is this because all of us have lost touch with reality? Are we not aware of the fact that a small amount of fantasy and emotions are needed to pique the interest of customers? 

In today's hyper-digitized economy, in-store experiences play an increasingly essential role in regaining a more holistic brand-consumer interaction. Fortunately, there is a group of retail experts who resist the short-term impact of an experience by mastering the art of inspiring customers: visual merchandisers. 

Through the medium of this blog, D'Art will share its golden rules for crafting unforgettable retail experiences for this new era of fashion consumption. 

1.) Consumer Engagement Opportunities Begins Straight From The Looking Glass. 

In retail, the first impressions definitely count. 

Window displays, being the primary point of contact with your audience, are effective at blurring the distinctions between fact and possibility, which is, again, very critical for keeping your customer's mind open to creativity. 

Will this mini skirt suit my body type? Should I put the white polka dot dress on? Will the strappy shoes fit my wide feet? I might as well peek inside to see what is inside. 

Store windows demand specific care if we are to maximize consumer engagement chances and, eventually, increase income for the company. Looking good on paper is not the end. Instead, the overall design along with its functionality and how it will interact with the customer as well as the products, on a day to day basis, is what really matters.

2.) Brand Storytelling Will Not Work Without A Smart Layout. 

In an age when stores are vying for our attention, 'painting the image' with a series of focal points is no longer sufficient. 

Layouts guide customers through every touchpoint of your store, allowing them to examine several options before making a purchase. Also, spatial layouts are essential in optimizing traffic flow. They further encourage the customer's engagement within the retail experience. In addition, retail store design is indeed the most important visual element. 

Set design, like a runway show, has the ability to transport viewers to another planet. A retail store should do the same thing. 

A thriving immersive environment will effectively bridge the gap between brand and customer. The customer is entitled to an experience when they approach and enter the venue. Therefore, understanding the needs of the environment should come first. 

3.) Product placement and strategic store styling should be aligned with your customers' shopping needs.

Did you know that more than 70 percent of retail customers shop at their eye level? Also, various studies have suggested that customers generally move from left to right, further making purchasing decisions within two minutes of entering the store. Shocking, right? 

Irrespective of the fact that digitalization has caused a lot of considerable changes in the retail landscape, there are some essential elements of visual merchandising that usually remain the same. However, a retail brand needs to anticipate its customer's shopping needs and preferences, further considering them when planning and implementing the retail strategy. Doing this will help brands craft bespoke shopping experiences for their customers. 

In addition, while placing their products, brands need to ensure that they streamline the display structure and follow a consistent story across the entire retail store in order to adequately convey their brand's message and achieve a relatable appeal to their audience. 

This lifestyle approach to a customer-centric purchasing experience will surely assist firms in successfully embracing the new era of fashion consumption.