Visual merchandising: A complete roadmap for retail success

Ever wondered why you can’t resist that last-minute chocolate bar at the checkout? Well, according to Merit, 62% of shoppers make impulse purchases when drawn in by an eye-catching display. That’s right! The power of visual merchandising in a retail setup can’t be underestimated. 

What is visual merchandising in retail? You’ve witnessed it yourself; stepping into a store and feeling like entering a new world where everything, from floor plans to lighting and displays, is strategically designed to grab your attention. This is what you call visual merchandising, a retail marketing magic trick that weaves together colors, technology, and more to turn every inch of retail space into a sales-boosting masterpiece. 

Let’s explore the art of retail visual merchandising in this in-depth blog, where we share various strategies to achieve the same goal; entice your customers to make a purchase.

1. Define brand color and texture

First things first, pick those colors that scream “you”, the ones that customers will instantly associate with your brand. They are like your store’s unique outfit that everyone can spot from a mile away. If it’s a vibrant red that screams energy or a calm blue that whispers tranquility, choose colors that resonate with your brand’s vibe. 

PosterMyWall’s Brand Kits help you save your brand logos, brand colors, and fonts in one place. You can easily stay organized and establish brand consistency across all designs. 

Apart from colors; texture plays a big role too. It’s like the visual version of how things feel when you touch them. If your brand is all about that sleek and modern vibe, opt for smooth textures. If you’re more into the rugged, outdoorsy feel, think about textures that are a bit rough around the edges. The real trick? Keep it consistent, so your store feels like a cohesive story, not a jumble of mismatched chapters.

As an example, consider Walmart’s visual identity. Walmart employs a bold blue color in its logo and overall branding, signifying reliability and trust. The texture associated with Walmart is clean and approachable, reflecting a commitment to providing a convenient and welcoming shopping experience. The consistent use of blue and the clean, smooth texture across various touch points reinforce Walmart’s brand identity and make it easily recognizable to customers.

2. Create a soundtrack of your brand

Soundtracks play a crucial role in retail visual merchandising. Think about the vibe you want your brand to give off. If you’re selling trendy, modern stuff, maybe some upbeat tunes work. If you’re all about classic elegance, consider something more soothing. The goal is to make your customers feel a certain way when they’re shopping with you.

Imagine a clothing store with a vintage theme, they might choose classic tracks from the era they’re representing. This sets the mood and also makes the shopping experience more memorable. 

Take a look at a brand like Apple. When you walk into their stores, you’ll notice they play a specific type of music that is sleek and cool, it’s Apple. Now, translate that to your store. If your brand is fun and quirky, your playlist could include upbeat pop or indie tracks. If it’s more laid-back and sophisticated, go for smooth jazz or ambient tunes. The idea is to create an atmosphere that complements what you’re selling.

3. Use Lighting

Lighting is a powerful tool that amplifies the curb appeal of your retail store. Thoughtfully illuminate key areas and products to draw attention and create a visually appealing atmosphere. Consider the mood you want to convey; bright and energetic or cozy and intimate? Align the lighting with your brand’s image to reinforce its identity.

Think of lighting as a storyteller in your retail store. Highlighting certain products or sections with well-placed lights guides your customers through a narrative. It directs their focus, subtly influencing their journey.

The goal is not just to light up your products but to enhance the overall shopping experience. A well-lit space also contributes to the ambiance, making your customers feel more engaged and connected. 

A real-world example of an effective lighting strategy can be observed in this Uniqlo shop. The lights are strategically placed throughout the store, to illuminate key areas and products and draw attention. 

4. Add interactive displays

Adding interactive displays to your retail space is a cool strategy for engaging customers in a hands-on and immersive shopping experience. Imagine having touchscreens or augmented reality (AR) elements placed throughout your store. These interactive features allow customers to actively explore products, discover additional information, or even visualize items in their own space.

Touchscreens enable shoppers to navigate through your product catalog with a simple tap, providing instant access to details like prices, features, and customer reviews. AR elements let customers virtually try on clothing or accessories, helping them make confident purchase decisions.
For instance, McDonald’s self-service kiosks are designed with several features that make them easy to use for customers. The user-friendly interface makes it simple for customers to select their desired items.

5. Implement POS displays and digital signage

Suppose you’ve got a killer promotion or some top-notch products you want your customers to notice. How do you do it? Enter the world of Point-of-Sale (POS) displays and digital signage.

POS displays are your store’s spotlight. They’re eye-catching setups strategically placed where customers make their purchases. They act as your secret weapon to communicate real-time info, promotions, and key details about your products.

Digital signage adds a modern twist, allowing you to share promotions or product features effortlessly. It’s like a silent salesperson who works 24/7, giving customers the scoop on what’s hot and tempting them to make those last-minute purchases. 

You can design eye-catching digital signage with PosterMyWall’s user-friendly digital signage templates. The platform seamlessly integrates with popular signage platforms like Raydiant, Screencloud, Signagelive, and others. This compatibility ensures a hassle-free transition from creation to display, allowing you to power your digital signage effortlessly and maximize its impact across various platforms.

6. Design window displays

Your store’s window displays are like the cover of a book, setting the stage for the story inside. These displays act as your store’s first impression, grabbing the attention of passersby and driving foot traffic to your retail store.

Keep it dynamic by switching things up with the seasons or when you have special promotions. This retail visual merchandising strategy is the beginning of a conversation with someone who could become a customer. So, make that conversation count by making your window uniquely yours.

Here is an example of Fairfax Favor featuring an attractive storefront showcasing a range of high-quality footwear and bags. The display includes large windows allowing passersby to view the merchandise inside. The carefully arranged products are showcased to attract customers and entice them to enter the store. 

7. Align with seasonal promotions

In retail marketing, aligning your visual merchandising strategy with seasonal promotions is very important. Think of it as giving your storefront a seasonal wardrobe update rather than a complete makeover. Your customers should still recognize and resonate with your brand, just with a refreshing seasonal twist. When summer hits, think of beach vibes and cool colors; during the holidays, infuse warmth and festive cheer.

Consider the practical side too. If it’s back-to-school season, showcase student related products front and center. Got a winter sale coming up? Feature cozy items and highlight the savings. This strategy is more than just about aesthetics; it’s about guiding your customers seamlessly through their shopping journey, matching their needs with the season.

PosterMyWall has a huge library of customizable retail poster templates that you can use for your seasonal promotions. You can tailor these templates to your liking, incorporating your brand colors, logos, and the specific details of your seasonal promotion effortlessly. 

8. Create checkout displays

Boosting sales at the checkout is a smart move in retail visual merchandising. By jazzing up the checkout area with carefully chosen product displays, you’re putting a spotlight on items that people might not have thought about but would love to grab on their way out. These are your impulse-buy champions; little treats or useful goodies that customers might not have on their main shopping list but would happily toss into their cart.

The trick here is to make these displays attention-grabbing and convenient. Small, tempting items like chocolates, gadgets, or handy accessories can be strategically placed near the checkout. This is a classic retail move because, let’s face it, who can resist a last-minute indulgence?

Place these items within arm’s reach of the checkout counter, ensuring that they are easily accessible to customers as they wait in line to pay for their purchases. This proximity increases the likelihood that customers will notice the items and be tempted to add them to their basket or cart.

Moreover, placing them at eye level or on prominent shelves maximizes their visibility and draws attention to them. You can also use bright packaging, attractive displays, and signage to further enhance their appeal and entice customers to make a last-minute purchase.

Transforming your retail store through visual merchandising

Retail visual merchandising is the unsung hero that can turn a casual shopper into a loyal customer. Use the strategies discussed in this blog to transform your retail space into a visually enticing masterpiece, impacting every shopper who walks through your doors.

Moreover, use PosterMyWall to streamline your marketing processes. Create stunning visuals that align with your brand and seamlessly integrate with your visual merchandising strategy. Plus, with a wide array of Instagram story templates and publishing tools on PosterMyWall, you have many options to enhance your brand’s presence and engage with your audience effectively on social media.