How to plan the perfect Visual Merchandising | The first 5 steps for success without courses

Visual merchandising plan has become an essential tool for significantly increasing your sales. Gone are the days when simply having an aesthetically pleasing storefront was enough. Today’s competitive business environment demands a strategic approach to visual merchandising that goes beyond mere window dressing.

Differences between Visual Merchandising Plan and Traditional Window Dressing

While creating beautiful window displays can garner compliments, mastering visual merchandising has the potential to significantly boost your sales. The key lies in how you direct the shopper’s attention to the areas of greatest interest to you.

Without further ado, here are the steps you should take before planning the visual merchandising for your business:

Define a goal for your Visual Merchandising Plan

The main advantage of visual merchandising over other marketing techniques is that it allows the planner to direct the shopper’s attention exactly where it’s needed most. However, a well-achieved aesthetic won’t be of any use without a clear objective. Do you want your space to look spectacular? Hire an interior designer!

If what you seek are results that translate into significant profits, you’ll need a strategy. Once you have a clear focus for your visual merchandising (moving certain stagnant stock, attracting more consumers to your physical space, guiding the purchase process…), we can proceed.

Steps to plan your business’s Visual Merchandising

1. Define a goal for your Visual Merchandising

Before you start, it is crucial to clearly define what you want to achieve with your visual merchandising. Do you want to sell certain stagnant stock? Attract more consumers to your physical space? Guide the purchase process? Establishing a clear goal is the first step toward an effective strategy.

2. Catch the eye

Highlighting certain products over others can influence consumer behavior. A well-placed product will stand out like a fluorescent marker on a desk. However, it’s important not to go overboard with flashy elements to avoid overwhelming the customer. Balance is key.

3. Create desire to buy

Appeal to the consumer’s emotions and create a need. Consumers don’t buy a €100,000 car for its basic features but for the desire the product elicits. Use this strategy to make your products irresistible.

4. Enhance brand image

Ensure that your product layout aligns with your business’s aesthetic and tone. Visual merchandising should be in harmony with your brand to contribute to its visibility and recognition. If the presentation doesn’t match your brand’s identity, it’s necessary to reevaluate and adjust the strategy.

5. Make the purchase easy

If you plan to distribute your product according to a visual merchandising plan, make sure it’s accessible to the public. The available space will determine the location, but as much as possible, try to facilitate consumer circulation toward the chosen spot.

Maximize your assortment by educating the consumer

Some products are self-explanatory in their design (a cushion, jeans, a notebook). For others, imagination is needed to figure out their function. But in both cases, the likelihood of a sale increases when the consumer understands what’s being offered, what it’s for, and what benefits it brings.

Ensure that consumers understand what’s being offered and the benefits of each product. If you sell lipsticks, place them near other makeup products to draw public attention. This association technique helps consumers better understand the use and benefits of the products, increasing the likelihood of a sale.

Trust in Visual Merchandising Planning

Spending a few minutes planning your visual merchandising can significantly impact your sales. A well-thought-out strategy will not only make your space look spectacular but also attract more consumers and increase your revenue.

Planning the perfect visual merchandising requires a combination of clear objectives, strategic design, and understanding consumer behavior. By following these five steps, you’ll be on your way to maximizing the impact of your visual merchandising and boosting your sales. You’ll thank us later!

👉 Contact us here if you want to take your Visual Merchandising to the next level.

What is the main goal of visual merchandising?

The main goal of visual merchandising is to attract and engage customers by strategically placing products in a visually appealing manner to increase sales.

How does visual merchandising differ from traditional window dressing?

Traditional window dressing focuses mainly on creating aesthetically pleasing displays, while visual merchandising aims to direct consumer attention and influence purchasing behavior through strategic product placement.

Why is it important to define a goal for visual merchandising?

Defining a goal ensures that all visual merchandising efforts are aligned with specific business objectives, such as increasing sales, moving stagnant stock, or enhancing brand visibility.

How can I create a desire to buy through visual merchandising?

By appealing to consumer emotions and creating a perceived need for the product, you can make your products more irresistible. Highlight the unique benefits and features that elicit a strong desire to own the product.

What role does brand image play in visual merchandising?

Brand image is crucial in visual merchandising as it ensures that the product presentation is consistent with the overall brand aesthetic and message. This consistency helps build brand recognition and loyalty.

How can I make the purchase process easier for customers through visual merchandising?

By ensuring that products are easily accessible and strategically placed to guide the customer through the shopping journey, you can facilitate the purchase process and improve the overall shopping experience.