What makes a wonderful shopping experience for you?
What do you notice when you enter a retail shop?
I am so interested in knowing your ideas and opinions on this subject.
I have a very good reason for my nosiness as, you see, I have a new job as sorts.
I am in charge of styling and displaying much of the Antique Avenue,
the antique store where I have my booth.
Marianne, the owner, just bought another store that adjoins the original Antique Store.
She has torn down a section of wall and made an entry way for lots more shopping!!!
2 huge rooms that need staging.
She has 1 vendor in this space plus I have a space in return for the
staging and displaying that I am doing.
Fortunately I have a partner in crime for this endeavor and that is my friend, Gayle.
(Boy what a friend I am- this is the only picture I could find of sweet Gayle)
Together we are transforming Antique Avenue into a fun shopping experience for each one that will come through those doors.
So here's my question
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Would you be interested in sharing ways that you have found to be helpful when setting up shop?
Would you like to see ideas that we have come up with?
I would love to have lots of brain storming sessions on this subject as many of us have booths or tiny retail spaces.
I did a search on Store Styling and not much came up- I typed all kinds of things but it doesn't seem like there is much out there. Any books on the subject? I haven't found one and when I have asked others they don't seem to know of any also.
USE WHAT YOU HAVE-
These are hard economic times especially in our little town and so we do not have a budget to go and buy all kinds of wonderful things for displaying. It is the use what you have way. It would be awesome to buy some lovely architectural pieces and lovely props and such but it just isn't happening. We are using only what Marianne has in the shop and my pile of junk treasures I have accumulated over the years.
In the weeks to come I hope to share with you some of the ways Gayle and I have come up to show off the pieces Marianne has is a way that will, hopefully, attract buyers.
Thinking outside the box is our desire as we put some sparkle to the store.
This little peek shows you just the work we have ahead of us in the days to come-
This is the one narrow room - there is another whole section to the doorway on right.
This is what it looked like before- I am excited to show you some of the progress we have made - soon-!
I hope you will be excited about the results and about this little series I hope to continue if there is enough interest.
Linking to these great parties
It's So Very Cheri Sunday Party, MET Monday, One Project at a Time at A Bowl Full of Lemons, Potpourri Friday, Friday Show and Tell,
26 comments:
Hi Mary,
I'm sure that you will do a AWESOME job!!! You have the touch! Layer, layer, layer and good light! Seasonal changes are always good! It will all come together for you once you start playing!
Deb
I agree you will do great and I look forward to seeing what you do! I feel like everytime I clean the house I am staging in a way. It is so much fun.
Mary,
Oh, dear friend...much success on your newest endeavor!!! I'm thrilled to see what staging you come up with! I had the privelege to work three years in a Home Decor/ Antique Shop here locally until the owner sold the business. The new owner brought her family in to work and all were laid off. For me to have a wonderful shopping exerience:
1) Recognition upon arrival!!!
2) Soft classical background music!
3)Merchandise clearly marked!!!
Ask our local shop owners...I prefer unique merchandise and have a knack for finding the ONE item in the store that hasn't been priced.
Things I notice upon shopping:
1) Aisles wide enough to move through without bumping my purse into shelves or merchandise!!!
2)Good lighting!!! Gotta be able to see what's inside the booth!
3)Items within a vignette. Do they compliment one another? Give suggestions for mixing "new" with "vintage". Show the customer how to incorporate heirlooms with florals, candles, prints...etc!
4) Layering and vertical display...but remember some of us are 5 foot NOTHING. Gotta be able to reach the merchandise for closer inspection!
You do such a lovely job in your own home and on your blog, I have NO doubts that your staging will be magnificient! I did photograph many displays and then tweek where I saw need!
Again, much success!!!
Fondly,
Pat
How exciting for you -- you'll do great as you have the styling eye!!! I feel a need to make a road trip to check your progress out -- maybe towards the end of September. We'll talk or email soon. Sally
I don't have the experience to be of any help ....but I'll be watching with interest!
Congratulations to you! I can't think of a more fun 'job' than this one. You will be great as I always come here for inspiration, and I know you will enjoy it immensly. Can't wait to see more.
This will be a great challenge and fun too! I find people are attracted when I group together like colored objects. you'll do great!
Carol
Hi Mary-
It was so nice to read this post. I'm not 'styling' a live and "in person" shop...but I am working on styling an Etsy shop...and like you, I want feed back from my readers. I've been posing lots of questions to them regarding Etsy.
Your readers will have lots of ideas...and imput. I'm sure you will make it look fabulous, just like your home!
I think displays that are unexpected and 'themed' are eye catching. If I'm going through a shop and things are just lined up at random on shelves all over the place...I must be at GoodWill!
But for a shop like this...your type of styling will definitely be part of the draw for the customers.
No pressure, though! (smile) Pat
Mary, First I will see what you come up with, then offer any assistance I can. You are so creative, I imagine you will have the best advice for your self! Can't wait to see more photos! Great Post...Keep sharing this!!! Love your blog, Pam
mary,
I am looking forward to seeing what you are going to come up with!!
Hugs,
Debbie
Eke! Sounds like my dream job ~ lucky you! I prefer shops/spaces that are staged with lots of vignettes/groupings, almost crammed full of goodies. Digging and discovering is so much fun. Having said this, it is nice to have elbow room so that I don't feel too crammed or risk bumping somthing with the purse. I also like it when spaces are filled vertically, from the floor to the ceilings ~ again, this is all about feasting my eyes. Oh, and my only pet peeve is when I zoom in on a treasure I want and there's no price! If you haven't yet, peruse Pinterest for ideas; search for "display," "merchandising," and "booth" ~ I'm sure you'll be inspired! Can hardly wait to see your magical spaces:)
~Cindy
I wish lived close enough to help! What fun it would be to help you transform the new space and make it a shopping experience like nothing else in town! Can't wait to see more.
~Adrienne~
Hi Mary Ellen! Oh, I wish you the best with your new endeavor! And yes, I want to see everything you do. With your touch of wonderfulness, the shop will be awesome.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Your home is decorated so beautifully that I am sure that this new space to decorate will be just as beautiful!
You have a natural talent by all that I see. Have fun!
This is exciting, and I will be watching.
Oh, what fun you are going to have! I know absolutely nothing about staging, but contact Becky at Sweet Cottage Dreams. She's a genius at store staging. When you walk into one of the stores she sells at, hers are always the best displays.
(emailing you soon!)
I look forward to seeing what you would do.
www.modernworld4.blogspot.com
I like things to smell like the seasons - candles or potpouri. I also like to see nature brought in - branches and such in the fall, greenery in the winter. I like displays to look homey and displayed like someone would in their home but on steroids (not your typical table setting) - layer upon layer. Signs on chalkboards with cute verses. Unexpected uses for things. I prefer colors muted, but if not then I like to see color schemes together.
You'll do terrific:)
Have fun!
Leann
Mary, what a fun job, and you will have that place looking great in no time. I can't wait to see what you do. You probably visit the blog The Polka Dot Closet. She comes up with some great, inexpensive ideas for displays in her space, and I'm betting that you will too. laurie
I am looking forward to your new adventure. I'm sure you'll do a fantastic job! Can't wait for more photos.
Jody
Ohhh what fun and what work! Here is a site for you :
http://www.pacounderhill.com/booklist.html
Paco Underhill has written a number of books helpful to retailers.
can't wait to see what you do!
(())
Everything really looks good Mary! Thank you for sharing your new experiences at Potpourri Friday!
Oh what eye candy!!! I'm definitely your newest follower ( love the idea of a series )
Would be happy if you came by for a visit and followed back when you had the time!
Hugs,
Suzan
I cannot wait to see what you do with this!! I KNOW how fabulous it will be. I like your advice - use what you have. Was it Roosevelt that said, "do what you can with what you have, where you are." You are great at that! Will there be a grand opening?!
hugs!
Holly
PS thank you for the info on the bath thingy for the jelly. =0)
I too am excited about this "series". I will be waiting anxiously! I find that having enough room to look around without worrying about my purse hitting merchandise works for me. Lighting is a big deal too. And I know I'm just echoing the other posts here but vertical displays and themes, whether like colors or like items seem to attract buyers.
It's party time at Debt Free Mommy Blog and we're so busy it'll stay open for an entire month!! You're welcome to link up as many posts as you'd like that relate to making your space a better one for you and yours. So hop on over if you'd like and link up to Making Space Mondays, Linky Party #14. Thanks! -Tabitha
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