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Be strategic about
updating displays
Start out the calendar year with a new display to cleanse the palate after the winter holidays, then change out the display in time for Valentine’s Day.
Update displays for the appropriate seasonal events in May or June, and
over the slower summer months, freshen
a display every few weeks to incorporate new product arrivals or simply give regular customers something new to see. Starting in the fall, there are plenty of holidays to warrant frequent resetting of your displays. “If there’s nothing happening that’s driving you to make that change \\\\\\\[to your displays\\\\\\\], try to freshen it up at least every couple of weeks,” advises Shearer.
Consider bringing in an outside expert
While larger retailers have the budget and staff for dedicated visual merchandising experts, smaller independent retailers
might not have the time or even the creativity to dedicate to keeping up with their displays. “If you have a limited budget that you can allocate to merchandising, hire someone to come in and do it for you,” says Shearer. A freelance stylist will be able to work with your budget, and you might even end up saving money since you
won’t be paying for insurance and other benefits for someone who’s on your payroll. What’s more, “A fresh set of eyes and talent can come in and work that magic,” says Shearer.
Incorporate elements from
the rest of the store
Shop the rest of your store for other items that can be incorporated into your tabletop displays. “Merchandise and cross-merchandise. Include accessories and accents to your display that might otherwise be missed on their own in the store,” says Shearer. “Barware such as decanters, shakers, cocktail napkins, and
wine-related items are always a good fit,” says Shearer. But even seemingly unrelated items can offer a fun, unexpected twist: Perhaps a chunky necklace as a place card holder or a bracelet as a napkin holder.
Shearer is a big fan of fresh flowers, and placing them in different or unusual vessels or vases. Vases or handled mugs filled with flowers and grouped closely together can make for a great table runner or beautiful centerpiece. Interesting containers that can be used to hold sugar cubes or butter are also smart add-on options. Hand-lettered placecards are a favorite for Shearer.
For her, it’s a personal touch that says “welcome to my table.”
For more information:
Table + Dine - tableanddine.com, 951.347.7260
Images courtesy of Table + Dine
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