AMY MEADOW PHOTO
By Amy Meadows
Add Masculine Touches to Displays With These Tips
Rule No. 1 regarding visual merchandising for men is to keep it simple! It should be colorized and easy for shopping, with forms and fixtures that demonstrate layering and styling ideas.
Can you do some cross-merchandising? Having tackled that, it is time to think about propping and décor.
How can your displays or merchandising vignettes reflect a bit of a masculine touch? It might be a bit more of the color blue in the mix or sports equipment, cocktails, or carpentry tools. There are a wide variety of options.
Or it may be easier to think of the props and décor items you want to avoid . . . pastels, florals, lace . . . you get the idea.
Removing feminine props and décor often renders trend areas or windows a bit sparse, but focusing on popular hobbies and pastimes can wield a wealth of categories.
Vroom, Vroom
Motorcycles and automobiles have a special appeal as they age … what was once a bit outdated in time acquires vintage charm. Even rust can be an attractive patina!
You might even add miniature sets of trains as another wheel-based interest. Antique vehicles also have the advantage of offering multiple parts that can be adapted as risers, fixtures, and more.
For example, hubcaps, steering wheels, and bumpers can be easily used in windows and on merchandise tables. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase items from local collectors in exchange for credit signage. If you prefer to keep these items a bit more current, look at Formula One racing items like flags and helmets.
Wet Your Whistle
Want to quench your shopper’s thirst for the perfect gift? Cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine can automatically set the time and place for specialized hobbies: custom barware and glassware, home brewing, mixology recipes, and even aprons.
Your displays might include bottles, and/or carafes.
NOTE: do NOT use bottles filled with alcohol products in your windows! Chances are quite good the bottles will explode — you will need to empty and then substitute the appropriately colored liquid into the designated container.
And do not forget morning rituals of coffee and tea as alternative display themes. Inclusion of whole, roasted coffee beans in open containers can trigger another sensory experience for the customer — ahh!
For the DIY guy
Merchandise tables made from sawhorses. Wood slices as trays, risers. Stumps used as small tables or stools. Vintage tools, mason jars, and tool buckets.
Have fun and add touches of wood, stones, and common materials, such as twine, burlap, and cork, to boost a natural palette. As always, time-tested favorites like pallets, crates, and wooden shelving help support (literally) your storytelling efforts.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTHROPOLOGIE / SHELLEY WRIGHT
PHOTO COURTESY OF BURT’S PHARMACY/MICHELLE SHERRIER
The Great Outdoors
I am not sure how I ended up married to Mr. Campsite (!) when I would much rather be at an historic inn. But that will not stop me from shopping for flashlights, lanterns, compasses, flannel throws, and even supplies for s’mores.
Not your merchandise assortment? No problem. Add firewood, red/black plaid flannel, or pinecones to a display. Line your showcases with maps and add pine boughs or cacti where appropriate.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Regardless of which team you cheer for, time spent at the ballpark or stadium can summon an interest in sports paraphernalia, including equipment and even tailgating items like coolers and grills. Support your local teams with pompoms in team colors and pennants. It’s a win, win!
PHOTO COURTESY OF MELROSE INTERNATIONAL/GINA LEMPA
Have an interesting display to share? Or a question about visual merchandising strategies for your business or your district? Visit www.windowsmatter.com for more information.
