Tips for Recycling Trends and Props in Your Store
Text and Photos Amy Meadows
While we think of recycling related to the methods for processing metal, paper, and other materials, it is important to remember we can also recycle ideas, trends, and props.
Sure, it is good for the environment, but it also provides a much-welcome boost to your store’s bottom line. If you can repaint it, suspend it, cut it in half — you name it — you have found a way to creatively reuse design and display elements. Some of those solutions might be as close as your garage!
I tend to find some of the more interesting examples at art and craft events. One of my favorite events in Chicago is the twice-yearly One of a Kind Show.
Over an entire city block, vendors are showing and selling everything from jewelry, fine art, and T-shirts to gourmet chocolates and coffee mugs. Participants must navigate load-in and assembly, signage, pricing, product information, and perhaps even erect a dressing room while leaving space in the booth itself for merchandise, guest seating, and a place to ring up sales and wrap/bag purchases.
That is a LOT to manage! You want something that stacks quickly and easily on pallets, is sturdy on display surfaces (no one wants to damage a lovely glass vase), and will not drain your budget. At the One of a Kind Holiday Show in early December, there were quite a few clever solutions.
A Well-Done Display
There was so much to appreciate about the planning and execution of Jenny Nunnelee’s Lakestone Jewelry (www.lakestonejewelry.com) booth. Let’s begin with the wall-mounted display units — a combination of conduit framing and banners of mesh fencing. They are lightweight, functional, easily packed for travel, and most importantly, SHOPPABLE.
The industrial nature of the display materials complements the earthy, aquatic colors of the jewelry items. And pricing is clearly displayed . . . a win-win.
Looking carefully at the countertops, we see conduit and flanges pressed into service to create a variety of riser heights and display fixtures for necklaces. Recycled wood panels serve as a backdrop for the live-edge wood pieces, and bits of birch logs find themselves suspended overhead and turned upright as risers for use in the display setup as well.
Such a delight for the senses (and my design detail sensibilities!).
Using Ladders, Skis
Anacapa Ceramics (anacapaceramics.com) nailed it. Not only did they skillfully assemble ladders and lumber to create shelving, but the product color story was gorgeous.
It was such a careful curation of the inventory — drawing the customer with the intentional evocation of sand, sky, and surf. The display was especially eye-catching on a cold December day.
Please note that ladders do not need to be A-frames. Leading ladders, positioned upright, created the perfect gallery for Blacksmith Photography’s (eventeny.com/company/?c=9847) framed artwork at an art fair in Michigan last summer.
And Sew U.P. Style Co. (sewupstyleco.com) did a great job highlighting its products at December’s One of a Kind Holiday Show. What better way to display cozy, woolen fashion than on clothing racks made from skis!
Display Ideas for Jewelry
Do you shutter at the thought of creating a fixture, especially for jewelry? Yes, that pun was intentional — shutters are perfect for so many types of displays. They can be painted, stained, distressed, hinged, and draped.
Earrings and brooches do not have to be on spinners or racks. Do you have old playing cards laying around? How about scrap fabric? You can also easily reinvent scrap fabric into holiday ribbon, bunting, or garlands in your store. Such festive touches can create the perfect vibe for your shop.
The bottom line is that creative reuse examples are everywhere! Keep your eyes open — especially at fairs and markets where booth vendors have worked miracles to create fixtures, displays, and layouts to entice you. Happy shopping!
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.
