Annette Callari

Your store’s approach to merchandising is an ever-changing terrain. At least it should be. It’s up to you to keep your showroom fresh and inviting. Use your creativity! Showcase stunning new products not only in your display racks, but on the floor itself.  Create a space that invites shoppers to explore. Use dramatic lighting and bold colors. Make sure there is a place people can sit comfortably and discuss their options.  Eliminate clutter and craft a look that tells the world you are in the fashion business and you take great pride in your showroom. If you think all this is too costly, inconvenient, or simply not necessary, think again.

Did you know that only 20 percent of the world’s population can actually visualize intangible design concepts?  That means, at best, only one out of five of the shoppers in your store has the ability to picture their home adorned with the beautiful new floor coverings you are showing them. This is a huge challenge to those of you who work a retail showroom.  It is left up to you to creatively build a visual, using only the elements at hand in your showroom. And remember, your success (or failure) in building that visual greatly determines whether (or not) you will close the sale, and if that sale will include upgraded products.