Guide to Finding Store Displays and Fixtures

Project the right image

Consider what you want your store to say to customers. If you are selling expensive jewelry, you will want to highlight individual pieces with a lot of space, using velvet pedestals or displays rather than paper cards. If you are selling handicrafts, you will want to buy well-chosen wooden displays and furniture rather than the glass and chrome you might choose if you are selling computers.

I recommend: To learn more about branding before you set up your store, you may want to read a study from Dartmouth College that examines retail branding including store atmosphere.

Choose your displays

There are many, many vendors who sell store displays and equipment online, so no matter where you live, today it is easy to find good displays and equipment.

I recommend: For most of your store display needs from slatwall to showcases, check out Store Supply Warehouse, Grand and Benedicts and Daniels. You may also make some surprise finds of shelving at Ikea and The Container Store. If you are specifically looking for jewelry displays, take a look at Nile, Allen Display and Fetpak.

Lighting is critical

You can have the best displays and merchandise in the world, but if you don't light your merchandise properly, you won't reach your optimum selling potential.

I recommend: Try the retail lighting section of elights.com or Pegasus Associates. And remember, if you are selling fashion products, install flattering lighting.

Don't forget bags, boxes and packing materials

Keeping up with your bag and box needs doesn't have to be a chore. It pays to buy attractive bags printed with your logo, particularly if you are in a mall where customers carrying your bags from store to store provide on-the-spot advertising.

I recommend: You will find a good selection of bags and boxes at some of the sites listed in the Display section of this Guide. Also take a look at Bags on the Net and Uline.