Trends in Visual Merchandising 2013

As we begin 2013 with more fashion trends and tips, I shall show you once more some of the best visual merchandising techniques and displays of several of the mid level and high end malls here in the metro. You know, I love shopping and I love to walk around and see new things. I am actually a visual person so I love to see beautiful sights and it's also one way to see new trends designs. I am attracted to shop windows that impliedly shout:"Come in and buy something." Then, once you go inside the store, you can never resist of buying the items. As if, the products themselves are the ones talking to you, BUY ME, BUY ME! Remember in the movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic? There was a scene there where Rebecca Bloomwood was actually ignoring the shopping windows so that she will not buy  and use her credit card at the same time. Often, it is because of greed that dictates our desire to have those expensive products and items, even if we don't actually need them in life. There is a vast line between needs and wants. But, people seldom  know how to distinguish between the two.

Here I will show you the best of the display windows and some tips on how to style your store/business in order not only to attract customers but have them buy what you are selling. After all, it's all about business and profit, right? These are some of the stores that appealed to my visual senses thus, gaining the right to be featured in my fashion blog:

Speaks high fashion but still wearable. A store stylist or visual merchandiser should know how to create that grass skirt and turn it into couture. What they are actually selling are shoes but to add flair and glamour to the store, they opted to place a mannequin with a Japanese umbrella. 

The HERMES store in Greenbelt Makati is a knockout. By simply displaying the tote bag and some fabulous shoes, the Hermes it exemplifies glamour, trend and fashion forward. Truly, the creators of Hermes are geniuses of fashion.  A mannequin is not needed here. All you can do is place some architectural wood and designs and apportion the one shoe only on each rack and there you go, you now have a window display that will make customers turn their heads on what you are selling. 

This is the most luxurious brand I know. GUCCI accentuates class, authenticity, longevity and simply, glamour. You see, the focus of this photo display is the clutch the model is wearing but then again, the colors and styling of this advertorial makes it more promising and eye-catching. I wanted to buy that Gucci product because of this ad. If you don't like to display your products on the mannequin, try making a very effective advertorial campaign and post them outside your store. It will create more impact! 

The only brand I know that is both contemporary but exudes that sexy and exquisite appeal. What's different about Louis Vuitton window campaign ad is that they always have something fresh, clean and enticing to see every time you see their advertorial. At times, it is the perspective of the store stylist that matters the most. If you sell the product, how do you have it new and modern but still reflects the brand image and design authenticity of the clothes? THE answer depends on what you want to portray and how you want to be known in the fashion industry. 

The watch brand that is both a work of art and a masterpiece of fashion. If you want to portray a quality watch such as Bulgari, you can have some famous actress model them like in this advertorial campaign. By doing so, shoppers  would know that these actresses are using your products too. Just make sure the photo is well done and the styling is perfect, otherwise it will not be believable.

You can also add some elements to the window display like arts, crafts, furniture and even portraits and plants. In this way, you are not only selling the product, you are offering the customers a chance to experience your store. Besides, you want customers to come back thus, it is important they are attracted to your store and feel even better when going out! Repeat customers are significant so you want them not only to like what you are selling but be your constant customers. Try to change the styling of the store at least twice a month, specially if you have new items or limited edition clothes. 

Remember, if you want your store to look good and lure customers inside, be sure to ask yourself the following questions:

• What do you want customers to see?
• Trends, style, affordability, quality, or limited edition stocks?
• Are other styles available aside from the ones in the mannequin?
• Does your store have other sizes aside from 0 or 2?
• What is your fashion philosophy:chic, urban, boho, casual, corporate, party, or costume?
• Do you also have accessories aside from the clothes?
• How about shoes and bags?
• What is your fashion color philosophy? Does your store reflect this?
• How much is your price range?
• Most of all, who is your market: corporate ladies, young teens, party goers, models, socialites or simply those who want to retail what you are selling?

If you can answer these questions, then you are now ready to style your store, good luck and leave me a message or ask me anything about visual merchandising.I'll be happy to reply. Just leave a comment below.