A Few of My Favorite Things

With the holiday season behind us, it’s time to start thinking about rejuvenating your store for new spring merchandise. I’m not talking about a major remodel but, instead, freshening up your surroundings with new fixtures, hangers or lighting. By making a few small changes, you can update your store and give it a fresh look. Here are a few of my favorite merchandising “things.”

I’ve always loved wooden hangers (it’s a matter of personal taste). Yes, they’re expensive, but they look better than plastic ones, treat garments better (especially heavy outerwear) and can be imprinted with the name of your store. The best hangers can be found at www.henryhanger.com. The company sells all types of top quality hangers — display hangers, acrylic hangers and the wood variety.

I think Opto International is doing some of the best fixturing I’ve seen. If you like metal or metal/wood combinations, check out Opto’s website at www.optosystem.com and take a video tour of its installations. If nothing else, you’ll pick up some good merchandising ideas.

For a wide variety of lighting including some fun theatrical lamps, Times Square Lighting is the place to start. Check it out at www.tslight.com. Want to project your store logo on the sidewalk or wall? Pay special attention to the pattern projectors it offers.

For custom signage and, in particular, lettering you can use on walls or windows, Admart is the place to go. I’ve worked with the company many times and have been impressed by its delivery and fair pricing. Check it out at www.admart.com.

My list of favorite things is growing and over the next few weeks I’ll share more sources with you. In the meantime, look around your store and identify the areas that need improvement. If I can help you find what you need, contact me through my website: www.merchandisinghub.com.

Sharon Leicham’s merchandising column appears twice a month in SNEWS. Leicham is the author of Merchandising Your Way to Success and How to Sell to Women and is a frequent contributor to trade magazines writing on merchandising and marketing topics. She recently launched a website, www.merchandisinghub.com, with information targeted at the independent specialty retailer.