In operating a retail store that includes apparel, your garment racks can be some of the best sales helpers in the store. The right clothing rack and signage accessories can send silent messages to your customers about new merchandise, sizes, sales and promotions. Knowing what type of racks and accessories to use and when to use them will help your sales associates maximize profits in store.
The Basics
There are several styles of retail garment racks and they serve specific purposes in your store.
New Apparel: Feature new items in the front of your store on Two-Way Racks and Four-Way Racks. Group outfits together to help customers see coordinating color sets.
Mark Downs: As merchandise ages but are still seasonal, move marked down items to Straight Racks in the middle of the store and add size dividers to help direct customers to their sizes for easy shopping.
Close-Outs: In the rear of the store use Round Racks or Circle Racks with toppers and signage to clearance older merchandise and out-of-season items.
Sidewalk Sales: Sidewalk sales are a great way to move apparel quickly by promoting still seasonal items and grabbing walk-by customers. Use Rolling Racks with signage to wheel out merchandise for easy set up and closing.
Give Them a Sign
Customers often enter stores in search of an item on display in the window. Others will enter and head straight for the sale section for bargain hunting.
Welcome both types of shoppers and ensure point them in the right direction with well-placed signage. If an item is new – put up signage on your front racks for “New Arrivals”. In the sale or mark down sections, clearly mark discounts or promotions like ‘Buy 1 get 2nd ½ off’ You don’t necessarily have to hang an overhead sign: most people know that the sales racks are at the back of the store. Don’t make it difficult, though, to figure out which items are for sale.
Signs on aisles, clothing racks, or shelving can quickly direct shoppers to different levels of discounts, streamline the shopping experience, and encourage browsing and sales.
Merchandising is Everything
Whether a customer is shopping new items, markdowns, clearance or the sidewalk sale, remember that merchandising and branding are important throughout the store.
Clearance areas can become cluttered and disorganized. If not maintained this can create a frustrating customer experience. By starting with an organized plan of sorting clearance by size (using size dividers), color, clothing type or season can keep maintenance to a minimum. Boosting interest with attractive displays can help.
The goal is to display items in a way that makes it easy for shoppers to find the particular item they want, such as a specific color or size. Because items go on sale when they are out of season and stores are trying to blow out remaining stock, selection can be limited.
Use countertop forms on top of sales racks to display an example of what is on the rack. Or use a round basket topper to collect colorful accessories so shoppers can dive into savings.
Getting the most out of sale racks requires proper signage, a discount system that’s easy to understand, and proper organization. This improves the customer experience and encourages sales.
If you are a Stamps Store Fixtures customer who would like more information on retail equipment and supplies, you can shop for all your needs on our website, Stamps Store Fixtures. Or you can contact one of our knowledgeable sales staff at 404-691-0087 and we’ll be happy to assist you!