The Effect of Size and Sub-Sector of Retail Outlets on the Work of Visual Merchandisers

Size of Retail Outlets

Small retail outlets often have limited space to work with, thus visual merchandisers need to be more creative and efficient in designing displays.
The focus here is on simplicity and product focus. The small space needs to be uncluttered, straightforward but still intriguing enough to catch customer’s eye.
Use of flexible furniture like collapsible shelving or roving display units allows for changes in layout to keep display fresh or accommodate different inventory sizes.
Smaller stores can create more inviting, personalized consumer experience that larger stores can’t replicate, through careful placement and presentation of products.

Large retail outlets, given their expansive space and variety of products, have room for diverse and detailed visual displays.
The emphasis is on creating zones or departments, guiding the customer through different product areas smoothly with coordinated colours, themes, and signage.
Large stores have the advantage of space for experiential displays which can create memorable and engaging shopping experiences.
Large retail outlets can face a challenge of maintaining consistency in visual merchandising strategies due to the sheer size of the shop-floor and variety of products. Regular and detailed review of displays is required.

Visual merchandisers in fashion retail focus on displaying apparel in a way that represents the feel of season or upcoming fashion trend.
Mannequins are widely used to demonstrate outfit combinations and exhibit clothing in the most flattering way.
They could use themed window displays, eye-catching graphics and mannequin groupings to attract customers.

The focus in electronics retail is on presenting tech items as cutting-edge, sleek and desirable.
Displays often include opportunities for customer interaction - allowing the prospective buyer to experience the product firsthand. Interactive product testing areas are common.
Complex electronic products require detailed informational signage to explain features, differentiate similar-looking models and justify pricing.

In food retail, fresh, high-quality produce should be visually emphasised. Colourful fruit and vegetables often greet customers at the entrance.
Sensory appeals, such as smell of fresh bread or coffee, can also be cleverly used to evoke feelings of freshness and quality.
Layouts often guide shoppers in a specific path, often designed to facilitate a logical sequence of food shopping to ensure a complete experience.