Shopping is big business. And the way merchandise is displayed has the power to increase sales, tenfold. That’s why we work hard at IDD to provide so many different display options. Which brings us to a trending topic among merchandisers: the psychology of discount shopping.
News on the street (in our industry anyway) is that the way items are displayed directly affects consumers, therefore affecting sales. We know window displays have the power to lure people in, and in-store presentation is just as powerful. Do consumers feel they are getting a better deal if retail displays and clothing racks are a jumbled mess? Or does their perception of value increase if a store displays fewer items in a perfect order?
The answer: it’s both.
It depends on the shop. Think boutique versus bargain shopping, high-end department stores verses outlets. And that’s exactly what companies that own both are doing — separating mess from dress so customers think they’re getting a better deal at the outlet and better quality at the boutique.
Saks Fifth Avenue, for example, recently announced its Saks Off Fifth outlets will no longer have organized racks like its high-end counterpart, but rather will follow suit of Nordstrom Rack, Marshall’s or TJ Maxx. You know you have to dig when you shop at those stores. But is the idea of bargain shopping better or will the unorganized, crowded displays turn shoppers away?
Which shopping style do you prefer? Does searching stress you out or do you like the hunt? Do minimal, pristine racks sway you away or do you like the quality those displays evoke?
These are not rhetorical questions. Tell us what you think!
If you like what you read, there’s more where this came from. Our blog brings you insights into the display industry and our oh-so-cool new products.
