Visual Merchandising Research Report

Research Report

Some major trends in visual merchandising in the new millennium would be big impact visualizations, whimsical looks, and very fun, creative displays. Retailers get more and more creative as time goes on. Store windows aren’t the only place where a store can show off its clothing and great ideas. Little setups all over the store and in the front window can keep customers interested in the retailer’s wares. The best way to do this is to have fun and kitschy themes for displays, full of oversized imagery, scenic backdrops, and saturated and whitened bright colors. Whimsical displays are becoming more popular as well. Having soft, pastel hues mixed with other bright colors and white, powdery, matte surfaces, using objects like pinwheels or streamers to evoke childhood memories. Usually the clothing in the displays are matched with the background/imagery to make for an even more finished look. Big impact visualizations is another trend, usually having huge backdrops or posters to covey the theme of the display. It’s meant to be the first thing noticed when walking into the store. A customer may find “…endcaps presenting artfully curated product selections that entice [them] to touch and feel the merchandise. [They] may find a bevy of color-coordinated and themed merchandising messages on signage and graphics throughout the aisles.” (designretailonline). These displays make a statement about the store as a whole. They can make or break whether a customer likes what they see when they come in.

For the lighting in the store, color can influence someone’s impression of the display and the stores appearance overall. Color makes people stop and look and determines the atmosphere. Blue is a cool color and it calms and relaxes people. Green is easy on the eyes and is restful and tranquil. It is also a cool color. Red excites and stimulates, as well as induces aggression. Yellow and orange are both cheerful, vibrant, warm colors. They create feelings of warmth...