I’m already in the midst of a busy summer with a full client list and lots of exciting work projects, and know that the difference between a runaway train and being the driver of my own train is having a plan. Having a plan is especially valuable to anyone in charge of visual merchandising details in their store.
Having a plan provides you with the ability to remain a few steps ahead and perhaps even more importantly, communicate your goals and desired outcome with your team. This communication insures everyone has a chance to be on the same page.
Simple steps to putting together a merchandising schedule:
- Use a calendar to plot when you anticipate changing your windows and front of store. Be sure to think of promotions, community events, major sales and write them down.
- Identify what story you anticipate telling with each event and indulge in some blue sky thinking about props, potential partners in addition to in-store merchandising.
- Roughly sketch out the layout keeping in mind the following:
- Theme
- Purpose
- Lighting
- Color
- Seasonal elements
- Depth of display
- Height variations
- Get your team involved! Maybe even involve your customers!
You might spend more time on the front end when you plan a few months or a month out, but the time you will save is priceless. And you deserve that.
