Countertop displays are a vital merchandising tool to the retailer and every bit as important the free standing displays used to organize merchandise on the sales floor.  The countertop display is compact enough to be easily relocated when necessary and when it is optimally placed, ideally at eye level and at key points throughout a store, it focuses attention and condenses some very high value sales into a small area of retail space. It is especially effective when placed near the check out or cash wrap and is ideal for showcasing objects of impulse particularly small gift items and accessories.

The January 2010 edition of the National Jeweler Magazine featured a section on jewelry packaging and display in which it considered various aspects of branding and visual merchandising – a subject well worth emphasizing. (Particularly as we at Subastral Inc had our own wrought iron bracelet display prominently featured!)

The most accomplished merchants have long used the compelling power of visual display to attract customers. Regardless of whether they are selling at a craft fair or an exclusive Beverly Hills boutique; they know that utilizing the appropriate jewelry display can exert a powerful influence on the customers buying habits. Simply having the great merchandise in a competitive market is not enough if you fail to attract attention you will not communicate this fact effectively and sales opportunities will be lost.

Most commercial jewelry displays will do an adequate job in organizing jewelry so the differentiation lies in how they do this and the quality of the materials used. After all, a display should respect the merchandise and reflect its quality. In addition, the style of a display should be determined by the market niche, Jewelry displays should correlate with the quality of the merchandise being displayed.

White leather risers may perhaps be appropriate for fine jewelry but are not ideal for chunky Southwestern jewelry!

$166 available at subastralinc.com

Men’s fashion retailing has grown beyond the department store with the evolution of boutique-style shops catering solely to the demands of today’s style-savvy male customer.

Not so long ago men’s clothing suffered from limited selections with the most stylish brands only available through very rare haute boutiques and ‘gentlemen’s outfitters’. The expansion in this retail sector has created more options, higher expectations and greater demand. Fueling this growth are the glossy guy-lifestyle magazines as a result of which, men are turning into fashion aficionados and are now more likely to spend considerably more than $100 for a pair of jeans and over $50 for cool t-shirt.

The way in which the male customer shops, is still quite different from the female shopper. The male shopper usually knows what he is looking for and goes to a store specifically for that item, where a female shopper is more likely to browse until she finds something that peaks her interest. This is why the male dress form or suit display forms are so important to men’s clothing stores; the male shopper doesn’t spend a lot of time visualizing outfits and potential combinations. The male dress form allows clothing combinations to be fully dressed and taken in at a glance. These display forms can be placed throughout a store and in addition to being a compelling making tool, they help to simplify the male shopping experience.

This corner display case is purpose-designed to fit with other modular floor units where a corner configuration is required. The units can be assembled to create a point of sale ‘island’ incorporating additional retail counters and cash wraps this provides sales staff full control, freedom of movement and a greater degree of security and theft prevention.

Full spectrum halogen lights are a built-in feature in this corner display case to create the perfect lighting for your valuable merchandise and each display is standard fitted with anti-tamper locks to provide security and peace of mind.

The corner display case ideal for merchandising precious and fragile products including jewelry, accessories, beauty supplies and valuable gift items.

Wall display cases are commonly used to organize and present valuable or fragile retail merchandise. The large glass display cases are designed to stand against a wall and as such utilize the perimeter space without obstructing the through-flow of the retail environment.

The wood wall display cases pictured here are all craftsmen made in the USA. They are standard fitted with tempered glass, interior illumination and tamper-proof locks. The attractive design of these display units are exceeded only by their dependable utility and durability.

Subastral Inc’s wall display cases represent a graceful asset to any retailer where items of value are sold!

Child dress form displays allow retailers of children’s clothing the same merchandising possibilities as those used in ‘grown-up’ clothing store counter-parts.  The last 15 years has seen a boom in children’s clothing market, as parents more than ever prepared to dress their kids in the latest fashion trends and with the addition of the undeniable growth of the ‘tween’ spending dollar. 

 As this retail sector continues to grow, fixture companies are now offering children’s clothing displays including everything from newborn to pre-teen forms in various action poses and sizes.

Available at subastralinc.com

This exceptional quality glass showcase is perfect for use as a retail display and trophy display.  The tower style display case is built with finest workmanship, design integrity and traditional materials.

  The design composes a stripped down glass case on an elegant cabriole leg base presenting a design that is contemporary but with all the grace and finesse of a Queen Anne style cabinet.

 The full-vision cabinet is made with tempered safety glass, a locking door and is fitted with internal spot-lights to illuminate its contents.

Dress form displays from $144 – $399 available at subastralinc.com

Good quality dress forms are purpose-made displays for attractively merchandising clothing. The body of the display is a molded form covered with a neutral pinnable cloth or linen fabric. The form displays from the neck, ending at the thigh area and is set on a pole atop of a decorative base. The great advantage of using a dress form is that it gives the consumer a greater sense of how an outfit will look ‘in the round’ when worn – including the way the fabric hangs etc. Dress forms really are the first choice for merchandising apparel and can be used to promote a wide range of items including tops, suits, pants and skirts.

The best way to hone your craft is the start with one area, let’s say earrings, perfect that category and then move onto making other items, such as bracelets and necklaces. 

Listed below are some helpful resources to get you started.

You tube – this online video site is loaded with all sorts of useful tips and videos demonstrating how to make jewelry.  Just go to you tube and search for jewelry making. 

I found this link very useful:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFBaw_s6xeY

If you have any questions about terminology used in jewelry making, you can Google that term i.e.- what is a headpin,  what is an eye pin, what is a round nose plier, what is a jewelry loop.  All of the information is available online. 

Jewelry making books- There are a number of excellent jewelry making books available for purchase online and at your local bookstore but save your money where you can – use your local library.  Jewelry making books are a great starting point for learning the basics of all types of jewelry making skills. 

Realistically, you will need at least $100 – $150 to purchase the necessary tools, beads and findings to get started.

Built by skilled cabinet-makers right here in the USA using only the best quality wood and components, these showcases combine solid function with excellent design. The décor and furnishings of your retail environment say a lot about your business so be sure they are saying the right thing!