Listed below are a few tips submitted to us from various sources including our customers please feel free to email your ideas.

Merchandising decisions for fashion accessories and craft jewelry are a matter of personal preference but here are a few ideas for consideration.

Don't make the mistake of selling only the things you like or the most exclusive items you can find. If your goal is to turn a profit, and as a business person I'm guessing it is, then you need to be selling items that people will want to buy. Take a friend or a few friends with you when you go on a buying trip to get a broader spectrum of styles.

The design adage "less is more" is not particularly apt when it comes to selling fashion jewelry. Customers respond more eagerly to a full showcase of merchandise than a minimal array of items. Fewer items can make your display look picked over as though what is left has been passed over by others.

Selling begins before the customer even sets foot in your store. The store window display is your opportunity to invoke shopper curiosity and prime them for the goodies you have on offer. Make the most of it and be sure to live up to the presentation when they decide to further explore within your store.

Consider your lighting. The lighting in a retail space can convey instant messages about the atmosphere in the store and the quality of the products sold. In fact lighting is probably the most important factor in jewelry display. Properly considered lighting can make your merchandise explode with vitality and allure. Adjust the lighting dynamics within your retail environment to arouse interest in certain areas and fully exploit those areas with merchandise.

Be approachable. Check your ego at the door. Jewelry customers are motivated by whim, a fleeting emotional state. Encourage their impulse and add to it’s momentum by being friendly and unpretentious. If you create the comfortable environment for the customer to linger longer they will hopefully find that ‘must have’ item

Encourage customer involvement and interaction. There is a persuasive thrill to handling jewelry that you should exploit to its fullest. Make the merchandise accessible and encourage the customer to touch and try items on.

Height positioning of displays affects the power and visibility of your merchandise. Eye level is the most powerful position. Use ‘build ups’ (free standing cubic risers) they are great for building temporary platforms and can easily be made presentable with a draped covering.

The cash wrap area is prime real estate for impulse purchases. Make the most of it.

Many thanks to the following contributors who sent us these great ideas.

"Group by color to make a visual impact and encourage multiple sales Wear a piece of jewelry each day we sell a lot of jewelry because we are wearing it!"

~ Sonya Weber

"Try to make a connection between the customer and the jewelry. For example, if the earrings are blue, comment on how they bring out her blue eyes. Or mention how nice they look with her blue watch strap. And of course, have a mirror close by."

~ Jan (Avenue China & Chintz)

"I keep my mailing list sign up book right next to an earring display stand and you can't believe how many impulse earring purchases happen! I keep this set up near the cash register so I can keep an eye on the display. I also offer a free monthly prize for the sign ups. This stops potential customers in their tracks to sign up while perusing the display stand near by. They're happy, they might win, I'm happy, I get additional customers added to my all-important mailing list AND more earrings sales! We all win!"

~ Creatively Kristal
Arvada, CO

Do you have any tips that work for you? Feel like sharing them? Email us your ideas.

Send your ideas to Tim
subastral@subastralinc.com