Introduction
Retail store fixtures play a critical role in creating an engaging and efficient shopping experience. These fixtures are more than just furniture—they’re tools for displaying products in a way that attracts attention, aligns with your store’s branding, and promotes sales. Understanding the types and uses of each fixture can help you build an inviting store atmosphere that keeps customers engaged.
What are Retail Store Fixtures?
In retail, store fixtures are essential structures used to display merchandise. From minimalist hangers to large display cases, these fixtures help organize products, promote specific brands or promotions, and guide customers through a visually cohesive shopping journey. Let’s explore the main types of fixtures commonly found in retail stores and how they can impact your store’s success.
Types of Fixtures in Retail Store
Here are several types of fixtures commonly used in retail stores, each playing a unique role in product display and customer experience:
- Body forms
- Racks
- Hangers
- Wall displays
- Display cases
Store fixtures are inexpensive ways of decorating your store and attracting customers to it. Let’s analyze how these fixtures can enhance your store’s visual merchandising:
Body Forms:
You have noticed fit models in retail and apparel stores that display clothing, jewelry, and wearable accessories. These body forms are based on body conformations extracted from anthropometric data. Customers can visualize how the item will look on themselves. This type of retail store fixture works best for apparel stores. Proportion and sizes are the limitations of body forms as a retail store fixture. They may not reflect the physique of customers perfectly. Moreover, they need to be placed in big stores. It’s not recommended to install these fixtures in small stores or kiosks. Here are common body forms that you see at stores:
Common Types of Body Forms:
- Mannequins
- Dress Forms
- Bases & Neck Blocks
- Hosiery forms
- Display heads
Tip: Place body forms near entrances or high-traffic areas to capture attention and convey brand style at first glance.
Read more:- The Ultimate Guide to In-Store Retail Audit
Racks:
Do you need a retail store display fixture to show off your store’s clothing? Well, you can use racks to display the clothing inventory. Racks showcase clothing in an organized and elegant manner. The best part is- it saves space. Small and medium-sized stores benefit from these kinds of fixtures. It’s a boon for retailers looking to have an inexpensive customized clothing display. Some of the types of racks you’ll commonly find in stores are:
Popular Types of Racks:
- Spiral Racks
- Round and Half-Round Clothing Racks
- Spinner Merchandising Racks
- Shelf Racks
- Single-Rail Clothing Racks
- Multi-Rail Clothing Racks
- Rolling Garment Racks
- Garment Bag Racks
- 4-Way Garment Racks
- Corner Racks
- Towers & Gondolas
- Tables
Tip: Choose racks that complement your store’s layout and are easy to adjust or move for seasonal rearrangements.
Read more:- A Complete Guide to Retail Merchandising
Clothes Hangers:
Almost all apparel stores use hangers to display the variety in-store. A merchandiser can efficiently display multiple versions of the same clothing one-behind-another. Shoppers can quickly scan through the options available. You can buy hangers in bulk and save some bucks. There are different types of hangers- plastic, wooden, and metallic. While hangers are space-savers and inexpensive, high chances are they’ll get misplaced easily. Sometimes customers leave it behind on store racks and floors, making the store appear messy. There are different types of hangers:
Types of Hangers:
- Dress Hangers
- Pants Hangers
- Skirt Hangers
- Children’s Clothing Hangers
- Suit Hangers
- Coat Hangers
- Lingerie Hangers
Tip: Invest in high-quality hangers that match your store’s aesthetic for a cohesive look. Consider using wooden hangers for a boutique feel, or durable plastic hangers for a cost-effective solution.
Read more:- Retail Promotion: 5 of the Best Ideas for Retail Stores
Wall Display:
As the name suggests, wall displays are attached to the walls of the store. Sometimes they are free-standing displays that are leaned towards a wall. It offers unlimited customization opportunities. One can display shoes, clothing, accessories, purses, small electronic items, etc. These displays are made up of wood, plastic, or metal. You’ll find a variety in these displays, and you can choose one that suits your needs:
Common Wall Display Types:
- Outrigger Displays
- Waterfall Display Fixtures
- Straight Arm Display Fixtures
- Perimeter shelving
- Wall Mount Garment Hooks
- Multi-Sided Fixtures
- Floor Stands
- Slatwall Panels & Inserts
- Gridwall Panels and Displays
- Baskets
- Dump Bins
- Pegboards
- Pipeline Rolling Racks
Tip: Use wall displays for products that benefit from visibility at eye level. Experiment with colorful backdrops or lighting to enhance the display.
Read more:- What is a Retail Store Display? How can you Build an Effective Store Display?
Display & Storage Cases:
Are you looking for a great product display that is not only convenient but also a secured storage idea? Display cases are generally used to showcase high-priced products like jewelry, electronics, video games, etc. These are ideal storage cases that display products clearly, but the problem is they are bulky and cannot be set up anywhere in the store. You can have them in specific areas like the center or back of the store near the cashier.
Types of Display and Storage Cases:
- Full Vision Display Case
- Half-Vision Display Case
- Wrap Counter
- Cash Register Stand
Sales promotion strategies using fixtures will pique the customers’ interest and compel them to purchase.
Tip: For high-end products, use lighting inside cases to highlight features, and ensure the material of the case aligns with your brand’s look (e.g., glass and metal for a modern vibe).
Why Fixtures Matter in Visual Merchandising
Using fixtures strategically can significantly impact customer behavior. Fixtures not only help organize products but also create focal points that draw customers’ eyes to featured items. Incorporating a mix of these fixture types provides variety and maintains customer interest as they move through the store.
Best Practices for Choosing and Arranging Fixtures
- Know Your Customer: Choose fixtures that match the preferences and shopping behaviors of your target audience. For instance, body forms are essential for fashion stores, while sturdy racks might be better for bulk retail.
- Create a Flow: Arrange fixtures to create a natural flow from the entrance to high-interest zones in your store, such as new arrivals or seasonal promotions.
- Consider Versatility: Invest in modular fixtures that can be easily adjusted or repurposed for different displays.
- Focus on Aesthetics and Branding: Select fixtures that align with your brand’s colors, materials, and style. Cohesive visual merchandising strengthens brand identity.
Conclusion
Retail store fixtures are fundamental in crafting a shopper-friendly environment. From mannequins to display cases, each type serves a specific purpose, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. By carefully selecting and arranging fixtures, retailers can boost customer engagement, encourage purchases, and build a memorable shopping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are retail store fixtures?
Retail store fixtures are the furniture, displays, and equipment used to showcase products and enhance the shopping experience in stores.
2. What types of fixtures are commonly used in retail stores?
Common types of retail fixtures include display racks, mannequins, shelving units, gondolas, and countertop displays.
3. How do retail fixtures improve customer experience?
Fixtures organize and display products attractively, guiding customer flow, boosting engagement, and creating an inviting atmosphere in stores.
4. What is visual merchandising in retail?
Visual merchandising involves designing a store layout and product displays to attract customers, drive sales, and reinforce brand image.
5. What factors should I consider when choosing store fixtures?
Consider factors like store layout, product types, brand aesthetics, durability, and customer accessibility when selecting store fixtures.
6. What are the benefits of using shelving units in retail stores?
Shelving units help organize products by category, maximize space, and make it easy for customers to browse and locate items.
7. What are some visual merchandising tips for small retail spaces?
Use versatile fixtures, maximize vertical space, choose a clear layout, and create focal points with impactful displays to optimize small retail spaces.