Visual Merchandising - What it is, Types, Techniques, Five senses, Advantages, Examples

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What is Visual Merchandising?
Visual merchandising tries to improve how services and products are represented so that their positive aspects are seen.
It seeks to draw in customers so that they can be interacted with and be convinced to buy the product.
This approach is primarily used in retail outlets. However, nowadays, online retailers also use these methods.
Marketers try to capture the attention of customers and encourage them. They use color schemes, decoration, and lighting arrangements to this end.

Visual Merchandising Techniques | Types
Interior displays
These are set up inside the store. Things like signage point of purchases displays, assortment, item display, store design, and store layout are taken into account.
This can attract customers' attention once they have entered a store.
It can do a lot to convince them to buy a particular product.
Store Layout
The way the store is laid out can bring in more revenue and increase sales. Layouts can display a variety of products to shoppers.
A good layout can get customers to go through the whole shop. Layouts are usually in the racetrack, free form, and grid types.
For instance – According to Marcus Engman, IKEA’s global chief designer, the furniture at their stores are built like mazes so they look like walk-through catalogues.
Mannequins
Mannequins are used to showcase what apparels look like when they are worn. A shop can display its wares this way.
They can be found inside the shop or at the window. Trending apparel is also put on display.
Research indicates that the measurements of mannequins influence customer behavior.
Point of Purchase Display
Keeping products at a place where customers can interact with them can be a huge help. In brick-and-mortar stores, being able to see a product itself can have a significant influence.
Where a product is displayed also influences buying decisions. The ideal height at which something should be kept is the eye level.
Products must be within the customers' reach and visible. In addition, customers should get many options to select from.
Bundling
Bundling involves marketing products that are used together. An example of this can be the outfits on a mannequin.
Jackets and scarves can be displayed together. Jackets and tops can be paired. Complete outfits are also displayed.
Bundling encourages people to buy related products that are displayed together. It might also be used to show how a product is to be implemented.
Atmospherics
Usually, display and lighting are used to improve the atmosphere.
Scents and appropriate music greatly helps when these are not enough.
These should be consistent with each other. A compounding effect can influence people's purchasing choices.
Light
Good lighting can make consumers feel at ease. In addition, it can draw their attention towards certain products.
Bright lighting inspires optimism. It can make the store look more dependable and prompt customers to buy on a whim.
It also brightens up the shop. Lighting works best when it comes to premium products such as jewelry, haute couture etc.
Music
Music also influences how customers choose. It can be used to match both the store's and its products' branding.
The demographics being targeted also factor in.
One way to get customers to spend longer time inside a shop is to play slow music.
Scent
Brands can come up with their own scents for use in a store. It can become associated with it.
People will be reminded of the brand whenever they smell it outside. In addition, people's emotions are known to be affected by what they smell.
For instance - Lavender, basil, cinnamon orange – relaxing, soothing, calming, and reduces anxiety.
Exterior displays
Putting products up on windows that look outside onto the street attracts customers.
An attractive or unique window display greatly helps with brand image.
Windows displays help form the first impression about a store and its products. It draws customers in.
Colour
Colors can have a significant impact on window displays. Color is essential as it builds ambiance.
It is very effective for coming up with unique and attractive window displays. They end up impacting passers-by in ways few other methods can.
It brings the focus of people toward the products. This can help increase the footfall of a brick-and-mortar shop.

This video is on Visual Merchandising and it has the following sub-topics.

Time Stamps

0:00 Introduction to Visual Merchandising
0:15 What is Visual Merchandising?
0:45 Visual Merchandising Techniques | Types
4:31 Advantages of Visual Merchandising
5:24 Visual Merchandiser
6:18 Five Senses & Visual Merchandising
6:28 Online Visual Merchandising
7:16 Visual Merchandising Examples