marketingcup.com

Selecting the proper mannequin depends on your store’s vision and customer base. Your mannequins project an image of your store, that customers use to identify with your store. This is why you never see mannequins frowning!

Depending on your customer base, it is wise to consider the physical proportions of your mannequin. The vast majority of customers do not live up to the expectations western society has placed regarding the “ideal” body. Extremely thin mannequins may actually have the opposite effect of that intended. For instance, one might initially suspect that the use of thin mannequins will make customers believe that by purchasing the product, they will appear thinner as well. However, the more likely outcome is that customers will think to themselves, “Well that outfit looks great on the mannequin, but my body is nothing like that, so that look is not right for me.” Consider using mannequins with realistic proportions so as to create a connection with the largest number of your consumers.

Mannequins should have hair styling or wigs which are hip and stylish. Hairless mannequins allow for flexibility down the road, as they are easily updated with wigs to reflect the newest hairstyles. Facial expressions should reflect the lifestyle you are projecting, and don’t forget that eyes convey a lot of information.

In your retail store display, your mannequins should be posed in a setting which reflects the lifestyle of the consumer, as well. Action settings, such as dancing, surfing, mowing the lawn, playing sports, or whatever the case may be help to demonstrate what your product looks like in real life use.

The use of abstract mannequins, or mannequin torsos, is also on the rise. These mannequins are absent a head, and both present a modern, nouveau, artsy look as well as keep the customer focused on the actual product itself.

Once you have selected the mannequins and mannequin torsos that are right for your store, it is time to plan your retail store displays. Make your displays work for you by using innovative lighting, poses, accessories, colors, and props.

Mannequins are your silent sales force. Remember to be creative and flexible when using mannequins to set up your retail store displays, and the customers will keep coming.

Ron Maier is the Vice President of S & L Store Fixtures, a leading online vendor of mannequins, mannequin torso, and retail store displays. For more information, please visit http://www.slstoredisplays.com .