I bet there isn't a week that goes by that someone doesn't ask us, "who does your displays"?
For the most part it's me. Of all the things I enjoy doing, displays and merchandising are top on my list.
It started over 30 years ago when I lived in California. My first husband was stationed at Travis AFB and there wasn't many employment opportunities in Fairfield, so I was left looking for something to do. I wanted to go to the local Junior College and take a course in Merchandising and Marketing, but as it turned out, that wasn't possible on an Airman's salary. The next best thing was to go to the library and read up on merchandising, color combinations, even vs odd numbers in display etc. Armed with a notebook and pen, that's exactly what I did.
I was pretty good at home decor, and I have good color sense - so merchandising and displays seemed like the perfect thing for me. It wasn't for about 15 years, before I could actually put any of my knowledge to use in a retail setting.
I started working at Fabric Town and that's when it all became fun. What better place to work with colors and ideas than a Quilt Shop. It was fun, taking the quilts, draping them and adding little fabric packs, patterns and kits to the mix. Quick and easy displays were created and it was a nice feeling when someone would purchase items from our display and compliment us on the visual treat.
After quite a few years, I purchased Fabric Town, and started to add Antiques and painted pieces to the mix. My husband and I would spend Saturday's at different occasional shops looking for just the right bowl, crate or even vintage sewing machine to complete the "In my head display". I knew what I wanted each quilt to be paired with, and it often took weekends and 10 shops before I got it right.
The results were well worth it. The compliments were wonderful and the warm displays gave our customers a feeling of what the quilt would look like on a bed, draped over a chair or even hung on the wall. My own home had quilts on many walls.
The same rules that worked for the quilt shop work for Next Act. One thing that I am not fond of is the junky-cluttered look. Too many times you go into shops and they have so much in their displays that it's visual overload. I like to have a combination of merchandise that is appealing to the eye, coordinates as to content yet you can easily see every item without digging or straining. To me the "less is more" rule applies to most displays.
I spent yesterday and part of today, de-cluttering some of our displays. I didn't get rid of the things, I just re-distributed them throughout the shop. No need to have 8 teapots on a table when 3 that compliment each other make a nice statement. To me color is important, it must be visually attractive. Groupings are great if they draw your attention. Pops of color add a lot when possible. There are so many variables but the main idea is to showcase your merchandise.
Throughout the shop we still have the quilts displayed and for sale. Table runners and toppers adorn the nooks and crannies. I still have the need for the warmth they add. Fortunately, the ladies of Fabric Town are willing to offer their creations. Many a display has gone to a new home intact. They took the quilt, chair it was draped on, as well as the side table and lamp. In a case like that - I guess that display was a hit.
I hope that you continue to enjoy our displays and our ever changing selection of merchandise. Nancy and I certainly appreciate your patronage and all the new friendships we are making. It's a wonderful feeling to go to work everyday and like what you're doing and who you're doing it for.
Be Creative,
Patti
