Visual merchandising tips & tricks

By Michael Hale

This October during the Coastal Connections Conference, I’ll be sharing some of the tips and tricks in visual merchandising that I have learned over the last 20-plus years recreating retail spaces for clients.

Here are just a few key fundamentals that I’ll be discussing in more detail at the conference.

Basic fundamentals of visual merchandising

  • Pyramiding – The use of creating a focal point with a gradual incline to the center or middle of a display presentation.
  • Vertical merchandising – The technique of merchandising products vertically usually used with less SKUs but more stock per SKU in a section.
  • Horizontal merchandising – The technique of merchandising products horizontally — usually used for more SKUs or brands per section.
  • Repetition – The technique of creating consistency with shelf and hardware placement to create a symmetrical presentation.
  • Colorization – The technique of placing items light to dark from left to right or top to bottom.
  • Folding/sizing – The organization of product by size — generally the smallest products to the front or at the top, with the largest products in the back or at the bottom.
  • Elevating the perceived value of a product – The more care and attention you give to how your products are presented, the more value you are giving to them.
  • Mass merchandising versus less-is-more – The strategy of understanding if a product should be mass merchandised or merchandised in a more lifestyled/boutique fashion.

I’ll elaborate on these fundamentals and share additional details on product placement, displays, props and decor during the Coastal Connections Conference, Oct. 22-24 in Orlando.


One attendee, whose name will be drawn after the session, will receive a free hour of consulting from me on-site. Visit www.coastalconnectionsconference.com for more information.