Hello Folks, This article is an eye opener for retailers and people associated with store operations who like to know about how Visual Merchandising can be taken to the next level by incorporating Information Technology or software element in it making smart visual appeal to customers...

1.
Visual Merchandising‐
A Smart Model
By:
Hemanth Y

2. Visual Merchandising-A Smart Model
By: Hemanth Y
Introduction:
The term Smart Visual Merchandising is the way in which the stores display the products electronically. The
way in which you display the products to attract the customers and make them easy for shopping .Store
displays have an impact on the consumer.
Visual Merchandising is all about keeping the right merchandise for the display and also using the space
effectively. This white paper gives information about how Visual Merchandising is changing its shape into a
newer version called "Smart Visual Merchandising".
Attributes of Visual Merchandising:
The fig1 depicts about various attributes of Visual Merchandising. As the title suggests Smart Visual
Merchandising fig2 shows how Visual Merchandising can be transformed into a smarter model.
The tools used to achieve these attributes are based on creating the most satisfying experience for
the shopper, turning web user into buyers.
• Store presentation and product merchandising: can be made available to the consumers by
means of mannequins in different categories like Men's wear, Women's wear and Kid's wear .The
way in which you visually represent any apparel product in a right fashion to clearly distinguish
between the brands.
Fig1: Shows how Visual Merchandising is implemented in most of the Retail Stores
• Sub-element: Design a distinctive logo that communicates your mission. Not only will you use this
as a storefront sign, but it could also be applied with graphics film on the floor as a welcome mat.
And you can use the displays that could be printed on merchandise and point of sale signage.
The way merchandise is displayed in show windows also has a lot to do with tantalizing the guests into the
store. Whether you have a store in the mall or on the street, the customer has only a few seconds to view
and be attracted by your displays. Your visual philosophy should replicate a billboard: make it bold,
colorful, and simple. Baby shops often put one of everything into the window and customer miss it
all because they cannot focus.

3. Fig2: Indicates how Visual Merchandising could be transformed to Smart Visual Merchandising
Store layout
Consider alternate presentation method say Lifestyle Merchandising. With this method, diverse products
like apparel, home furniture, accessories, interior design products etc., which all reflect the same theme, are
displayed together in a room setting.
A good visual merchandising and store planning will play an important part. Maintaining a store
presentation of desirable products that are clean, orderly, easy to find, and easy to buy will provide a great
service to the people looking for something special. Good in-store signage is the important final element
of store presentation and promotions. Category signage that helps to guide the customer through your
store is essential. In addition, creating a professional looking graphics package that displays price and
features and benefits messages clearly communicates the value of your offer.
Conclusion:
Smart Visual merchandising is just the beginning to target Indian consumer; since it involves online buying
patterns of Apparel and related products which attracts consumer to retail stores and presenting
merchandise in a manner that will appeal to consumers.
References:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_merchandising
2. http://www.apparelmag.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%
3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=5B60EBF044DB4A1F96F63E0
3E7F648BF
About the Author
The author is Trainer and Consultant for Apparel Retail Management and IT.