Solutions for the Independent Retailer

Smart Fixtures - Store Layouts Delivered

2009-07-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

Smart Fixtures' specialty is providing retailers and trade show exibitors with custom fixtures accompanied by accurately scaled designs (the latter is always free). This unique package gives store owners and tradeshow regulars the ability to see what they're purchasing before they even start assembling it. The above is a quick summary of the services we can provide with a visual montage of success stories we've been a part of. Enjoy.

The Psychology of Color at Retail

2009-04-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

By Patricia Beks From http://www.retailcustomerexperience.com

The one major psychological influence that all retailers can — and do — make use of is color. Color can be everything to a successful store, if the palettes work well across the whole shop and complement other elements such as product displays and lighting. The point, according to retail designers, isn't about creating the most beautiful shop, but one that has coherence.

Color is central to coherence because we react instinctively to it. Red means "stop" and green means "go." Our brains are hot-wired to respond to color and, for modern retailers, the trick to using color is to understand both its physiological and psychological influences.

Color psychology perhaps explains why people are allegedly more relaxed in a green room and why weightlifters perform better in blue gyms. It's certainly the reason why some paint manufacturers now have color cards setting out the therapeutic aspects of each color, and why some cosmetic companies have introduced "color therapy" ranges.

To make things more complicated, the success of a retail store isn't so much influenced by the chosen color scheme but by how their target customers react to it. Is the store aimed at teenagers? Thirty-somethings? Senior citizens? The success of the store depends on how the customer reacts to both the products on display and the sales environment. Younger people like the energy of bold colors; older people prefer more subtle palettes. Get those colors wrong, and a retailer will find that their customers simply won't relate to the brand.

Color association also extends into food retailing. For example, most fast-food restaurants are decorated in vivid reds and oranges. These are colors that encourage us to eat quickly and leave — exactly what the fast-food operator wants us to do. Luxurious brands, on the other hand, favor softer colors that appear more sophisticated. In classier restaurants, those are the colors that encourage us to linger — and to order another drink, another coffee.

Some retailers are now using carpeting to influence patterns of travel around a store — particularly from the crucial zone just inside the shop entrance, often referred to as the compression or transition zone — the place where customers first orientate themselves with what's inside. Here, carpeting is being used to subtly direct shoppers deeper into the store or, by using different colors and patterns, create subconscious walkways that shoppers will tend to follow.

By recognizing how color influences us, retailers are better able to induce feelings of warmth, intimacy or serenity — or, by using more vibrant palettes, to excite or stimulate. It's about understanding target markets, the product lines to appeal to them and the kind of brand the retailer wants to convey. Lastly, it's about conveying that brand though color and design.

Blue Jeans

2009-04-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

This is a design for a high end jeans store. The trend with jeans is to fold. I gave the client folding tables, along with a T-way rack to display the style. The wall hooks will display the styles and the different sizes will be folded in the cubes below. You can spot light the styles with spot lights on the top. White mannequins can be placed around the store with jeans and white t-shirts. A marketing ideas is to advertise on their shirts - hand write the sale in black marker. This will give the high end store some edge and a great marketing tool at the same time!

Happy Clients Make Us Happy

2009-04-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

"I'm thrilled!" Cubitec Display photo sent from a client

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We can even show you what your customers will see from the outside.

2009-03-31T15:05:00.000-07:00

10x10 Tradeshow Booth - "The center piece was genius because what ever I put on top was selling." - quote from the client.

2009-03-31T14:43:00.000-07:00

This is a tradeshow booth I worked on with a client who sold ceramics. She had a 10x10 booth and needed a desk for cash and carry items to be wrapped. We gave her a tiered design with several clip on lights, a wrapping desk, and a silo. She loved the silo, "The center piece was genius because what ever I put on top was selling." - quote from the client.

Salon Design for BVI

2009-03-31T13:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a Salon client in the British Virgin Islands. They wanted a small retail area in the front of their salon. This piece high lighted the product, and left some space for marketing at the same time. Based on our years of working with some of the world’s most recognizable names in the beauty industry (L’Oreal, Matrix, Beauty Alliance, Farouk, NIOXIN) we are confident that updating your salon with Smart Fixtures will substantially increase your retail sales.

Home Office Anyone?

2009-03-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

Commercial Office Concepts using Steelcase

2009-03-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

Men's Shaving Products

2009-03-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

This was a 10x10 booth created for a men's shaving line. They wanted a space that was inviting to come in and take a look at all the great products they offered. They wanted lots of cubes to keep all the different products organized. I think I took the idea they had into the real thing!

Kitchen Design

2009-03-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

This is an upscale kitchen design for a company in Canada. They had a different layout that we worked with to give the most retail space to display products. They had lime green in the logo, so we incorporated that into the floor plan. We added lime green cubitec to the space and also added the stripe around the wall.

Cool picture of some Smart Fixtures in their native habitat.

2009-03-25T08:09:00.000-07:00

This was a fun project that was a true collaborative effort. Amazing what you can do with small spaces when you really try. My customer was gracious enough to send along some photos of the end result. Thank you Jennifer.

Coffee Anyone?

2009-03-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

This coffeshop was designed using all furniture pieces from http://www.smartfurniture.com to create a modern seating design. We used the D2 bookshelves from Blu Dot to serve as retail shelving AND bookshelves (ingenious don't you think?) Whether you need a waiting room or a restaurant decked out with modern furniture we've got you covered.

Tea Retailer

2009-03-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

This design was purchased exactly as you see it here. We put the counter with sink and refrigerators in the design but only provided the retail fixtures. Keep in mind we have extensive furniture offerings for seating areas and cashwraps but this one required integrated plumbing and we'd just assume leave that to the professionals.

Yarn Splendor

2009-03-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

Got delusions of grandeur for the coolest yarn shop in town? We can help you become the talk of the town. This design incorporates a classroom with desks, several retail areas, a cashwrap, a lounge space, and offices. We even put in toilets and sinks. Of course you might want to pick those up at a local hardware store.

Helping through Perspective

2009-03-24T08:33:00.000-07:00

One of the cool things we can do to help our clients is show multiple views of their space so you can visualize traffic flows and how the fixtures footprints use the space. From paned out to straight above or straight on we can show you how your space will look not just a catalog photo.

Merchandising Tip: Choosing Displays

2009-03-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

Choosing your displays and fixtures is as important as selecting products. This is an investment that is well worth the price. Often, manufacturers will offer a free display with purchase. Why does this incentivize retailers? Because it makes you feel like you're saving money.

Unfortunately, the free fixture with purchase is not the most beneficial option for you because it becomes a billboard for that manufacturer and removes the focus from your products to the architecture of the display. Investing in consistent displays throughout your retail area is the best way to display products. Your displays are there to enhance product, not detract. Keeping everything clean and uncluttered helps maintain a fresh look.

When we re-merchandised this salon with Smart Fixtures, we tripled his sales. He is now paying his rent with his retail sales. See the before and after photos.

Also, remember to keep your displays full with products! You need to show you're serious about what you do and you believe in the products you're selling.

Conference Room for Collectibles

2009-03-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

This was a conference room for a company that produces collectibles. They have a small staff and wanted something to highlight their products. This design needed different width and height spaces. This was a great example of all the different ways Smart Furniture can work for you!

Residential Design

2009-03-24T06:48:00.000-07:00

This customer called me up and wanted a large bookshelf for her extensive collection. After taking to her and taking notes, I created this design. I sent her the 3D design and she LOVED it!

Nesting Tables

2009-03-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

Merchandising Tip: Nesting Tables

2009-03-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

Impulse purchases make up 70% of all purchases. Nesting Tables encourage your customers to interact with products and also help establish promotions and new products. They present products clearly and directly to the client. 67% of people who interact with a product will purchase. Many successful retailers today display their products on nesting and display tables (think Bath and Body, Victoria's Secret, Old Navy, etc.) because they have been proven to boost sales.

Another Great Example

2009-03-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

Here is another great example of the flexibility we have to make our products fit you and your unique needs.

What a much more effective use of the space this is. Imagine this as just a 6x6 square bookshelf on the wall blah right, this is way cooler.

2009-03-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

A lot of people see our shelving as just a series of squares to place all of the items they need to store (inventory, books, whatever really).

However, if something a little more interesting is what you have in mind, like this particular client, there is a great deal of opportunity to make more interesting pieces for your display needs. This way the furniture has some interesting detail to help highlight the detail of whatever may be sitting on it.

Salon Academy - Retail Area

2009-03-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

Store Plan

2009-03-12T17:29:00.000-07:00

Merchandising Store Basics

2009-03-12T11:53:00.000-07:00

Can you take an empty space and come up with a merchandising plan for your products? Fortunately for you, we can. If slatwall and 4 Ways are keeping you up at night let us handle it and focus on those contractors that keep flaking on you. Once you approve the layout we place the order for you and are here to help you through it. We will be the easy part of your new store or remodel.

Salon Design with Storage

2009-03-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

This design allows for display and storage of your retail products. Don't have a storage room for excess botttles? This is perfect for your salon or spa. The undercabinets with doors are available in any length simply give me the space we have to work with and the aesthetic of the shelving atop and I can design your retail area.

10x30 Booth Design

2009-03-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

Here is an example of a tradeshow booth I have recently worked on. The company sells tabletop items, and needed some deep shelving and tables to set up table scapes. We provided them with lighting, and inserts to market their line information. This was ordered and shipped out in two days to the show in Chicago.
This is a 10x30 booth with 12"deep maple shelving, nesting tables, with clip lights, and clear inserts for marketing material.

Trade Show Booth

2009-03-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

This was one of the most exciting projects I've worked on in a while. This 22'x29' custom trade show booth really shined at America's Mart in Atlanta this January 2009. The design process was great as my client literally "cut" the different pieces out of paper and positioned them on grid paper to show me how she imagined the layout. The process took many modifications and in the end we came up with the perfect layout for the show. Of course with our modular capabilities everything can be rearranged for a different booth setup at any time.

Gourmet Food Franchise

2009-03-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

Gourmet Food Chain

2009-03-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

Starbucks Kiosk Display

2009-03-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

Retail update with custom displays

2009-03-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

Pharmacy Design

2009-03-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

Here is an example of a floor plan I have been working on for the past month. This is a gift store/pharmacy that is attached to an Assisted Living facility. The client wanted lots of wall shelves, and free in the middle for his clients to walk through the space with no problem. This design started with a layout from the client, which turned into this drawing, which generated an estimate, then lead to an order. This design was completed in a month time frame, and shipped the next day after the order was placed. If you have any questions or would like to get started on a design of your own - please e-mail me.

One of my favorite designs...lately.

2009-03-12T08:32:00.000-07:00

I always enjoy designing solutions for my clients. Sometimes the results are just cool. This is a tradeshow booth that I really like. The colors, design flow, it just works.

Trade Show Booth Designs

2009-03-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

Visit www.smartfixture.com for more about Custom Tradeshow Booths.
Smart Fixtures provides free custom trade show booth design assistance from its office in Chattanooga Tennessee.

Tradeshow Exhibit Customer Photo Gallery

2009-03-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

More Incredible Salon Images Using Smart Fixtures

2009-03-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

Salon and Spa Images from Customers

2009-03-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

Store Planning From Smart Fixtures Designers

2009-03-10T14:46:00.000-07:00

Smart Fixtures offers the perfect mix of store planning tips as well as displays to help outfit and design your gift store, salon, or other store type. Choose an industry below for more product ideas, or ask about our free planning assistance

Smart Fixtures Demo

2008-04-11T11:52:00.001-07:00

Smart Furniture Mentioned in Forbes

2008-04-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

Chattanooga based Smart Furniture was recently mentioned in Forbes Magazine, which cited the internet retailer as a prime example of Chattanooga's economic success as a regional tech hub. CEO Stephen Culp described Smart Furniture's Design on Demand® service as the furniture equivalent of the Dell model- that is- quick and easy customization selected by the customers themselves. Utilizing local manufacturers for its signature shelving line and with a showroom and offices in downtown Chattanooga, Smart Furniture recently celebrated the hiring of its fortieth employee.

Read the article.

Merchandising 101: How to Maintain a Dynamic Display

2008-03-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

One of the great mantras of merchandising gurus is "Keep It Dynamic." They tell you to update your displays frequently. All of your big-box competitors have a department at corporate, and usually at least a few regional staffers, devoted to maintaining a constant barrage of changing visuals, seasonal displays, eye-catching end-caps, and the like.

When you read about industry trends, somebody with ambiguous all caps initials after their name is always touting the merit of a reset, that is, closing for a day (or pulling an all-hands all-nighter), taking all the fixtures you have purchased and... you guessed it, throwing them away. Then, with your inventory in a heap, assembling and installing all new, modern, highly effective fixtures. This, they tell you, will give you an annual sales increase the likes of which you can hardly believe. The pain, they tell you, is far worth it because of the additional revenue that comes.

And why does the extra cash come? It comes because you changed something. And why did you change something? Because statistics show that dynamic displays sell more than static displays.
So why do most retailers staunchly refuse to update their fixtures, to replace their displays with something new? Do retailers want to send all their fixtures to the landfill? No. In fact, many independent retailers do almost nothing. They rotate stock, sometimes. They bring in seasonal items and display them, usually. But fixtures - though we all agree that dynamic is better - for the most part, stay the same. Year after year.

So the question is, what should you do? If you do nothing, then you will learn first-hand a lesson that has been proven throughout the history of retail- that an object at rest tends to remain at rest, on your shelf. But what if doing is rest is just not financially viable? Here is a simple recipe for consistent success in merchandising. Create a list of monthly tasks to be done or delegated. Here is an example:

1) Move two fixtures, even if just a little, to change the feel of the space.
2) Move at least two product families - make logical, though emotional decisions about what to put where - move books about traveling to Venice near the Italian Cookbooks, etc.
3) Pick one fixture you want to get rid of - ugly, dysfunctional, outdated, etc. and plan to put something new in its place this quarter.
4) When you do add a new fixture - either to replace the ugly one, or to add a new product, etc - consider the fixture's ability to change, to move, to be dynamic.
5) When you are done, write down your plan for what to do next month. You do not have to stick to it, but having a plan for the next move while completing this one adds a sense of continuity to the changes.

After a year or so of this you will have effectively reset your store. You will have minimized the financial pain of an overnight reset. You will have kept the attention of your customers by constantly offering them something new to see. You will have established a pattern of keeping the merchandising plan dynamic with minimal effort, and you will have developed an eye for what works. You may even want to add some initials after your name.

Winning Your Customer's Purchase

2008-02-29T13:20:00.000-08:00

Running a retail store can be tough when consumers are constantly bombarded with reports of high gas prices and the possibility of a recession. Thrifty customers doesn't have to mean poor sales, however. They still have wants and needs, and you have things they want and need in your store. They just a little extra convincing that what you offer is worth their hard-earned money. Here are five tips for making your wares as appealing as possible to your customers:

1. Always be aware of the season. The time of year is in the customers' minds even when they aren't thinking about it, so display your offerings in the context of the season, no matter what they are. Use spring colors when the season rolls around and people are tired of winter gray, and make sure your displays have a sunny, outside feel during the summertime.

2. Use light to your advantage. Not many people are put in a good mood by dark, dreary surroundings. A visitor's shopping experience (and how much they buy) totally depends on their mood, so give them an invigorating, well-lit place to shop. Use light colored rugs and white ceilings to give the whole store a clear, illuminated look, and try placing mirrors and glass decorations to liven up any potential dark spots.

3. Be a good host. Your visitors are basically your guests, so why do so many retail stores feel like they have no human side at all? Customers appreciate when a store has more to offer than just things they can buy- a friendly face and meaningful interaction goes a long way. Small amenities are valuable too, like a well-kept restroom or a fresh cup of coffee on a cold day in January.

4. Take advantage of branding. Customers like to know they're getting value back for what they pay, so make them aware of what brand they're looking at, especially if it is one with a strong identity. Work with your suppliers to obtain brand merchandising items and display them in a place where customers can see them. Do this on a regular basis as posters, accessories, and other displays with seasonal themes change frequently. Remember, your suppliers want you to sell a lot too!

Eye-Catching Contour Units by Smart Fixtures

2008-02-21T14:10:00.000-08:00

For a stimulating, fresh look for your store shelving, check out Smart Fixtures' contour displays. With a clean, rippling design, these fixtures variegate the look of your store, giving an overly rigid and squarish setup a fresh, new look. Pleasing to the eye, contour units add a touch of flavor to the products' presentation without distracting from the products themselves, and because contour displays are part of the Smart Fixtures modular shelving system, they can be customized to fit whatever floor space you're working with. Assembled-tool free, these retail displays come with a lifetime warranty and are available in five finishes.

Tradeshow Booths by Smart Fixtures

2008-02-15T12:45:00.000-08:00

Create your ideal tradeshow booth with Smart Fixtures.
For the frequent tradeshow exhibitor, a solution now exists for handling all your fixtures needs. Using a method we call "Design on Demand," our professional team of rendering specialists create a custom tradeshow booth design based on your needs. With a unique, components-based approach, Smart Fixtures' shelves and stand alone displays possess a modern, engaging look as well as durability and functionality. Resistant to dents and scratches, Smart Fixtures' quality products are tough enough for the busiest trade show exhibitor and come with a lifetime warranty. Best of all, our products assemble and disassemble with ease, letting you set up and be on your way quickly.

3' x 3' Compact Yarn Displays

2008-02-13T11:30:00.000-08:00

Smart Fixtures offers a variety of shelving solutions for yarn stores, including the 3' x 3' Compact Shelving Unit, shown below. Without the appropriate fixtures, yarn displays can appear cluttered and confusing to customers, with negative results. The 3' x 3's clean, clean lines and roomy storage cubes are perfect for presenting yarn products to your visitors in a clear and organized way. If you'd like to maximize the number of offerings on your floor space, stack 3' x 3's on top of and beside each other.

Stand Alone Displays by Smart Fixtures

2008-02-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

Looking to utilize that space in the middle of your store without putting up imposing shelving units? Smart Fixtures has recently added a number of new free standing displays combining functionality and style. In addition to fitting where larger shelves will not, free standing displays offer excellent product visibility and encourage customer interaction. Studies have shown that customers are much more likely to purchase a good if they take that first step of picking it up, so why not encourage them by putting your things out in the open? Below you will find a number of versatile Smart Fixtures free standing displays to present your products. Shown here is the Adjustable Round Table with a wood veneer surface and chrome base. This table's height easily adjusts from 19.5 inches to 31 inches, allowing you to display smaller items at various levels.

Looking for something with a little more color? These Glass Top Cafe Tables have plenty. Also featuring adjustable height, these delightful round tables have a matching display surface and base, making them stand out anywhere.

Also available is the 3' x 3'Double Arc Display, which offers multiple shelving levels and lots of top surface area without taking up too much space. As part of the Smart Fixtures Design on Demand^® shelving system, this item can be modified and customized to better fit your particular retail space.

Looking to Increase Your Retail Sales? Purchasing Advice for Salon Owners

2008-02-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

Minor investments in the look and feel of your salon fixtures can create a substantial boost in sales if done correctly. In addition to increased sales, a stimulating set of displays with the right product mix will give your salon ambiance and a higher perceived value to your clients. However you choose to present your products, the decision process should not be taken lightly. Here are a few remodeling tips to help you get the most out of your budget.

1. Consider where customers will be walking when placing new fixtures. It makes perfect sense that customers will be more likely to buy something if they don’t have to go far to get it. No matter what the layout of your store is, there should be an optimal place for showing off your wares. Two frequently used locations is the area around customer seating and near the cash register; every salon is different, but wherever a customer can stop for a moment and have a look around is usually a good place for your displays.

2. The look of your products needs balance. A shelf with too many bulky items on one side will create a sense of discomfort with your customers. The same can be said for a shelf with too many smaller items cluttered in one corner. An awkward arrangement will make your visitors subconsciously shy away from your products, so try to give the items on your shelves a sense of harmony. If you want to place a larger product on the end of one shelf to make it stand out, put an item of comparable size on the opposite side. Things don’t have to be perfectly symmetric, but they should not be lopsided either.

3. Mind the height of your displays. Your products that are at or near eye-level will see the best sales. Items that are located on the bottom shelf only sell around two percent of the time, so put your winners high where people can see them. Consider using a free-standing display as opposed to a large shelf if you want to feature products away from a wall (like near the front desk when a visitor is paying).Nesting tables are one solution as free-standing displays.

4. Experiment with your lighting. Poor lighting can cast awkward shadows on your products and make them unappealing to your clients. Avoid placing lighting directly over a shelf or table; instead, place lighting fixtures to the front and sides of your displays. Try multiple arrangements before making a decision.

5. Are your displays mobile and versatile? A salon should alter its displays every two to three months to spur customer interest. Changing your merchandising around every so often will spark your clients’ interest when they are due for their next visit. It also keeps your salon feeling vibrant and creative. So before you purchase a set of fixtures, ask yourself-could this go anywhere in the store, or does it only fit in one spot? Also important is whether or not your displays can accommodate different sized objects. Remember, variety is key in getting your customers’ attention. Setups that never change appear dull and too familiar- and your guests won’t look twice at them.

Innovative Window Displays by Smart Fixtures

2008-02-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

Find yourself wondering whether you're using that spacious (or not so spacious) window at the front of your store effectively? You're not the only one. Regardless of what they sell, store owners across the spectrum recognize that the front window display is a crucial element of any merchandising strategy. Whatever lies behind that sheet of glass gives customers their first impression of your store. In many instances, a window display can be the deciding factor in whether a passerby even enters in the first place.

Regrettably, many retailers find themselves limited in how they can present window displays to potential customers. Traditional rigid fixtures dictate what goods can be presented to audiences outside, and owners must often sacrifice aesthetics for functionality if they want fixtures that can adapt to their ever-changing product mix.

Fortunately, a solution exists for retailers who want their window displays to match their own dynamic vision. With your specific retail space in mind, Smart Fixtures designers will create custom window displays that look simply fantastic. Made 100% in the USA, Smart Fixtures' tool-free, contemporary products come with a lifetime guarantee, and our unique, components-based shelving line allows you to make display that fit your store perfectly.

How it Works
Starting with a sketch of your store, Smart Fixtures designers create complementary designs based on your input and your individual needs. Clients are encouraged to modify their designs along the way to ensure that they get exactly what their store requires. The whole process can be completed in a matter of hours. When the time comes to change the look of your Smart Fixtures displays, our designers are just a phone call away if you need assistance reconfiguring your display.

Smart Fixtures 4' x 9' Echelon Window Display

With Smart Fixtures solutions readily available, you can have confidence that your window displays draw in an optimal number of visitors. Smart Fixtures recognizes that retailers need more than static merchandising options-which is why our products offer flexibility, assemble tool-free, and most importantly, start with your vision.