Clothing Stores – How to Use Mannequins

All good marketers know that images of people beat images of anything else 90% of the time. Mannequins may not be real people, but they are the best for making people look. Here’s how to use mannequins in clothing stores and other retail locations for better sales.

1) To attract foot traffic

If you’re on a medium to low-traffic street, you can probably get away with placing a mannequin on the sidewalk, especially if you can position it in a way that attracts attention, but doesn’t block the flow of foot traffic. Have your mannequin hold up a sign, either promoting a sale or being funny.

You have a great opportunity to display your products on the street mannequin, but don’t put anything too expensive on it, because theft rates are going to be high. Anything to hold on securely would be good, like a dress or jumpsuit. Just make sure you don’t put anything on the dummy that will really disappoint you if you lose. Some people have specific garments that have velcro sewn on and then they attach velcro tape to the mannequin. That way, if someone tries to remove a piece of clothing, there will be a loud noise and the thief will be so startled that he might run.

2) To display outfits

Clothing stores use mannequins to show how complete outfits are supposed to look together. If you have a used clothing store, use mannequins in the front windows to display your flashiest clothes.

3) For the brand

Forget serious department store poses. Your mannequins don’t have to be boring, and if you have two or more mannequins it can be really interesting. Get your mannequins ready to dance, smooch, and even fight over a scarf that’s on sale. I saw a store that had mannequins protesting low wages. The crazier your ideas, the more people will look and the more sales you’ll get when they just walk into your store.

If you can find the time, try to move your dummies once a day. You don’t have to completely redress him or change the theme of your presentation, but even moving his arms and changing where he looks will get more attention. Your best customers may be the people who walk by every day, and if you have a visual treat for them every day, you’ll be making the best possible use of the money you’re spending on renting that big picture window.

In addition to mannequins, you’ll probably want a wig or two. Buy a wig that fits what you sell, so if you cater to older women, get a gray wig or a wig with a more formal cut. If you cater to teenagers, make sure you get a wig that has an edgy look. You can also skip the wig and just wear hats and scarves, but at some point the bald head look will tire.