Question:
Help! I have a clothing store and need eye-catching clothing forms. Any suggestions?

Needless to say, there are many forms out there. Here are just a few:

Cloth Display Forms – are a great way to add sophistication and class to your shop. They have a soft yet firm surface and clothing can be pinned to the body for best display. Ornate bases and foot pedal adjustable heights also add to the striking appearance.

Metal Form with Racks – are an excellent departure from the typical display. Retailers get very creative, stringing lights, adding ornaments or jewelry, hanging a sequined heart in the form…just about anything you can think of! Metal racks on the sides allow for additional folded clothing or accessory displays.

Counter Displays – are a double attraction as people come to see what is displayed in your glass counter as well as the counter displays on top. Cloth display and metal forms show well from a distance, especially with colorful scarves and jewelry added. Colorful counter displays promote point-of-purchase sales, so be sure to have the individual products readily available.

Antique Display Dress Forms – may look antique, but lend a modern “retro” flair depending how they are displayed. Consignment shops love these forms for their kitschy 60’s and 70’s clothing. The scrolled bases add additional elegance to this attractive display.

Have fun!

Question:

I own a retail location in which I carry hundreds of parts to include tiny nuts, bolts and screws. Please suggest a system to organize all of these items that is eye-catching, but not cluttered!
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The system I would recommend is relatively new, introduced on the world market in 2005. Slatbox® is a versatile and durable multi-purpose storage system with countless commercial and domestic applications. From high volume retail display through to home storage, the UV resistant polypropylene Slatbox® range offers variety in shape, size and color. Designed in Australia, built to advanced manufacturing standards and featuring high load bearing capacity, the Slatbox® range offers a truly universal solution to storage and display needs.

The easy to use Slatbox® range has been purposely designed to fit into every slotted wall and grid store fixture system on the market, including Slatwall®, Plankwall®, Megawall®, StorWALL™, gridmesh, shelf hanglock, cabinetry and pegboard. Using Slatbox® makes it so simple to build or enhance a display or storage system.

Slatbox® products offer everything you need in a modern storage system:

• Cost effective
• Time saving
• Long lasting
• Stylish Design
  
  In addition:
  · All products nest neatly together saving you transport and warehousing costs.
  · Compatible with any shop fitting system used around the world, the versatile Slatbox® range can be easily incorporated into any existing system, or build your own using our Modular Slatgrid™.
  · Designed for durability. Made from super- tough UV fade-resistant polypropylene, Slatbox® products will last, retaining shape and color, regardless of the environment.
  · All Slatbox® products are complementary in style and design.
  
  Frequently Asked Questions About Slatbox®

Can Slatbox® products be sterilized for clinical or hygiene purposes? Yes, our products are microwave safe and can withstand dishwasher and heat sterilization up to 120 degrees Celsius. They are also freezer safe (-40 degrees Celsius).

Are Slatbox® products made from new materials?
All our products are made from new food grade polypropylene with impactmodifier and UV stabilizer added. Our products are suitable for food contactapplications, are FDA compliant and conform to the requirements of EFSA 2005/79/EC Directive and AS2070-1999, Plastics Materials for Food Contact Use. All our products are also recyclable.

Do the products have UV resistance to protect from color fading?
Yes, all our products are made from UV-stabilized polypropylene and arehighly resistant to color fade.

Where can we source labels for the front of Shelfbox™ Storbox™ and Hobibox™?
Many label companies, including Avery™ labels, have a range of products that fit perfectly.

Can Slatbox® products be used on shelving or inside cabinets, as well as wall systems? Yes, the flat base on our products allows multiple display and storage useon any flat surfaces.
Can you confirm the working weight loadings for each type of Slatbox®? Yes, all our products have been weight certified to determine working load capacity with certification to Australian and International standards. The Testing Service is accredited with the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and complies with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 (1999) ensuring that all testing has been carried out in accordance with strict quality control initiatives and all relevant Australian and International Standards have been adhered to.

What is the minimum order for a special pantone color?
We require a minimum of 2000 units per product reference for custom colors.

Are the products able to safely store electronic devices to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD)? There are no additives for imparting electrostatic dissipative properties usedin the polypropylene mix in the Slatbox® range. Electronics and computerstores can use the boxes for storing packaged batteries, cell phone devices etc. without the electronics in them being affected.
If I want to reorder how do I know which product and part number I have purchased?
The Slatbox® trademark, design patent and part number is embossed into either the base of the box or the top of the slathook/unihook of all our products for easy identification of a genuine quality Slatbox® product.

(Product information supplied by Slatbox®.com)

Still have questions about Slatbox®? Contact preferred U. S. distributor Valley Store Equipment for further details at 1-800-996-9404!

Question:

I sell a lot of my homemade jewelry at swap meets and at craft fairs. How do I keep my jewelry from disappearing (getting stolen) at shows?

Theft is always a problem in retail and small items like jewelry are especially vulnerable to our sticky-fingered friends! Use of locking display cases are an excellent way to secure your products and still keep them in front of customers in an attractive, eye-catching manner.
Some particular cases to consider would be acrylic showcases. They are available in all sizes and accommodate different types of product. Here are some specific cases to consider:

Item# 1469 - Locking jewelry showcase with 2 removable bars across width to accommodate many necklaces; Bars on two levels. This case measures 13"w x 7 1/2"d x 21"h and locks from back for easy access.

Item# 1381 – Rotating Earring Showcase provides display space for 180 2" Earring Cards. This case is completely enclosed, locks from back and rotates for easy viewing.
Dimensions: 15 3/4"w, 15 3/4"d, 21"h

Item# 1460L and 1461L – Locking Acrylic Trays with Lid - 2 sizes:1460L - 12"w x 8"d, 2"h Acrylic Case, Locking1461L - 16"w x 8"d, 2"h Acrylic Case, Locking

These cases are great for craft fairs and showcasing small items. However, if you are traveling to attend a show, you’ll want to consider the following storage options:

Item# A861-7 Aluminum Carrying Case with Rollers
This case features:
Solid Aluminum Shell
Rollers with Retractable arm.
Adjustable pull-out handle
Side-way door for easy access
Extra storage compartment on door for brochures
Two 3 digit combination locks and two key locks
Holds 12 jewelry trays; Dimensions: 14-3/4” x 8-1/4” x 1”d
This case is excellent for secure travel with many different types of small products. Be sure to contact Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for latest safety parameters on commercial flights. On occasion, they may break locks on luggage to ensure there are no questionable items inside. You may want to request a search to alleviate this problem.

Item# A33460B Jewelry Attache Case, Black
This case features:
Dimensions: 12 3/8" x 8 1/2" x 2 1/4"H
Multiple chain snaps, slotted ring tray & 2 velvet pads
Holds necklaces, rings and earrings.
Has a built in combination lock.
This case is best for taking samples of items, not necessarily enough product to sell a large show.

I hope this has given you ideas to secure and store your product for travel and shows. For additional carrying cases, see Carrying Cases under “Jewelry – Black Displays” at www.valleystoreequipment.com or call Valley Store Equipment (800) 996-9404.

Question:

I have a lot of items I need to display, but I would like a more “homey,” comfortable feel to my store without all the standard shelving. Any suggestions?
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If you would like to add some warmth to your retail environment, think of the things at home that make you feel most comfortable. Having those items in mind when you shop will open your imagination to how a retail fixture might lend that same warmth to your store. I refer to these fixtures as “boutique-style.” A boutique style promotes a certain atmosphere with clients, possibly nostalgic of a bygone era or memories of growing up. For example, an upscale candy store may offer candy dispensers and candy reminiscent of the 1920’s. Top it off with employee uniforms from the roaring 20’s and you’ve got a memorable theme taking the customer on an imaginary journey back in time.

Some unique fixtures to consider when promoting a cozy atmosphere may include:

Nesting Tables – are decorative tables that would likely fit the décor of one’s home and offer plenty of display space as well. They are usually sold as a set of 2-3 tables of different size and height for clustered presentation or spaced throughout your store. These are especially popular with family stores as each table is at a level accommodating people at different heights. For instance, the larger table may have t-shirts for men and the smallest may have clothing for a toddler or ‘tween. Nesting tables are a flexible and appealing fixture in any retail location.

Scrolled Fixtures – are always popular with ladies clothing or accessory shops offering ornamental curling and shapely accessories. The best example of this is the Aaron Contemporary line with fixtures for various product display; jewelry, millinery, scarves, hangers, clothing racks, mirrors and many others. (See Aaron Contemporary)

Antique Clothing Forms – are a huge favorite, not only with clothing shops, but with all types of stores, decorating the forms in every manner imaginable. The Jersey forms can be pinned with sequins or decorative stone, spray painted with graffiti, laden with jewelry or plastic fruit. Metal forms are hung with lights, lit on the inside with light clothing on outside, a decorative heart on the inside with revealing top…the possibilities limited only by your imagination.




Wood Hangers – epitomize class and distinction, especially when matched with coordinating nesting tables. There are numerous styles and colors of hangers for various clothing, from child to adult size; a great investment for an upscale look in any environment.



Wood Store Displays – offer a down home atmosphere, as though you are visiting an old country store in the 1950’s. Country décor has a calming effect, much like your grandma’s kitchen where you sit and visit, exploring all her fun, kitchy stuff. This setting is perfect for retail as it encourages customers to stay longer, look around and ultimately purchase. Wood store displays paired with interesting product are a great combination for increasing retail sales.


These are just a few examples of fixtures and displays that lend a homey, comfortable atmosphere to your retail location. Best of luck creating your own distinct retail environment!

Question:

I have a brand new product to promote to a “big box” store to sell and I need a display on which to place my product. I’m going to ask the company representative what type of display he would recommend for retail locations. What questions should I ask him so I come off as a professional and not a first-time retailer?
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Congratulations on aiming high, a possible move that will land your sales in the stratosphere! In addition, you’re thinking of the needs of your client which already shows you’re a professional.

When approaching a “big box” store, keep in mind their space is at a premium, filling every corner, every shelf in order to optimize sales. When discussing your display, have the following information/ questions available:

What size is your packaged product?
Be very specific as to how much space each item will need including height, width and depth. The size is a main factor in determining where in the store your product is displayed.

What is the weight of your product?
Your product may be small as a candy bar, but if it weighs 10 pounds, the weight may eliminate certain display areas.

How is your product packaged?
Is the item in a box, wrapped in plastic, no wrap at all? The packaging may eliminate display areas as well. A box shows well on a shelf, but won’t hang on a peg. Plastic wrapped items may hang on a peg, but are in a clutter on a shelf. Non-wrapped items may display well in a dump bin as opposed to hanging on a wall.

Can items nest together for easy display?
Bowls and plates are excellent examples of items that nest, or fit well together in order to not waste space. Retailers love these items as they can place a lot of product onto a small space. This in turn allows space for another item to be displayed. Have 3-4 different ideas as to how product is to be displayed. Many options of display are very attractive to retailers because they know if the product must be moved around within the store, it can be done with assurance that the item can adapt easily to most display areas. Present pictures of your product displayed in various ways, on a shelf, hanging on a peg, clamped to a retail strip, on a hanger, etc. This will also convey to the retailer you are aware their space is valuable.

In what area will item be sold?
For example, cosmetics, automotive, clothing, food, POP (point of purchase products are displayed at cash registers. These are items shoppers typically forget or realize they need at the last minute.)

Does item need to be refrigerated or frozen?
Needless to say, refrigerated space is limited. All of the aforementioned parameters are doubly important.

Does item need care?
Plants are a specific example of care specific items. Others are frozen goods, items that must be at room temperature, items to be assembled. Discuss specifics with retailer.

These questions should open a good dialogue with your retailer of choice as to how you can best work together. Be prepared to send an email prior to your meeting to the company representative with general information of your product and how it is displayed on the retail floor. Best of luck!

Question:

I’m a traveling salesperson peddling my own line of casual clothing. I need a rack that travels easily and can fold up for travel, but shows well at presentations. Any suggestions?
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Good question! There are several racks that will accommodate a traveling sales person, especially if all modes of transport are used such as train, bus, plane or car. As you never know where sales opportunities will come up, let’s discuss the racks that will work well with ALL types of transport.

The RCW/4 Collapsible Garment Rack is made of 1" square tubing with a chrome finish. A 48" hangrail with two 12" pull-out rods offers additional hanging space if needed. Height is adjustable at 55", 60", and 65". The 4" ball bearing casters allow easy rolling transport and the entire unit folds to compact dimensions of 51 ½ x 22 ¼ x 4 ½. Rack includes clips for hangrail storage and protective rubber bumpers. This unit is of industrial quality, excellent for continual usage and folds down.

The RCS/1 Collapsible Garment Rack is also considered heavy duty like the RCW/4 and offers all the same amenities. The only difference is the RCS/1 has round tubing instead of square as on the RCW/1. Both racks are durable and well-suited for travel.

Another accessory to consider if you present your clothing directly from the rack is the dual-use RCA/5, Collapsible Rack Display Screen/ Shelf; folded in half, the screen acts as a merchandise shelf. When opened, it can be used as a display screen for exhibiting merchandise. The screen hangs directly on the rack and is compatible with both the RCW/4 and RCS/1.

Best of luck at your next presentation!

Let's Talk Business...

With the challenging economy and competitive retail market, a lot of our customers discuss how they promote their store/company without spending a lot of money. The answer is always great service, great service, and great service!

Following is a situation Valley Store Equipment (VSE) had with a supplier that will keep us a customer for life…

As a VSE salesperson, sometimes I have a fixture emergency; somebody needs to open his shop that weekend and is missing a piece or part or he forgot to order an item and needs it right away. One day, a lady called VSE. She needed some acrylic displays ASAP for a tradeshow in two days. She placed the order and VSE requested her displays to be shipped that day. VSE received a phone call from the acrylics representative that the freight carrier was too late and had not picked up the shipment. We offered to scramble and find another carrier, but our rep. said he would drop the order off at the carriers on his way home. This is a million $ company that was willing to drop a $25 order at the carrier to retain our business. Since this occurrence, VSE goes out of their way to send significant business to this supplier. It’s a win-win situation!

In business, it’s the extra little things you do that keep your customers coming back to you; taking that extra step, taking an extra minute or making that additional phone call can be the small activities applied everyday that add up to big success with your customers. That is our idea of great customer service and running a smart business!

Let us know: What’s your idea of great customer service?

Question:

I am so tired of the standard black, white and chrome fixtures. What fixtures can I use in my store that are unique and different?
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This is a common question for retailers across the country. We are always looking for something new and different to catch the eye of prospective customers. If you already have the standard black, white and chrome, you may consider implementing a retail system to complement the fixtures you already have.

A retail system is a line of fixtures of the same style. Some lines have more options than others so you will want to discuss with a VSE representative exactly what you are trying to accomplish so they can give you suggestions. Whether your retail location has an industrial, pop-culture, retro or ultra modern look, there is a system for you.

Some suggestions would be the following:

Pearl District is an upscale line of fixtures mixing brushed satin nickel and reversible wood melamine shelves to promote clean lines and extreme durability. Pearl District offers the custom look without the custom price tag.

Mod Fusion implements a clean, unique chrome and steel hybrid style. With round tubing and sheet steel this futuristic look displays products with shiny, clustering tables, chrome accessories and Hard Rock Maple finish shelves. Mod Fusion looks well with other fixtures; keep in mind hardware may not be compatible with your present line.

Chainlinx is an industrial look great for skate and urban shops to convey street smart design. Chain link fencing portrays a gritty, downtown feel with accessories not typically considered “gritty.” For example, the nesting tables, equated with upscale scent shops, have been transformed with chain link and epoxy grey to convey an upscale slant to an urban landscape. This line also goes well with black and chrome.

Aaron Contemporary is a line of raw steel fixtures with a clear coat finish that includes scrolling elements for a “steel magnolia” design. This line is very popular in lingerie, dress and ultimately very feminine shops. With this line, a little goes a long way. Choosing certain items to be placed or mounted throughout your shop will change the entire look. Considering many women buy Aaron Contemporary items for their homes, you know it’s a look that will attract the discerning customer.

I hope this gives you a few ideas!

Introductory Comments

Welcome to Valley Store Equipment's blog. We've had many customers remark that having a blog where they can place comments and suggestions to others would be a nice feature...so here we go!

We've just launched our new site (January 20, 2009) at www.valleystoreequipment.com and are still working to add content, information, products and articles in our Knowledge Base. If you have a topic, question, suggestion or comment please let us know by posting your comment on our blog or sending us a confidential email. We'll then take a look and do our best to add the requested information to our site.

What we're not going to do is fill our blog with a lot of information about us, we think you're more interested in what other retailers and business people are doing to make their enterprise thrive. Naturally we'd like to keep this blog oriented to the display and store fixture topics but if you have an idea, comment or remark that could help someone else navigate these interesting economic times we'd like to see it!

Questions or comments, feel free to post here or send us an email to info@valleystoreequipment.com. You may also give us a call during regular business hours to 1-800-996-9404. Please do not place an order on this posting...otherwise the entire world will see your order and payment information!