Smartphones and similar small consumer electronics have changed dramatically over the years. Surprisingly, though, the most successful merchandising tips for these products have not changed. More than ever, people want to get hands on with these devices, to check them out in detail. It can be challenging for retailers to create an atmosphere that’s visually appealing, hands-on friendly, while still keeping the products secure.
Here's what you need to know.
10 Merchandising Tips for Selling Small Electronics
- You want a look that says “lots of selection,” not clutter. With so many small products, it’s easy to visually overwhelm your customers. Instead, create focal points on the displays within your store. Shelves, racks, endcaps, and wall fixtures are all places to show off electronics and other devices, plus a wide range of associated accessories. Wall units and racks are especially useful for small items that do not need to be secured.
- Tables, counters, demonstration bars, and free-standing kiosks are great for showing off smartphones and other devices that are popular theft targets. Use a product such as Palmer’s CELLMATE that secures each product without restraining the customer’s ability to handle and test-drive the device.
- Use your brand colors to create a strong visual impact and draw attention. This also helps reinforce your store’s brand identity. Incorporate props that reflect your store-wide theme and show off your unique personality.
- Ask your vendors about standalone displays for smartphones or other small consumer electronics, or branded props you can incorporate into your own merchandise arrangements.
- Use each display to tell a story about that piece of equipment and accessories that go with it. Placing add-ons next to key items creates more visual interest, and it can greatly increase cross-selling. Displaying primary merchandise at various points around the store encourages shoppers to look around rather than simply zeroing in one item. Be sure to display easy add-ons as impulse buys at your cash wrap, too.
- Display items at eye level. Between the waist and shoulders is ideal. If you carry children’s electronic toys, put them lower so they'll be at a kid's eye level. They’ll make sure their parents look down to see them, too.
- Vary light levels, by using spotlights or colored lights to draw attention to featured products, sale items, etc.
- Use printed or digital signage to highlight key product features, ratings, or reviews. For instance, all your smartphones are “smart,” so what makes each one different? Digital screens can show short video demos as well as text or still images. Don’t use too many animated displays, though, or they will compete with one another.
- Change displays, or rotate them, every week or two. That way, customers always know there’s a new reason to come back. This is an excellent way to promote brand new items but also breathe new life into a slow-selling product, introduce a new seasonal theme, or call attention to your big sale.
- Photograph your displays. And keep notes about which arrangements sell best. Pictures will help you easily duplicate the best sellers in the future, and knowing what didn’t work will help you continuously improve your wireless and small electronics merchandising.
Using these merchandising tips will help you create an air of excitement that encourages shoppers to experience electronic devices for themselves and explore all the accessories and other products you have to offer, without sacrificing merchandise security or customer interaction.