What Does VM ID Mean?

So if VM ID is in reference to a Visual Merchandising identity, what does that mean exactly? Similar to how a logo is the label of a brand image, the visual merchandising is also a part of its culture. Whether there are multiple locations that need a common thread or a single store needs to reinforce its brand image, visual merchandising impacts the customer’s perception of how established the brand is, how shoppable the store is, the value of the products, and its supports of its operational needs.

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Re-Opening Key Messages

We are starting to see an end to the quiet period for some, and we all need to think about how we will need to adapt for new consumer behaviours and needs. What could this mean for Visual Merchandising? Well, considering VM is meant to be communicating a message, there are several messages that are imperative to communicate to customers as they start coming back into our spaces. Many of these messages are true for online marketing as well:

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What Does "Experiential Retail"​ Mean For YOU?

Too many are ignoring the significance of "experiential retail" because it sounds overwhelming to them. It doesn't need to be what you think.

The three most common terms you’ve probably hearing in the retail world are:

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Busiest Time Of The Year

As we (or you - as retail owners) are  deeply in the busiest time of year, it's important to take full advantage to benefit the rest of the year! Don't forget to stop, observe,  think, document and  learn all that you can!

Read the list below for what to capture during this time.

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Holiday Markets

As we have proudly been working on design projects for the  Toronto Christmas Market and the One of a Kind Showbooth design is on the very top of our minds during this time of year!

What is our thinking process when designing these spaces? It really depends on whether there is an existing design or we are starting from scratch! Here are the factors we consider:

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Planning For Your Busiest Clientele

We’ve been advising everyone to plan the Visual Merchandising of a space for the LAZIEST customer, we should be strategizing for the BUSIEST customer. Because the busy customers are the ones who are actually open to purchasing, but truly put the impact of your retail presentations to the test. Here’s why and how:

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When You Can't "Shop Straight", Blame VM

Teaching Visual Merchandising & Display at Ryerson's School of Fashion is wrapped up for the semester, and this student quote was my very favourite on the last day of class. Although I'm not sure if I've changed the student's shopping experience for the better or worse, I know they've gained the perspective they need to succeed in Visual Merchandising. This reveals the impact of being equipped with Visual Merchandising principles: you constantly see opportunities to refresh, revamp, improve.

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Learning from the Freshest Perspectives

There is also a huge benefit to extending your Visual Merchandising (VM) insight to teaching at a university; learning these young students' reflections on VM means learning what retail trends are attracting them. The most common threads were: minimal product presentation, Instagram-worthy presentations and experiences, as well as options against non-gender binary shopping.

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