20 Tips to Design a Showroom That Sells

April 15, 2004
For additional ideas on how to maximize the layout and design of your showroom check out these Web exclusive tips.

20 Tips to Design a Showroom That Sells

  1. Keep the showroom clean and organized. Polish and sweep floors daily. Maintain restrooms accessible to customers.
  2. Know your customers and create displays based on their needs.
  3. Display as much of your inventory as possible.
  4. Arrange displays to maintain good traffic flow and aisles wide enough for two customers to pass each another.
  5. Rotate displays with seasonal merchandise.
  6. Set up self-serve displays to make shopping as easy as possible for your customers.
  7. Put prices on merchandise.
  8. Create focal points in the store using signage, dramatic color and lighting.
  9. Don’t leave dusty equipment on the floor. It should look like its fresh, new and moving.
  10. Display unusual equipment as a conversation starter.
  11. Contact your manufacturers and distributors to learn about potential merchandising opportunities and partners.
  12. Suggest related larger ticket items using promotional offerings at the counter.
  13. Place stools at the counter so customers can sit down while they wait.
  14. Offer coffee, water, ice and popcorn.
  15. Creatively use wall and floor space to maximize layouts.
  16. Use lighting to create a comfortable, inviting atmosphere.
  17. Organize supplies by contractor type and group like items together for a one-stop shopping feel.
  18. Position the counter away from the door and near the back of the store, if possible.
  19. Consult with an interior designer on lighting, ergonomics and display spacing.
  20. Enlist the services of a rental consultant for an honest opinion of what you’re doing right and what you’re doing wrong.