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Track Lighting Explained
by Adam Jones
A store’s lighting plan can have as much to do with setting the stage for a retail environment as the merchandise on the shelves or design of the fixtures. A customer’s mood, attention and perception are all deeply affected by the lighting scheme of his or her surroundings, which is why proper lighting is essential to the creation of a space that puts people in a buying frame of mind.
Creating a lighting plan involves a careful balance between ambient and accent lighting. Ambient lighting provides the overall illumination for a space, whereas accent or “task” lighting is used to draw attention to a specific object or a particular area. For this article we will focus on accent lighting, which is best accomplished using a versatile, economical system known as “track.”
Track lighting has been around since the mid-1960s and has grown to become the leading method of providing accented lighting solutions in both home and commercial applications. The main manufacturers of track back in its early days were Halo, Juno and Lightolier. Each company had its own unique track system, and these systems remain the standard to this day. Regardless of which manufacturer you choose, every track system is made up of a just a few simple elements that require very little effort to install and maintain.
The first of these elements is the track itself. Whether its recessed, toggle bolted, screwed into studs, or suspended off of a ceiling, a track’s basic purpose is to provide current to the lights the same way the socket on a traditional lamp provides current to a bulb. A track is usually powered by either plugging it directly into an existing outlet or by connecting it to an electrical box in the ceiling called a “junction box.” Simply plugging in a run of track is the easier of these two methods, however the resulting look cannot compare to the cleaner, more professional appearance of a junction box. A junction box connection does require that you hire an electrician to complete the job, however, which adds to the overall expense of the installation. Though we strongly recommend connection through a junction box, it will be up to you to balance budget and appearance when deciding on how to power your track system. Once connected to an electrical source, track can be laid out in any number of patterns using 2, 4, 6, and 8-foot lengths with a series of connectors. These connectors come in “X,” “L,” “T,” straight and flexible configurations, which can accommodate several different angles and shapes.
The next element of track is the fixtures. Fixtures come in an exhaustive array of shapes, styles, and colors. They can be as simple as a plain white gimbal ring fixture or as complicated as a multi-colored glass pendant light. The two main categories of track light fixtures are low voltage and line voltage. Low voltage fixtures convert the 120V current provided by the track into 12V by means a transformer box in the base of the fixture. Low voltage fixtures use a smaller-than-normal filament in their bulbs which provide a “whiter,” more tightly focused light than that of their counterpart, line voltage fixtures. Line voltage fixtures attach to track without the use of a transformer and cast more light than low voltage fixtures. Line voltage fixtures are also significantly less expensive.
The final major element of a track system is the bulbs or ”lamps.” The two most common types of track light bulbs are spot and flood. A spot bulb has a more focused and brighter light than a flood, which lends it self to highlighting specific objects. A flood bulb provides a more general lighting pattern, which is well suited for “filling in the gaps” by illuminating a wider area than a spot. Low and line voltage fixtures both use different bulb sizes, the most common of which are MR 16s for low voltage and PAR 30s for line voltage.
Having discussed the basic elements of a track system, we will now focus on how to utilize track in the lighting plan of your store. First and foremost, it is important to make sure that your lighting plan abides by all local and state laws. In California, for instance, in addition to normal building codes, retailers must also abide by Title 24 Energy Efficiency Standards.
When deciding on how many lights to use in your store, the key is to not use as many lights as possible, but instead to effectively use the correct lights for the application. Remember, track lighting should not be used as the main light source for your retail space, and this should be reflected in your layout. Instead, track’s role as an accent light should be utilized to create contrast in your store, which in turn draws attention to specific areas or items. Intelligent use of accent lighting will also allow you to avoid outrageous utility bills, which it turn adds dollars to your bottom line.
When selecting fixtures themselves, the actual style of the unit is far less important than the bulb you select to light your store. A designer fixture may add a special touch to your retail environment, however it is important to remember that you are not selling the lights in your store, but the merchandise that you are lighting. If you’re trying to decide between using a 50W futuristic fixture or a simple 50W gimbal ring fixture, keep in mind that both lights use exactly the same kind of bulb. Remember, it is far more important to spend money on quality bulbs that make your product truly stand out than it is to have a light fixture that competes for attention with your merchandise.
Finally, its important to remember that if your track layout remains static, you’re not realizing the full potential of the system. Though the track itself may not be able to move, the fixtures you’ve selected can be repositioned in a number of ways. This ease of movement is one of track’s key advantages, which is why every sale, seasonal offering or remerchandising of your store should include a repositioning of your track fixtures so that each key area or item receives the attention it deserves.
To demonstrate how all of the above elements can work together to create an attractive retail space, here’s an example of a lighting plan we did for a local gift shop:
In the above plan, the track is set approximately 10’ high, the perimeter lights are held 5’ from the walls and the center lights are set on 8-10’ spans from each other. Window lights are set directly above the window pointed back at the displays below to draw the customers’ specific attention to the merchandise. Please keep in mind that this type of plan is very general, so if you have any questions regarding specific lighting applications we encourage you to post them on TRIO’s Online Forum so that our design staff can provide you with further assistance. Until next time, take care and happy retailing!
Laminate Color Charts
Custom Clothing Racks
 
CONCEPT
 Apparel Merchandising
Clothing racks should allow merchandise to be presented “face forward”. It is very difficult to sell “shoulders” and that’s why you rarely see circular racks in contemporary stores.
STRATEGY
Custom Theming:
Work with custom racks if you intend to carry the stores theme into its design. They will make your store a little more “special” than anyone else’s
Perimeter Wall Display
Display walls should be flexible and divisable in order to create clear merchandise presentations. Typically this is done by dividing the display into vertical segments each telling its own unique story.
STRATEGY
Use merchandising systems that allow products to be changed and presentations reinvented at a moments notice. The display systems shown here can be used throughout the shop or in segments depending upon the “look” and finish level you are after and your fixture budget.
CONCEPT
Wall display should be interesting, flexible and segmentable. Tell your story in a variety of ways with each presentation being able to stand on its own. Shown is the gift shop in the proposed La Jolla Surf Museum. We have specified wall cases, slatwall panels, recessed standard wall panels and puck panels to provide a series of display areas that will each “talk” about different merchandise. These are supplemented by surfboards, surf graphics, photos and posters to extend the museum experience into the store.
Custom Metal Fabrication
Every store should attempt to separate itself from all others. This begins at the store front and should continue through the last item in the back of the store. Beginning with an eye catching sign on the exterior of the store, the character and mood should be stated. Colors, finishes, logos and lighting are all important factors in creating a successful store. But it’s the unique and store-specific elements that will have the customers talking.
Strategy One of the most effective ways to create a unique look for your store is through Custom Metal Fabrication. TRIO has been implementing this strategy for over a decade and has outfitted everything from NFL and NBA Team Shops to surf shops to skateboard shops with original metal creations that help bring a word-of-mouth element to the store.
Shark Mouth
This recreation of a shark’s jaw has easily been one of our more popular creations for retail stores and always seems to draw comments from customers. Though originally designed for a surf shop, this shark’s mouth can be used in virtually any retail store with some creativity.
Secures to the wall or can be suspended from the ceiling.
16″ Mouth $349
22″ Mouth $449
Shark Profile
This piece typically goes into water related retail stores such as surf shops, swimwear stores, dive stores, etc. There are, however, many different applications for this shark that are fun and help create an atmosphere.
Can be hung on a wall or from the ceiling.
24″ Shark $149
36″ Shark $249
48″ Shark $299
Surf Hook
These hooks are ideal for bringing an added to touch to changing rooms. Perfect for bringing a store theme into an area not usually considered by many. But it’s always important to make a statement about your store every chance you get. These hooks can be created as football players, baseball players, surfers, skateboarders and on and on.
$39 As Shown
Price may vary depending on detail and size.
Surfboard Faceout
These surfboard faceouts have been popluar as both accent pieces with standard hardware or used as a complete line. Can be created as waves, surfboards, hockey sticks, baseball bats, etc.
12″ Faceouts start at $24 
Fish
Logos, themes, brands can all be added to a store for the element of fun and whimsy. These icons can help draw attention to parts of the store or to items that might otherwise be passed over by customers.
$39 Each
Price may vary due to size and detail. 
Door Logo
Any type of icon can be used to brand your store’s logo or theme at various points throughout the store. This particular surf icon is located on the front door of a California surf shop. These are effective at points of sale, entry doors, changing room doors, walls and on fixtures.
This particular logo, due to it’s detail is priced at $220.
Prices for these logos begin at $50.
Prices determined by size and detail.
 Store Sign
The storefront sign is usually the first thing the customer notices about a store. Metal Fabricated signs can be used to add various themes to all types of stores. This particular sign was cut using rusted sheet metal for a weathered coastal look.
Call for pricing on signs.
Floor Logo
Embedded steel floor logos have been and continue to be one of the most effective ways to display a store’s logo. These allow customers to see your store’s name or logo as they both enter and exit your store.
Pricing on floor logos starts at $150.
Pricing is determined by both size and detail.
Changing Room
These modular changing rooms help are perfect for helping create a theme and atmosphere for a store. These units can be done for almost any retail store and come with casters for easy relocation.
This particular unit is complete with casters, roof, logos and thatch. CALL FOR PRICING
Pricing is based on size and detail.
Bench
Our benches continue to be very popular with stores that have entries or outside areas that attract high foot traffic. Recently, though, many stores have been adding them to the interior of the store and using them as one more opportunity to brand. These benches can be done with a simple name or logo on the back or as detailed as the one shown.
Prices on benches begin at $649
.
Seahawk
This metal Seahawk has an 8′ wingspan and was created for Seattle’s NFL franchise and hangs in their team shop. It is still one of the most talked about pieces we have done. The boundaries of what can be done in this area are almost limitless. If you have an idea of what you would like to see, call us.
This particular item is priced at $2500.
Pricing on these items is determined by size and detail.
Stairs
The stair runners that we created for a San Diego surf shop turned out to be one the store’s most discussed elements. Though not created to sell any particular item in the store, they make such an impact that customers always associate them with this particular surf shop.
Call for pricing on these units.
Surfer Form
This versatile form allows store owners multiple options. The top icon can be changed from logo/icon to a flat metal top for shoes to a pitched metal top for hats or magazines. The icon can be a basketball player, hockey player, surfer, skateboarder, logo, etc.
Comes with metal rod form and base
36″ Child Form $175
54″ Adult Form $200
66″ Adult Form $225
Bosa Bella Floor Logo
Laser cut stainless steel floor logo. Please call for pricing.
Corvette Shop Gets a Tune-up
How do you honor the most iconic American automobile of the past 50 years in a way that attracts new devotees without alienating the purists? This was the delicate problem posed when Trio Display accepted a job to design a new Corvette showroom.
West Coast Corvette, a customization and pre-owned Corvette dealer, in Placentia, California, was looking to expand into a bigger showroom. Aside from adding floor space, the wildly successful retailer saw an opportunity to improve product display and presentation. They contacted Trio Display. “The challenge was coming up with original display fixtures and trying to theme them around an automotive icon like Corvette,” said Brian Jones, Trio Design Director. “We wanted to create a place where Corvette is God.”
The Trio store design department popped the hood on the Corvette brand. They dove into the history of American muscle cars and sports cars and developed custom thematic fixtures that reflected the rich heritage of the brand. Trio designers researched period photos and old Corvette logos and incorporated them into a consistent design “voice.” “We drew on the experience from a job we had done for Galpin Ford,” said Jones.
The result? A turbocharged retail environment that breathes petrol and rubber. A black-and-white checkered flag painting scheme runs throughout the store while aftermarket ‘Vette parts hang from cherry red custom pinwheel displays. Without a doubt, West Coast Corvette has now become a required pit-stop for any Corvette aficionado.
Storefront Design
CONCEPT
Great storefront windows stop customers in their tracks and then lure them into the store. If your display windows pull in 10 extra customers a day who spend $50 each, the annual increase in sales will exceed $182,000.
STRATEGY
The two keys to an effective storefront are the ID signs and the display windows. The sign sets the “brand identity” so the logo should be strong. In many cases the logo will be used to brand merchandise in the store and the stronger the logo is the higher your branded sales volume will be (for as many years as the shop is open). We suggest you use a graphics professional to create the stores graphic image including signage, shopping bags and interior graphics. The front sign should be multilayered to provide texture and interest and it should be highly visible.
The windows should be at least 24” deep by 6’ wide and they should start at sill height. Use simple elements to create great window displays. A combination of clothing forms, plastic and wooden risers, and posters are the basic tools necessary to create a window display that can be enhanced with props and merchandise. Don’t forget to light the windows with spot lamps and hire the most talented window trimmer you can find to create your displays.
 “SHARK ATTACK” STORE
“CARTOON NETWORK” STORE
See STOREFRONT SIGNS for additional pictures and information.
Gondola Shelving Demystified
By Adam Jones
Part 1: The Layout
 For decades, gondola shelving has provided storeowners of all types with durable, affordable and versatile display options. Gondola systems have the ability to fit into almost any retail scenario regardless of merchandise or customer demographic and are available in a myriad of materials, finishes, sizes etc. As a result, selecting the right gondola system can be overwhelming. Over the course of the next few months, we will be highlighting the fundamentals of putting together a gondola system that maximizes the potential of your store, fits into your budget, and keeps your customers coming back.
Determining a layout is the first step toward making a gondola system work well for your store. The decision to use gondolas vs. slatwall, grid, wood shelving or custom fixtures depends a great deal on what you are selling, who you are selling to and the limitations of your budget. A good rule of thumb is the greater the volume of product, the more gondola shelving you should use. That’s why you see gondola systems used heavily in convenience stores, supermarkets, dollar stores, etc., as these retail situations often require the simultaneous display and storage of many items on the same shelf.
Next consider the height of your gondolas. Obviously, the taller the gondola system, the more space you can use to merchandise. Height does have its disadvantages however since taller gondolas decrease customer visibility and lead to a greater theft risk. Taller shelving also requires more customer assistance for issues like hard-to-reach items, which can divert time from both you and your employees. By taking the time to consider such key elements as the volume of your merchandise and available manpower it will be easier to decide on a height configuration that fits your store.
The last layout aspect we will discuss is shelf depth. As in considering gondola height, the shelf depth of your gondolas has a lot to do with how much you’re going to be able to merchandise. The overall size of your retail space also comes into question at this point, because the deeper your base shelves, the less room you have for aisles. Aisle depth is an important factor in store design as it affects everything from the traffic flow in your store to your ability to abide by local laws for customers with disabilities. Typical aisle space ranges from 48” to 72” and has much to do with balancing your customer’s comfort level with the demands of your inventory presentation.
Finally, we suggest that a good starting point for any gondola layout is an overhead drawing as well as an elevation of the setup you’re looking for. Whether it’s as sophisticated as a CAD drawing or as simple as a sketch on a napkin, using a visual representation of what you’re trying to accomplish is the best way to avoid the creation of a poorly designed retail space.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of a gondola layout, it’s time to delve into the selection of the units themselves. All this and more will be covered next month in Gondola Shelving Demystified Part 2: The Units. Until then take care, and happy retailing!
Part 2: The Units
 This part will discuss how to select the units themselves, and after reading this article you should have no trouble figuring out which gondola units you need to make your final layout a reality. We’ll also take a brief look at how to customize your units through the use of various accessories, backing materials and colors which will give your gondolas a look that is tailored to your retail space.
For the purpose of this article, let’s assume we are following a layout that calls for a 7’ span of gondola units along one wall, and a 12’ run of gondola units right down the middle of the store. Right off the bat, we know that we’re going to be ordering both wall units and aisle units. “Wall units” are gondolas with one base shelf and a flat back. As the name implies they are almost always placed flush against a wall and are typically taller than their counterpart, the aisle unit. An “aisle unit” is basically two wall units built back to back which allows for the creation of aisles. A mixture of wall and aisle units is fairly commonplace, especially in high volume retail situations such as convenience and grocery stores.
Next, we need to decide how many units to buy in order to complete the 7’ and 12’ runs of gondolas required by our layout. Gondola units, be they wall or aisle, are commonly constructed in 3’ and 4’ lengths. Using a combination of these two sizes, you can make a run of gondola shelving in nearly any length. For the 7’ span of gondolas along the wall of our example store, we would order two wall units, one 3’ long and the other 4’ long, and combine them to make a 7’ length of gondola shelving.
Constructing the 12’ aisle run is slightly trickier. Obviously aisle units are going to be used, but do we purchase three 4’ sections or four 3’ sections in order to make the 12’ run? A good rule of thumb in this situation is to use the fewest number of units possible to make the length of shelving you need, as it’s ultimately easier on your budget. If we decide to use three 4’ sections, we not only save ourselves the cost of a fourth unit, but we’ll also save money when we’re buying the accessories that attach to the units.
One last thing needs to be considered when buying the actual gondola units, and that’s figuring out how many starters and add-ons are required to construct the run of shelving in question. So what’s a “starter” and what’s an “add-on?” A starter is either a wall or an aisle unit that “starts” a run of shelving and consists of the base shelf (or shelves, in the case of an aisle unit) and two steel uprights that frame the backing. Starters are also structurally sound enough to stand on their own, however they also cost more due to the extra metal used to make the two uprights. This extra cost led to the creation of the add-on. An add-on is either a wall or an aisle unit that “adds-on” to a starter unit to create the desired length for your run of shelving. Unlike a starter, an add-on only has one upright. In order to remain standing, an add-on is attached to a starter and “borrows” one of its uprights in order to maintain its structural integrity (a diagram of this can be found here). Since there’s less metal involved, add-ons cost significantly less than starters, which contributes to the excellent value that gondola systems are known for.
When creating a run of gondola shelving you will only use one starter per row, which means our 12’ run of aisle gondolas will be made up of one 4’ starter and two 4’ add-ons. In the case of our 7’ length of wall units, you might assume that a judgment call needs to be made on our part as to whether the 3’ or 4’ unit will be used as the starter. After everything is said and done, however, neither unit has a cost or structural advantage over the other, so either configuration will work equally well.
So, now that we know the basics of selecting our gondolas, which units would we purchase in order to make our layout come to life? For the 7’ long run of shelving against the wall we would order one 4’ wall unit starter and one 3’ wall unit add-on (or vice versa!), and for the 12’ long aisle we would order one 4’ aisle unit starter and two 4’ aisle unit add-ons. Now that we’ve worked out how to select the units required for our project, we need to figure out what our units will look like and what we’ll attach to them in order to merchandise our products successfully.
Most standard Gondola units come powder coated in an off-white color with a painted backing made of pegboard. Any deviation from this configuration can potentially lead to both an extra cost as well as a longer lead-time, therefore your budget and your build-out timeframe must be taken into consideration when making decisions about the customization of your units. That being said, gondola units can be constructed in a several different “set-ups.” Gondolas come in a limited number of colors, and a listing of these “standard” and “non-standard” colors can be found here. Its important to remember that proper color selection may be the key factor in what separates your store from the stores of your competitors.
Along with the pegboard that I mentioned before, gondolas are commonly backed with a painted piece of hardboard, a laminated piece of hardboard, or with slatwall. The pegboard and painted backs are available in the same standard and non-standard colors as the metal parts of a unit, and the slatwall and laminated backings are available in a wide array of low and high-pressure laminates. When picking a backing material, you need to consider both function and look. For example, though a painted or laminated backing may have a “cleaner” appearance, a pegboard or slatwall back will allow you many more options when it comes to merchandising your units.
Finally, you need to consider how you will display your products. Gondola shelves, which come in 3’ and 4’ lengths and a variety of depths, are the most common attachment used on a gondola unit. Standard shelves can be attached to the unit horizontally and at a 15 or 30-degree angle. When attached horizontally, these shelves can hold up to 600 lbs. which makes them more than durable enough to display nearly any item. Many merchants will also stagger the depth of their shelves to provide a clearer view of the merchandise. For example, the base shelf might be 18” deep followed by the shelves above at 16”, 14” and 12” deep. If you have selected a pegboard or slatwall back for your units, you can also display items using any standard pegboard hardware or slatwall accessories. Knowing your inventory and the needs of your customers are the two most important factors when it comes to display accessory selection, therefore we suggest that you create a merchandising layout similar to the floor plan layout you made when figuring our where to position your gondolas in your store. This method of planning ahead will save you money and keep your merchandise from collecting dust on your shelves!
Any further questions or suggestions for future articles can be emailed to feedback@triodisplay.com, or posted on the TRIO Display online forum.
Enlighten Me: Lighting Your Store
Proper lighting sells merchandise more effectively than any other store design element. Without proper lighting your customer will not be drawn to or even see what your store sells. The key is not lots of lights but the effective usage of the correct ones. When lighting is designed into a store for both sales and display not only will your product “pop” but your client will be more comfortable and receptive.
Strategy: Diversify Your Light Sources
We typically suggest a combination of fluorescent and track mounted halogen lamps for most of our retail clients. The combination of ambient and spot lighting creates a flexible lighting program that supports a retail environment exceptionally well.
Lighting can be provided by several sources in a retail environment. The diagram above details a possible lighting program for a retail store.
- Track lighting to punctuate specific items.
- Fluorescent recessed lamps for ambient lighting.
- Recessed incandescent lamps to mark traffic flow.
- Soffit strip lamps to highlight perimeter display.
- Pendant hung lamps to set off the counter area.
Track Lamps
These track fixtures are the best combination of simple design, commercial quality and reasonable pricing that we have found. Available in black or white, these fixtures will support most track lighting plans
Bulb Selection
Bulb selection is critical when planning the lighting levels for your store. Keep in mind that most focal point lighting will need to reach 500-foot candles, or more, for maximum effectiveness. Anything lower and the fluorescent lamps in most stores will wash out the sharpness of the spot bulbs. Some combination of three types of lamps is usually used depending upon your specific requirements and budget.
Fluorescent lamps are still best for general lighting in most stores. Unfortunately, the color rendition of standard fluorescents lamps is pretty dismal. Merchandise simply does not show its true color under either “cool” or “warm” fluorescent lamps. Designer lamps are now available that provide a combination of high light output and color rendering performance that will enhance your merchandise. These lamps are designed for retail use and can replace your existing fluorescents. An easy way to quickly change the look of your store.
Incandescent reflector bulbs have long been the standard for retail lighting. Good color and an economical price have made them the favorite for most display uses. These lamps have been redesigned to produce a Halogen PAR lamp with superior color rendition at a lower wattage output. The result, a 90-watt PAR bulb provides the same punch as a standard 150-watt reflector bulb.
Low-voltage quartz halogen lamps are used primarily for lighting dramatic displays in store interiors and windows. Tight beam control and excellent color rendition make these MR16 lamps the choice for those “special” displays.
CLICK HERE TO ENLARGE
A Retail Lighting Plan
This is the lighting plan we used for the La Jolla Surf Museum Gift Shop. Fluorescent lamps provide ambient light and we have added track lighting to attract interest and add dimension within the store.
Recessed low voltage halogen lamps are used in the wall cases and slimline fluorescent lamps in the POS cases.
Track is installed in the front windows and around the perimeter of the store approximately five to six feet in from the walls. Track lamps are placed every 24-36 inches around the stores perimeter and every 48 inches to highlight floor displays. The windows receive one lamp per 24 inches.
As you can see, developing an effective lighting lay-out isn’t as simple as screwing in a lightbulb. Take care with your lighting and it will pay dividends.
Mannequin Primer
By Eric Fairbanks
The mannequin is the centerpiece of any successful clothing display, and rightly so. Nothing shows off the cut, fit, and fabric like a three-dimensional form. Sales figures reflect this; Torso forms sell more bras, while butt forms boost sales of briefs and panties. So let’s take a closer look at the anatomy of a mannequin (from the Middle Dutch “maneken” meaning “little men”).
According to some, the first dress forms, the antecedents of the modern mannequin, date back 3000 years. Dressmaker and tailors used forms (a form is a headless mannequin) for fitting and storage purposes—it was only in the mid-1800s that they were used to actually display clothing. These rudimentary forms were fashioned from wood and, as far as realism goes, were as far from the incredibly lifelike fiberglass models of today as we are from Cro-Magnon Man. With the evolution of window displays, the role of mannequins and forms in retail has only grown.
Be Careful What You Buy
Mannequins can be quite expensive—a new fiberglass mannequin will run from $150 for a low-end import to $350-$400 for a mid-range fashion model to $1,000 for an exclusive European line. Before you purchase a mannequin, assess whether a much cheaper headless body form or mannequin (typically $100-$150) might fit the bill. If you are limited on space, consider a wall-mounted form. Keep in mind that as with much in Life, you get what you pay for. Cheaper mannequins don’t drape fabric well or look as compelling as high-end models and may not last as long.
“Most mannequins you’ll see are made of fiberglass, which is fairly durable, light, and renders a very lifelike appearance.”
Most mannequins you’ll see are made of fiberglass, which is fairly durable, light, and renders a very lifelike appearance. It’s also moderately priced. Other typical options include expanded polystyrene (indestructible, cheap, light, not realistic) and urethane (expensive, very durable, lighter, fair realism).
Where Do You Buy Mannequins?
The high-end units appear in showrooms in New York and LA. It may be hard to buy individual pieces from these manufacturers because they are looking for high volume department store buyers. The next step is dealers. They will feature low-end to mid-range mannequins. Most online catalogs carry the same units because they are buying from the same import companies. Some dealers import their own and have relatively exclusive lines. Look hard at their selections. Avoid stilted poses and faces with odd make-up.
Care and Feeding
- To get more mileage out of your mannequin, you can buy different wigs to change the look of your display without having to purchase another model.
- Clean your mannequins frequently. Use toothpaste or baking soda and water for the tougher smudges. Make sure your hands are clean when handling mannequins.
- If you need to store your mannequin, wrap it in cloth or bubble wrap, taking special care to protect the face and hands.
- When placing mannequins in high-traffic areas, where patrons might bump them, elevate them or place an unobtrusive barrier around them.
Window Dressing: Mannequins on Display
 Use your mannequin to tell a story. Set up a tableau in your display window that features the mannequin in a realistic situation. Mannequins by their nature engage and intrigue. While the potential customer might or might not be interested in the product displayed, they might be convinced to walk in.
Just like an anchorman, every mannequin has a “good” side. Position the mannequin or the light source to take advantage of this. Mannequins can yellow in sunlight, so, if possible, keep the mannequin in the window display shaded. Use your best mannequins in your window display and as they “tire” move them over to the floor display.
Ever dress a sleeping child? Try dressing a mannequin. Fortunately, a mannequin has detachable limbs, but it can still be a long process, especially for the unpracticed. You will probably need help the first time. As you might imagine, sitting or reclining models require a degree in theoretical physics to dress. Along those lines: a wide-legged mannequin might not be able to accommodate pants or jeans; if you are to buy just one mannequin, get one with its legs together for versatility.
I, Mannequin: Current and Future Trends
Consider your customer and how they look. Americans are getting bigger, and though while we all might aspire to the Parisian catwalk ideal, the customer wants to see how the clothing will look on him/her. Your mannequins should follow suit. Plus-size female mannequins (size 14) are becoming more and more popular as a result (the standard female mannequin stands 5’11” and wears a size 4 or 6). Ethnic mannequins might match your clientele more closely than the typical Northern European model. Illuminated mannequins lit from within are also catching on, and will energize any display. But if you are really looking to stay ahead of the pack, take a look at one of the new very pricey moving mannequins.
Given their price and importance to any clothing display, approach your next mannequin purchase armed with as much information as possible. Hopefully, this article will, in some small part, aid your buying decision.
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