If you sell clothing, you need to read this article. It talks about a change that’s long overdue in the apparel section: turning fitting rooms into sales tools.

Who hasn’t dreaded walking into that cramped space — usually about the size of a small closet — to try on clothes while your significant other waits outside to critique each outfit?

It looks like retailers have finally realized that fitting areas are a great place to make customers feel good about themselves and, in turn, the store itself. Better lighting, more mirrors, extra clothing hooks, room for another person — these are a few of the nice touches that smart retailers are incorporating into their store design. Some even have lounge areas with big-screen TVs for those who wait.

If clothing is part of your merchandise mix, this might be a good time to think about making over your fitting area. And I’ll bet the customers peeking over the top of its half-door, with their feet showing below, would agree.

Give them some privacy. Give them some space. Keep the room clean and uncluttered. Make a play area for their kids. In return, they’ll reward you with repeat visits and great word-of-mouth.

Why didn’t anyone think of this sooner? I can’t really say. The high-end retailers have had more personalized service for years. But I don’t recall any of them having a really inviting fitting area on my visits.

This is one bandwagon you can jump on right away. Swap that curtain for a real door, add some hooks, put up some shelves and, like the article says, give your customers some space. It’s time for fitting rooms to come out of the closet!