Retailers have been given extra time to enter the Australian Gifts and Homewares Association’s (AGHA) Makeover Madness competition to help educate them on the benefits of visual merchandising.
 
The winner will receive a $10,000 visual merchandising facelift for their shop by AUSVM.
 
Visual merchandising is an important part of retailing as it is what entices customers in store.
 
George Lancaster, AGHA marketing and membership manager, says even small changes can make a difference.
 
“With so many demands placed on time poor retailers, learning new skills or revamping a store every couple of weeks can be an unwanted distraction,” he says. “However, by learning a few quick tricks you can easily, at no cost, tweak your merchandising regularly to entice customers to spend more time in your store.
 
“Given the current economic climate the ability to rejuvenate your store at little to no cost is an incredibly important skill to hone. We have already received a number of impressive competition entries and are extending the closing date to allow more members the chance to participate.”
 
AUSVM director Carol Bagaric says first impressions count when entering or walking past a store, just like when meeting people.
 
“It is important to make sure that in those initial moments your business makes a good impression,” she says. “Less is always more with visual merchandising, so clear the clutter.
 
“If you don’t sell it, a customer does not need to see it and that includes dust, dead flies in the window display, and coffee cups on the counter. Try and look at your store through the eyes of a customer, become aware and make the necessary changes.”
 
Applicants are encouraged to think outside the box when entering Makeover Madness, submissions will be accepted in the form of a photo essay, video, or written application, which addresses why the business needs this opportunity. Entry closes on December 31 2012. For more information email George@agha.com.au.