Visual Merchandising Tips and Tricks For Retailers

June 30, 2016 2 min read


Do you own a retail store? If so, you are probably well aware of the importance of visual merchandising. As a retailer, it's your job to encourage shoppers to purchase your products, which is typically done through visual advertisements. Whether your store sells apparel, handbags, jewelry, suits, electronics, sports equipment, or practically anything else, you need eye-catching displays to grab shoppers' attention and convince them to buy your products.

Simple Is Best

When it comes to visual merchandising in retail stores, simple displays usually trump complex displays. Try to focus on just a few key products while using props and other items to "emphasize" them. Doing so will keep shoppers engaged and interested with the products being displayed. This doesn't necessarily mean that you should include a single item in your displays, but focus on simplicity to achieve a more desirable product display.

Impulse Buys

If you aren't incorporating impulse buys into your product displays, you are missing out on one of the easiest ways to boost sales. We've talked about this before on our blog, but in case you missed it an "impulse buy" is described as any product that's purchased as a spur-of-the-moment decision. If a customer visited your store with the intention of buying a new dress and noticed a pair of shoes she wanted as well, the shoes would be considered an impulse buy. Try to sprinkle some relevant impulse buy products into your displays to entice shoppers to buy multiple items.

Groups of Three

A good rule of thumb to follow when creating product displays in your store is to group them in threes. Why is this important? Well, studies have shown that the human brain is hard-wired to respond with greater engagement when presented with items in groups of three. The unsymmetrical appearance of threes triggers a visceral reaction in shoppers, forcing them to stop and think about the products being displayed. Granted, they may not purchase the products, but triggering this reaction is a step in the right direction.

Use Signage

Don't underestimate the importance of signage in your product displays. The right signs will draw attention to your displays, encouraging shoppers to take notice. Of course, using too many signs will have the opposite effect, so use them sparingly and only when appropriate.


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Verified Reviews
  • Product Reviews
  • Site Reviews
10/08/2025
Timothy W.
United States
Excellent product with fast shipping
09/24/2025
Ishmeal M.
United States
Even better in person. Well packaged. Easy set up. Minor damage on one of the legs but quick response w appropriate discount refunded. Fantastic. Will def use MM again!
09/04/2025
Lucia M.
United States
We were very impressed by the quality finish of the mannequin, and customer service was very attentive helping me customize my purchase. Recommended!!
08/30/2025
eric h.
United States
Everything is packaged with care and very fast shipping
08/28/2025
Melaea
United States
Great quality. Sturdy mannequin
08/01/2025
Daniel S.
United States
This mannequin is perfect for life size costumes! I can display my 1:1 scale stormtrooper perfectly! The arms I can pose to hold props. The shipping was incredibly fast! Everything showed up just like described, had the mannequin assembled In 8 mins! Love it!
07/30/2025
jan d.
Denmark
I have one in my livingroom. I think it looks fantastic. Very good quality and easy to dress in any clothing.
05/13/2025
Leslie S.
United States
Good. Her face is gorgeous. And she's perfect for what I needed and went together easily. She did have a blemish in the paint on one ankle. So it would be advisable to include your little nail polish size paint bottle with every order.
05/12/2025
A.
United States
I’m new at sewing but I am looking forward to making my own patterns and eventually dress making. The size of this dressform is perfect for my size and the adjustable height helps me alot. It has a collapsible shoulder and it’s pinnable. It is supported with wheels which makes it convenient for me...I’m new at sewing but I am looking forward to making my own patterns and eventually dress making. The size of this dressform is perfect for my size and the adjustable height helps me alot. It has a collapsible shoulder and it’s pinnable. It is supported with wheels which makes it convenient for me to move anywhere i need it to be. I have to make certain adjustments to specific areas of the dressform for my body type. Owning one helps motivate the creative part of me.
05/07/2025
Anglique J.
United States
It was easy to put together, pictures did not do this mannequin justice! I recommend for anyone who is looking to buy, I do not at all regret this purchase, shipping went smooth and it arrived intact! Thank you! =D
04/23/2025
Mike P.
United States
The mannequin itself is great and easy to assemble. However, the bolt on the stand was cheaply welded on and broke off the first day having it, I cant lock the stand in place after adjusting it.
03/11/2025
JOYCE B.
United States
I've previously worked in retail, so I have experience with various forms of Mannies. I shopped and purchased this particular mannequin to use for special events and in the showroom at our distribution center. She was expertly packed and easy to assemble. We appreciated every detail, even the...I've previously worked in retail, so I have experience with various forms of Mannies. I shopped and purchased this particular mannequin to use for special events and in the showroom at our distribution center. She was expertly packed and easy to assemble. We appreciated every detail, even the inclusion of white gloves for handling her. We truly like her and have named her Olivia. <3 Thank you, MannequinMall!
03/08/2025
Hollie E.
United States
The product is very good quality and life-like in dimensions. The white mannequin was a bit chalky coming out of the box so we wiped it down before putting clothes on it. There was a customer service issue that was dealt with quickly and with integrity to make sure we were happy. I will shop with...The product is very good quality and life-like in dimensions. The white mannequin was a bit chalky coming out of the box so we wiped it down before putting clothes on it. There was a customer service issue that was dealt with quickly and with integrity to make sure we were happy. I will shop with you again. Thank you
11/22/2024
Advanced D.
United States
Our company purchased both the female and male mannequins to create a display for one of our clients; we were extremely happy with the quality of these mannequins! The faces on both have eyelashes that actually look real instead of being molded/painted on and the female even has red lips as if...Our company purchased both the female and male mannequins to create a display for one of our clients; we were extremely happy with the quality of these mannequins! The faces on both have eyelashes that actually look real instead of being molded/painted on and the female even has red lips as if makeup was applied. Beware, however, if purchasing shoes for these mannequins in advance of receiving them....because the molded feet are NOT flexible (like a human foot) we have had to return the shoes we purchased and exchange them for shoes at least 3 to 4 sizes larger in order to get them to fit. Not a complaint by any means, just a Cautionary Tale! Overall, we are extremely pleased with these purchases!
11/22/2024
Nicholas K.
United States
Started using it to shoot our clothing for our website. Works awesome!
11/12/2024
Trey G.
United States
I ordered one form to see if liked the quality and were pleased with our purchase. Placed an order for (10) more forms!
09/12/2024
Steve A.
United States
Wonderful display, want to make sure it’s secure from being knocked over. Any displays standing on one leg could easily come tumbling down if it’s in the wrong area. My only suggestion. Great for a corner display.
09/12/2024
Steve A.
United States
What a great company to work with I love mannequin mall I have 19 football players up in my man cave now.
08/31/2024
Diane G.
United States
I have longed for such a dress form since I was 16 years old, 56 years ago. I am very excited to finally own one and look forward to creating beautiful garments!
08/07/2024
Marc G.
United States
It has both a very classic and modern look to it. Overall very nice. The hands don't close all the way so it leaves a gap. Otherwise it would have received a 5
07/07/2024
Joseph
United States
Perfect! Love it, will buy again
06/27/2024
Mrs L.
United States
This was a gift given to me and the quality and appearance is perfect. Measurements fit me perfectly . A beautiful dress form. Well made wonderful form . I love it
06/24/2024
Edward E.
United States
I bought this product to display my HALO Master Chief armor costume…and, it is awesome! Highly recommend.
06/24/2024
Symia
United States
I’m so obsessed, shipping and delivery was quick!
06/13/2024
Tom
United States
She’s great I named her Penelope!
05/26/2024
Liliana
United States
It was a gift and my sister loved it thank you so much ❤️💕
05/02/2024
Bryan B.
United States
The mannequin was perfect; thank you!
04/29/2024
Marivel T.
United States
They worked well for us.
03/20/2024
Anthony G.
United States
Great quality and arrived quickly.
03/15/2024
Carol J.
United States
Upon receiving this mannequin, I was impressed by how well she was packed! The biggest parcel was a double box for extra strength and each of the limbs was inside its own bubble pack bag. The pieces were all surrounded by little spongy scraps of what looks like scuba diving wet suit material. This...Upon receiving this mannequin, I was impressed by how well she was packed! The biggest parcel was a double box for extra strength and each of the limbs was inside its own bubble pack bag. The pieces were all surrounded by little spongy scraps of what looks like scuba diving wet suit material. This is good for shock absorption. The boxes were clearly marked "fragile, handle with care". The face of the mannequin had a foam mask to protect her nose from breaking. As for the mannequin herself (model MM-Z25), quality is great, all the pieces were there and the stand has a foot support as well as a calf support for better dressing options. The joints are all metal threads and posts, so they can withstand a lot of position changes without wear and tear issues. All it takes is an Allen wrench to move or remove any limbs. The mannequin's face is pleasant (not pouty like some can be), she has nice eyelashes and light colored lipstick and rouge. She has holes in her ears for earrings. I had no problem assembling her. Put one foot on the stand first and work your way up from there. She comes apart easily for dressing. We remove her from the stand and sit her on our sewing studio couch sometimes for a little change and she looks so real! We have several "normal people wigs" that fit her head fine.
REVIEWS
  • Product Reviews
  • Site Reviews
10/08/2025
Timothy W.
United States
Excellent product with fast shipping
09/24/2025
Ishmeal M.
United States
Even better in person. Well packaged. Easy set up. Minor damage on one of the legs but quick response w appropriate discount refunded. Fantastic. Will def use MM again!
09/04/2025
Lucia M.
United States
We were very impressed by the quality finish of the mannequin, and customer service was very attentive helping me customize my purchase. Recommended!!
08/30/2025
eric h.
United States
Everything is packaged with care and very fast shipping
08/28/2025
Melaea
United States
Great quality. Sturdy mannequin
08/01/2025
Daniel S.
United States
This mannequin is perfect for life size costumes! I can display my 1:1 scale stormtrooper perfectly! The arms I can pose to hold props. The shipping was incredibly fast! Everything showed up just like described, had the mannequin assembled In 8 mins! Love it!
07/30/2025
jan d.
Denmark
I have one in my livingroom. I think it looks fantastic. Very good quality and easy to dress in any clothing.
05/13/2025
Leslie S.
United States
Good. Her face is gorgeous. And she's perfect for what I needed and went together easily. She did have a blemish in the paint on one ankle. So it would be advisable to include your little nail polish size paint bottle with every order.
05/12/2025
A.
United States
I’m new at sewing but I am looking forward to making my own patterns and eventually dress making. The size of this dressform is perfect for my size and the adjustable height helps me alot. It has a collapsible shoulder and it’s pinnable. It is supported with wheels which makes it convenient for me...I’m new at sewing but I am looking forward to making my own patterns and eventually dress making. The size of this dressform is perfect for my size and the adjustable height helps me alot. It has a collapsible shoulder and it’s pinnable. It is supported with wheels which makes it convenient for me to move anywhere i need it to be. I have to make certain adjustments to specific areas of the dressform for my body type. Owning one helps motivate the creative part of me.
05/07/2025
Anglique J.
United States
It was easy to put together, pictures did not do this mannequin justice! I recommend for anyone who is looking to buy, I do not at all regret this purchase, shipping went smooth and it arrived intact! Thank you! =D
04/23/2025
Mike P.
United States
The mannequin itself is great and easy to assemble. However, the bolt on the stand was cheaply welded on and broke off the first day having it, I cant lock the stand in place after adjusting it.
03/11/2025
JOYCE B.
United States
I've previously worked in retail, so I have experience with various forms of Mannies. I shopped and purchased this particular mannequin to use for special events and in the showroom at our distribution center. She was expertly packed and easy to assemble. We appreciated every detail, even the...I've previously worked in retail, so I have experience with various forms of Mannies. I shopped and purchased this particular mannequin to use for special events and in the showroom at our distribution center. She was expertly packed and easy to assemble. We appreciated every detail, even the inclusion of white gloves for handling her. We truly like her and have named her Olivia. <3 Thank you, MannequinMall!
03/08/2025
Hollie E.
United States
The product is very good quality and life-like in dimensions. The white mannequin was a bit chalky coming out of the box so we wiped it down before putting clothes on it. There was a customer service issue that was dealt with quickly and with integrity to make sure we were happy. I will shop with...The product is very good quality and life-like in dimensions. The white mannequin was a bit chalky coming out of the box so we wiped it down before putting clothes on it. There was a customer service issue that was dealt with quickly and with integrity to make sure we were happy. I will shop with you again. Thank you
11/22/2024
Advanced D.
United States
Our company purchased both the female and male mannequins to create a display for one of our clients; we were extremely happy with the quality of these mannequins! The faces on both have eyelashes that actually look real instead of being molded/painted on and the female even has red lips as if...Our company purchased both the female and male mannequins to create a display for one of our clients; we were extremely happy with the quality of these mannequins! The faces on both have eyelashes that actually look real instead of being molded/painted on and the female even has red lips as if makeup was applied. Beware, however, if purchasing shoes for these mannequins in advance of receiving them....because the molded feet are NOT flexible (like a human foot) we have had to return the shoes we purchased and exchange them for shoes at least 3 to 4 sizes larger in order to get them to fit. Not a complaint by any means, just a Cautionary Tale! Overall, we are extremely pleased with these purchases!
11/22/2024
Nicholas K.
United States
Started using it to shoot our clothing for our website. Works awesome!
11/12/2024
Trey G.
United States
I ordered one form to see if liked the quality and were pleased with our purchase. Placed an order for (10) more forms!
09/12/2024
Steve A.
United States
Wonderful display, want to make sure it’s secure from being knocked over. Any displays standing on one leg could easily come tumbling down if it’s in the wrong area. My only suggestion. Great for a corner display.
09/12/2024
Steve A.
United States
What a great company to work with I love mannequin mall I have 19 football players up in my man cave now.
08/31/2024
Diane G.
United States
I have longed for such a dress form since I was 16 years old, 56 years ago. I am very excited to finally own one and look forward to creating beautiful garments!
08/07/2024
Marc G.
United States
It has both a very classic and modern look to it. Overall very nice. The hands don't close all the way so it leaves a gap. Otherwise it would have received a 5
07/07/2024
Joseph
United States
Perfect! Love it, will buy again
06/27/2024
Mrs L.
United States
This was a gift given to me and the quality and appearance is perfect. Measurements fit me perfectly . A beautiful dress form. Well made wonderful form . I love it
06/24/2024
Edward E.
United States
I bought this product to display my HALO Master Chief armor costume…and, it is awesome! Highly recommend.
06/24/2024
Symia
United States
I’m so obsessed, shipping and delivery was quick!
06/13/2024
Tom
United States
She’s great I named her Penelope!
05/26/2024
Liliana
United States
It was a gift and my sister loved it thank you so much ❤️💕
05/02/2024
Bryan B.
United States
The mannequin was perfect; thank you!
04/29/2024
Marivel T.
United States
They worked well for us.
03/20/2024
Anthony G.
United States
Great quality and arrived quickly.
03/15/2024
Carol J.
United States
Upon receiving this mannequin, I was impressed by how well she was packed! The biggest parcel was a double box for extra strength and each of the limbs was inside its own bubble pack bag. The pieces were all surrounded by little spongy scraps of what looks like scuba diving wet suit material. This...Upon receiving this mannequin, I was impressed by how well she was packed! The biggest parcel was a double box for extra strength and each of the limbs was inside its own bubble pack bag. The pieces were all surrounded by little spongy scraps of what looks like scuba diving wet suit material. This is good for shock absorption. The boxes were clearly marked "fragile, handle with care". The face of the mannequin had a foam mask to protect her nose from breaking. As for the mannequin herself (model MM-Z25), quality is great, all the pieces were there and the stand has a foot support as well as a calf support for better dressing options. The joints are all metal threads and posts, so they can withstand a lot of position changes without wear and tear issues. All it takes is an Allen wrench to move or remove any limbs. The mannequin's face is pleasant (not pouty like some can be), she has nice eyelashes and light colored lipstick and rouge. She has holes in her ears for earrings. I had no problem assembling her. Put one foot on the stand first and work your way up from there. She comes apart easily for dressing. We remove her from the stand and sit her on our sewing studio couch sometimes for a little change and she looks so real! We have several "normal people wigs" that fit her head fine.
REVIEWS