Tips On Choosing Mannequins For Apparel Stores

The right mannequins can make a world of difference in an apparel store's ability to attract new customers and generate sales. Rather than presenting garments on a rolling rack, you can place them on a realistic human form, to which customers will respond more positively. But with so many different types of mannequins available on the market, how do you know which one is right for your store?

Fixed or Adjustable Posture?

Fixed mannequins live up the namesake by remaining in a stationary, “fixed” position. This means you cannot turn their arms, elbows, legs, etc. Many retail store owners prefer fixed mannequins because they retain their shape. There's no chance of a customer accidentally bumping into a fixed-posture mannequin and changing their shape.

On the other side of the fence if an adjustable-posture mannequin, which can be adjusted at various joints and appendages. The benefit of having an adjustable-posture mannequin is the ability to change its shape and appearance. If you are tired of looking at the same mannequin week after week but don't want to purchase an entirely new mannequin, you can adjust its posture to create an entirely new appearance. Fixed-posture mannequins are also beneficial for displaying various accessories like hats or umbrellas, as you can adjust the mannequin's arms to make it appear as if they are holding and/or using the accessory.

Ghost Mannequins for Product Photos

Do you plan on taking product photos to include on your store's website or in a physical product catalog? The right photos will enhance your store's products by presenting them in the most appealing manner possible, which is why it's important to choose an appropriate mannequin for this task. Snapping photos of shirts hanging on a rolling rack or peg board, for instance, isn't exactly appealing, as it prevents shoppers from seeing how it looks on the human form. Placing the shirt on a mannequin, however, will create a more realistic appearance to which shoppers can relate; thus, boosting sales in the process.

Rather than using just any ordinary mannequin to take photos of your store's apparel and products, you should use an invisible ghost mannequin. Ghost mannequins live up their namesake by creating the impression of an invisible mannequin. The arms, head, legs, and other parts can be easily removed so the garment looks like it's floating in mid air. By making your garments appear to float in the air, you can take phenomenal photos without the distraction of mannequin appendages. These photos can then be used in your store's product catalog, brochure, website, or any other marketing material.

Gender Matters

Something else to consider when choosing a mannequin for an apparel store is the gender. You have one of three different options available: male, female, or non-gender specific. Think about the products your store offers as well as its target demographic and choose the gender that's best aligned with your store's vision. If your store sells big-and-tall men's suits, for instance, you would certainly fare better with a male mannequin. But if your store sells women's dresses, then a female mannequin would be the right choice.

Of course, there are times when you should have both male and female mannequins in your store. If your store sells both men's and women's apparel, it's probably smart idea to include both genders of mannequins. Focusing strictly on one gender mat deter customers of the opposite gender from purchasing your products.

How Much Does it Cost?

Pricing is always a factor to consider when making a purchase for a retail apparel business, and mannequins are no exception. If you end up spending too much, you could be left struggling to pay other bills necessary for running your business. Thankfully, buying mannequins for an apparel store doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg (no pun intended). MannequinMall offers one of the largest selections of high-end mannequins at rock-bottom prices. Feel free to browse around our website to see what all we offer.

Material

Don't forget to consider the material from which the mannequin is made. Some mannequins are designed with a hard shell body, offering a high level of protection from dust, debris and damage. Other mannequins, however, are designed with a soft shell body. These soft shell mannequins are particularly popular among fashion designers and retailers who make their own clothes. The soft body allows the store owner or fashion designer to hold fabric in place with pins. If you are working on a new shirt and want to keep in place, you simply stick a pin into the body of the mannequin.

Hopefully this will give you a better idea of which type of mannequin is right for your apparel store. To recap, consider the posture (fixed or adjustable), whether or not you want a ghost mannequin, the gender, the price, and the material. Covering all of these factors will ensure that you get the best mannequin for your budget.