Shoe departments can sometimes be hard to navigate, both as a customer and a retailer. There are so many products that it can seem like an endless inventory. The biggest challenge is creating a more organized space with this kind of merchandise so shoppers don’t feel overwhelmed, which could result in more sales. The good news is that you can do this pretty easily if you listen to some of the tips and tricks S-Cube Fixtures offers. Read on for more!
Challenges With Shoe Stores and Departments
As we’ve mentioned, shoe stores can be a bit tricky to navigate. With so many different shoes, boxes, and accessories, you can get lost in the layout. Some of the biggest challenges retailers face with shoe stores or departments are excessive inventory management. It seems to never end. Tracking the shoe products by sizes, types, colors, etc. can get to be a lot. You’ve got to find the time to avoid overstocking or out-of-stock issues, otherwise it will pile up.
Another big issue is optimized space usage. Shoe stores can only be so big. It’s hard to find the balance of showcasing a vast array of products without the floor feeling overcrowded. Custom displays and fixtures are often the solution for this because they’re built primarily for your specific merchandise with your store space in mind, so everything fits perfectly.
How to Optimize a Shoe Department
The good news is that there are many different strategies and solutions to keep your store department operating efficiently and effectively. Read below some of our top tips.
Clear and Intuitive Layouts
Store layout is everything. It helps your staff and customer base navigate to your products. Shoes can be placed anywhere, but it’s important to put them in spots you want all customers to be able to see and ponder buying. Using consistent and simple layouts reduces shopper frustration and promotes easy navigation. Retailers like DSW do a great job with their straightforward categorization while maintaining a wide inventory.
Vertical Displays to Maximize Space
Vertical displays can do wonders for your retail store if you’re working with a small space. This kind of shelving and custom-designed fixtures allow retailers to showcase a larger variety of styles without overcrowding.
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Comfortable Try-On Areas
A big thing you want to consider with your shoe store is to have enough space to actually try on a pair of shoes. More than likely, a customer is coming into your store to look at shoes because they don’t want to buy them online. They’re more likely to sit down and physically try pairs of shoes on because they want to consider their feel and size rather than just getting them shipped to their house already purchased from an online vendor. Providing comfortable seating, full-length mirrors, and clean, inviting try-on areas makes the shopping experience smooth and enjoyable.
Engaging Visual Merchandising and Eye-Catching Displays
Don’t forget to promote new products, trending styles, and even seasonal preferences. Customers don’t always know exactly what they want when they enter a store, and having bold visuals or eye-catching displays can sometimes make that shopping decision for them. Just make sure to stay on-trend by rotating your displays regularly based on the season or the latest customer preferences. Spring collections, back-to-school staples, and holiday-specific styles should take center stage when relevant.
Custom Fixtures are Essential in Shoe Departments – Here’s Why
Shoes can be endless for retailers. There are so many different SKUs, sizes, colors, and styles that they can be hard to keep track of. This is where custom fixtures can come into play. Not only do custom fixtures help the retailer keep their merchandise organized, but they also help catch the eyes of shoppers and can elevate the entire shopping experience. Team up with a company like S-Cube Fixtures to work on custom fixtures for your shoe department to enhance your layout and overall appearance. We’ve seen custom fixtures help things like customer flow, increase product visibility, and ultimately drive higher sales. Get in touch with us today to get started!
