Several types of display mannequins are available to display specific types of merchandise. There are mannequins in men’s, ladies and children’s forms and even display forms of hands, necks, heads, legs and headless torsos. A good display in any store will always show the merchandise well - the overall effect depends entirely on how well the mannequin is put to use.

The merchandise itself is much more important than the mannequins, but you need to know how to set up the mannequins in a creative manner to get the best effect. Every department in your store should treat the mannequins to fit a specific type of merchandise. The selected mannequins, along with the pose, the style of hair and the color of the skin should reflect the merchandise or garment to be displayed.

For instance, if your store has a sportswear section, the mannequins will naturally be displayed in active poses. The skin tones of the mannequins should also reflect the active lifestyles of athletes. The wigs for the mannequins should be short - cropped or with ponytails. On the other hand, mannequins in the formalwear department, that display evening gowns and formal apparel, should have more conservative poses.

Creative Mannequin Positioning

The positioning of mannequins, whether for a window or a floor display, should be done in a very artistic and creative manner. Use your imagination, something out of the norm can catch people’s eye and make them take notice. In many cases, you will be limited by certain factors, such as the area where the mannequin will be placed, the lighting and props, the garments or merchandise that should be displayed, and the overall theme of the display. But you can still be both effective and creative.

First, take a look at the spot where the mannequin will be placed. The display could be a window or floor display. The window could have an open back or a closed back. The mannequins you select should blend in with the surroundings, and above all they should be eye-catching. Place the mannequins in such a way that they are viewed from the most favorable and attractive angles. After all, the entire purpose of having a window display mannequin is to attract more customers to enter your store from the street and to buy some of your merchandise.

If you are considering placing your mannequins in a group, then they should be placed in such a way that they seem like they are interacting with one another. In the ‘ladies’ section of your store, you could use a combination of male as well as female mannequins; in the ‘children’s’ section, you could place a whole family of mannequins consisting of a mother, father and the children.

Finally, it isn’t wise to leave your mannequins standing in the same position for too long. Try to rotate them and dress them up in different clothes regularly. Avoid mixing window mannequins with the floor ones. It is always a good idea to clean your mannequins regularly so that they always look fresh.

Because mannequins actively display your merchandise to your prospective customers, they are more important than you might think. Paying attention to the way your mannequins represent your business is sure to pay off in the form of increased customers and sales.

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