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In this series on visual merchandising props, I will focus on preparing mannequins for retail store displays. While the majority of our retail display products take the form of gridwall panels, dump bins, slatwall panels and the like, mannequins are among our specialty products.

Many new merchandisers are surprised to find out just how difficult it can be to prepare a mannequin for display. You might think it is as simple as dressing up a doll, but it is a great deal more complicated than that.

In Part 1, I shared the basic steps for preparing a mannequin for retail display: steaming and pressing the clothes, dismantling the mannequin, and dressing and reassembling it step by step.

Now I want to talk a bit more about how to choose the right mannequin and clothing to display in the first place.

When it comes to picking out mannequins for clothing stores, you need to be sure that you are choosing a model which is going to send the right message about your products. At the same time, you also need the model you choose to fit in with your store décor (which should also send that same message by setting the right tone for shoppers).

So say you sell athletic clothes for example. A mannequin which is posing like a sprinter or ball player would make an excellent choice. But you would not necessarily want to use that same mannequin to display other casual wear—and certainly not formal attire.

You also will need to decide whether you want to use realistic mannequins, or whether you would prefer something minimalist—for example our crystalline series. These stylized mannequins work well with contemporary décor. They help to keep the focus on the clothing and not on the mannequin. On the other hand, the more realistic mannequins make it easy for customers to imagine wearing the clothing themselves.

Choosing attire to display on your mannequins is also an art form. You will want to change up your mannequin displays on a regular basis to keep things interesting and to build awareness of more products in your shop.

There are some practical considerations when it comes to choosing the clothes. You need to pick clothes that will actually fit the mannequins. A bad fit will make your products look bad, even if they would look great on the customer. You will find that stretch fabrics give you some extra leeway.

If you can, pick clothes for your mannequins which capitalize on cultural or seasonal trends, and which give a good idea of what you have in your store. Keep your displays logically placed as well; do not for example display an item of attire on a mannequin in one part of your store which can only be found on your racks all the way across the store.

Finally, be sure to accessorize! If you do a great job dressing your mannequin, incorporating all the little details of a real outfit, you will be able to showcase more of your products at once and make it easier for customers to imagine themselves wearing the clothes that you sell. Accessorizing and posing your mannequins is what breathes life into your displays—and puts profits in your pockets!