Keeping Your Showroom Looking Fresh

Beautiful display in New Orleans

After years of visiting Kitchen Showrooms I have noticed that many showrooms have not changed over the years. I ask the designers about their showroom and they say "Our showroom is beautiful" or "It is very easy to shop in our showroom". When I look at the showroom I see something else.  The displays are dusty, I cannot tell the difference between brands and their is no real flow to the showroom.

Recently I had the privilege to talk to a retail merchandising expert and they shared an idea to keeping your showroom fresh.

Schedule a Showroom Walk-Through.  Once every 4-6 weeks schedule a time to walk through your showroom and analyze the space.

• Have someone with you that has no knowledge of the industry.  These are the people that are going to be shopping in you showroom and the person who designed the showroom will be less open minded to the obvious.  
• Make sure the showroom is closed.
• Do not lead them...let them walk around as if they are looking around.
• Have them give you their first impression of the showroom.
• Ask them what could make it better / easier to shop in.
• Take notes and implement what they suggest.

This is a very simple idea to implement that many top retailers in the world do. It will give you a different perspective on your showroom. Do it and make it part of your process.

Happy Selling!