by now, i think it’s safe to say that every store has a website (if you don’t – contact Bella Cosa Design pronto!!).  many of you also have facebook, twitter, enews or blog accounts to communiate with your clients.  and hopefully in most of these instances, you include photos of your merchandise.  it’s crucial for people to be able see visuals when you are aiming to taunt the virtues of your wonderful items.

but alas!  where do you get photos?  if you’re lucky, from the designer/creator.  they are generally professionally photographed and look appropriately amazing.  otherwise, break out the camera and hope for the best.

though i have a love for photography, it’s something i have yet to dive deep into (yet – that’s on the list).  so my photos of “new arrivals” and “kate’s affection” items at my former boutique were always a little lackluster.  especially the jewelry.  so hard to make it sparkle!!  the lighting was never right.  it just didn’t do anything justice.

before & after my tabletop studio

that is – until i bought my tabletop photo studio!!  these are really awesome.  they come with a little box to provide that seamless white (or other color) backdrop, lights, tripods, and a few props.  learn a few tips on how to properly use your camera and you’re in business!  you can go low -budget  (like me) or if you really want to ramp up – you can easily spend $500+ on a really nice studio.  they have all different sizes depending on your primary use as well.

now – what about apparel?  well – unless you’re selling merch on your website and need to do the whole shebang with models, etc, i suggest that you use a good quality dress form or friends/clients to take photos of clothes.  get the best lighting possible and keep the background solid & simple.

any great photo tips out there from people who know more than me??  please comment and share your tips!

i was consistently inspired by my merchandise when i owned ooma.  i’d delight in the arrival of new boxes from the UPS man (seriously – it never got old) and would immediately have visions of what activities the ladies may partake in while wearing these new items.

perhaps they’d sip mimosas on a poolside deck while wearing a seersucker sundress?  perhaps they’d wear their tallest, sexiest boots while devastating a man with a mere glance in this slinky sweater dress.  it seems that any gal wearing this top is inviting a kiss from a stranger….

you get the drift.  i would immediately conjure up scenarios of what would happen if someone was wearing this (and it’s always been how i get dressed!).

so i decided to create name tags for my wall racks.  i’d make small, simple signs that indicated what i thought about the clothes hanging below.  clients just adored them!  they’d always comment on what they read – some were kitschy, some were flirty and some were just fun.  they always told a story in just a few words and usually generated a conversation.

signs are also great for suggestions (how to wear/use an item), telling stories (short bio on a designer),  and creating categories that make it easier for people to shop (casual, seasonal, etc).

it’s as simple as printing out words (i’d use a design or colored paper) and placing them strategically.  frame them, tape them, pin them, hang them  - whatever works for you.

For those of you who are new to my blog, i can’t say enough nice things about Carlo Casareo.  He was my brilliantly creative and resourceful window display artist at my former boutique, ooma.  He has agreed to impart his wisdom to my readers in the form of a monthly guest blogger.  So without further ado – introducing Carlo’s WOW!

DISPLAY IT WITH FUN

The least amount of display often makes the biggest statement, especially when you are challenged with everything but the available merchandise in stock.

 One way to let your customers know that you have new merchandise is to change your top shelf display presentations. I often find top shelf displays an important expression of your merchandise assortment, not only because it conveys a “show me” attitude but it is what your customers see from a distance.

 Props can be improvised from whatever is on hand – be creative and resourceful, and keep in mind: Display it with FUN!

 Below is a series of top shelf displays I created for an accessories department. Using some fresh fallen branches from the park and wooden blocks, I was able to effectively compose a display for hand-made silk scarves.

Think outside the box and give your merchandise some style, if it’s worth repeating – repeat it several times over and always provide some element of surprise. Below are some display samples I styled using scarves and neck ties.

Wow Carlo!  you’ve elevated the scarf to a form of art!  bravo and thanks again for the great tips and inspiration.