Golumn display ideas

I\OLUMNS are in demand. They Vsell at high markups. But how can they be displayed effectively?

Create desire, advises Laddie F. Hutar, Hutar Growth Management, an industry consultant. Use visuals, posters, photographs, videos or slide presentations. Display sarples.

Terminal Building Supply, Gads- den, Al., adds tactile to the visual concept. A remodeling and facelift designed by Tom Robinson, Robinson and Associates, Candler, N.C., added The Concept, a building produa display on the showroom floor. This two-story structur€ allows cuslomers to view, examine, touch and evaluate every product needed to build or remodel a house, irrcluding colnmns.

Generous samples of exterior items such as siding, columns, turned posts, banisters, railings and roofing used on what appears to be a two-sttry bouse are all identified. Entering througD French doors from a column-flanked porch, shoppers come into a living room showcasing hardwood flooring, millwork including a fireplace and circular staircase, and a variety of window and door styles as well as several styles of olrrmns.

Contractors can bring or send clients to The Concept, Robinson explains. An upstairs conference room allows them a comfutable plae to review plans and discuss choices. The Terminal Building Supply saff is rained O p'tovide all infcmation necessary fc making d€cisims.

The Conept may not fit ino every showroom, but tbe oncept of drmatizing the impact of columns does. Whether you show samples in a vignette, as part of tbe store's decor, with posters or videos, use some imagination and flair. Qiys 66lrrmn5 the attentim they deserve.