Eye-catching vignettes easy to build

E ECAUSE homeowner and d-i-y EJcustomers like to see and touch before they buy, vignettes are hot items in merchandising today. Whether it's paneling, paint or plumbing, a vignette clearly shows how it looks and what it does.

Many dealers are put off by the idea, visualizing hours of labor and expensive materials required to create a mock-up to showcase merchandise. Champion International Corp. has eased this dilemma with an 8 page instruction booklet for building eye-catching room vignettes. The displays require little more floor space than an A frame. Drawings and complete construction details cover a variety of mini-room configurations which can be disassembled and changed periodically.

Basically there are two styles of displays, one which hugs the wall and one freestanding in an open area. The smallest has one side for display, the largest has four display sections.

The booklet contains complete instructions for construction including a materials list detailed down to the last nail. Diagrams as well as step-bystep guides are included. Caution is given that the wiring should conform to local electrical codes applying to stores and that decorative material should be fireproofed.

Under accessorizing hints, the booklet suggests that products handled in the store be used. A warning is given to be cautious in the use of accessories since they may detract from the main thrust of the vignette and destroy its effectiveness.

Basic rules include coordinating accessories with the style of paneling or background covering; that is, formal, casual, country and so forth. Floor covering is considered a must, using carpeting, tile or whatever will coordinate. A caution is given about over accessorizing and the impor- tance of keeping all parts of the vignette in proportion or scale.

If a store does not carry suitable merchandise for accessorizing the arrangement, negotiation is recommended with a local department or furniture store for the loan of accessories in exchange for a small sign crediting them. A similar arrangement is suggested with a florist for plants if the store does not handle green goods.

A dealer who has been doubtful about building vignettes should find this publication useful.

Sfory at a Glance

Inslructions simplify Yignette constructlon . mlnl.rooms take little space . . . vlsuallza. tlon promoles sales.