Some merchandising ideas worth copying

ERCHANDISING is often the ingredient that makes the difference between a humdrum and a vigorous housewares department.

Some ofthe best and most unusual ideas gleaned from stores in this region are detailed below for you to consider using in your store.

Free gift wrapping can be an incentive for shopping in a housewares department.

If you can't provide that, at least have free boxes and encourage one stop convenience with an assortment of paper, ribbons and cards for sale.

Arrange samples of electrical appliances for examination. Identifu each with price and benefits.

Gadgets are one ofthe best sellers in the housewares section. Arrange yours for easy selection on pegs, a revolving rack or in unusual dumpsters such as barrels, baskets or large crocks.

Story at a Glance

Vfays tobring more customers into store...developing a rcputation as "the" housewares center...incentives you can offer for shopping...promote new items...keep department looking good...

Think about starting a rental service for VCR apes on cooking, household organization and other home related topics. Along the same line of thought, how about a rental library ofbook on cooking, household hints, decorating, etc.?

Seasonal displays on the end caps and gondola tops attract attention. Use back to school themes for lunchbo;res, food carriers and sandwich making gear. Try red, white and blue for a Fourth of July picnic. Make each holiday and season a special event.

Spotlight new items in a special location. Have demonstrations and plenty of advertising for them.

Copy the airlines frequent flyer incentive plans by instituting a frequent shopper bonus program. Identiff special gifu or discounts for customers who accumulate purchases of$100, $200, $500, etc.

Use decorator touches on end caPs. Color coordinate a place setting or kitchen accessories to attract the young homemaker.

Establish a reputation for being first with a new product. Advertise, promote with demonstrations and beat the competition with new products and equipment.

Promote your cleaning supplies to industrial and commercial businesses with flyers and other advertising.

Offer delivery and shipping service for a small fee. If you have UPS pickup, you can extend the service to customers and bring more people into the store.

Have a seminar on organization and household storage, including utilization of space savers and storage systems. Have a home economist or a representative from a storage systems manufacturer as the leader.

Assemble end caps with a theme of related items such as everything you need for cleaning, making pies or a barbecue supper.

Work through real estate agents to introduce your store to those buying houses or moving into your market area. Send each new household a welcoming letter, asking the occupant to stop in for a free gift for the new home.

Faper and plastic goods for entertaining and everyday use deserve shelfspace. Have special items for holidays.

Use cross merchandising and grouping whenever possible or put up signs telling where related items may be found.

Schedule in-store demonstrations oI new appliances or products. This is especially applicable to cleaning products and equipment. Everyone is looking for an easier way to have a clean home.

Make the housewares department stand out. Use color and attractive fixtures. Try for a specialty shop or boutique-withinthe-store look. Keepeverything neat and well arranged. Change displays frequently to create interest and attract attention.

If yours is a college or university town, be prepared with items to use in the dorm or student apartment. Feature hot pots, popcorn poppers, plastic dishes, storage organizers, etc. in special welcome back displays as well as handing out flyers in the student housing areas. Offer a discount coupon or a small gift as an extra incentive.

Put up working models of items such as closet organizers complete with clothing to demonstrate how they work. Display flatware in storage trays. Stack dishes on cupboard organizers. Put a few paper sacks in a sack rack.

Bridal registries are a proven way to bring in customers, especially in small towns. Check the local paper and send out cards or letters congratulating each newly-engaged woman and detailing your service. The offer of a free gift will encourage them to come in to register their choices.

Don't forget the single woman or man setting up a household. Develop lists of items needed to stock a kitchen, cleaning closet or bathroom to help those establishing a first home.

Stairstep your displays for better visibility. Use at least one unusual display such as a circular metal staircase or a baker's rack.

Never allow an item to be in the section without a price. Have signs as well as individual price stickers on each piece of merchandise. Be certain that they are the kind of tags that cannot be switched.

Build a reputation as "the place" for finding a replacement lid for a casserole or other repair and replacement items such as pressure cooker valves and gaskets. Customers who come in for special items will come for other shopping needs.