Importance

Visual Merchandising

Library service has changed and evolved drastically over the last decade, just like retail. Convenience is paramount in order to stay relevant.

In turn, customer perceptions of the shopping experience and their expectations have changed.

Both of these things have changed how customers interact with libraries. Together, they establish the foundations for impactful and effective modern-day visual merchandising.

According to research from Allison Fiscus, a national speaker and trainer on the importance of VM in libraries, at Toledo Lucas County Public Library:

> 94% of customers prefer to “shop” at places where VM is present.

> 88% of customers say VM played a role in their choice to “buy”.

> Effective VM makes customers more likely to check-out, stay longer, and RETURN--which is very crucial.

> Poorly designed and unattractive displays were just as important, if not more, in customer’s minds when creating lasting impressions than great ones.

> Great visual merchandising isn’t always blatantly apparent to the customer. It can create a smooth and appealing experience without them even knowing, which is preferred over a bad experience due to visual or spatial variables that affect the branch atmosphere.