Mannequins can help you sell more products because they demonstrate how the clothes and accessories actually look when worn — and that’s far more compelling than items folded on a shelf or hanging on a rack.
While putting a generic headless mannequin or dress form in a window is better than nothing, it is not particularly interesting or eye-catching. Below are examples of mannequins in displays that will stop passersby in their tracks.
Some of the examples below are from traditional retailers, the concept can be adapted for dance retailers.
1 Have you ever heard a customer say, “I want the whole outfit!”? That’s the power of a well-styled mannequin. Displays that show full looks increase the chances of customers making spontaneous — and often more expensive — purchases.
On this mannequin, a customer can see leggings, shorts, a crop top, and shoes. If the retailer had a wristband or headband, those could be displayed as well; the mannequin could also be placed on an exercise mat.
What makes the display so powerful is that the mannequin is in a pose that simulates dancing. This would not be nearly as eye-catching if the mannequin were standing upright in a military-style pose. To buy mannequins in exercise poses, click this link.
2 These mannequin dress forms give the illusion of lovers dancing on a ball room floor. It evokes emotion. Fact is, 95% of purchasing decisions are heavily influenced by emotions. Mannequins bridge the gap between imagination and reality for shoppers.
Note: Female dress forms like this style can be purchased here and male dress forms here.:
2 A mannequin suspended in air AND hanging it on its side gives the illusion of movement, like she is floating on air. Imagine if there were a small fan in the window so that the ribbons could sway. Or, if ballet shoes were attached to the bottom of the ribbons as in the example below.
People don’t just buy clothes; they buy identity, confidence, and self-expression. Mannequins help project a lifestyle or vibe — sporty, glamorous, artistic, minimalist — giving shoppers something to aspire to.
3 Here is another example of a suspended mannequin. And, adding the band of black (not sure if it is tape or paper) on the faces creates an element of drama, which enhances the total visual appeal.
4 Sometimes you don’t need a full-size mannequin, but can instead use mannequin legs, especially if you use an abundance of mannequin legs as in this example. Note: the signage on the backdrop is critical in conveying the message of what is happening.
Mannequin legs are cheaper than mannequins. And we often sell used mannequin legs that are missing stands for as cheap at $30 a pair which could make the display above very budget friendly.
5 For holiday decor, consider a dress form Christmas tree because it looks like a tutu, so it is on brand for a dance retailer.
This can be done with either a dress form or a mannequin. For information on how to make a dress form tree, visit this link:
For more examples of window displays for dance retailers visit our Pinterest board. MannequinMadness.com sells new and used dress forms and mannequins for all your store display needs.
Visit our website to shop for mannequins and dress forms, rent display pieces, or recycle your old mannequins.
