Top 5 Reasons Why Your Custom Store Fixtures aren’t Driving Sales-2

One of the main differences between ecommerce shopping and shopping in-person is the ability to create a physical interaction between the customer and the product. But what if your custom store fixtures aren’t driving the conversions you had hoped for?

Even though setting up a store fixture may appear to be straightforward, there are certain tips and tricks you’ll want to follow. Below are five reasons why your store fixtures and displays aren’t working and what to do instead.

1. No Focal Point
When it comes to design, less is usually more. You want customers to focus on the end goal (i.e., buying your product), but having a busy design can distract them from this. Instead, it’s best to create a simple design that is well-organized and has a beginning and end.

To do this, establish a focal point for your display. This could be a main product supported by accessories or a seasonal item from your catalog. Make sure the focal point is noticeable from several feet away so that it captures people’s attention.

2. Lack of Interactivity
Immersive retail is creating more opportunities for brands to stand out and form meaningful connections with their audience. Luckily, your custom store fixtures can help out with this. Offer an element of surprise and encourage people to experience your products through their five senses. For example, if you sell food, let customers taste your products. Any bit of interactivity will help people remember your brand.

3. One-dimensional Design
If your store fixture designs are one-dimensional, it’s time to shake things up. Consider making your visuals more appealing by hanging products from different heights, varying the colors and textures, offering samples and more. The more personality you can give to your displays, the more attractive and engaging they will be to shoppers.

4. Lack of Purpose
Even if your unique retail store fixtures are visually pleasing, they must serve a purpose. Be sure that your store displays feature products that are for sale, easy to find in your store and contain updated pricing. You can also incorporate video displays or backlit displays to provide customers with more information.

5. Not Regularly Updated
All types of store fixtures should be regularly updated. Seeing the same fixtures can deter shoppers from stopping into your store. On the contrary, having newly updated fixtures that feature trending products is an excellent way to keep people checking in and visiting your store.

So when should you update your store fixtures and displays? Every couple of weeks is a good starting point. Of course, if you’re getting in new merchandise, you’ll want to feature these items as they come in. Contact IGE to learn more about creating displays that will help buyers feel confident and compelled to buy.

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from IGE Group https://www.igegroup.com/blog/top-5-reasons-why-your-custom-store-fixtures-arent-driving-sales-2/

How Brands are Standing Out Through Immersive Retail Experiences

For years, we’ve heard about the decline of the physical retail customer experience. And while retailers have certainly had to adjust their selling strategies, there remains a strong desire for tangible, immersive experiences. In fact, millennials say that 52 percent of their spending goes to experience-related purchases.

To meet the needs of consumers, more brands are seeking value in immersive retail experiences. By offering customers fun, unique moments in time, brands can bring more value to their products and services. Below we share some of the best ways to deliver a competitive advantage to your brand using immersive technology.

Interactive Displays

The goal of the immersive retail experience is for customers to interact with the products you are selling. Interactive displays do an excellent job of creating these opportunities, as customers can discover a product’s features, view the available inventory and seek product recommendations.

For example, some retail stores are using interactive mirrors in the fitting rooms to give customers a chance to browse through the inventory and speak with a sales representative. Trade shows are also utilizing these displays to draw more people to their booth, create lasting impressions and capture critical information.

Virtual Reality
Virtual reality allows brands to create unique retail experiences like nothing else. This technology is used to tell stories, demonstrate products, play branded games and introduce new products. As an example, IKEA launched an augmented reality app that lets users test products in real time.

Trade shows and other in-person events also create endless opportunities to use VR technology. By providing VR headsets, attendees can be transported to a completely different environment where they get to explore the products and services firsthand. What a wonderful way to create emotional connections with viewers!

Physical Retail and Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the bridge between the physical world and the virtual world. It can be used in many ways, including to stock shelves, create radio-frequency identification tags, count foot traffic and more. Data is continuously analyzed and communicated through the networks.

On the back end, IoT-enabled technologies can monitor goods and items through the supply chain, allowing brands to observe the location, temperature, stock and quality of their goods. As 5G becomes more mainstream, IoT will play a role in creating the ultimate retail customer experience.

Cashierless Shopping
One of the biggest complaints about shopping in person is standing in line. Whether it’s a slow cashier, a long line of customers or large orders, the checkout process can be daunting. But not for long. With the introduction of cashierless shopping, a combination of cameras, shelf sensors and software are used to expedite in-store shopping. Already, Amazon is using this technology in their Amazon Go stores.

The retail shopping experience continues to be an important part of the consumer journey. Even with the rise of ecommerce, consumers still value having meaningful, tangible experiences with brands. To learn more about bringing your brand to life, contact IGE today. We are leaders in the design and fabrication of interactive trade show displays.

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from IGE Group https://www.igegroup.com/blog/how-brands-are-standing-out-through-immersive-retail-experiences/

5 Tips for Creating a Unique Brand Experience

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How to Improve Your Trade Show Marketing Strategy During COVID-19

COVID-19 is preventing many businesses from attending trade shows in the near future, but there is hope that the fall shows will be on schedule. Either way, businesses are finding new ways to interact with customers and keep their brand fresh. You can check out some ideas in an earlier blog post. 

Despite the fact that large events are being canceled or postponed, you don’t want to ignore your trade show marketing strategy right now. At any time, things can pick back up, and you want to be ready. In fact, now is a great time to refresh your strategy and ensure it’s the best it can be. 

Below are the steps to follow when re-evaluating your trade show marketing strategy. Make sure you’re putting your time, money and resources into the right places! 

Assess Your Trade Show Goals 

Choose goals that are easy to track and measure. This way, you can evaluate the performance of each show you attend and make sure you are meeting your goals. Here are some examples of common trade show goals: 

• Increase sales 
• Generate qualified leads 
• Learn about emerging trends in your industry 
• Build stronger relationships with customers
• Network with others 
• Boost press coverage 
• Unveil new products 
• Improve brand awareness 

Review the Events You Attend 

There are over 10,000 events held in the U.S. each year, so you have plenty to choose from. Make sure you are attending trade shows that are helping you reach your goals and getting your products in front of the right people. Here are some questions to ask yourself: 

• Does this event introduce me to a healthy selection of prospects? 
• Is the show in a good geographic location? 
• Does the show have a positive track record? 
• Will the event help me reach my goals? 

Restructure Your Budget 

Trade shows are expensive. But there are ways to save without cutting corners. Typically, exhibit space eats up 25%-35% of your budget. To save on these costs, sign up early to qualify for early registration incentives and to pick the best spot. In fact, do everything as early as possible so that you can get multiple estimates, nab better deals and avoid rush charges. You may even be able to shift your budget around so that you have more to work with in another area. 

Train New Booth Staff 

Maybe your current trade show booth team is getting tired of attending events. While you want knowledgeable people at your booth, they also need to be energetic and friendly. Now is a good time to train new staff to take over the booth. You can recommend online training, videos and manuals they can study remotely. 

Research a New Trade Show Company

If you haven’t been happy with your current trade show company, there’s no reason to continue with them out of convenience. Now is an excellent time to research new companies and see what they can offer you. For instance, IGE offers turnkey solutions that include the design, fabrication, storage and transportation of your display. Schedule a consultation with us! 

Conclusion 

Without a doubt, COVID-19 is making things difficult for businesses. But things will eventually get better. In the meantime, use this time to focus on your trade show marketing strategy and how you can make it stronger. By the time the stay-at-home orders are lifted and business returns to normal, you’ll be ten steps ahead of others! Contact IGE to discuss your next trade show booth project. 

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from IGE Group https://www.igegroup.com/blog/improve-trade-show-marketing-strategy-covid-19/

Networking From Home in the Age of Coronavirus

Trade shows offer an incredible number of benefits for today’s businesses. While online marketing and networking are convenient, there is no substitute for good old fashioned face-to-face interaction. When done right, trade shows create lasting impressions between your brand and others. However, things have quickly changed. We are now facing the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in the postponement or cancellation of hundreds of trade shows and networking events around the world.

While the trade show industry will pick back up eventually, you might be wondering what you can do now to keep your brand fresh and on top of people’s minds. This is a great attitude to have, as you don’t want to take months off from your offline marketing. In fact, with fewer trade shows you may be attending this year, you can reallocate your budget to other marketing channels. 

Below are some of the best ways to network online during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Make the Effort 

The hardest part about networking right now is that all the natural opportunities to meet and strike up a conversation are gone. So, if your primary source of networking was trade shows, you’ll need to be more intentional about your efforts. Fortunately, you have plenty of other ways to connect with people in your industry and stay on top of new trends. 

Here are some ideas: 

• Join a LinkedIn or Facebook group 
• Be more active on social media 
• Optimize your social profiles 
• Launch a live Q&A session 
• Create short videos  

Re-establish Old Connections 

An easy way to network from your couch is by re-establishing old connections. These could be people you met at a trade show last year, as well as former colleagues, past neighbors and old classmates. Find them on social media and rebuild this connection – it’s a lot easier than starting from scratch. Plus, everyone is impacted by the coronavirus, so it will give you some common ground to connect on. 

Join an Online Forum

Even if you don’t like participating in online forums and discussions, this is an unusual time for our world. Find an online forum that aligns with your interests and join in on the discussion. You can expand your network, stay on top of industry trends and position yourself as an authority. With the right approach, it’s possible to stand out and build new relationships that will be beneficial in the long run. 

Spark Discussions through Your Content 

Now is a great time to create fresh content for your brand. Content is the best tool you have for communicating with your audience, so let them know which trade shows you still plan on attending and what you are doing in the meantime to keep your business thriving. 

Also, create content that sparks discussions. Share it to your social media channels and encourage a healthy conversation. This will keep people engaged in your business, even if they can’t see you face to face. 

One day, we’ll have the virus under control and business will resume as normal. Until then, we need to be a bit more creative with how we interact with others. If you have extra time on your hands, now is a good time to reassess your trade show goals and ensure your exhibit meets them. Contact IGE and let’s discuss your project! 

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from IGE Group https://www.igegroup.com/blog/networking-from-home-coronavirus/

Color Trends to Consider for Your Custom Trade Show Display

The color scheme you select for your trade show exhibit is important because it affects your visitors’ perceptions of your brand. If you’re working with an exhibit designer, they can help determine the most appropriate color scheme for your display based on your corporate colors, your tone and your trade show goals. 

Keep in mind that there are many ways to incorporate color into your trade show booth. Aside from the signage, you can also work color into the flooring, lighting, seating, tables and branded swag. Below you’ll find some popular color trends to consider for your custom trade show exhibit. 

Pastels for the Win 

Pastels like coral and turquoise are a great pick for spring and summer trade shows because they’re light, airy and calming. We most commonly see pastels for fashion and beauty brands, but they can be used for various applications. For example, dusty pinks and faded blues can give your products a vintage look and feel while keeping them grounded and genuine. 

Berry Hues are Bold and Bright 

Shades of berry are growing more popular because they make a memorable first impression. Imagine offering tired guests comfortable cranberry couches to sit on or bright mulberry ottomans to relax their feet. These colors are friendly and inviting, but they manage to offer a sophisticated aesthetic.

Get Back to the Basics with Earthy Tones 

You can make a great impression by keeping things simple with natural, earthy tones. This is especially a good choice if your brand is focused on sustainability. Because earthy colors include browns, greens and blues, there are a number of directions you can go. For example, you can create a peaceful, calming exhibit with shades of light green or opt for neutral brown hues instead. 

Neon Colors for Accents 

Accent colors are just as powerful as your main colors. In fact, some people choose to have a clean white background while pairing it with a bright accent color like lime green or neon pink. Applying neon accent colors creates a focal point for visitors, drawing them to your exhibit while staying true to your brand palette. 

It’s all about Balance 

Working with color can be tricky, but it’s all about balance. Don’t forget that you have other ways to bring personality into your display, such as with various textures, tactile qualities and lighting. All of these elements work together to capture your audience’s attention, guide them through your exhibit and give them an element of surprise. 

To discuss a premium color palette for your custom trade show display, contact IGE today. 

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from IGE Group https://www.igegroup.com/blog/color-trends-consider-custom-trade-show-display/

7 Best Trade Show Booth Ideas for 2020

Many businesses are limiting their hours or temporarily shutting their doors due to the coronavirus outbreak. This is certainly an uneasy time for business owners, but you can put this time to good use. The trade shows and expos you had planned on attending have probably been postponed, so this gives you an opportunity to bolster your exhibit. 

Below are seven of the best trade show booth ideas for 2020.

1. Use recycled materials. 

Sustainable businesses have stronger reputations because these efforts show they care about the greater good. Show your commitment to sustainability by incorporating more recycled and recyclable materials into your trade show exhibit – LED lighting, eco-friendly flooring, sustainably sourced signs and more. 

2. Incorporate virtual reality.

Virtual reality allows you to immerse people in your products and services like never before. People love trying new technologies, and bringing them face-to-face with your products will build memorable experiences and stronger connections. To your advantage, VR headsets are accessible and affordable. 

3. Evoke emotion.

Consider what emotions you want to bring out in your trade show visitors. You can elicit a response by using the right imagery and colors. Dark, closed-off booths look mysterious while bright, open spaces are friendly and inviting. 

4. Go vintage.

Adding vintage elements to your trade show display is a great way to stand apart from the crowd. People love vintage things because they’re tasteful, elegant and reminiscent of easier times. Opt for things like black-and-white photographs, natural elements like wood and antique lighting. 

5. Give relief to tired visitors.

Attendees walk a lot at expos, so why not give them a chance to sit down and relax at your booth? People who have been on their feet all day will appreciate this offer, forming positive associations with your brand. For you, this provides a great opportunity to talk about your business. 

6. Create a hanging ceiling.

Booth space is expensive, so it’s important to utilize all the space you have. Consider beefing up your ceiling using hanging graphics, fabric and lighting. Attendees will see your ceiling from afar, prompting them to pay you a visit. 

7. Design a round booth.

Tired of the same traditional square booths? Try a circular exhibit instead! These displays feature hanging signage, rounded arches, circular islands and round tables. With its unique appearance, people are more likely to stop by and visit your brand. Plus, the circular features make it easy to communicate with groups of people. 

Even though the world is slowing down right now, things will pick up again. Use this time to fine tune your trade show marketing strategy and enhance your exhibit with modern elements. To discuss your design ideas for an upcoming trade show event, contact IGE today.

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from IGE Group https://www.igegroup.com/blog/7-best-trade-show-booth-ideas-2020/