Strike a Pose: 3 Mannequin Maneuvers to Level Up Your Retail Displays

From window displays to aisleway centerpieces, mannequins are among the most familiar and hardest-working design elements in a retail store. They hold a special place in the hearts and imagination of customers, too.

These cultural touchpoints are the focus of a special lunchtime presentation at this year’s International Retail Design Conference (IRDC) Oct. 9-10.  Eric Feigenbaum, VMSD’s New York Editor and president of Embrace Design, will explore the impact of mannequins, both in retail history and in our society as a whole and demonstrate how they are an artistic medium in their own right. You’ll never look at mannequins the same way!

Speaking of looks, mid-summer is a great time to refresh your mannequins’ style. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Mix and match for visual interest

Mannequins of different body styles, ages and abilities tell a story all their own. By mixing and matching your mannequins, you’ll send a positive message that your products – and store – are for everyone. Encourage your staff to contribute ideas on ways to broaden the appeal of your mannequins, too.

2. Get into the action

Nothing engages a customer like a mannequin in “motion.” Consider positioning your mannequins at a picnic, playing a game or interacting with each other in a fun way. You can also pose mannequins to highlight the functionality of the clothing or products you’re featuring.

3. Go high-tech for optimal engagement

Make your mannequin displays interactive with the use of technology. You can use QR codes that, when scanned, show styling tips, product information or even videos of the product in motion. For an even fresher spin, use augmented reality (AR) or interactive displays to showcase different product uses or features.

At IRDC 2024, retail thought leaders will gather to learn the latest techniques to engage customers, market effectively and leverage all the assets of your retail space – including mannequins! We hope to see you there.