Every time a customer steps into a Makers store, they’re presented with a room full of incredible local artisans and their handmade goods. Since there is so much variety of product, you want to make sure you don’t disappear into the background. A dynamic and eye-catching display will significantly impact your sales potential. Whether you're a seasoned vendor or just starting, these tips and tricks will help you stand out, boost sales, and make your merchandise irresistible to customers.

1. Showcase Your Story

One of the biggest reasons customers love shopping at Makers is because they’re directly supporting and discovering local artisans. They care about the person behind the craft just as much as the craft themselves. Allow them to make that connection with you by adding “About Me” signage or the story behind your business. Use your display to convey who you are, what you make, and why your products matter. Customers connect with stories, so let them know what sets you apart.

2. Design for Visual Appeal

Keep it light and bright! One of the biggest impacts you can make is adding lighting to your shelf, as customers are drawn to bright displays. Avoid dark shelving and opt for white, cream, or light-colored woods. Poor lighting can make even the best products look dull. Add spotlights or other lighting to highlight key items. A pop of color can add great interest as well, but keep the overall look clean and cohesive.

Incorporate Your Logo: weave your branding into your display design to reinforce your identity. Whether it’s through signage or subtle design elements, keep your logo front and center. You want customers to remember your name for when they come back for more or tell their friends about where they found your items!

Step Up Your Display: Use risers or steps to create levels. This makes the best use of vertical space and ensures every product gets noticed. Avoid laying items flat—elevate them to draw attention.

Add Natural Elements: Customers are very drawn to natural elements when they’re incorporated into displays. If it works with your branding, incorporate touches of nature, such as fake plants or decor that reflects your brand’s ingredients. Examples of this can be lavender sprigs for lavender-scented skincare products, jewellery hung on wooden blocks, stones surrounding ceramic creations.

Using risers like JOIE does a great way to showcase several pieces of work. Silvr Jewellery incorporates natural elements like wood and pinecones to present her branding, and spotlights on Yvonne Acheson’s artwork really make them pop!

3. Stand Out from the Crowd

Differentiate Your Space: Design your display to stand out from neighboring vendors. You’re unique, and you want your display to communicate that. Avoid acrylic displays; instead, opt for handmade or natural materials like light wood.

Unique Decor Pieces: Add an element of surprise that catches the eye. Pastel placemats, decorative bowls, or nature-inspired props can make your display unforgettable.

4. Strategic Shelf Layout

How to organize your shelving to maximize visibility and sales:

Top Shelf: Showcase your most impressive and eye-catching items, along with your logo and "About Me" signage. Think of this as your “art gallery” space.

Middle Shelf: Display your bestsellers and most popular products. This shelf is at eye level, making it prime real estate for grabbing attention.

Bottom Shelf: Use this space for larger or experimental items. It’s perfect for extras and products that might intrigue more curious customers.

*Death Petal showcases how to use different eye levels to display different products. Sparkle showcases the largest items at the top as well, creating a visual “gallery”*

Equilibrium showcases an amazing logo front and centre. Urban Drawer has a creative spinner for their top shelf as a gallery viewer, and Birds and Birch uses a birch tree design as her backdrop to encorprate her business name.

5. Balance and Variety

Once customers find us, we become one of their go-to destinations for finding unique gifts. For our regulars, that means we need to keep inventory fun and fresh. They love to see new things! Some easy ways to mix things up with your display is to update it seasonally or as trends change.

It is also important to find a good balance with the amount of goods you display. Avoid Overcrowding. Find a balance between showcasing variety and maintaining a clean, organized look. Use bowls, risers, or decorative elements to add dimension without overcrowding. Overcrowding can deter customers from exploring your shelf or give the impression that each individual handmade item didn’t take a lot of time and dedication to create.

6. Know Your Audience

Who is your demographic or your audience? Cater to them! Tailor your display to appeal to the type of customers frequenting the store. Think about their preferences and design your layout to catch their attention. Depending on the types of items you have, this can also be a good opportunity to upsell with complimentary products that are good add-ons to what you make! Display items that pair well with your main products, encouraging customers to purchase more.

7. Stay True to Your Brand

So, we’ve shared a lot of advice above, but don’t forget that it is important to incorporate everything we suggest while staying authentic to yourself. You started making because you were passionate about your art. Make sure to stick to what you’re truly passionate about, and make your display a space you personally love that feels authentic to what you do. Don’t dilute your brand or your mission too much. While it’s great to follow trends, always ensure your display aligns with your brand’s core values and aesthetic.

Stand Out and Sell More: Expert Tips for Merchandising Your Shelves at Makers