What to look for when buying shop mannequins?
How do you choose mannequins for the shop that will reinforce the message of your latest collection? We've put together some tips to help you build thoughtful and polished display creations. A website is not just your business card. It's also a tool to build your image, reinforce your message and attract new customers. Find out how to choose mannequins for the shop that will sell and promote your brand.
● People buy with their eyes. Refined visual merchandising attracts customers' attention.
● There are three main types of mannequin styles: abstract, semi-abstract, realistic.
● The price of shop mannequins is not the most important determinant. Pay attention to the style, quality, stability, comfort and colour of the mannequins.
● Tailoring mannequins are the go-to for haute couture creatives and brands that offer bespoke tailoring.
● The AEGON and 900 collections are timeless propositions for when you are unsure of which mannequins to choose.
Refined visual merchandising, one of the most important sales tools in the fashion industry
According to research, you only have three seconds to capture a customer's interest. Refined visual merchandising is a powerful sales tool that you should use consciously. Customers who walk past your boutique pay attention to the overall display. People buy with their eyes. If your shop window looks attractive, is consistent with your brand, has a distinctive message - it will catch the attention of curious passers-by. What would you likes to communicate to your audience who are not yet familiar with your products? Do you want to build the image of a solid, professional brand that cares about its customers? If so - your first investment should be high-end shop mannequins that will take care of the perfect presentation of your collection. A shop window is not the place to save money. It's worth buying good quality mannequins that will bring a quick return on investment.
Types of mannequins
What should you consider when buying mannequins for your shop? It is worth knowing the types of mannequins that there are to choose from. They are most often distinguished by their position, the way in which their faces are depicted and their colours. Below we have listed a few of the groups that conscious, modern brands most often go for.
● Abstract mannequins are the quintessence of minimalism. Above all, they are distinguished by an egghead, i.e., a completely smooth face, with no outline of the mouth or nose
● Semi-abstract mannequins are classic, elegant, with minimalist, sculptural lines. They combine the simplicity of abstract mannequins with delicately-outlined, realistic facial expressions.
● Realistic mannequins perfectly reproduce the human body and facial features, often have make-up applied and are styled with a wig.
What to look out for when buying mannequins for the shop? Are the prices of mannequins for the shop the most important thing?
The prices of mannequins for the shop should not be the main determinant of your choice. What matters most is the quality, stability, aesthetics and comfort of the displays, as well as the selection of shop mannequins to match the style of your brand. When buying mannequins for the shop, it is worth taking into consideration:
● The quality of workmanship
● The weight, height of the mannequin
● The material from which the mannequin is made (the best raw material is durable and elegant fibreglass)
● The way the mannequins are attached (whether it is attached to the leg or the calf)
● Details such as the possibility of attaching a handbag or putting on summer shoes
● The stability of the mannequin
● The style of the mannequin and possible accessories
Only after all these elements have been analysed is it worth considering the prices of mannequins for the shop, matching them to the capabilities of the brand and the budget we allocate to visual merchandising.
What mannequin colour should you choose?
It is always a good idea to match the colour of the mannequins to the décor of the showroom and the style of the brand. The most popular colour for mannequins for the shop is matte white. Shades of grey and graphite are perfect for youth and men's brands. Flesh-coloured shop mannequins are most often chosen to showcase premium collections. Of course, there are no rigid rules in such creative work. Various customisations are available upon request.
Tailored mannequins - what is worth knowing about them?
Tailored mannequins are another type of mannequins for the shop, which emphasise the craftsmanship of the tailor and the individual approach of the brand. They are most often used in fashion houses and when presenting haute couture collections. They also fit perfectly into the style of boutiques that specialise in bespoke design and tailoring. They will work well if you run an atelier with suits or wedding dresses. See also: Are tailoring mannequins a good idea for display?
Can't decide? See which mannequins to choose for your shop
So, how do you choose mannequins for your brand? What can you do to make sure your displays emphasise the message of your collection? If you don't know which mannequins to choose - we have prepared two suggestions for you.
AEGON's collection of mannequins includes abstract women's mannequins and classic men's mannequins that combine minimalism, simplicity, and elegance. The mannequins come in many poses. Their head is plain, making them fit in with the style of modern brands. They have a white matte shade.
The second collection of mannequins for the shop, which will appeal to lovers of the classics, are the mannequins from the 900 collection: women's high-quality mannequins and men's full-face mannequins. This is a more budget option - for brands that care about quality but don't want the prices of mannequins for the shop to be too exorbitant. In this situation, we recommend choosing mainly straight items. Both mannequin collections are timeless and versatile, catering for different business needs.