Whether you plan to display brochures, product demos, or retail goods at your next trade show, you need a merchandising strategy. Effective merchandising strategies create product display designs that attract the most foot traffic and drive more sales. When developing a trade show merchandising strategy, you will need to consider product selection, layout, and visual design. You’ll also need to work closely with your exhibit designer to integrate these elements into the overall booth design.

Here are six effective trade show merchandising strategies for your exhibit:

1. Location, Location, Location

It’s true in real estate and product merchandising: Location is everything. When deciding where to merchandise your products or assets, pick high-visibility areas where attendees will see them. Consider displays by the entrance, in the line of sight of the aisle, or at the corners of your booth.

2. Styling Less For More

Clutter causes visual confusion. If you want your products to stand out, take a minimalist approach of “less is more.” Use a clean display of well-curated products where they can really grab attention. If you need more on hand, you can always keep them in a cabinet and pull them out as needed.

3. Captivate With Lights

With new technology like LEDs, lighting has become a very affordable way to highlight key products. Place accent lighting to highlight key features of your products, draw attention to promos, and make your products more visible from the aisle. Strategic product display lighting will draw interested visitors to your booth.

4. Put Your Brand Forward

Work your brand identity into your merchandise design. Don’t just use your brand colors and logo. Add your brand themes like sustainability, innovation, or craftsmanship into your display. When you put your brand forward, your attendees will remember you.

5. Consider Color

Leverage color psychology in your merchandise design:

● Red: Excitement

● Orange: Creativity

● Yellow: Optimism

● Green: Tranquility

● Blue: Trust

● Purple: Luxury

● Black: Sophistication

● White: Simplicity

Using color strategically in merchandising communicates your messaging on a subconscious level.

6. Tell A Story

People buy products that meet their needs. Telling a visual story about your products shows how your products solve your customer’s problems or fit their lifestyle. Tell a story with visual elements like signage, product groupings, and interactive displays.

Incorporating these merchandising strategies into your booth designs is easy when you work with our exhibit designers. Contact Lighthouse Exhibits to explore all your design options and build an exhibit that meets your trade show goals.