Why a Plus Size Mannequin is Essential for Your Clothing Store Window Display

Why a Plus Size Mannequin is a Must for Your Clothing Store Window Display

In the present retail ecosystem, diversity and inclusion are no longer buzzwords but an added advantage in trying to reach a larger section of consumers. Having a plus-size mannequin at your window display for an apparel store would surely be representative of diversity, enticing more and more consumers. Be it fashion-forward clothing or just simple, everyday pieces; the plus-size mannequin will add significant weight to your visual merchandising strategy.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why adding a plus size mannequin to your window display is a smart decision, both from a marketing and sales perspective. We’ll also discuss the benefits, tips for selecting the right plus size mannequin, and how to effectively use it to increase foot traffic and sales in your store.

The Growing Importance of Inclusivity in Fashion Retail

Over the past two years, diversity within the fashion sphere has taken an irreversible shift. Brands that represent consumers of all shapes and backgrounds have more takers now than ever before. As stated in a 2022 research report, 67% of women in the United States wear a size 14 and above, which clearly indicates the plus-size demand for clothes was great and had been growing with time.

Having a plus-size mannequin in your window will make the store even more attractive for a wide circle of customers. You also show your brand as aware and open to diversity. All this may impress those shoppers who have felt the lack of representation in the fashion industry for such a long time and will offer them more relevant and credible contact with the shop.

Benefits of Using a Plus Size Mannequin in Your Window Display

1. Greater Appeal to a Wider Audience

Probably the best reason to put a plus-size mannequin in your window is that it draws more customer types into your store. People of all shapes and sizes in society would like to visualize themselves in your items before purchasing. The use of a plus-size mannequin enables potential customers to see themselves wearing your items, which can make all the difference between window shoppers and those actually buying.

2. Increased Footfall and Sales

The moment a customer sees a mannequin that looks like themselves, they immediately feel welcome and valued by your brand. Indeed, with more inclusive marketing strategies, stores have been able to identify increased foot traffic, improved conversion rates, and better customer loyalty. A plus-size mannequin is an easy way to show that your store caters to the needs of all body types and may actually encourage more shoppers to come in and see what's in store for them.

3. Visual Merchandising of Your Store

Besides the value of inclusivity, a plus-size mannequin will add extra impact to your window display. Showing merchandise on a mannequin that looks like the body type of many of your customers means you are providing not only representation but also good visual merchandising for your store. A nicely dressed plus-size mannequin will show your merchandise in an appealing way, which makes the display both attractive and relatable.

4. Creates Brand Loyalty and Trust

The customer will be more likely to trust a brand in which they find some sort of representation. Diversity, shown through your storefront window display, creates a very modern approach towards serving a realistic customer base. Besides this, word-of-mouth itself helps create an awareness of how well a brand is representing all individuals and creates a strong bonding point by which customers will show loyalty based on these representations.

How to Choose the Right Plus Size Mannequin for Your Store

Choosing the right plus size mannequin for your window display is very important to maximize its effectiveness. Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Body Shape and Proportions

The body shapes of plus-size mannequins can range from hourglass to pear-shaped to apple-shaped. Decide on the mannequin's body shape based on your target audience. If your store deals in more formal wear, then an hourglass or rectangle-shaped mannequin would work well. A more relaxed, pear-shaped figure may work for casual everyday fashion.

2. Material and Durability

Mannequins are made of different materials such as fiberglass, plastic, and foam. Choose one that is from long-lasting material that can endure constant handling. For an outdoors window display, one should make sure the weather-resistant mannequins will help your investment last through seasons.

3. Style and Customization

Another important consideration is the style of the mannequin. Will the mannequin stand or sit? The mannequins may come in very real and life-like or in a very abstract form. Some mannequins have features such as adjustable arms and legs for more versatile uses with different types of garments.

4. Skin Tone and Facial Features

A mannequin can also be super relatable because of its skin tone and facial features. Choose a mannequin that resembles the diversity in your customer base. Many brands now offer mannequins in a variety of skin tones, which is one surefire way to make sure your display will be more inclusive and reach a wider audience.

How to Style Your Plus Size Mannequin

After finding the perfect mannequin, the next thing is how to style it in order to attract the customers. Following are some styling suggestions:

Complement with accessories: Scarf, hat, or jewelry can make the outfit and add a personal touch to the whole look.

Draw attention to best sellers: Put your best-selling items on the plus-size mannequin to show your popular pieces.

Create a cohesive display: The outfit of the mannequin should reflect the overall theme of your store's display. A well-coordinated window presentation shows a polished and professional look.

Conclusion

A plus-size mannequin is not just a means to hang your garments on but makes a statement about the values of your brand-in diversity and inclusion. By adding one plus-size mannequin to your store window display, you only make your store more relatable and friendly. You also have a greater chance of drawing more foot traffic inside your store and earning more sales. Inclusion is not a trend; it's the way to build a lasting relationship with your customer.

Unleash the power of representation, and design a window display that speaks for itself to the masses. Take this as your cue to upgrading your retail business to the next tier.