How to Choose the Right Mannequins for Your Retail Store

Posted On: June 19, 2024 By: SEOAdmin

Choosing the right mannequins for your retail store is crucial to allow you to make the most of your visual merchandising. The mannequins you choose will not only display your products but also help create an atmosphere that will attract your target customers.

However, with so many types of mannequins available, it can be a challenging decision. This article explains everything you need to know about choosing the right mannequin for your shop.

What Type of Mannequin Is Best?

When it comes to mannequins, there are several types to consider, each serving different purposes:

• Realistic Mannequins: These mannequins feature lifelike facial features, hair and even makeup, making them ideal for high-end fashion stores that aim to provide a realistic representation of how the clothes will look on an actual person.
• Abstract Mannequins: With simplified features, abstract mannequins are a blank canvas. They don’t distract from the clothing and can add a sleek, stylish element to your displays.
• Flexible Mannequins: Including sports mannequins that are ideal for displaying activewear, these mannequins can be posed in dynamic positions, showcasing the flexibility and functionality of sportswear.
• Economy Mannequins: Great value mannequins in a range of different styles and poses at a price that keeps your prices low.
• Premium Mannequins: High quality dummies that add to the overall atmosphere of your store, made with the finest materials for an impressive finish.

What Is the Difference Between Mannequins and Body Forms?

Mannequins and body forms serve different purposes in retail displays:

• Mannequins: Full mannequins include the head, arms and legs. They can be posed to create lifelike displays, making them ideal for showcasing entire outfits, including accessories and footwear. They help customers visualise how the entire ensemble will look and fit.
• Body Forms: Body forms, or dress forms, are typically torsos without heads, arms or legs. They are often used for displaying tops, dresses, bras, swimwear and blouses. Body forms are more straightforward and less expensive than full mannequins, making them a cost-effective solution for stores that need to display a large quantity of merchandise.

Is Standing or Seated Right for Me?

Choosing between standing and seated mannequins depends on the type of display and the atmosphere you want to create:

• Standing Mannequins: These are the most common and versatile type, suitable for most retail environments. They are perfect for window displays and floor merchandising, creating a dynamic and engaging presentation.
• Seated Mannequins: These mannequins add variety and interest to your displays. They are particularly useful for displaying products like shoes, bags and accessories. Seated mannequins can also help create a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere in your store, suggesting a lifestyle context for your merchandise.

The decision over which to choose depends on the space you have available and the impression you want to give your shoppers.

Full Body or Torso? Headless or Not?

The decision between full-body mannequins and torsos, as well as headless versus full-featured mannequins, depends on your display needs and store aesthetics:

• Full Body Mannequins: These are ideal for showcasing entire outfits, putting complementary items together. They can help upsell customers to additional items.
• Torso Mannequins: If you primarily need to display upper body items, torso mannequins are a practical choice. They take up less space and are easier to move around.
• Headless Mannequins: Headless mannequins are versatile and do not draw attention away from the clothing. They are perfect for stores that want to keep the focus solely on the merchandise.
• Full-Featured Mannequins: These mannequins include detailed facial features, hair, and sometimes makeup. They are suitable for high-end stores where creating a realistic, human-like display is important.

What Colour Mannequin Should I Get?

There are a range of different colours of mannequins, which is ideal for creating your own style and brand  aesthetic. Here are some of your choices:

• Neutral Colours: White, black, and grey mannequins are versatile and blend well with any store decor. They ensure that the focus remains on the clothing.
• Skin Tones: Mannequins in various skin tones can create a more realistic and inclusive display. This choice is especially important for stores that aim to provide a lifelike representation of how the clothing will look on diverse customers.
• Bold Colours: Coloured mannequins can make a statement and add a unique element to your store. They are perfect for modern and contemporary stores that want to create an edgy and stylish atmosphere.

Choose Your Mannequins

Choosing the right mannequins for your retail store involves considering various factors, based around your brand and what you think your customers want to see. There are a number of decisions to make, and that is why you can make so many different types of displays with mannequins. For expert advice on the right mannequins for your shop, call us on 0800 0223237.