Dear Fellow Store Owner,
Running a small concept store is a journey full of learning. Just over two years ago, I moved my studio into the back room of a small concept store called WILLA in Berlin Kreuzberg. Along with my studio came a small shelf to showcase OBAstudios products. I quickly learned how to make these pieces stand out in the concept store space, and once a week you can still find me behind the counter, talking to customers.
Here are some tips I’ve picked up that can help you sell more effectively and create an engaging shopping experience for your customers.
1. Crafting the Perfect Display for OBAstudios Products in your Concept Store
Why It Matters: OBAstudios products are designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, making them perfect for displays that are both thoughtful and visually appealing. The right presentation can show off their unique qualities and draw customers in.
Display tips:
* Set aside dedicated spaces: Make sure you have specific areas in your store where you display OBAstudios products. A clean, uncluttered shelf, table or corner that reflects the brand's minimalist and elegant look lets each product stand out. Sometimes less is more. I've found that customers are more likely to remember items if there's more space around them.
* Make use of the helping elements: Think about using materials like wood, stone or other materials in your displays. For example, putting the ROCKY M. soap dish on a marble or wooden tray makes the product really stand out and looks great.
* Lighting is key: Use soft, focused lighting to make your best products really stand out. The way light is used can really affect how customers see things like texture, colour and detail. For instance, putting a spotlight on the CIDRA lemon squeezer draws attention to its sleek design and craftsmanship.
How OBAstudios can help: OBAstudios can provide display cards for some of our products, as well as additional digital material to print out.
2. Pairing OBAstudios products with complementary items for increased sales
Why it matters: Pairing OBAstudios products with other items in a way that makes sense can create displays that encourage customers to buy more. These pairings make sense both visually and practically, showing customers how the products can be used together.
Here are a few ideas for pairings:
* ROCKY M. Soap Dish + Luxury Soaps: Why not pair the ROCKY M. soap dish with some artisanal, handcrafted soaps? Putting them on show together will show how well they go together. You could offer a bundle deal with the dish and a soap at a slight discount.
* CIDRA + barware, cookbooks or health products: Showcase CIDRA with top-quality barware, like cocktail shakers and glasses, or cookbooks with lots of citrus-inspired or healthy recipes. This setup not only shows off the squeezer's usefulness, but also gets customers thinking about hosting their own cocktail or cooking night.
* STELLA Aroma Stone Diffuser + Essential Oils + Candles: Pair the STELLA aroma stone diffuser with essential oils and matching candles to create a relaxing spa-like display. Finish off the relaxation theme with some small potted plants or calming teas. Gift sets featuring these items can also be a great way to drive sales, especially during the holidays or special occasions.
How OBAstudios can help: OBAstudios can put together a list of products that go well with our items, to help you create attractive, revenue-boosting displays.
3. Using Storytelling Techniques to Make Your Displays Pop
Why It Matters: Stories are a great way to connect with customers on a deeper level. It helps them see beyond the product itself, understand what it's all about, why it exists and how it can fit into their lives. This emotional connection often means customers are more likely to buy and stay loyal to a brand.
Let's look at some storytelling techniques.
* Product Origin Stories: Every OBAstudios product has its own story – whether it's how the design was inspired, the materials used, or how it's been made. You can share these stories through small signs or cards next to the products. For instance, a sign next to the ROCKY M. soap dish could explain how its zigzag-shaped design was inspired by the ROCKY Mountains.
* Theme-based Stories: Put together displays based on specific themes or lifestyles that your customers will love. For instance, you could put together a display called "Morning Ritual" featuring CIDRA with lemons and ginger. That way, you can show customers how to use CIDRA, in this case for lemon ginger water. Use signs to show how these products can turn a boring morning into a moment of self-care.
How OBAstudios can help: OBAstudios can give you all the details you need on each product, as well as the story behind the design. This is a great resource for creating story cards or training materials for your staff.
4. The Challenges of Online Sales: Why we're against it
Why it matters: As a small business owner, I know how tricky it is to keep a business thriving. The rise of online sales has undoubtedly transformed the retail landscape, but it's important to recognise the significant downsides – especially for those of us who specialise in unique, handcrafted products from small makers.
The reality is that…
* It also undermines the value of the artistry involved: When products are sold online, they often end up just another item on a digital shelf, without the story, care, and craftsmanship that make them special. This makes the product seem less valuable, which also makes the work of the makers seem less valuable too.
* Price Wars and Devaluation: Online platforms are known for price wars, where the lowest price wins. This race to the bottom can be really damaging for small businesses and artisans who rely on fair pricing to keep their craft alive. Just remember, if you're reducing your prizes, there'll always be someone who'll go lower than you. Focus on something other than the price!
* Losing touch with customers: There's less of a personal connection between store owners, customers and products online. Customers miss out on the feel of the products, the personal stories behind them, and the atmosphere that makes shopping in a physical store special.
Our view on this is…
Here at OBAstudios, we believe in keeping our products' integrity intact by not offering discounts through online platforms. By keeping our sales in-store, we make sure these items retain their value and exclusivity. That way, each piece is appreciated for the artistry and craftsmanship it represents. This approach helps us, the small makers behind these products, as well as our customers, who get a unique shopping experience.
Have you ever thought about offering volume or bundle sales instead of just putting individual items on sale? Many customers buy OBA products as gifts and would love to keep one for themselves.
Putting OBAstudios products on display is about more than just putting them on a shelf – it's about creating an experience that your customers will love. By pairing these products with other items that go well together, using natural elements and lighting to make them look more appealing, and using storytelling techniques, you can create a space that not only attracts customers but also encourages them to make multiple purchases.
OBAstudios is here to help with product info, display ideas, and storytelling tips to help you make the most of their gorgeous products. Together, we can create store displays that show off the best of what OBAstudios has to offer and drive sales and build lasting customer relationships.
Wishing you continued success,
Barbara (from behind the store counter and the studio)