3 Easy Merchandising Strategies To Improve Displays and Increase Sales

If you're running a gift or stationery shop, you already know how important a great display can be. Not only do well-merchandised shelves and tables show off your products, but they also invite customers to browse longer and spend more.

But how do you create displays that look intentional and dynamic AND increase sales without hours of effort? 

Here are my 3 favorite tips for retail shop merchandising. Trust me, these merchandising strategies are simple, effective, and can breathe new life into your retail displays.

1. Add Height to Your Displays

Flat surfaces can look boring fast, whether's a shelf or tabletop. Adding varying heights to your displays turns tables, shelves, and counters into visually engaging showcases! It's an easy way to make your shop feel polished and professional while also improving the functionality of your space.

Here’s why height matters:

• It makes flat surfaces visually interesting
• It allows you to fit more products without overcrowding
• It highlights items of importance or products you want to spotlight
• It shows complementary product pairings or bundles, which can drive sales
• It creates white space to make everything feel balanced
• It brings smaller items to eye level, making them easier to notice

Simple ways to add height to your merchandising:

Neutral Platforms: Consider wood risers, which are functional and stylish without overpowering your products.

Thrifted Finds: Stacked books or baskets from secondhand shops can quickly elevate a display (literally).

Containers: Use jars, vases, or trays of varying heights to hold small items like scrunchies or pens.

Product Stacking: Try stacking items like mugs, boxes, or notebooks for an easy visual lift.

Clear Risers: If you want to maximize height without disrupting sightlines, clear acrylic risers are a great option.

These ideas are low effort but have a high impact, and chances are, you already have some items lying around that can be repurposed for this purpose.

2. Group by Color for Maximum Impact

“Coloring out” is one of the simplest and most effective merchandising strategies to create impact. Grouping items by color makes everything look intentional, cohesive, and instantly photo-worthy.

Plus, color psychology can subtly influence customer behavior, encouraging them to see connections between items they might not have otherwise considered.

How to leverage color in your shop displays:

Tone-On-Tone Displays: Group items in a single color family to create a strong visual theme. For example, a shelf of blue items—think notebooks, candles, and pens—feels curated and calming.

Contrast for Focus: Use contrasting colors to highlight items you want to feature. For example, a bright pink vase paired with white stationery really pops and immediately catches the eye.

Pair Strategically: Match items that sell well together to strengthen your merchandising strategy. For example, pair notebooks with coordinating pens or candles with colorful gift wrap.

By using color strategically, you'll create a display that's not only easy on the eyes but one that subtly encourages customers to consider multiple items at once.

3. Negative Space is Your Best Friend

When it comes to merchandising, sometimes the best display tip is doing absolutely nothing. That's right—white space (or negative space) can be every bit as powerful as the items you place on your display.

Here’s how white space works in retail merchandising:

Helps Shoppers Focus: If there’s too much going on visually, customers may feel overwhelmed and miss key products. Negative space keeps their attention on what matters.

Creates Focal Points: Empty spaces guide the eyes naturally toward featured items, making it easier to spotlight your bestselling or promotional products.

Improves Shoppability: Overcrowded displays can make products feel hard to access. Empty space makes it easier for customers to pick up, interact with, and even purchase merchandise.

Resist the urge to fill every inch of your shelves. Instead, declutter for a cleaner, sleeker look that invites shoppers to take their time and browse.

Wrapping it Up

Merchandising your gift or stationery shop doesn’t have to involve a massive overhaul. Simple tricks like adding height, grouping by color, and leaving room to breathe can completely transform your displays—and you don’t need to break the bank to make it happen.

Next time you’re reworking your retail display, give these ideas a try. You’ll be amazed by how quickly they grab attention and drive sales. Happy merchandising!