A couple of weeks ago I blogged about how excited I was about the merchandising makeover we were doing for an adorable gift shop in Rhode Island. The goal of the project was to help a gift shop owner re-merchandise their store using only $500. Well we completed the project, and it exceeded all of our expectations (see the fall issue of GIFT SHOP in a week to preview the full results)!

I'd like to give a special thanks to our makeover sponsor One Coast, to our visual merchandiser Donna Kent and to the store owner Donna Trottier of Blue Hydrangea in Wickford, RI.

Here are five things I learned from doing this project:

Color makes a big statement on the walls
I have always loved the use of vibrant color in a store, but I didn't think that dark colors would always work, especially in a smaller space. However, the use of a rich chocolate brown on an accent wall truly transformed the space, making it cozy and upscale. I would encourage you to add some bold color to your store, even if it's only on one wall.

Consignment shops are a great source for creative store fixtures
The store owner and merchandiser for our makeover found some great shutters (used to cover an ugly electrical panel) at a local consignment shop. Over the years the store owner has purchased some really amazing display pieces there and checks the consignment shop in her area once a week. Turn to consignment shops for fantastic props, fixtures and creative display pieces. Don't like the color? It's easy to paint the piece to give it new life.

Simple is sometimes more sophisticated
The merchandiser swapped out one of Donna's store rugs with intricate designs for a basic sisal rug with a brown border. It was amazing how the products popped when your eye was no longer drawn to the floor.

Don't forget to add height to your displays
We all know that adding height to any display can make a big difference, but it's an easy design element to forget. Our designer cleverly added height in one area by stacking a smaller table on the top of a display table. In another display she used some antique boxes to stack loads of wooden pumpkins.

Look at your store with fresh eyes
Our merchandiser suggested that our store owner walk through her store every season and look at it, pretending she's never seen it before. Ask yourself questions: what's working here, what's not, and what should I change. Don't be afraid to try working with a merchandiser to get some fresh new ideas!

Our makeover was a great success and I can't wait to do the next one!