How to Suspend Merchandise or Props in your Store Windows
retailers and experts share ideas
A number of subscribers have mentioned the challenge of suspending merchandise or props in store windows, so I reached out to several retailers and another merchandising pro for input, too!
A retailer in New York anchored 20 jumbo, 3” cup hooks in her window ceiling, which is 4 foot higher than the window glass. She uses filament (fishing line) to suspend merchandise, backdrops or props at varying heights. However, she is looking for a better option because her merchandise tends to spin around.
One retailer in Michigan uses a 2” diameter wooden closet rod, hung side to side, above the window frame level in both of her front windows. She hangs cloth, ribbons or paper over the rod to create backdrops that look appealing from the inside of the store, too. She recently purchased some red, white & blue cloth shower curtains that she plans to hang for upcoming patriotic holidays. She got the curtain idea from my Merchandising Basics Post from March of last year.
This rod approach works well for narrow windows, but not for wider ones or windows that are open on the sides. I’ll share a similar, interesting option at the end of this post.
In my personal experience and for most of those I spoke with about this topic, the best way to suspend items in a store window is by using grid panels. Here’s a tutorial from my friend Daniel Slack, creative director at Just Got 2 Have It! Daniel is a creative genius and I thank him for sharing his knowledge and expertise and for including diagrams and images, too!
From Daniel:
“Through years of trial and error, the best way I have found to get a display window (or in-store display) prepared to easily hang items is with the use of a ceiling mounted grid. Grid panels are available from most display suppliers and come in a variety of sizes. Typically in white, black or chrome finish, they are sturdy and versatile.”
Continue reading for the tutorial, examples and resources: