Storyscape With Oluwasegun

Selling to a customer  is an experience on its own. From the moment they walk in, you can almost predict the conversation. Take for example customers in Lagos "How much is this?" followed by the classic "Ah, they’re selling it cheaper down the road." In a bustling city where everyone wants the best value for their money, knowing how to sell without sounding pushy is a skill every seller needs. It’s not just about the product it’s about how you present it. Here’s how to make sure your customer leaves satisfied and you close the sale successfully: 1. Know Your Product Inside Out The first rule of selling is confidence, and confidence comes from knowledge. Understand your product’s features, benefits, and even potential drawbacks. This way, you can answer any question without hesitation. 2. Understand the Customer's Needs Every customer has a reason for showing interest in a product. Ask open-ended questions to find out what problem they’re trying to solve. When yo...

Setting up a clothing store goes beyond filling up racks with clothes. A well-organized store enhances customer experience, improves sales, and strengthens brand identity. Here’s a practical guide to arranging a new clothing store effectively. 1. Plan Your Store Layout and Theme Before anything else, define the layout that best suits your store size and customer traffic. Common layouts include: Grid Layout – Ideal for maximizing space, often used in supermarkets and thrift stores. Loop/Racetrack Layout – Encourages customers to follow a set path, increasing product exposure. Free-Flow Layout – Allows creative placement and an open feel, common in boutique stores. Your theme should reflect your brand identity. Whether you’re going for minimalist, urban, luxury, or bohemian, the store’s colors, furniture, and décor should align with your target audience. 2. Create a Strong First Impression at the Entrance Your storefront and entrance set the tone for customer engagement. Use an attrac...

In today’s retail world, shelf management plays a critical role in driving store performance. The look and feel of your shelves can make or break the shopping experience, influencing customer satisfaction, store perception, and ultimately, sales. One powerful approach that can revolutionize this area is what we call IRIS: Immediate Replacement of Item Sold. This concept ensures that products are restocked on the shelf immediately after being sold, maintaining the store’s visual appeal and ensuring product availability at all times. What is IRIS? IRIS is a shelf management strategy that emphasizes the real-time restocking of products the moment an item is sold. The idea is simple but highly effective: when a product is purchased, its absence is immediately addressed by replenishing it on the shelf. This ensures that customers always encounter fully stocked shelves, boosting the likelihood of making a purchase and creating a seamless shopping experience. Rather than waiting ...

In the heart of Lagos, where the hustle never stops, Nigerian markets like Balogun and Oyingbo come alive every day with a burst of energy that can only be experienced firsthand. The sights, sounds, and smells create an overwhelming sensory explosion, one that perfectly captures the essence of Nigeria's vibrant commercial spirit. From brightly colored fabrics to carefully stacked produce, the way these markets operate may seem chaotic, but there’s a subtle art at play an unspoken set of rules guiding the presentation of goods that draw customers in without them even realizing it. Welcome to the world of visual merchandising in Nigerian markets, where business meets creativity in a raw, authentic way. The Cultural Nuances of Display in Nigerian Markets Walking through the aisles of Balogun Market, one thing becomes immediately clear: these traders know how to present their products. They may not have formal training in visual merchandising, but they possess a...

Introduction In the competitive world of retail, creating a memorable shopping experience is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. Visual merchandising has long been a vital tool for retailers, but as consumer expectations evolve, a new approach is gaining prominence sensory marketing. This strategy goes beyond visual appeal by engaging all five senses to create an immersive environment that resonates with shoppers. For example, when I walk into any Ruff n Tumble store, I'm immediately captivated by a delightful scent, complemented by carefully chosen music and warm lighting. This combination not only creates a welcoming atmosphere but also strengthens the emotional connection between the brand and its customers. In this article, I'll explore how sensory marketing can be effectively integrated into visual merchandising to enhance the overall shopping experience and drive sales. The Power of Senses in Retail: The human senses have a profound influence on our emotions a...

Visual merchandising is more than just arranging products attractively; it’s about creating an environment that resonates with consumers on a deeper level. In Nigeria, where culture plays a significant role in consumer behavior, understanding and integrating cultural influences into visual merchandising can make the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity. Here’s how cultural factors impact visual merchandising in Nigeria: 1. Color Symbolism - Cultural Insight: In Nigeria, colors carry deep cultural significance, and their meanings can vary by region and ethnic group. For example, white is often associated with purity and peace, while red might be linked to passion, energy, or even danger.  - Merchandising Application : Retailers should carefully choose color schemes that align with the cultural context of their target market. For example, using traditional colors during festive seasons like Eid or Christmas can enhance the emotional connection with consumers...

Augmented Reality (AR) is reshaping the retail landscape globally, and Nigeria is no exception. As digital technology becomes more accessible, AR offers innovative ways to enhance the shopping experience. Here’s a practical look at how AR can be applied to visual merchandising in Nigeria today: 1. Virtual Try-Ons - Concept : AR technology allows customers to try on clothes, accessories, or makeup virtually, using their smartphones or in-store AR mirrors. - Details : With the rise of mobile phone usage and improved internet access, AR try-ons are becoming more feasible. Fashion retailers and beauty brands can implement AR to let customers see how clothing fits or how makeup looks in real-time, saving time and increasing convenience, especially in busy urban areas like Lagos and Abuja. 2. Interactive Store Displays - Concept : AR can turn traditional store displays into interactive experiences by overlaying digital elements or animations. - Details : Retailers in high-traffic...

In the world of retail, window displays are more than just a showcase of products—they're a powerful tool for telling a story and capturing the imagination of passersby. Consider, for a moment, a chubby mannequin standing proudly in a store’s window display. At first glance, it might seem unremarkable, especially in a world where sleek and slender mannequins dominate the scene. But this seemingly ordinary figure holds within it the hidden power of perception, a power that can transform the way we see opportunities in our everyday lives. Perception Shapes Reality The way we perceive the world around us is deeply influenced by our expectations, experiences, and attitudes. A chubby mannequin, often overlooked, can be perceived in two very different ways. Some might see it as out of place or even unattractive. But others, with a keen eye for opportunity, might see it as a bold statement—a celebration of diversity, body positivity, and inclusivity. This shift in perception i...