MANNEQUINS: THE SILENT SELLERS IN RETAIL

I’m often asked about mannequins during consultations.
Here are some very ‘tongue-in-cheek’ reasons why mannequins can be your best employees.  You don’t have to pay them any benefits, UIC, holiday pay.  In fact…
They don’t take holidays.
They don’t talk back.
They always show up on time.
You don’t have to train them!
They don’t take sick leave.
They work in the windows when you’re closed.
They’re emotionally stable.
They don’t have opinions on how you’re running your company,
They don’t try to take ownership of your company.
They don’t make personal phone calls while they’re working
They always dress brand appropriate.

Dear readers…

I’m not suggesting that mannequins replace real live people but I wanted to let you know that there are some real benefits to having bust forms or mannequins in your stores.
Here are some of their qualities and differences.

  • Mannequins cost approximately $600.00 – $1800.00 whereas bust forms cost approximately $200.00 – $400.00.
  • Mannequins come in all shapes, sizes, make-up or not, hairstyles…just like people!
  • By the way…Arms and legs are NOT interchangeable
  • Bust forms come with a body, neck-block, and base, and can be used standing, or sitting on a shelf with the base removed.  You cannot do this with mannequins.
  • Mannequins come with a built-in pose and attitude.  Bust forms do not.
  • Bust forms come in two torso lengths – 4″ below the waist and 9-12″ below the waist.  If you’re showing clothing – go for the 4″ length because you won’t fit pants on the longer torso.
  • Mannequins are often more fragile, and best handled by trained merchandisers (although you can be taught how to do the changes, and they’re a lot easier to change than they used to be).  Bustforms are more conducive to non-professional dressing BUT mannequins show garments best!
  • Abstract mannequins with formed heads (no wigs) are quite popular today, but if you are buying a REALISTIC mannequin you will have 100’s of choices of wigs.
  • Mannequins hair and make-up stay in style about 5 years and then can be refurbished.  Quality mannequins – can still be going strong at 25 years with very little refurbishing.  That’s GREAT value!

WHY SHOULD I PURCHASE MANNEQUINS?

“Are these mannequins really worth the effort and the cost?”
The answer is of course, a resounding Yes!
Mannequins are one of the best merchandising investments that a store can make for a wide variety of reasons.

  1. They highlight products.
  2. They show the character or brand message of your shop.
  3. They are the constant outreach to draw people into your store –  even when it’s not open.
  4. By making regular changes on your mannequins, you can always be providing a new look-and-feel for your customers.
  5. They’re a 365 day investment in your store.
  6. They show off your product as it actually looks…and customers relate to that .
  7. LASTLY – BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY….there is only one reason that any company spends money, and that’s if what they’re buying will increase sales. Mannequins have proven time and again to be one of the best way to increase sales in stores.

Most of you will know that I have spent most of my working life working with mannequins in window displays, and that I represented Gender Mannequins for a very long time in Western Canada.  At the end of this post I’m going to offer you an opportunity to purchase some ‘in stock’ mannequins at some exceptional pricing. All pricing is FOB Montreal.

That being said, I have also worked with some very ‘cheap’ mannequins from off-shore companies, and I can tell you first hand that CHEAP doesn’t cut it!  Firstly…they’re HEAVY because of the materials they’re made of, The paint peels, UV rays fade the paint., the connection points break, and there will be NO replacement parts available. Your money will have been thrown out. 

Gender designs mannequins with poses, silhouettes and body language that are as close to real life as possible. There are over 30 collections with more than 300 poses, as well as countless heads and make-up styles to express your creativity and brand message

The other critical thing about Genesis Mannequins is that
they are totally recyclable! and environmentally friendly!


How Mannequins Are Recycled
Eco-friendly Mannequin Design

LETS LOOK AT WHAT’S IN STOCK READY TO SHIP!

Mannequins for Sale

These can be used on shelves or tables without the base.
Long bases – $90.00
Short Bases – $60.00

This great bust form is only $99.00 – regularly 154.00 ea.

Bases can be ordered for these. Currently in stock are a few Square 16″ x 16″ with 40″ poles in brushed metal and chrome, and also a number of round chrome bases for only $60.00.


ABSTRACT MATTE BLACK MANNEQUINS

Details of abstract matte black mannequins


BOUTIQUE MALES

Mannequins in Different Poses

Boutique Male in White gloss
Only $299.00 Regularly $625.00


SPIRIT MANNEQUINS

Spirit Mannequins in different poses

The new premium collection of Spirit Mannequins are available now in matte white in the positions shown . The females have a removable heel and a slip toe. Males and females are available
and they have a NANO finish…
This finish protects the mannequins from dirt and scratches, and is easy to clean. This increases the lifespan of the mannequins and also makes a sustainable contribution to environmental protection.
PRICE $ 699.00

This may have been a lot to take in…I get it!

I’m here to help you make those tough choices. 

If there is any mannequin or bust form that you wish to order…
contact me directly. 778 340 – 8585 or info@urbanspaces.ca

Don’t wait! You may lose out!

You’ll have them in your store in about 10 days upon order placement FOB Montreal and they’ll be making you money before you know it.

Kamila Gougain from Visual Display Services will be your support person in how to dress them, do your windows and everything else you need visual help with.

Thank you everyone for your support!  I love your comments.
Here’s to this being the best year ever!