Visualizing The Retail Experience

By Dan Finkelstein

Visualization is an important tool used by many ranging from Olympic level athletes to CEOs of large corporations. Visualization works by seeing yourself in a desired outcome, situation, or place. Once a mental image has been created focus is then spent on attaining the desired result. The overall idea is that by focus on achieving this desired result you'll actually be able to attain it.

Does visualization actually work? Well, many would say it depends on who is asked but there is also something to be said for being positive and maintaining focus on ways of achieving your goals. Even having a clear set of goals is not only a great motivator, but also increases your chances of success.

Visualization is often credited by many big stars in Hollywood as one of their powerful keys to success or at least a large contributing factor to helping them find their big breakthrough. Most people do this somewhat instinctually but not as much of a grandiose scale. Often times we envision our day to day tasks or before we make purchases. Having this knowledge in mind, retailers can better plan knowing how their clients will shop.

Many clients visiting a clothing store will seek items they think will make them look or feel good. The next step is taking these items from the rack and bringing them to the dressing room to see how they fit. The client has gone into the dressing room with a picture or "visualization" in their mind of how the clothing will look. There are a few ways to ensure that this process caters to the customer, and the mental image becomes a reality.

Dressing rooms should always be kept clean and organized. Additionally they should be well lit and have good sized mirrors. This helps take the customer from what they were picturing in their mind to what they are actually wearing in the dressing room. These factors help the customer see themselves in a favorable light, and helps greatly with achieving the sale.

Whether you are building an empire or simply planning out your day, you've probably started with some type of conscious or unconscious vision of how the desired outcome will look. Knowing that this is how the mind works, you can better understand clients and how they shop. Help cater to their needs by understanding the way they think and what they are expecting in a retail experience.