With all the choices customers have available to them, how does a nursery retailer grab the customer's attention? Why would a customer buy from your store as opposed to your competitors? Obviously price, location and quality are involved in the consumer decision process but by displaying your products effectively as part of a great store design, your store will measure up to the customers' expectations and you are likely to gain a competitive edge. If your products are displayed neatly, on quality mannequins, or wellpresented display units, your customers are more likely to be attracted to the product.

Identify your target market - customers with children - and aim your product displays at this segment of the market. Choose a relevant theme and enlarge upon it, make it the very essence of the shop. It is also important to create a 'stop dead' window display that drags shoppers into your store. Window displays are life size advertisements for the store and as such, are vitally important, even when your store is closed. Some of the most innovative window displays are created from the simplest materials, so go on, create a captivating window today.

You need to create an environment that attracts the customer, is comfortable to shop in, and encourages the customer to return. Are the storefront and windows attracting and inviting? Is all the signage clear? Is the merchandise presented appealingly? If you are on a shoestring budget obviously you would need to start small and include a plan for growth. As retail is dynamic, it is important that you grow and change. You don't have to change the entire store, just change displays, rotate the merchandise, and use different signage in order for the customer to feel that there is a new experience on offer. Customers have a limited amount of time and disposable income, but their choice of where to spend it is quite large. It is fundamental that your store design is tailored to them.

If you have been roused into action the sdea Directory of Shopfittings and Display gives you instant access to around 200 suppliers of retail display, and thousands of diverse products and services. The new 2007/2008 edition will be available in June, FREE to the first 50 readers of this article. Pre-order your copy today by calling the sdea InfoLine on 01883 348911 or by emailing enquiries@sdea.co.uk The Directory will be launched at this year's In-Store Show Earls Court 2, London from 12-14 June, www.instoreshow.co.uk