The Visual Merchandising Center

How many times have you started building a new presentation of merchandise and thought, “I need a new idea,” as a matter of fact the better you’ve done it in the past the more it will be remembered and the staler the repeat. Perhaps you are putting out a new category of goods or want to create a new theme even the best merchandisers will tell you that they are constantly looking for new concepts to beg, borrow and steal. They may give their personal touch and tweak according to their space and props but everyone needs a resource for new ideas. Finally there is such a place and it is easy to access, put together by golf experts who understand the needs of the industry and covers a multitude of subjects – think of it as the Pinterest of golf merchandising.

PGAmagazine.com has developed and launched a much needed tool and resource that everyone in the industry will benefit from and can contribute to – it is completely interactive. The Visual Merchandising Center is a link on the home page that allows you to choose by category (Men’s Apparel, Ladies Apparel, Headwear, Footwear, Inspiration, Props/Fixtures, etc.) and browse “the best of the best” imagery on merchandising and ideas in that category. It has obviously been built for PGA Professionals, AGM members, shop buyers and the golf retailing community with contributions and sponsorship from the vendors catering to our industry. You can upload your own imagery which will be credited to you and your facility and describe what the theme is or what you were attempting to accomplish and you can comment on the images that are put up by others.

There are actually seventeen categories and an archive of thousands of photos which are updated daily. Manufacturers will also be invited to submit education and share “White Papers” on whatever topics they choose to share their expertise on – e.g. “How to Maximize Floor Space For Footwear Displays,” as well as submit photos of great fixtures and displays. In the interest of full disclosure, I work closely with PGA Magazine on a number of projects and was asked to provide my comments and suggegtions during the development process of the Visual Merchandising Center. Therefore, while I am biased, I am also genuinely very impressed with this new tool for golf shop merchandisers.

"I love it. I usually cut out photos from the magazine when I see displays that I like, so this is even better for me. Thanks for sharing."

- Jeff Kidde, PGA Head Professional at Aronimink, 2011 National Merchandiser for Private Facilities

The first impression that is made when a member, guest or customer walks into your shop decides a lot about their experience and how it will be remembered and discussed. Good merchandisers will appreciate this new tool immensely and come back often. This has been needed in the industry for some time and I congratulate the PGA Magazine team on taking the time, having the vision and bringing the technology to bear on the project.

Everyone agrees that shops need to be remerchandised often as this creates new perspectives and thus sales. This is not always easy and often requires inspiration. One of the great things about the golf industry that I have come to realize over the years is the willingness of everyone to help the other. This is the perfect place to gather and share retail and merchandising images and help and be helped. The link to the page which you will want to save as a favorite is http://pgamagazine.com/vmc/.