For brands on a tight budget, creating an on-point retail experience can seem daunting. Fortunately, with a bit of creativity, there are many ways you can create a beautiful retail space on a shoestring budget. Here are a few ideas we’ve seen brands use to save a couple of dollars while still creating an inspiring space.
Smoke and mirrors
Mirrors might be the oldest trick in the book for giving the illusion of space. However, they don’t come cheap. In order to stay thrifty, antique and secondhand shops are a great source to find affordable options. It’s important to keep an open mind and get creative when thinking about what can be done to upcycle these pieces.
From painting frames to embellishing with jewels, there are many ways to turn a shabby mirror into a fine piece that brings light into your cozy shop. The best part about mirrors is their versatility. You can use them as display trays, instagrammable signage or for customers to view merchandise.
Actually, this is my beeswax
Candles are a nice way to create an inviting atmosphere in your shop. And the good news is, it’s easy and inexpensive to make your own. A pound of organic beeswax goes for just fourteen dollars at the Union Square Farmer’s Market. Play around with some essential oils to create an aromatic blend then recycle old mason jars, mugs or vases to hold the mixture. In about an hour, you’ll have your own custom-scented store and a nice story to tell customers as well.
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Have everything coming up roses
Flowers and plants always brighten up a space (plus they are natural air purifiers). Similar to mirrors, they can be expensive, but we’ve got some hacks to keep costs at a minimum. You can find flowers on almost every corner in New York at your local bodega. However, they can be a bit pricey. The key is to find a flower or plant that fits in your space but also has a long lifetime to get the most bang for your buck.
So, where should you look? There are an array of options in NYC’s Flower District or at the Union Square Farmer’s Market (look by the northeast corner). If you’re too busy to search around, try out Booths in Queens, they offer free delivery! Another popular and economical option, are succulents. These plants come in all shape and sizes and look lovely in almost anything.
Varying your vibes
When merchandising and decorating your shop, you might want to mix things up a bit when it comes to the design. One of the many perks of being in NYC is the plethora of fabric stores that offer every pattern imaginable at any budget. Stop by B&J or Mood to get a few yards of silk which you can tie around pillows. Or check out one of the specialty suppliers such as United Leather to find nicely embossed leathers which you can fasten to the bottom of display cases to make your pieces pop.
Go forth and conquer
With some dedication and creativity, the options can be endless. We’re New Yorkers, we can utilize small spaces better than anyone. Inspiration could strike while admiring luxury store windows or staring off at subway mosaics. With an open mind and sharp eye, anything is possible, even on a tight budget.