How to Choose Glass and Plastic Containers for Nearly Every Merchandise Display

Any retail store owner worth his salt in sales knows the importance of having the perfect fixtures for merchandise displays. Some of the most popular kinds of fixtures include glass and plastic containers, but the options are so plentiful, how’s a store owner to choose?Below are three steps to help you choose the best glass or plastic containers for nearly every merchandise display.Step #1: Choose the Merchandise You Want to DisplayYour merchandise is the most important factor to consider when choosing glass and plastic containers for your displays; without it, there’s nothing to showcase!Because these fixtures are available in such a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, it’s fairly easy to find the ones that will work best with your merchandise; however, there is a limit. Even the biggest fixture can only hold items that are considered “small,” so make sure your merchandise reflects that. Good ideas include small children’s toys like bouncy balls, pieces of wrapped candy or gumballs, or small convenience items like lighters.Step #2: Consider Your Display Space and Other Display FixturesWhen considering your store’s display space and display fixtures, you need to think about how much space you have to dedicate to a display as well as which – if any – other display fixtures you may already have and want to incorporate or may need to obtain.When used alone, display containers are generally situated on countertops, table tops, or bars. You must make sure you have enough space in these areas for the containers, and you must make sure you obtain containers of the sizes and shapes that will work best with the space.When paired with other fixtures, such as fixed-position or rolling display racks, you must either obtain containers of the shapes and sizes that will fit your current racks, or obtain racks that will comfortably hold the containers you want to use. Keep in mind that each kind of container – whether glass or plastic – becomes significantly heavier once it’s filled with merchandise. Be sure to use racks that are sturdy enough to support the weight. Step #3: Think About Your Store’s Usual Customers and TrafficNeither the kinds of customers nor the amount of traffic your store usually sees plays a huge role in the shape or style of display containers that would work best in your store; however, both play huge roles in the material you choose.Plastic containers are generally always the safest choice because they are less likely than glass containers to break if an exciting customer grabs them to rifle through the merchandise and accidentally drops them. For example, if an excited child sees a display of brightly colored gumballs or bouncy balls and tries to lift the container for better access, a glass container is more likely than a plastic or acrylic bin to break if the child drops it. The same is true for situations in which otherwise careful adults who get caught up in a crowded store and bump into a display.All hope isn’t lost for glass containers and jars, however; these fixtures offer the most charm and elegance and are perfectly suited for stores in which the traffic remains relatively moderate throughout the day and consists mostly of adults (or, children with extreme parental supervision). In the end, it boils down to whichever material you feel the most comfortable with and that complements your store’s current décor.