How to Use Wooden Bin Displays in Your Country Store

How to Use Wooden Bin Displays in Your Country Store

Are you starting your own country store? Looking to 'countrify' the store you currently own? Whether you're selling seasonal fruits and garden fresh vegetables, or jams, jellies, and marmalades, hand-sewn quilts or handcarved decorations, wooden bins are the way to go. Wooden bins are versatile and durable, and they help to conjure up the look and feel of a country store. Basket and barrel bins make great multipurpose displays for small items; crates and bushel baskets can be used to display your larger wares.

Consider the following when you're looking for unique ways to display your merchandise:

• An old-fashioned wooden cart makes an excellent display bin. Flower carts often come with removable dividers, allowing you to display several things at once; and they are usually on two or four wheels, with push handles, making them easy to move outside for a sidewalk display or a farmers' market. Consider using an old-fashioned flower cart to display cut flowers, seed packets, candy, small toys, or produce.

• Bushel baskets are an inexpensive way to display small items and trial size products. Bushel baskets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Smaller bushel baskets can be hung on a display tree; larger ones are perfect for counter tops. Use them alone or in groups, to display toys, penny candy, dried fruit, nuts, or garden fresh produce.

• Display wines and sparkling ciders in a picnic basket. A plaid lining or tablecloth drape will evoke summer days spent by the lake. Consider a picnic basket also for displays of nuts and dried fruits or colorful peppers.

• Handcrafted crates and wooden boxes are versatile and can be stacked to save space. Apple crates, wine crates, old-fashioned soda boxes: these are a store owner's best friends. Use them especially to showcase your antiques and collectibles, like LPs and 45s, vintage magazines, even framed pictures.

• Wooden barrels aren't just for playing checkers. Large rustic barrels can be used to display anything from high-end floral arrangements to wine and spirits. Barrels are versatile, reusable, and fit in almost anywhere. They also come in a wide assortment of sizes and shapes. When looking for rustic barrels to complement your store, consider especially vintage Kentucky whiskey barrels, known are made from white oak and are known for their durability.

Whether you're starting your own country store or just looking for new ways to arrange old merchandise, wooden display bins are an excellent way to save money and floor space, while giving your business that down-home feel that customers love.