Creating “A Moment” for Prize Redemption
Basic merchandising is the foundation that all redemption rooms need to seamlessly operate, but by incorporating elements of surprise and spectacle, you can captivate players and ignite their imagination.
Making merchandising “pop” requires a touch of flair and finesse that can seem intimidating but with these few tips and tricks, you can take your room from ordinary to extraordinary.
What exactly is a “moment?”
Redemption rooms can be a sensory overload where myriad prizes compete for attention. The challenge lies in capturing and retaining the gaze of the customer which is where the magic of creative moments come to play. Group related items that share a common theme, IP, or even color to make an impact. Moments can transform basic merchandising into captivating experiences resulting in sales.
Now let’s apply these principles and see how we can make redemption space stand out beyond basic merchandising.
Above All / Grid Wall
“Above All” displays provide an opportunity to highlight large and high-end prizes. Use these hard-to-reach areas as “One to Show, One to Go” areas, where once redeemed you would pull from the backroom instead of the display. This ensures the display stays intact, preventing any empty spaces. These above all spaces also serve as a chance to highlight how the prizes operate.
For example, one of our clients had a Starbursts candy plush that included mini-Starbursts inside, but one could easily miss this detail. To call attention to the fun functionality of the item, we created a moment with the mini Starbursts merchandised alongside the plush.
Suggested Above All merchandise:
- Kayaks, tents
- Plush families
- Plush on swing sets
- Bikes, skateboards
- Gaming systems
- Showcase additional parts of items like the above-mentioned (Starbursts plush, playing cards)
7. Reference pop culture. You can also have fun referencing pop culture by recreating the swinging ball scene in Mylie Cyrus’ Wrecking Ball’ video or recreating a scene featuring the mischievous Among Us characters.
Custom Products
Investing in custom products is a strategic move for companies looking to build brand awareness and foster customer loyalty. Custom merchandise acts as walking advertisements, so when young customers run around with a logo knobby ball in their hands, they essentially become brand ambassadors, increasing brand visibility. Check out our custom products selection here.
Merchandising Custom Products
Display Cases
Continue to group by category but also incorporate non-branded products to add a playful vibe and create a seamless transition from redemption prizes to branded products.
Don’t worry if your custom products selection is small, you can still create a fun look by displaying keychains on a mug tree and hanging lanyards on command hooks.
Table Layout
You can also opt for a table layout that elevates your offerings by utilizing specialty fixtures such as bust forms, t-shirt display frames, and acrylic risers.
Walls
- Theme hard and soft goods together in their own categories to mimic a retail experience.
- Use clean lines, focal points, and double facings when needed.
- Keep walls clean and drinkware free of dust, no one wants to redeem dusty houseware goods. 👇
Specialty Fixtures
Specialty fixtures add depth to displays and showcase attributes of the merchandise that could be overlooked. Most are easily found online at low prices but offer a high-value experience. Items such as multi-level risers, plush holders, skateboard stands, playing card holders, and more create a curated and inspirational space for your gamers to inspire to earn more tickets.
Remote Displays
Remote displays serve as beacons, guiding players through their journey and enticing them with the promise of coveted treasures. Whether it’s screens showcasing upcoming rewards, a pedal display case featuring trendy, high-end items, or various wall wedge display cases featuring the latest plush, these strategically placed items fuel your players’ quest for victory.
Fixtures to invest in:
Pedestal Display Case
Wall Wedge Display Case
Showcase
In conclusion, basic merchandising forms the essential groundwork for the seamless operation of redemption rooms. However, by infusing elements of surprise and spectacle, you can truly captivate players and elevate their experience. Creative moments play a pivotal role in transforming ordinary merchandising into captivating encounters that drive sales.
By implementing the principles outlined above, your redemption room can transcend basic setups and stand out as an extraordinary destination. These strategies not only enhance customer engagement but also boost brand visibility, fostering loyalty and setting your establishment apart in the competitive market of redemption rooms.
Written by April Jackson — Visual Merchandiser
