Adding trading cards to your store is an excellent way to attract collectors, casual players, and competitive gamers. However, to maximize your sales and create a seamless customer experience, the way you merchandise trading cards plays a huge role. Here are some effective merchandising tips to help you optimize your trading card displays and boost sales in your store:
Make Products Easily Accessible
Collectors and trading card customers typically enjoy handling products before buying, as they like to inspect packaging or view promo cards. Additionally, some customers may be shy about asking to see an item behind the counter. Ensure that most products, especially lower-cost items like booster packs, are accessible for customers to pick up and look at.
Be Mindful of Small Items and Theft Risks
Trading cards often come in small packages like booster packs, making them easy targets for theft. To minimize this risk, use a slat wall or similar display systems to hang smaller items securely. This will help you keep a better eye on the product while keeping it accessible.
Clearly Display Pricing
Nothing frustrates a customer more than unclear or missing prices. Make sure all products, from booster packs to accessories, have clearly visible pricing. This makes it easier for customers to make decisions quickly and helps them feel confident about their purchase.
Organize by Brand
Trading card customers tend to be loyal to specific brands, whether it’s Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, or Yu-Gi-Oh! Organizing your displays by brand rather than mixing them up will not only make it easier for customers to find what they are looking for but also helps you engage with them more effectively. By identifying which brands they prefer, you can offer personalized recommendations and upsell related products.
Create Clean and Clear Displays
Many trading card brands use busy logos and designs, making it easy for a display to become cluttered. Avoid stuffing too many products into a small space. Clean, well-organized displays are easier to browse and prevent customers from feeling overwhelmed. Make sure everything is neatly presented so customers can quickly find the product they want, resulting in higher sales.
Keep Accessories in Their Own Section (But Close By)
Accessories like sleeves, deck boxes, and playmats are essential for many trading card customers. Keep accessories in their own distinct section, but ensure that this section is close to the trading card products. This setup encourages cross-selling and makes it easier for customers to pick up everything they need in one go.
Dedicate Space for New Releases
Create a “New Release” section for the latest sets and products, and position it at eye level or near the counter. Release days can get hectic, and having new products clearly displayed helps customers quickly find what they are looking for. By making this area visible and easy to access, you’ll also make sure you capture sales from excited collectors and players who want the newest cards right away.
Final Thoughts
Effective merchandising of trading cards is about creating an environment where customers can easily find, handle, and purchase the products they love. By keeping your displays organized, accessible, and clear, you’ll enhance the customer experience and see an increase in sales. Remember to tailor your displays based on brand loyalty, and don’t forget to optimize for new releases and upselling opportunities!