Retailers are hoping that more realistic mannequins will trigger more spending by shoppers. The aim is for the mannequin to be an aspirational model, representing how shoppers want to perceive themselves. Welcome to the Uncanny Valley Mall! From NPR:
In a Disney Store in Southern California, an employee helps a young customer wave a purple wand at a talking mirror. It's part of the store's redesign, which includes playful child-size mannequins that encourage shoppers to interact with the merchandise. The mannequins appear to curtsy and jump after balloons.
The idea behind the new mannequins is to show children in real and imaginary play poses. Jeff Zimmerman, Disney Store's West Coast regional manager, stands near a plastic white castle. On top is a mannequin sitting cross-legged, wearing a blue Cinderella dress.
"[The mannequins] kind of evoke a sense of imagination of your child, maybe wearing that dress, and what else to explore in this particular neighborhood," Zimmerman says.
The 32 redesigned Disney Stores are calling their sales very strong for swimsuits and costumes shown on these mannequins. The company believes the displays played a role in that success.
Chains like Athleta, Charlotte Russe and Dick's Sporting Goods are also putting money into new mannequins. And that's boosted sales for one of the world's largest custom mannequin makers, Fusion Specialties.
"Life-Like Mannequins Inspire Real-Life Shoppers" (Thanks, Jason Tester!)
