Ten retailers across Northern Ireland recently completed a Level 1 Window and Retail Display course with the WEA.  They are currently putting their newly acquired skills to good use and customers are already commenting on their efforts.

Eleanor Lyttle who owns ‘Monty at the Arches, a shoe shop in East Belfast, is one of the successful participants.

Eleanor comments, “I had just decided to set up my own business when I heard about the course and I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity as I had little retail experience.

“I learnt so much on the course.  Our tutor was so knowledgeable and extremely helpful.  Shoe shops don’t tend to produce elaborate displays in the same way as clothes shops do, but this course has given me the confidence not to be afraid of the window and to introduce other things into displays to complement the shoes.  Already customers have commented on the different window displays I’ve created.

“I would recommend this course to anyone in retail.  Even doing a few basic things can make such a big difference in drawing people into the window but most of us haven’t a clue where to start.”

Tara Cullinan, whose mum Pam Cullinan owns The Patchwork Goose in North Belfast, also completed the course.

Tara explains, “I didn’t know how to dress a window before but now I’m armed with all the necessary information on colour, balance and standards to create a visually attractive talking point.

“I’d recommend the course to anyone even retailers who’ve been trading for many years as it’s important to keep up to date with trends and new ideas to improve sales.  It’s often the visual impact of your window that attracts customers, old and new, into your shop.”

WEA Development Officer Carole Kane comments, “The WEA is delighted to be able to provide work based learning initiatives such as this which are central to our mission and we are keen to pursue other possibilities with employers.

“A mixture of people participate in this course ranging from owners of fashion shops to those who aspire to freelance in the area.  The impact of this course not only affects turnover in the shops but also benefits the aesthetic appearance of the high street.

“Participants learn how to source inspiration and ideas and how to use colour, shapes and props effectively to make their stores exciting and new for their customers by creating well laid out departments and visual hotspots.

“On previous Retail and Window Display courses, shop owners recognised increased sales after merchandise were displayed using skills acquired on the course.  This is a fantastic outcome for staff, employers and customers especially during the current credit crunch.”

The WEA intends to run Level 1 and Level 2 Window and Retail Display Courses starting later this summer.  If you’d like to find out more contact Carole Kane on (028) 9032 9718 or email carole.kane@wea-ni.com.