The visual merchandiser’s toolbox

Any visual merchandiser will benefit from having a comprehensive selection of tools. The actual toolbox should be large enough to house the tools, but not so big that it becomes a burden and takes up a vast amount of valuable window space. Windows can be confined and sometimes claustrophobic—the more compact the toolbox, the better. Items the visual merchandiser will need are listed below.

Staple gun

Probably, in conjunction with a pair of scissors, the most important tool that a visual merchandiser needs. The staple gun has many roles, including for covering floors and wall panels.

Staple remover

These small specialist tools are the only effective way of removing staples easily.

Pliers

To remove panel pins and stubborn staples.

Scissors

The trademark scissors protruding out of a back pocket often identify a visual merchandiser.

Double-sided tape

Useful for quick repairs.

Pins

As well as traditional dressmaking pins, stronger pins that are more durable and can be hammered into wooden surfaces are used. Dressmaking pins should only be used to pin garments.

Hot-glue gun

Excellent for major repairs.

Screwdrivers

Both flat-head and Phillips. An electric screwdriver is also a useful commodity for changing plugs and fuses.

Bradawl

Useful for boring holes.

Retractable tape measure

A long measure that stretches the length of a window is more effective than a shorter one.

Spirit level

Useful for ensuring any picture or graphic is level.

Wire

There are many different gauges of wire available. A selection of galvanized, florists’, model, and thin wire will be sufficient.

Selection of screws and nails

A mixture of nails, including carpet tacks, panel pins, and masonry nails, will be needed for different purposes. Wood and masonry screws together with the complementary size of molly bolts will help if you are screwing into a stone or a wooden wall.