Visual Merchandising of the Korean Traditional Fabric Stores in the Traditional Market

Purpose - The objective of the paper is to examine display techniques and tools at traditional clothing stores to improve the traditional market. Since most research has been done theoretical and model based approaches, changing business environments requires more holistic and detailed facts to apply or develop a retail business strategy. Research design / data / methodology - The study employs qualitative research such as direct observation as well as direct interview and telephone interview from May 7 to Jun 2, 2012. The paper examines lighting, various display techniques and tools. The analysis of 80 store pictures for them had been done three examiners with agreement. Results - Sample garments are displayed on the walls; the racks – of hangers are attached on the upper part of the walls; there is indirect lighting only. Furthermore, the merchandises are displayed, without any consistency, on various sizes and shapes of hangers, only on the owners' arbitrariness. When considering that the Korean traditional fabrics (Juddan) have a little pattern and colors as their important elements for displaying. Conclusions - The findings of this study show that the retailers in the traditional market need to have lessons on colors and to learn how to use the specific lighting and to display merchandise.