Need some ideas for a coin shop display pictures included

Bunker · October 9, 2006 8:41AM

A friend of mine just opened up his second coin shop. The building is older and has 2 large front windows that face the street with the entry door in the center.

There is a raised "platform" that measures 36 inches deep by 60 inches wide and is 24 inches high in front of both windows. He is trying to come up with some ideas of what to put there.

One of the idea's he has is to build two replica safes and have them gold leafed with the name of his shop on them kinda like a sign in the window.

I was just wondering if there might be some other ideas of what to place in front of the windows. I have attached pics for you to view.

ColonialCoinUnion · October 9, 2006 8:46AM

I think putting a replica safe in front of the window is asking for trouble from someone who might think its real (and real valuable).

I'd suggest large photographs of coins, artfully done, maybe on a stand or easel of some kind, possibly coin books or some other display which does not involve 1) putting something valuable in the window that 2) needs to be removed every night.

Musky1011 · October 9, 2006 8:50AM

My idea would be to get a couple of old luggage trunks,you know the one that are in the antique stores

Put The name of your store on the front of them in gold leaf

put a false bottom in them like 1/2' from the top

Fill them with chinese fake dollars

Instant Treasure chests

If someone does steal them- no real value lost

at least you could tell the insurance company that they were real

Another idea would be to get a local artisan to carve a 50" in diameter morgan dollar for one side and an indian head penny for the other side to hang there

If you ever went out of business you could always sell the carvings on the B.S.T. board

It would be cool looking and you would be helping out the local economy instead of just selling

Jim

BobaFett72 · October 9, 2006 8:52AM

<< <i>I think putting a replica safe in front of the window is asking for trouble from someone who might think its real (and real valuable). >>

wholeheartedly.

robertpr · October 9, 2006 8:59AM

<< <i>I think putting a replica safe in front of the window is asking for trouble from someone who might think its real (and real valuable).

I'd suggest large photographs of coins, artfully done, maybe on a stand or easel of some kind, possibly coin books or some other display which does not involve 1) putting something valuable in the window that 2) needs to be removed every night. >>

I agree, and would like to add that leaving the window uncluttered so you can see into the shop makes it more inviting.

LUNETIST · October 9, 2006 9:01AM

My idea woul be to go to a model company and have the 4 mints made up. The S, P, D and the CC put them in the window with some old pictures. Put several low value coins from each mint with a brief history. This way you can also atract the kids. Christmas time you can add a few things to it and make it more interesting. Good luck with the store!

NumisOxide · October 9, 2006 9:14AM

<< <i>My idea woul be to go to a model company and have the 4 mints made up. The S, P, D and the CC put them in the window with some old pictures. Put several low value coins from each mint with a brief history. This way you can also atract the kids. Christmas time you can add a few things to it and make it more interesting. Good luck with the store! >>

Hey, that's a great idea. I second that.

StrikeOutXXX · October 9, 2006 9:27AM

I think the serious coin collectors are going to come in no matter what is in the window - they're coming for the coins, not the displays.

I think he should aim the displays of getting the non-serious collector or beginners in the store. The window on the right (from the inside) looks great for books. Lots of beginners books as well as some serious books.

The 2nd stoop that is viewable from two sidewalks I would put a nice selection of Whitman/Dansco albums - should remind a lot of people of the "Good old days" and may get them back into collecting and wanting to come in. Good place to put some flips, 2x2's, etc. A treasure chest scene wouldn't be too bad if it was with low-dollar dateless buffalo's, wheaties, mercs, etc. I agree with those who said keep the theft ideas out of most of their heads.

Just my 2cents worth.

MrEureka · October 9, 2006 9:30AM

I agree, and would like to add that leaving the window uncluttered so you can see into the shop makes it more inviting.

And safer.

wildjag · October 9, 2006 9:43AM

I believe I just drove by that shop last night on the way to go to dinner. Will have to check it out someday.

Type2 · October 9, 2006 10:12AM

Location looks nice it's a corner lot that is a plus you should dress it up just a little. The chest may look good in the window with some gold paint on some wood coins just for looks, and when you go in put some track lighting to highlight your coins that will make them pop and some nice lettering on the window will look nice too. Not to big or it will hide what is in the shop, and a good alarm with a remote that you can put in your pocket. And a lot of Coins.

Your in Business well after lic / fictitious Business name you will need that befor you open a bank acc under that name. and Congratulation on your new shop.

Leiana · October 9, 2006 10:17AM

I think you could put cushions on them to make window seats and have an in-house library for a little Numismatic Book Nook!

That would be cool (to me).

-Amanda

Bunker · October 9, 2006 12:05PM

Thank you for the suggestions so far. I have e-mailed him this thread so he can read the post's so far. Hopefully he will like what he see's and become a contributor to the forum.

netrubicon · October 9, 2006 12:19PM

Nice looking space! Maybe set up an old fashioned bank teller cage? One thing I can tell you is to remove the color blue from your stores interior if you have any. The Casino industry has done some kind of color testing for casino interiors and people especially males, are less willing to spend money around the color blue. Thats why you never see blue on casino floors.

TheRegulator · October 9, 2006 12:25PM

I agree with StrikeOutXXX... Coin collectors will not make the decision to enter based on what is diplayed out front.

Maybe a big old gumball machine or cheap balsa planes to get the attention of kids or a few Americana antiques that will get the attention of both coin collectors and non-collectors. Things like old cast iron bookends or antique lamps. High quality items that can be sold and make a nice display and bring in people who may not enter or spend money otherwise.

A couple of big American flags hanging outside the door would look nice as well.

mrearlygold · October 9, 2006 12:30PM

I had a shop on main street in Belmar NJ and kept the front windows un-obstructed . It's a good thing that people driving or walking by can see inside fairly easily.

On another note, where is parking for your friends store?

Looks like a neat shop!

originalisbest · October 9, 2006 12:39PM

You could always add a plastic Godzilla figure (find one in decent scale) and have him chomping on a few Star-Wars sized figures with a sign saying "Shoplifters will be killed and eaten." Always worked well for Slot-N-Wing Hobbies in Champaign (I think they may have signs to that effect for sale as well.)

netrubicon · October 9, 2006 12:41PM

How bout a Gypsy Grandma? Not sure what they cost anymore but they are very cool. (Its an old fortune telling machine).

Bunker · October 9, 2006 12:47PM

<< <i>On another note, where is parking for your friends store? >>

There are 10-12 parking spots in the rear of the building plus on street parking on the side road.

This building is a 3 story. The first floor is all showcases and such. The second floor is set up to do appraisals and also has a kitchen. The third floor has 2 offices and storage.

When you walk in there is a cathedral ceiling all the way to the third floor. The second and third floor both have balconies that overlook the showroom.

He has been in operation for about 5 years at his original location. His partner and an associate will continue at that store while he and another associate get this place up and running.

This new location is only a few miles from downtown Cincinnati. His other shop is about 15 miles away near Hamilton Ohio.

StrikeOutXXX · October 9, 2006 12:47PM

The gumball machine idea got me thinking - maybe an elongated cent machine? Would fit the shop nicely. Your friend could have common indian heads on "special" to smush in the machines or let them use their own coins?

Maybe a rack of coin collecting software?

Maybe some plush toys to get kids in there? Maybe not these exact bears, but something similar?

Bunker · October 9, 2006 9:45PM

ttt for the day crew

ScarsdaleCoin · October 10, 2006 12:17AM

Store Windows are one of the best ads for your shop..... suggest that they be changed, you may want to use the services of a professional window stager to create interesting displays....that change with the season....

Need some ideas for a coin shop display pictures included

Comments

Leave a Comment