In the past, my customers had two options: try on clothing in between the racks or settle for comparing their measurements to those of the garment. While that worked in most cases, not everyone is comfortable changing outfits in the open, and most of us want to know that the clothing will fit when we swipe our credit card. Returning clothing is an inconvenience in any case, hence the obvious need for a dressing room in the store.
I posted a full album of photos on the SCV facebook page so you can see the process unfold. I'm so fortunate to be married to a carpenter who loves his trade, and the end result turned out even better than I anticipated.
There are more benefits than I expected, outside of the obvious. Lighting in the shop can be wonky at times since I rely solely on natural light from opposite ends of the store, but I was surprised to find that the white paint on the interior walls reflects and diffuses the light and creates a bright, clear space for trying on clothing. I'm using this lightbox effect to my advantage when I take product photos for the etsy shop later today. I love spaces that serve multiple purposes, especially since I'm working with very little square footage in my booth. And it's amusing to me that even though this fitting stall takes up a significant amount of space, it actually improved the overall aesthetics of the shop as a whole. It forced me to rethink the layout and move some racks around to accommodate all the clothing, and it also gave me an extra half wall to work with. The feng shui of the whole store is significantly more cohesive and, not to get all heady on you, but it feels like there is a better flow of energy throughout. Feng shui is no joke, people.
If you're a Jacksonville local or just passing through on a weekend, stop by the shop and try something on!
