In move that feels like a long time coming, mannequins are getting a body makeover to look more like the people shopping in stores.
“Stores are using more realistic versions of the usually tall, svelte, faceless mannequins in windows and aisles. It's part of retailers' efforts to make them look more like the women who wear their clothes. That means not only adding fat and hair, but also experimenting with makeup, wigs and even poses.”
The reason for the change in mannequin physiques is simple – studies show people purchase based on the mannequins. But the average person doesn’t look like the typical mannequin. Unless everyone in the world is headless, armless and ninety pounds.
“Forty-two per cent of customers recently polled by market research firm NPD Group Inc. say something on a mannequin influences whether they buy it. In fact, mannequins ranked just behind friends and family in terms of influence.”
So you’re more likely to trust the dummy on display than the dummy walking the mall with you.
[via Huffington Post]
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