When Taylor Ramiz conceptualizes a golf shop display, the first thing she thinks about is how it will celebrate Manasquan River Golf Club in Brielle, New Jersey.
“My main philosophy is to identify the club’s brand identity and incorporate it into my displays,” says Ramiz, AGM, Manasquan River’s Golf Shop Manager & Merchandiser. “Every great club can have a great course, great food & beverage and great staff, so my objective is to find what sets our club apart.”
First and foremost, Ramiz considers her facility’s “extremely special” location in the heart of the Jersey Shore. The club sits on the Manasquan River, two miles from the beach at the second-highest elevation point on the Atlantic Seaboard – allowing for some incredible views from the course.
“From sand-filled jars to authentic surfboards, I try to incorporate the Jersey Shore into our displays with fun props, especially during peak summer months,” she says. “Merchandisers know a unique prop can go a long way and help to elevate a simple display.”
Before building a display, Ramiz usually takes the merchandise from a recent delivery and lays it out in front of her, allowing her to zero in on the theme and coloring she wants to achieve. She also pours through social media, which she believes is a great tool for sparking inspiration.
“My goal is to pick a statement color and eye-catching props that coordinate and enhance the display to guide the member’s eye and focus toward the merchandise,” she says. “Once I have everything gathered, I get to work building the display with the techniques I have learned from merchandising associations, conferences and my peers in the industry.”
Ramiz also says she’s fortunate that with a shop measuring over 3,000 square feet, she can produce multiple displays and move product around often. If merchandise is not selling well in one area, she strategically moves it to another space on the shop floor and flips the display to keep things looking as fresh as possible.
“Personally, I believe some of my most unique displays have been achieved by taking a risk to try new techniques, while also allowing myself to have fun and be creative with this aspect of my work,” Ramiz adds.
This page is an ongoing feature in PGA Magazine that highlights best practices from the Arizona-based Association of Golf Merchandisers. The AGM has approximately 850 members – including PGA of America Professionals, buyers and merchandisers.