RETAILING guru Headley Thompson this week unveiled the mysteries of visual merchandising at master classes in West Devon this week. Retailers in Tavistock and Okehampton were inspired by his expert tips and techniques given at free workshops organised by West Devon Business Information Point. Mr Thompson, a prize-winning specialist with more than 25 years merchandising experience, led the groups through a variety of theory and practical sessions covering display, layouts, colour, promotion and lighting. Richard Appleby, owner of Millennium Music in Okehampton's Arcade and a member of Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade, said: 'I was inspired. Headley's sessions really helped us focus on how important window displays are to bring in customers. His workshops would suit any retail business in West Devon,' Robin Rich of Robin's in Tavistock said: 'It was well worth attending, the content was good and I have already incorporated a few ideas from the workshop.' Headley Thompson is based in Tavistock and has worked on projects for Marks and Spencer, Harvey Nichols, River Island, Fortnum and Mason and many more famous retailers. Headley said: 'I am very pleased that shop owners took advantage of these free workshops. 'With successful merchandising, they can increase sales by up to 20%.' Such has been the success of the merchandising workshops that more are planned for the future and any retailers who are interested should contact West Devon Business Information Point on freephone 0800 592872 for more details. The workshops are part of the Rural Enterprise Development programme which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Devon Renaissance and supported by Business Link. l Headley Thompson is pictured left, demonstrating visual merchandising to Richard Appleby of Okehampton.