5 Not So Typical Tips For Effective Window Displays

It’s no secret that creating exciting window displays is good for business. Anything that catches the attention of consumers is a great thing, and in the case of window displays it can be a terrific thing. Window displays can make the difference of someone walking into your store or someone walking right past it. Having customers walk in, of course, should always be your goal.

Whether you are a new store or have been around for twenty years, there is always something to be learned about creating effective window displays. Below are a few ideas that are not your typical tips for creating exciting window displays.

1. Work with your vendors. It’s likely vendors that sell into your store want nothing more than you do – which is to sell, sell, sell. Pitch them the opportunity of having a whole window dedicated to their product. No sooner than you pitch this they will be on board. The catch? Let them participate in creating a great display. Ask for vendor signage that really makes an impact, have them offer products for display purposes only, introduce creative additions to the display that helps spotlight their unique goods. Together you are bound to bring a window display more alive than on your own. Your budget and your (lack of) time will thank you.
2. Work with others from your community. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box! An interior designer could create a window display for you using your store product. In exchange, you could promote this “featured” window and highlight his or her contact details. Working with charities or other good will organizations to highlight their work combined with your store product is also a great way to gain customer attention while also bring light to great cause and great product. Local artists are also great contributors for window displays.
3. Make frequent changes. If your window display has started to collect dust, it’s long overdue for a change. To keep your window displays looking fresh and constantly grabbing new attention for passerbyers, change it often. Every two weeks or so is ideal. At the minimum, once month. That’s only 12 times a year out of 365 days. You can do this, promise. It may sound intimidating for both time and creative resources, but your business needs this to help it really stand out.
4. Use lighting as a focal feature. It’s amazing what a great spotlight on even a so-so product can do. Consider how your product looks in shadows or lack of them. Your goal should be to use lighting to optimize your products visibility.
5. Have a window contest. Open up the chance for young designers or merchandisers to display your window. Get your local media involved and make a big to-do about it. Not only will this generate a buzz for your business, you will gain a (hopefully fabulous) window display for free. Creating this around a holiday can add extra appeal, but it could just be any time of the year. Be creative and have fun with it!

Finally, remember to keep the energy of your store and its products vibrant. People who already shop with you should still enjoy the merchandising of your store, and those you have yet to gain as customers should be drawn to your store by your displays and product combined.

Have ideas on window displays you want to share? Please comment below! Thank you.

Point of Purchase Display Ideas

Are you making the most of your point of purchase (POP) display? Often overlooked in merchandising, this is a great area to add value not only to your store merchandising, but to your store sales.

Ranging from informative displays to gift cards for purchase to products for sale, POP displays are an effective way to communicate messages to your customers, ring in additional sales and highlight product you want noticed. A few pointers to help enhance your POP area include:

1. Use a variety of levels to attract customers to your POP display area. Pedestal stands are a great way to add height while also using the surface area of your check out space to showcase product. Be creative in using display products to showcase merchandise.

2. Make your displays approachable and easy to access through touching. While not every product should be left for customers to freely reach, most should be accessible to touch at your POP area. High ticket items can be locked away for security purchases, but in general you want your customers to be able to reach and grab and touch the items in this merchandising area. As they are waiting to be checked out, they just may reach for one more thing they want to add on to their purchase - which is, of course, the goal.

3. Avoid clutteirng your check out space. It is tempting to use every little inch to showcase product or informative details about your business, but you want to make sure the overall appearance of this area  is visually appealing while easy to shop, as well.

4. Take advantage of the opportunity to “speak” to your customers here. Through the use of displays, you can communicate messages to your customers. Let them know about an upcoming sale, special event, your loyalty program and more. Clean, simply signage is very effective in speaking to your customers. No need to make things to complicated here – keep it simple (but large enough in an easy to read font that it’s not a challenge to read).

5. Promote your gift cards at your POP area. Selling gift cards not only bring additional revenue to your store, but potentially new customers. You should definitely have a sign letting your customers know you sell gift cards at our POP area rather then them having to ask. This also is a reminder to customers who didn’t even have gift cards on their mind that they may need one.

Remember that your POP area that should be re-merchandised periodically to bring new visual appeal to your customers. While space may be limited, even changing the color of your signage can be effective. Don’t neglect this important area and in return, your sales will thank you.