Posts Tagged ‘Christmas’

Big retail outlets, the likes of John Lewis, JD Sports, Next, all spend a great amount of cash on attractive window displays.

Why? Because they realise that window displays are a great medium for advertising. If they can add that extra sparkle to their retail outlet, predominantly through their window displays, but also via their point of sale, shop displays, then you, the punter, are more likely to come in and spend your cash.

While they employ the services of retail design agencies like us, if you’re on a budget, you can still design your shop window to have the WOW factor. All you need is to follow a few simple rules and be creative.

At Design 4 Retail we’ve had years of experience delivering top quality displays and have a few tricks up our sleeves for those on a budget.

Shop for window display merchandise when you can. With the increase in pound shops, ebay and charity shops, there’s always bargains to be had. If you see any merchandise that could be used as displays, however obscure, if they don’t cost the earth, buy them and store them away until the time you might be able to use them.

Use colours, shapes and materials. Bling isn’t just for the movie stars. A bit of sparkle attracts customers attention. Then using different shapes and sizes to help guide the customer who will naturally scan the window display. Mix the items you want to get rid of together with the latest products and produce an eclectic mix of design.

Check out your competitors window displays. It doesn’t hurt to have a look at what the competition is doing to get some great ideas, particularly if it’s the bigger stores. Stand outside and observe their customers – see what attracts them, as much as what attracts you. If it works for them, it could work for you.

Tis the season to be jolly. It’s coming coming to Christmas so a bit of tinsel and baubles are great. Use the different seasons and events as a theme for your window display. So, if the local carnival is coming to town, use that as inspiration. During the January sales, bring out the boxes and show a bargain environment… you get the picture.

Use a bit of elbow grease. Finally, if your windows have smudges or condensation all over them it will make it difficult to see your fantastic window designs. So drop a spot of vinegar in some hot water and give your windows, both inside and outside, a good scrub.

If you use these simple tips and keep your window displays fresh you too will have some tip top displays for people to talk about.

Back in the 1920 window displays were the big advertising tool. If you wanted customers to purchase your products you had to pull them in with tantalising imagery.

Almost a hundred years later things haven’t really changed, retail stores are still trying their best to come up with the best designs possible to draw the punters in through their door and spend their hard earned cash.

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August’s not the usual time of year that you’d consider starting to get festive, but major department stores across the UK have heralded the commencing of Christmas months in advance this year.

Decked out in Christmas decorations, trees and ornaments, retail store displays at Selfridges, Harrods and Fortnum and Mason have decided to capitalise on the late summer tourists to sell, sell, sell.

And it looks like they might just do that, as sales in Selfridges’ Christmas shop which opened on 8 August have soared by 43 per cent in the first week of trading compared with last year.

We can see the logic in spreading the Christmas spirit as consumers will tend to buy gifts over several months rather than weeks to spread the cost when given the opportunity.

But while traditionalists cry in to their Santa’s sacks, it looks like department stores up and down the country will be laughing all the way to the bank with the swag bags they’re likely to get thanks to their unseasonable displays in the face of the recession.

If you’re after an innovative way to promote your Christmas lines in store, Design 4 Retail could be your Santa’s little helper.

Give us a tinkle on 01455 203 352 or email enquiries@design4retail.net and we’ll put a Christmas wishlist together for you!