Have you ever seen a poster in the window of an art store or boutique that offers special events? It’s common practice for retailers to use their window displays to capture customers’ attention. 

Retail stores should have creative and engaging window displays to increase foot traffic. Click To Tweet

In this post, we will discuss how you can create these types of windows that your customers won’t be able to resist.

11 Ideas for a More Effective Window Display

Retailers need to make the most of their front-facing windows, but it can be difficult to create an effective window display that will attract people.

This article will give you 11 tips on how to make your store’s next window display.

1. Know your target audience 

It is crucial to know who your business’s target audience is to create effective window displays.

Understanding what motivates customers is crucial to crafting a successful window display.

H&M learned that their target market was interested in music festivals, so they created a window display to show outfits appropriate for these events.

2. Have a clear theme 

When you have a well-thought-out and intentional theme, it ties everything together to create an aesthetically pleasing product. It also draws user attention faster because the colors match.

When designing a theme for your window display, it is important to have an idea of what you want before starting the design.

For example, Holt Renfrew’s Valentine’s Day window display features a heart with Cupid’s arrow piercing it and roses. The clothing is also themed for a holiday.

3. Create a focal point  

When you’re competing against many other stores on a busy street, it’s important to create and use window displays that will draw the attention of passers-by.

For example, Paul Smith has taken a classic blue suit and added in an animal print zebra to create a focal point. The colors are fun while still being classy.

Place focal points at eye level. 

To increase the effectiveness of your display, make sure that its focal point is at eye level. Click To Tweet

This way, it will be more likely for customers to notice and take an interest in what you have on offer.

If you want people to notice your store’s window display, place the most eye-catching items in the center of it.

4. Consider your store location 

When thinking of window display ideas, you should consider your store’s location.

If you’re a small retail store, the location and foot traffic will dictate how you approach your window displays. For example, if we were located in New York’s Nolita district with high levels of foot traffic and tons of other shops nearby, our windows would be different than, say, an area that is less accessible by pedestrians.

Smaller signage and product sizes allow for more detailed imagery of the products. This is because customers are often walking by your store, so you need to make sure they can see what’s inside.

If your store is next to a busy highway, you should consider using large contrasting colors for people who are driving by to be able to see what’s being sold.

5. Keep it simple and avoid clutter 

The most common mistake with window displays is trying to show too many things at once. This lack of focus makes the display less effective in grabbing attention, and thus, customers are not drawn into the store.

The most effective window displays are ones that show off the products you want to sell. They should also be inviting and intriguing enough for people who walk by your store to come in, see what else is on offer, and maybe buy something.

Window displays are an easy way to get people interested in your product. Try not to go overboard with a display that will turn customers away.

6. Tell your brand’s story 

A store’s exterior should be designed to stand out and be memorable. If customers can’t visit now, you want them to remember your store and plan on coming back at a later date.

When you’re setting up your store, try to think of how it can tell a story. For example, the Sezane French brand wants women to feel like they are in Paris by including outdoor seating and plants that represent the city.

Sezane has done a great job of using its windows and visual merchandising to communicate the brand story.

7. Consider lighting 

To attract customers, a store must have good lighting. If people can’t see the products or the inside of your store well enough, then you are missing out on an opportunity to bring them in.

If you’re lucky enough to have a store with great natural lighting, that’s wonderful. But if not, consider installing brighter lights inside the space so customers can see products without feeling blinded.

8. Stay balanced 

You want to create a balanced and visually pleasing design for your retail store window display. A balanced look will keep the customer‘s focus where you want it instead of having them distracted by other things.

This retail window display is both colorful and balanced. The paint buckets are all at the same height, which makes it easier to read their tagline “Classic Meets Colour” because they emphasize it visually as well as artistically. Although there are many bright colors on this display, its quality look will attract customers.

Creating an attractive storefront can be done by making your window displays look credible and high-quality. This will help you attract the kind of customers that are willing to purchase from a store like yours.

9. Refresh your window displays regularly 

It can be hard to put away a display that you love, but it’s important to change them out, so they don’t get stale.

Keeping your window displays fresh and updated will keep customers engaged while also showcasing products that are appropriate for the season.

Anthropologie is known for changing its window displays regularly. This brings in customers who see the latest trends and want to purchase these clothes.

The more relevant your marketing is, the better chances you have of succeeding. Keeping displays up to date with a variety of new products will help keep them on point and engaging.

10. Be on the lookout for inspiration 

When you need a new design, look to Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration. They both have excellent examples of interesting displays that will get your creative juices flowing.

When looking for design inspiration, you can go to a local strip mall and walk around. You will notice what businesses are designing in your area when driving down the street because it is more noticeable than online.

A good way to find the best salespeople is by using both online and in-person research.

11. Use analytics to inform your decisions 

If you’re wondering how to create a window display that will increase sales, creativity and analytics are the way to go.

Retail POS reports can show you which products are your best-sellers, sell out the fastest, and what other items people often buy with them. This is a great way to see if there’s an opportunity for cross-selling in-store.

Final Thoughts on Window Displays

Window displays are an excellent way to increase foot traffic in a store.

The display provides branding and excitement before the customer even enters the building. Click To Tweet

When you’re working on your next display, be sure to ask for input from your entire team. In particular, staff with artistic and marketing experience can provide feedback on what ideas will appeal to customers most.