Shopfitting & Merchandising Opinion South Africa

How to capture shoppers' attention with the right window display

A great window display has the ability to draw potential customers into your store, and with the festive season upon us, every store is battling for the attention of shoppers, which means that merchandisers need to execute something that will break through the clutter.
How to capture shoppers' attention with the right window display
© Irina Schmidt – 123RF.com

Most people would assume that making a great display requires a lot of money but, contrary to those beliefs, it can be a very simple and cost-effective way to spice up the appearance of a store. Few stores situated in malls have simple but captivating displays. Attractive paintings on the window itself and inside the window, as well as a miniature house of Mr and Mrs Claus with elves would do the trick. The magic of the festive season is still captured in the simplicity of an attractive window display. The perfect window display lures in all types of crowds; usually grabbing childrens' attention and, in doing so, forcing the parents to stop. It does not take too long before the whole family walks in and comes out with a shopping bag or two. Below are some tips that will help in making that crowd-pulling window display.

Coordination

Putting a bunch of things on the display is easy but one has to create a coordinated display that actually captures the imagination of the customer. Make the display in line with the products you sell. For instance, a computer store could have Santa Claus using a laptop by the fire place.

Point of focus

As is the case with any piece of art, it is important that your display has a focal point. This could be a miniature house of Mr and Mrs Claus or Santa Claus's carriage packed with some of the products inside the store.

Less is more

By using less in the display, you actually gain more. Sounds confusing? Let me explain. By using fewer objects in the display it makes the display more appealing and intriguing to the eyes than a busy and cramped display. After all, what seems more appealing - a miniature Mr and Mrs Claus house with fake snow around it and under a spot light or a display packed with different festive clichés like Santa Claus, snow, a Christmas tree, a carriage with gifts, baby Jesus in the manger, angels singing etc?

Window painting

Rather than getting hold of every object, it's sometimes a good idea to just paint on the window. This is really cost effective, but it has to look professional in order to attract people.

It is important that you don't feel the pressure of coming up with a complete masterpiece that could cost you thousands. Instead, be creative and create a cost-effective window display that will attract customers.

Display blue print

As is the case with most projects, it is important to come up with a blueprint or sketch of the window displays. This will assist you in figuring out where to place certain things and what things do not work for the display.

Festive scent

Last, but not least, is to bring a festive season scent into your hotel's shops. This can be accomplished with scented candles, as they offer the charm of burning candles in addition to an enchanting scent, which walker-byes may smell.

Visit Airwick's website for more information on the different types of air fresheners.

Source: About.com

About Stephen Sandmann

Stephen Sandmann is a Senior Digital Strategist at Quirk. He has a keen interest in everything digital.
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