10 Tips for Creating an Attention Grabbing Window Display

Retail store managers know that a window display is often the key to attracting “window shoppers” to come into your store.  When creating your display, constantly check on how it looks from the outside. Use these 10 tips below each time you change your window display, and remember to change your window displays often.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

1. Your Window Should Tell a Story: Start with a theme, it could be a holiday, a colour, or a subject and then build around that.
2. Your Window Should Be 3D: Make sure that your window explores visual planes and uses all the space available without crowding it too much.
3. Your Window Should Not be Cluttered: Related to our #2, using all planes and space does not mean crowding the window. Using visual aesthetics does not always mean putting everything in the store in the window. Make it look nice, not cluttered. In many cases, simple can be better. If your window shoppers see everything in the window, they may feel like they don’t need to come in.
4. Your Window Should Draw People In: Related to our #3, your window should make window shoppers want to come in. Some window techniques will leave part of the backdrop open so that browsers can see inside. This gives you an extra added bonus that if the window display doesn’t appeal to everyone, the “peak through effect” can increase the appeal.
5. Your Window Should Use Lighting: Lighting techniques are important for every window. Do not just rely on sunlight or the regular store lights. Special lights to accent and shade your display and put it in the best light.
6. Your Window Should Surprise Your Shoppers: Do not do what’s expected in your window display. Whether you surprise them with the subject, lighting, or add whimsicality, doing something unexpected will always garner added interest and get people talking and walking in.
7. Your Window Should Be Informative: Depending on your business, writing or signs can be a part of your window display. Just make sure that the writing or signs are PART of your display, not an added extra afterthought that blocks your design.
8. Your Window Should Have Bold Shapes and Colours: Designs that catch window shoppers’ attention will get you the most “bang for your buck”
9. Your Window Should Be Designed with Passers-by in Mind: Appealing to potential shoppers passing your window display might be a bit of trial and error. Of course, it depends on what you sell and where you are located, but always keep in mind your passers-by and what they are doing and what they might want or need. Appealing to their wants and needs will lead to a successful window display. This might mean a contest, a charity promotion, or a sale.
10. Change Your Window Often: Changing your window display often is definitely a must. If you design a window for a holiday or event, make sure to change it right after the event.