Did you know a well-designed window display can [influence purchases by an average of 24%](http://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/take-look-inside-shop-known-turning-holiday-windows-spectacles-168511/)? Retail store visual merchandising is often the first thing potential customers notice. It’s like your store’s handshake—make it a good one! 

In this article, we’ll show you why impactful [window displays](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/retail-window-displays-a-comprehensive-guide) matter and share tips to help you create eye-catching displays that draw customers in.

## The Importance of Visual Merchandising

#### Retail Store Visual Merchandising

[Visual merchandising](https://www.lightspeedhq.com/blog/visual-merchandising/) is about creating engaging and attractive displays to draw customers into your store. It's more than just arranging products neatly—it's crafting an experience that resonates with shoppers and aligns with your brand. 

Effective [retail visual merchandising](https://thelookcompany.com/markets/retail-solutions) can turn a casual passerby into a loyal customer.

  

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1724437680/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/n8nh3cp1vlq3abcsxxn3.jpg)

  

#### Customer Attraction

Think of your [window display](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/convert-window-shoppers-into-customers-with-head-turning-displays) as a magnet. A well-designed display grabs attention and piques curiosity, encouraging potential customers to step inside. 

This initial attraction can significantly increase your chances of converting window shoppers into actual customers. 

When done right, your displays can make your store a must-visit destination.

#### Brand Image

Your window display reflects your brand. It communicates your store’s personality, values and style to everyone who walks by. 

A cohesive and well-thought-out display strengthens your [brand image](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/in-store-brand-activation-elements-for-successful-campaigns) and leaves a lasting impression on customers.

#### Competitive Advantage

In a crowded retail market, standing out is crucial. 

Unique and creative window displays can give you an edge over competitors. They draw attention, make your store memorable and entice customers to choose it over others. 

Investing in compelling displays sets your store apart and attracts more [foot traffic](https://www.shopify.com/retail/foot-traffic).

## Key Elements of Effective Window Displays

#### Theme and Storytelling

A compelling window display starts with a cohesive theme and a story. Think about what narrative you want to tell your customers. 

Your display should be engaging and consistent, whether seasonal, promotional, or centered around a specific product. [Storytelling in your display](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/perfect-the-art-of-storytelling-in-your-retail-environment) helps create an emotional connection with shoppers.

Create a story that unfolds as customers move past your window and into your store. 

Arranging products in a way that tells a story or follows a theme can make the shopping experience more memorable and enjoyable.

  

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1724437791/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/m4kqlpjbdvrgopjz9oyj.jpg)

#### Color and Lighting

Colors and lighting play a crucial role in [visual merchandising](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/visual-merchandising-in-2024-navigating-the-new-wave-of-retail). Use colors that align with your brand and the message you want to convey. Consider [color psychology](https://www.helpscout.com/blog/psychology-of-color/#:~:text=Color%20psychology%20is%20the%20study,brands%20or%20make%20a%20purchase.)—for example, red can evoke excitement and urgency, while blue can feel calm and trustworthy. 

Lighting is equally important—highlighting key products and creating the right mood. Use accent lighting to draw attention to specific items and ensure your display is well-lit to attract customers even from a distance.

#### Layout and Composition

An effective window display isn't just about what you include and how you arrange it. Use principles of [visual hierarchy](https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/visual-hierarchy) to guide customers' eyes to the most important elements first. 

Balance your display with large and small items, and use negative space to avoid clutter. Arrange products at different heights and depths to create a dynamic, visually interesting composition.

#### Window Display Enhancements

To create standout window displays, incorporating high-quality products from [The Look Company](https://thelookcompany.com/) can make all the difference. Here are some key offerings that can elevate your retail store's visual merchandising:

  

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1724437849/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/b5glrit15hqjfxsym1nt.jpg)

#### Lightboxes

[Lightboxes](https://thelookcompany.com/products/lightboxes) from The Look Company are perfect for creating stunning backdrops or standalone signs in your window displays. These lightboxes provide vibrant, illuminated graphics that can showcase your brand message or highlight promotional themes. They are highly effective in attracting attention and adding a modern, professional touch to your window display.

#### Fabric and Frames

Using [fabric and frames](https://thelookcompany.com/products/fabric-and-frames) can add a professional and strikingpolished look to your displays. The Look Company offers a range of high-quality fabric and frame solutions that are customizable to fit any display size or theme. Create vibrant, eye-catching graphics with SEG that reinforce your brand's message and attract customers' attention.

#### Modular Display Systems

The Look Company's [display systems](https://thelookcompany.com/products/display-systems) are ideal for a versatile approach to visual merchandising. These systems can be configured in various ways to suit different products and themes, making it easy to update and refresh your displays regularly. They are sturdy, easy to assemble, and perfect for creating dynamic, multi-layered displays.

  

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1724437907/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/tofqt4btn2w5yxpr8bbh.jpg)

## Actionable Tips for Creating Impactful Window Displays

#### Keeping It Fresh

Regularly updating your window displays keeps your store looking fresh and inviting. Stale displays can make your store appear neglected and unappealing. 

Change your [displays seasonally](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/seasonal-displays-turning-holidays-into-memorable-brand-experiences) or for special promotions to keep customers intrigued. 

Frequent updates also provide opportunities to highlight different products and themes, encouraging repeat visits from customers eager to see what's new.

#### Incorporating Technology

Utilize digital displays and interactive elements to enhance the customer’s [omnichannel experience](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/omnichannel-retail-experience-the-future-of-seamless-customer-journeys). 

Digital screens can showcase videos of your products in use or highlight special promotions. 

Interactive elements, like touch screens, allow customers to explore product details and engage with your brand more dynamically. These technologies can capture attention and give your store a modern, innovative feel​.

#### Cross-Merchandising

Place complementary products together to encourage additional purchases. For example, include matching accessories if you’re showcasing a new clothing line. 

This strategy highlights more of your inventory and gives customers ideas on using or wearing the products. [Cross-merchandising](https://www.shopify.com/ca/retail/cross-merchandising) can increase the perceived value of items and drive up the average transaction size​.

#### Creating a Focal Point

Every window display should have a [focal point](https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/5308/creating-focal-points-in-your-retail-display) that immediately draws the eye. This could be a new product, a best-seller or an element aligning with your current promotion. Place this focal point at eye level to maximize its impact. 

Surrounding the focal point with supporting items helps create a balanced, visually appealing display that effectively guides customers’ attention​.

  

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1724437992/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/ru2l3f4elxo2izhxxgyj.jpg)

## The Look Company: Your Retail Store Visual Merchandising Partner

Creating impactful window displays is key to successful retail store [visual merchandising](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/fashion-visual-merchandising-creating-compelling-displays). 

By keeping your displays fresh, incorporating technology, using cross-merchandising techniques, creating focal points and selecting the [right materials](https://thelookcompany.com/markets/retail-solutions), you can enhance your store's appeal and draw more customers.

Ready to transform your window displays? Contact The Look Company for expert help creating stunning displays that attract and retain customers.

Retail Store Visual Merchandising: Window Display Secrets

A compelling window display prompts a second look and a longer gaze from passersby and draws them into the store, enticing them to seek out the product on the shelves, increasing their dwell time in-store.

[Window displays](https://thelookcompany.com/markets/retail-solutions) spark the interest of shoppers. And not necessarily only those who have a purchase interest—but also window shoppers—that breed of retail therapy enthusiasts who take window displays so seriously that they make a special trip to the mall or high street simply to look at the displays without spending a penny! Window shopping builds aspirations. It nurtures an urge to plan a budget and come back to buy that wonderful product displayed in that window! 

The [retail window display](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/window-displays-your-store-s-first-impression-for-walk-in-shoppers) is so central to visual merchandising that we're offering you a comprehensive guide to creating stunning store window displays!   
Here's what we'll cover in this guide:

*   Understanding Consumer Behavior
    
*   Design Principles and Best Practices for Retail Window Displays
    
*   Incorporating Seasonality and Trends into Retail Store Displays  
    

[The Look Company](https://thelookcompany.com/) is a leader in visual engagement solutions that give merchandisers and designers the creative freedom to create stunning window or storefront designs.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1712167875/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/v5meg80ackiejs7iwyny.jpg)

##   
**Understanding Consumer Behavior**

  
[Window display design](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/window-displays-your-store-s-first-impression-for-walk-in-shoppers) is about aesthetics as much as it is about merchandising strategy and consumer psychology.

Every visual merchandiser and retail brand manager must understand the nuances of consumer behavior and be able to work out a merchandising strategy based on shopping behavior. Once they can decode how a shopper's mind works, they're on their way to retail success!

Buying behavior is influenced by a multitude of factors. Here's a look at how you can apply consumer psychology to display design:

####   
**Visual cues: The first glance** 

Our brain perceives visual cues in nanoseconds. So designers must use colors, shapes, lighting, and words to create an initial impression of the brand when the shopper first glances at the window display. Every element used in the design must be picked to play a specific role in creating a powerful first impression that nudges the shopper onward in the buying journey.

  

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1712167934/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/q0xofxoici8aj9a0qqit.jpg)

#### **Triggering emotions: Build a lasting connection**

  
As a retailer, you're selling more than mere products—you're selling an experience.

And to communicate that to your target audience, you'll need to appeal to their emotions and resonate with their thoughts and aspirations. Going beyond mere transactions, you'll need to build an emotional connection between your brand and your customers.

#### **Crowning each consumer: The power of personalization**

How do you make every one of millions of customers feel like the brand is catering individually to their preferences? Personalization at scale is the key to modern retail success.

Every shopper who looks at your window display must feel "this brand understands **_me_**—my needs, my preferences, and my style!" That's as awesome a shopping experience as you can get!

When designers and brand managers understand and can articulate what makes their target audience tick, they're empowered to design winning displays.

Using the principles of consumer psychology, you can elevate your window displays from mere showcases of products to immersive experiences that resonate with the desires and emotions of their audience. 

The Look Company helps retailers with [end-to-end services](https://thelookcompany.com/products/services) for world-class window displays. From visualization planning and creative design to installation and overall project management, we ensure that your window display ideas tick off all the right boxes.

  

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1712167990/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/jcu69ikw2umm341jl48k.jpg)

## **Design Principles and Best Practices**

When a window display stops passersby in their tracks or turns a shopper's casual glance into an admiring long look, you can say the display was a success!

Just as brand managers must understand the principles of consumer psychology, designers must apply core [design principles](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/omnichannel-retail-strategy-using-principles-of-ux-ui-design) in designing storefront displays.

We'll take a quick dive into the basic design principles and [visual merchandising](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/display-systems-the-psychology-of-visual-merchandising) best practices for executing striking window displays. But first, let's look at the different types of displays you can build using [TLC's visual engagement solutions for retail](https://thelookcompany.com/markets/retail-solutions).

A retail storefront window display provides visualizers and brand managers with a blank canvas. On it, they can choose to design a display that tells an enthralling tale that tugs at the heartstrings, reflects the retailer's brand values, or, quite simply, showcases products they believe will appeal to shoppers' tastes and preferences.  

*   So, there are displays that stand tall with a quiet elegance—subdued yet striking. Some are bold and unmissable.
    
*   Then there are those that tell a saga—and with theatrical flair! They talk about a brand's values and reflect the aspirations of its audience. 
    
*   Still others are simply arrangements of highly sought-after products. Aesthetically arranged, these are products that shoppers want to see, touch and experience. And they're likely to step in, drawn by the promise of the product display.
    

  
Have you tried out how each type of display works for your target audience? If you haven't, there's no better time to start than now! [Connect with TLC experts for a consultation today!](https://thelookcompany.com/contact)

  

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1712168030/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/vlou4j0bvss92zkmrnm9.jpg)

  

#### **Applying core design principles to window displays** 

Designers and visual merchandisers who can apply fundamental design principles to window displays can transform a static product display into an irresistible shopping experience.

Let's look at some design principles:

*   **Harmony:** Harmony is achieved by using similar or compatible elements to create a pleasing and coherent whole. 
    
*   **Color:** We associate colors with specific emotions or feelings. White makes us feel clean or calm. Red denotes excitement or urgency, and blue symbolizes sophistication or stability. 
    
*   **Lighting:** A thoughtful use of [different types of lighting](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/lightbox-displays-shine-bright-boost-sales) can help designers create an ambiance that is conducive to purchase decisions. 
    
*   **Movement or dynamism:** Static elements can be arranged in a manner that suggests movement or rhythm. It brings a positive sense of dynamism to the display and makes it come to life!   
    
*   **Symmetry (or the lack of it):** Symmetrical arrangements are balanced and create a sense of order and calm. Asymmetry can be leveraged to create an eclectic or quirky feel.  
    
*   **Contrast:** Contrast between various elements makes each element stand out from the others. Designers use it to guide the viewer's eye. 
    
*   **Hierarchy & Composition:** A hierarchical arrangement of elements leads the eye to a focal point (which is where you want shoppers to pay attention.) A well-composed overall presentation attracts and wows viewers.
    
*   **Space:** Finally, leaving some 'white space' creates an airy or uncluttered feel and enhances the impact of the core elements of the displays.
    

The art and science of visual merchandising lies in the intentional use of these design principles, and can transform a store window into a [persuasive retail display](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/visual-persuasion-unlocking-the-power-of-retail-signage-solutions). 

[Connect with us](https://thelookcompany.com/contact) to discuss your product display ideas and discover how our visual engagement solutions can bring your display ideas to life!

  

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1712168075/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/fjwmxjmrftu5x1wcc4vi.jpg)

## **Incorporating Seasonality and Trends Into Retail Displays**

#### **"Change is the only Constant"**

  
Never was this truer than in the case of retail displays.

The retail storefront window is like a blank canvas. Designers can use a variety of design elements and visual merchandising props to bring it to life. But they must erase the canvas soon after they paint it—and then start all over again!

Frequently changing window displays is one of the most important best practices for retailers. Retail windows must reflect every shift in seasons, changes in styles, dynamic consumer preferences, and emerging market trends. Occasions and festivals also provide the perfect opportunity to dress up windows in the flavor of the season.

But equally important is to stay abreast of the changing design trends in order to design standout displays and make a mark in the highly competitive retail industry.

The Look Company offers [customizable framing systems](https://thelookcompany.com/products/fabric-and-frames) and high-quality SEG fabric prints that are flexible and easy to change and update without any technicians. They give your designers and merchandisers the freedom to change displays frequently and respond to dynamic market trends and demand-supply situations.  

##    
**The Look Company: World-Class Retail Window Displays**  

When window displays are designed with the right visual cues, they not only draw in shoppers but also trigger an emotional response and persuade them to take a step forward in their buying journey.   

Seasonal displays spread joy and cheer, besides conveying a compelling brand message—as shoppers eagerly look forward to more stunning displays from your brand. 

Ultimately, [window displays](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/window-displays-your-store-s-first-impression-for-walk-in-shoppers) that reflect the preferences, emotions, or aspirations of your audience are the ones that will leave a lasting impression and enhance their shopping experience.  

[Talk to TLC](https://thelookcompany.com/contact) for impactful and persuasive retail window displays that can nudge shoppers toward a buying decision.

Retail Window Displays: A Comprehensive Guide

As the year starts winding down, retailers have a busy time.

Seasonal promotions, discounts, holiday-special products and gifts—there's much to promote and display. 

But retail's busiest days start about 5-6 weeks before Christmas. Come November, shoppers are in a frenzy to finish holiday shopping. Physical retail is gearing up for a busy period. And retailers are under immense pressure to get their holiday promotions right.

In this article, we're doing a roundup of holiday [retail display](https://thelookcompany.com/markets/retail-solutions) trends in 2023. We discuss the importance of investing in flexible and adaptable display systems that are easy to change out for multiple promotions. Look out for tips and strategies from our experts, who are masters of the art of seasonal displays!  
  

## **Current Trends in Holiday Retail & Holiday Shopping Behavior**

####   
**'Tis the time to shop & splurge!**  

2023 will likely be a memorable holiday season for retailers.

Shopping trends are normalizing after a couple of years, and in-store spending is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels despite inflationary swings.

According to the [2023 Deloitte holiday survey](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/retail-distribution/holiday-retail-sales-consumer-survey.html), 95% of consumers surveyed said they plan to purchase during this holiday season, and about three-quarters of them are expecting higher prices year over year. There is a strong spending surge expected from the crucial $50K–$99K and $200K+ income groups.

**TAKEAWAY FOR RETAILERS**  
Prepare for higher sales volumes than the last couple of years. That means more revenue!

####   
**Nothing to beat that 'in-store' experience**

  
Many shoppers prefer to browse around for inspiration for gifts in physical stores and malls to see what's new and what's on offer rather than browse for products online.   

According to some estimates, about half of all holiday shopping in physical stores still happens in late November and early December. About [66%](https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/retail-distribution/holiday-retail-sales-consumer-survey.html) of consumers (versus 49% in 2022) are planning to shop the week of Black Friday-Cyber Monday (BFCM).  
  
**TAKEAWAY FOR RETAILERS  
**Despite the convenience of shopping online, the physical retail landscape looks very bright! Especially as the holiday season peaks! Brands that offer BOPIS (buy online, pickup in-store) are likely to see higher conversions.

  

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1699556843/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/qyvbv02rtx4qkhymrf0m.jpg)

#### **Shoppers are spreading out their budgets**

  
Many shoppers likely start shopping early in order to spread out their expenses over a few months and accommodate Christmas shopping into previous months' budgets. So, when consumers start shopping early, it doesn't necessarily mean they finish their shopping lists well before Christmas—it's simply more spread out. 

**TAKEAWAY FOR RETAILERS**  
Even if you start your holiday promotions well ahead of time, don't underestimate the importance of peak promotions in stores in November and early December.

####   
**November is key for holiday displays**

  
Super Saturday, which is the last Saturday before Christmas, sees a huge amount of foot traffic in physical stores.

Even though shoppers may be ticking off about 20% of their holiday shopping lists by October, it is really November and December that we see the legendary holiday store displays come up—whether it is the Saks Fifth Avenue window displays that will be unveiled on November 21, 2023, or the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony 2023 that will take place on November 29, 2023. In Canada, the Distillery Historic District lights up from mid-November till Christmas Eve, and Hudson’s Bay’s picturesque holiday windows are a treat for the eyes, starting early November.

**TAKEAWAY FOR RETAILERS**  
Change your in-store product displays often through the holiday season to keep shoppers engaged as they get through their shopping lists, month on month. And come late November, bring out the best of your [window and storefront displays](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/convert-window-shoppers-into-customers-with-head-turning-displays) and watch your brand make its way into shoppers' hearts!

  

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1699556959/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/jwxqymrac0c1ay1vmdyk.jpg)

Find out more about The Look Company's [modular display systems](https://thelookcompany.com/products/display-systems) and [fabric prints](https://thelookcompany.com/products/fabric-and-frames) that allow you to change promotional displays quickly and easily throughout the holiday season.

##   
**Tips for Creating Standout Holiday Retail Displays**

  
In November, holiday retail displays take over entire malls, not to mention the shopfloor of most retail stores!

It's the time that shoppers love to browse around the shops and get the feel of Christmas as stores go all out with their window dressings and holiday product displays.

And it's also the time that retailers must keep a sharp eye on how their holiday promotions are working.

Here are some tips and tactics to help you design and execute compelling holiday retail displays:  

1.  **Flexible & adaptable displays**
    
    [Modular display systems](https://thelookcompany.com/products/display-systems) and easily changeable fabric prints are essential to staying dynamic and flexible throughout the holiday season.
    
    [TLC's fabric prints](https://thelookcompany.com/products/fabric-and-frames) can be easily removed from their hardware frames and folded down to a handy size that's easy to ship or store. So you can change your displays during the holiday season to stay current, try different promotions and respond dynamically to consumer demand and trends.  
    
2.  **Lighting it up: Backlit promotional displays**
    
    Backlit displays using super-sleek, seamless lightboxes are crucial for designing contemporary holiday retail displays that truly stand out. 
    
    Choose TLC's space-saving and energy-efficient LED [lightboxes](https://thelookcompany.com/products/lightboxes) with vividly printed fabric to create bold and stunning in-store displays.  
    
3.  **Immersive displays: A tale for every season**
    
    The end-of-year retail season includes a series of festive holidays, each with its own symbolism and color palette. Engage shoppers with an engaging story for each festivity. Use TLC's [modular display systems](https://thelookcompany.com/products/display-systems) to create immersive displays. Create temporary walls, booths and pop-ups. Use freestanding kiosks and digital screens to engage shoppers with visual narratives.  
      
    
    ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1699557088/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/cna2nba17qxfo2teopvc.jpg)
    
4.  **In retail, product placement is everything!**
    
    Placing standalone displays strategically across the shop floor is crucial. Identify high-traffic areas where featured offers will grab attention. Pay special attention to placing high-volume or best-selling products at eye level on shelves and displays so they're easily visible even in crowded aisles.  
    
5.  **Aim for customer delight**
    
    Holiday shoppers will share holiday shopping pictures and snapshots of the gifts they receive during the holidays. So prepare your brand for some social love. Aim to design photogenic, instagrammable displays that leave a lasting impression on shoppers and their social networks alike!  
    

## **Contemporary Design Trends & Holiday Retail Display Ideas**

  
When it comes to display [design and visualization](https://thelookcompany.com/products/services), it's hard to beat the expertise of the TLC team! Here are some retail display tips based on what we're seeing trending through 2023:

*   Go big on offers and discounts. Make special [in-store signage](https://thelookcompany.com/products/signs-and-banners) a priority- expect shoppers to turn out in large numbers as they get back to physical shopping.
    
*   Millennials prefer minimalistic design. Try no-fuss, modern, festive graphics rather than the heavily traditional ones. Keep it clean.
    
*   Shoppers want everything green—and we're not just talking about the color green here! Shoppers, especially Gen Z, resonate with visual elements related to the environment and sustainable living. So natural, earthy hues of beige and brown rather than plasticky bold colors, rustic textures instead of shiny artificial ones and foliage instead of neon lights may resonate better with today's consumers.
    

And before we go, here are a couple of inspiring examples of holiday retail branding strategies used by some of the biggest global brands!

*   The Christmas window displays at Harrods in London are iconic. Each year, shoppers eagerly wait to experience the magic of Christmas decor and take photos of the now-famous Harrods in-store Christmas Grotto. Apart from the displays, Harrods hosts a series of festive in-store events throughout December.
    

*   The Coca-Cola Christmas trucks are another iconic holiday marketing strategy from a global brand. Known as the "Christmas Caravan," the Coca-Cola trucks make an appearance in neighborhoods across many countries, heralding the festive season and bringing joy and cheer to thousands of fans across the world.
    

## **Why Metrics Matter More During the Holiday Season**

  
Holiday displays do as much for long-term customer experience and loyalty as they do for short-term goals of sales volumes and revenue. 

It's a long promotional period from August or September through November until late December. 

Ultimately, seasonal displays are not just a tactic to boost sales in the last quarter of 2023. Rather, they need to be approached with a more long-term perspective—building a brand tradition that nurtures customer loyalty and results in lasting success for the brand.

The season is long enough to warrant frequent changes in in-store product displays. As some high-volume sale products sell out, your merchandising and shop floor teams must react quickly to change promotions and offers or restock the products. 

As you head into the final 4-5 weeks before Christmas, you may also want to evaluate what's worked so far and what you can do to make the most of those last and busiest physical shopping days of the year.

Sometimes, last-minute changes are necessary to respond to new and emerging trends that affect shopping behavior in the last few weeks of the retail peak season. So, it's important to refine promotions as you observe customer preferences and shopping trends throughout the season.

  

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1699557292/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/b2pvltyrcpiq0onpczuo.jpg)

## **The Look Company: Delivering Standout Holiday Retail Displays**

  
Crafting compelling holiday retail display solutions requires a delicate blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and a touch of Santa's magic!

Are you tapping into the power of visually engaging displays to delight holiday shoppers? Work with us to bring innovation and creativity to your retail promotions.

At [The Look Company](https://thelookcompany.com/), we help you with concept development, visualization, rendering, prototyping, as well as installation. From window displays to endcaps, signage, pop-ups, standalone kiosks, and modular retail display stands, we go the whole haul to deliver creative solutions for your seasonal displays.

[Connect with TLC](https://thelookcompany.com/contact) for world-class retail display solutions and create flexible displays that you can changeout frequently and easily through each season!

Holiday Retail Displays That Stand Out: Trends and Tips for 2023

**_Summary:_** _Savvy retailers must plan to reach out to where their target consumers spend their time this fall. In this article, we discuss five immersive experiences to help you make the most of the top 2022 retail trends. So read on to give your retail store a makeover in time for fall and capture the season's top visual merchandising trends!_

* * *

**Table Of Contents:**

1. How do you leverage fall trends and behaviors to boost retail sales?

2. 5 immersive experiences to make the most of 2022 retail trends this fall:

*   Launch a pop-up store
    
*   Refresh window displays
    
*   Create a buzz on your brand's social channels
    
*   Launch a brand activation campaign
    
*   Plan a co-branded event
    

3\. The Look Company: Immersive brand experiences to prepare for the Autumn of 2022!

* * *

As the outdoor frenzy of summer draws to an end, there is a subtle change in mood—and shopping behavior!

Shoppers are getting ready for a long winter ahead, spending more time indoors, and thinking about the holidays. There's a hectic retail season ahead and retailers are gearing up for the busiest season of the year.

It’s also the last chance to ramp up promotions to meet their year-end business objectives.

## How Do You Leverage Seasonal Shopping Trends and Behaviors this Fall to Boost Retail Sales?

How can retailers drive growth with seasonal shopping behaviors? Can brands hope to shape their holiday strategy early on in fall?  

[Cardlytics](https://www.cardlytics.com/blog/seasonal-shopping-trends-for-marketers/), a company that provides credit card-linked marketing solutions based on customer spending and purchase intelligence, said in a blog post:

_"One major seasonal shopping trend that we see year over year is that advertisers benefit the most by engaging with consumers early in the season. Our insights show that customers who shop earlier in the fall are 10 times more likely to return compared to the natural holiday walk-in rate. Those who engage their customers early will be rewarded with loyalty later in the season."_

In the last couple of years, supply chain issues have led to frequent stock-outs during the holiday shopping season, especially for popular gifts like electronics, kids' toys and trending gadgets. So, customers are starting their holiday shopping earlier (even as early as fall!) in the hope of grabbing those hard-to-get gifts!

Even fall menus seem to be coming out earlier each year!

[Starbucks](https://www.businessinsider.in/retail/news/starbucks-is-bringing-the-pumpkin-spice-latte-back-earlier-than-ever-as-customers-grow-desperate-for-2020-to-end-heres-how-this-years-launch-compares-to-psl-seasons-past-/articleshow/77739906.cms) started stocking its iconic PSL (Pumpkin Spiced Latte) earlier and earlier for the last two years. Dunkin', the ever-popular donuts brand also launched its fall menu earlier than usual in 2021.  
Dunkin's Vice President of Marketing Strategy Jill Nelson, said that, "While there is so much uncertainty heading into the fall, one thing our fans can count on is the return of pumpkin at Dunkin."  
Are you ready to start your visual merchandising early this fall?

## **Window Displays: Start Early this Fall!**

Come fall, retail window displays mirror the shift in the mood of consumers.  
We've seen some iconic retail displays around autumn themes —whether it is pumpkins, spiced hot drinks, Halloween-themed candies or warming vistas of fireplaces and colorful woolens.

Savvy retailers must plan to reach out to where their target consumers spend their time this fall and match their mellow mood.

[The Look Company](https://thelookcompany.com/) has been helping retailers capture the mood of each season with easy-to-changeout display frames and bold, immersive graphic solutions to capture seasonal shopping trends and help retailers meet their season’s business objectives.

## 5 Immersive Experiences to Make the Most of 2022 Retail Trends this Fall

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1661876926/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/irumchycampof8kxvl9f.jpg)

 **#1 Launch a pop-up store**

Our number #1 recommendation of an immersive experience to try this fall would be a pop-up store. The pop-up retail industry has grown to approximately [$10 billion](https://www.retailtouchpoints.com/resources/pop-up-stores-become-more-than-just-a-trend) in sales. According to [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/pop-up-shops-are-an-effective-retail-tactic-2019-6), pop-up stores helped retailers improve market visibility by 51% and increase sales by almost 50%. [Pop-up stores](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/how-pop-up-stores-create-a-win-win-for-retailers-and-brands) can be set up wherever your target audience is likely to be spending their free time this autumn—at street fests, farmers’ markets, food trucks or retail spaces within malls.

[The Look Company](https://thelookcompany.com/) equips you with unlimited design flexibility to create walls, kiosks, and pop-up displays, including lit, non-lit or digital components. Our [modular frame systems](https://thelookcompany.com/products/display-systems) are portable and adjustable so that you can set them up for your autumn promotions with ease!

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1661876965/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/wz15hfnfuqu8nsng0vxd.jpg)

**#2 Refresh window displays**

While this may seem like an obvious suggestion, many retailers fail to [refresh their windows](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/window-displays-your-store-s-first-impression-for-walk-in-shoppers) for the season. Seasonal window displays draw shoppers into your store and create an air of excitement about something new. According to [Linda Cahan](https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223677), a retail design consultant, you must update your window displays every one to two months. She says: "The more often you change your windows, the more people will look at your store."

TLC offers you advanced display systems to help you not just keep your [retail](https://thelookcompany.com/markets/retail-solutions) space current and relevant but to elevate the brand experience with stunning graphics. Engineered for simple setup and changing out of graphics, you can create the perfect fall-themed displays using our high-quality [SEG fabric prints](https://thelookcompany.com/products/fabric-and-frames) and customizable framing systems. Whether you want to recreate the warmth of an autumn vista with stunning full-wall graphic treatments or eye-catching window displays, we have the perfect graphic solutions for your needs!

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1661876993/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/qewrmze8egzmslciaqdp.jpg)

**#3 Create a buzz on your brand's social channels**

Make sure your retail store is camera-friendly by integrating a selfie station in your featured displays or an attractive instagrammable wall display that entices customers to take a selfie. Studies show that [98%](https://financesonline.com/experiential-marketing-statistics/) of consumers create digital or social content at experiences or events, and 100% of consumers share the content they create. Use signage to encourage shoppers to share selfies with their social networks and include a hashtag they can use.

If you have a brand ambassador program, this is an opportunity for your ambassador to engage with fans and share your autumn promotions in online and offline content. When a brand ambassador shares your content, your brand's reach extends exponentially to the community or fans of that celebrity. And there's evidence that consumers take the opinions of the celebrities or influencers they follow. One study showed that [49%](https://www.tapinfluence.com/influencer-marketing-statistics/) of people say they rely on recommendations from influencers when making purchase decisions.

TLC delivers [award-winning print graphics](https://thelookcompany.com/products/signs-and-banners) to make your displays and media backdrops instagrammable. And that's the perfect way to integrate physical and digital brand promotion!

**#4 Launch a brand activation campaign**

Fall is the ideal season for [brand activation](https://thelookcompany.com/brand-activations) campaigns—there are so many exciting events possible that you'll be spoilt for choice. Pick an idea that is a good fit for your brand or your target audience. [74%](https://financesonline.com/experiential-marketing-statistics/) of consumers say that engaging with branded event marketing experiences makes them more likely to buy the promoted products. Planning a product or movie launch this fall? At brand activation event venues, use evocative imagery that captures the essence of fall. TLC offers a range of visual engagement solutions to [activate your brand](https://thelookcompany.com/brand-activations) and connect with your audience. We can transform your retail store into an unforgettable brand experience this fall with our vibrant fabric prints, lightboxes, and other innovative display solutions.

**#5 Plan a co-branded event**

Two great brands are better than one! Partner with a brand in a category that complements yours and shares a similar target audience.

Specific categories of products see a lift in sales in the fall: Warm clothes, new winter fashion for the colder months ahead, dinnerware for Thanksgiving, electronics and kids' toys as an early start to holiday shopping, holiday-themed décor, and more. If you can partner with a brand in these categories, you can get your share of the autumn rush!

Whatever the category you partner with, make sure you offer shoppers an experience they'll want to share with family and friends. Research indicates that after seeing co-marketed campaigns, [68%](https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/co-marketing-stats) of consumers are able to make buying decisions before even speaking to sales representatives.

For example, 'Styled by Levi's®' was a co-branded initiative between Pinterest (an online destination for fashion-forward users for inspiration) – and Levi's®, one of the oldest and most recognized jean brands in the world. Users selected shopping images that best resonated with their style. Based on insights from their Pinterest activity, a curated and highly personalized Levi's® Pinterest board was served to their profile, highlighting key products and customization options linking back to the Levi's® website. The co-branded initiative was a huge success, with 1000s of Levi's boards generated, probably as it brought an element of personalization or old-style curation back into shopping.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1661877059/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/mwuxwojwtn0p3axcpgma.jpg)

## The Look Company: Immersive Brand Experiences to Gear Up for Fall 2022!

Consumers look for shopping experiences that inspire them and align with their aspirations. To create a memorable retail experience, retailers and brands need to partner with a visual engagement solutions provider that can bring their designs to life!

Partner with [The Look Company](https://thelookcompany.com/) to give your retail store a fall makeover and capture the season's top visual merchandising trends.

With [TLC's visual engagement solutions](https://thelookcompany.com/), you can leverage the best 2022 retail trends and take your store through autumn in style and boost retail sales this season.

[Talk to TLC](https://thelookcompany.com/contact) for retail graphic solutions, signs and banners and temporary pop-ups for fall promotions and brand activations.

Fall Retail Trends 2022: Immersive Experiences that Work

**Summary:**

_Here’s a wrap up of the visual merchandising trends we've observed in the past few months of 2022. Read on to discover five essential visual merchandising solutions you can leverage to achieve your retail objectives by the end of the year!_

* * *

**Read this article to:**

*   Get an overview of visual merchandising solutions retailers preferred in the first half of 2022
    
*   Understand the benefits of various retail display solutions
    
*   Discover visual merchandising trends you can leverage to meet your end of year 2022 retail objectives.
    

We've journeyed through the first several months of 2022—the year slated to see a post-pandemic revival in various sectors.

Did the first half of 2022 stand true to its promise of a better outlook for physical retail? And what learnings and tip-offs can we take away from the past few months to help us chart our course through the rest of the year?

Here's a quick look back to see which visual merchandising trends our team has observed with our clients and retail industry events through the past few months of 2022.

## What Goes into a Successful Visual Merchandising Strategy?

A successful visual merchandising strategy draws inspiration from core design principles, applying them to their brand's retail environment using creative and non-verbal communication to meet their business objectives.

[The Look Company](https://thelookcompany.com/) specializes in visual engagement solutions that help retailers meet their objectives.  

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1660849325/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/ebpcflramuymo6jemk7t.jpg)

Visual merchandising uses the basic principles of design such as balance, proportion, rhythm, emphasis and repetition in a structured and studied manner to display products in a retail environment. But visual merchandisers can't stop at pure design. They must consider what business objectives their brand needs to achieve, whether to drive foot traffic, increase sales, use their store layout more efficiently, or maintain brand-consistent messaging.

Build a cohesive visual merchandising strategy for the rest of 2022 by including the following elements:

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1660849358/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/ghumwvtdcmcud9h3ftkm.jpg)

**1\. Accentuate in-store displays with lighting solutions**

2022 is all about brightly lit, inviting showrooms, with the most impactful retail spaces being those that use a combination of [backlit graphics](https://thelookcompany.com/products/lightboxes), accent lighting and visually engaging graphics. Studies show that a shopper's eye is drawn automatically to a brightly lit item or area. Bright light can create a sense of honesty and positivity and can [promote impulse purchasing](https://www.worldwidejournals.com/global-journal-for-research-analysis-GJRA/recent_issues_pdf/2017/May/May_2017_1493994869__148.pdf). LED light boxes also help your graphics stand out in crowded areas and draw shoppers' attention. Take a look at how TLC helped [Walmart Canada](https://thelookcompany.com/case-studies/walmart) to build flexible and scalable in-store display signage using end-cap and in-aisle lightboxes for seasonal and brand promotions.

**2\. Use in-store signage**

Visuals [increase message retention by 42%](https://www.intelligencenode.com/blog/visual-merchandising-matters-ever/). Visual signs and graphic displays are important to improve retention or recall of the in-store experience. Use wayfinding to lead shoppers through the store and draw attention to promotions: Professionally designed signage is getting brands noticed in crowded retail spaces, helping convert store visitors into customers. TLC enables you to incorporate various types of creative and innovative branded [signs and banners](https://thelookcompany.com/products/signs-and-banners) throughout your retail environment.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1660849434/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/ajau0tw0f7pv9hir9ni9.jpg)

**3\. Frequently update window displays and in-store displays**

In 2022, retailers have preferred cost-effective display solutions for their brand showrooms. Shoppers want to see something new when they enter your brand's showroom. While it may not be feasible to change displays every week, update your window display graphics at least every month or two, recommends [Bob Phibbs, a retail consultant](https://www.retaildoc.com/blog/7-ways-to-transform-retail-store-displays-into-sales-merchandising). TLC's [fabric and frame solutions](https://thelookcompany.com/products/fabric-and-frames) allow you the flexibility to easily and affordably update displays, banners, and signs. Our modular displays have specially designed extrusions that make it easy to change out display graphics. Once the frame is installed, retailers can simply print new graphics and install them without a contractor.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1660849858/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/nduopgiyybrehgjtwn96.jpg)

**4\. Pop-ups as retail events**

[Pop-ups](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/how-pop-up-stores-create-a-win-win-for-retailers-and-brands) are the buzz of 2022. Pop-up shops are rapidly growing in popularity. [32%](https://www.shopify.in/retail/retail-statistics) of brands say they'll be establishing or expanding their use of pop-up and in-person experiences in the next year. Use TLC's modular, [high-visibility display systems](https://thelookcompany.com/products/display-systems) to create stunning temporary pop-ups with eye-catching graphic displays and invite visitors and loyal customers to step in and experience your brand.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1660849650/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/azrteu6gbbvcewqxgufg.jpg)

**5.** **Leverage social sharing and connect digitally with your fans**

2021 saw an upsurge in online shopping. And 2022 has been a year of the return of eager shoppers to brick-and-mortar showrooms. But you cannot deny the importance of phygital in 2022. The power of the Gram cannot be underestimated, and brands are making the most of instagrammable displays and backdrops to encourage shoppers to share their retail experiences on social channels. There's evidence that [71%](https://www.spectrio.com/marketing/3-stats-prove-biz-needs-social-media-wall/) of social media users are more likely to purchase from a brand they're connected with. So increasing your social media fans is akin to personally engaging with them! Brand ambassador programs are also increasingly being used to reach out to brand fans through in-person events, word-of-mouth publicity by brand ambassadors and social sharing to create an online community of brand fans. In fact, [49%](https://www.tapinfluence.com/influencer-marketing-statistics/) of people say they rely on recommendations from influencers when making purchase decisions.

## TLC: Your 2022 Partner for Visual Merchandising Solutions

These trends point to the need for innovative [visual engagement solutions](https://thelookcompany.com/) to help retailers build trust with shoppers, connect with them via digital or contactless customer service channels, and address new customer expectations.

[The Look Company](https://thelookcompany.com/) supports retailers with visual merchandising solutions so they can thrive in the new normal of retail.

Here's what one of our customers had to say:

_"Our showroom went from "decently dressed" to the "bell of the ball" in no time at all due to The Look Company. We know that we can count on them from concept to reality, as well as for minor updates and revisions. Their team of designers, engineers, and installation team truly worked to make our showroom dreams a reality. If you are looking for a quality showroom specialist, look no further."_  
_– MLILY USA_

Want to try pop-up stores to experiment with new markets? Are you looking at integrating in-store displays with social sharing? Inspire your brand ambassadors with an [immersive retail environment](https://thelookcompany.com/markets/retail-solutions) or launch innovative [brand activations](https://thelookcompany.com/brand-activations). With TLC as your visual engagement solutions partner, your retail brand will be all set to meet its business objectives for 2022!

 [Connect with our visual merchandising solutions specialists](https://thelookcompany.com/contact) to meet your 2022 retail objectives!

The 2022 Visual Merchandising Solutions Mid-Year Wrap Up

A successful retail presence is all about getting noticed. 

Custom retail signage that is bold, eye-catching, and engaging is a great way to communicate your brand's message and attract foot traffic to your store. 

Quality graphic signage is a versatile promotional tool for brand-customer interactions, whether it is outdoor signs, in-store display signage, or window displays for retail showrooms. 

You can use branded graphics to create a first impression, pique curiosity, enhance brand recall, and encourage customers to visit your store.

## **Merchandisers Use Custom Retail Signage as a Form of Visual Communication**

Custom retail signage in your retail showroom or department store are an important part of your merchandising strategy, so it's important to plan them carefully, working with an [experienced retail signage company](https://thelookcompany.com/about-us/our-company). 

Professionally designed signage gets your brand noticed in a crowded retail scenario and helps you convert store visitors into customers.

TLC helps you incorporate various types of creative and innovative [retail signage](https://thelookcompany.com/products/signs-and-banners) throughout your branded environment.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1652112983/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/aboxqnzyfnzxpv4r5nws.jpg)

**Wayfinding Signs**

Wayfinding signage uses visuals and graphics to help shoppers find their way around the shopfloor (directional signs), find product information (informational signs), or appraise shoppers of rules or regulations (regulatory signage). 

**Standalone Banners**

Portable, temporary banners on stands or double-sided fabric and frames are a versatile tool for merchandisers. Use free standing displays in various areas of the shopfloor to effectively communicate offers, seasonal promotions or new product launches.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1652113014/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/lezejdsvy4agw9wlyejx.jpg)

**Window Signage**

The visual impact created by storefront [window signage](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/window-displays-your-store-s-first-impression-for-walk-in-shoppers) is a key component of retail merchandising strategy. Visually appealing window displays and storefront signage draw shoppers into the store and help improve sales.

**Endcap Displays**

Endcap displays or featured products at the end of an aisle are prime property for retail promotions. Products featured on endcap displays have a distinct advantage and sell faster. TLC created a stunning effect for [Walmart, Canada,](https://thelookcompany.com/case-studies/walmart) by using lightboxes as endcap displays.  

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1652113040/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/xfftwhlisqtmx23i1gni.jpg)

**Pillar Wraps**

Pillars wrapped with vividly printed fabric are a great way to advertise your products, promote your brand or provide eye-catching directional signage. Pillar wraps help you maximize the use of retail space. TLC has effectively used high-visibility custom signage on pillars using flexible, wraparound fabric seamlessly covering pillars.

**Building Wraps**

A building wrap covers the façade of a building with printed panels to communicate your brand's message with a big bang! The large format graphics create an instant impression in your audience's mind and enhance their recall of your brand.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1652113067/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/wu2x4pxamvxj3lps78xr.jpg)

**Lightboxes**

[Lightboxes](https://thelookcompany.com/products/lightboxes) illuminate brand images and retail messaging in malls, brand showrooms, shopping centers, and other retail indoor spaces. They create a stunning visual effect using vividly printed fabric and a next-gen LED lighting system. Available in a range of custom sizes and shapes with a variety of hanging, wall-mounted, or self-standing options, they are one of the most versatile custom signage solutions we offer.

**Floor Decals**

Floor decals are custom graphic signage printed on high-strength vinyl and applied to the floor of high-traffic retail spaces such as mall entrances, stairways, mall lobbies, or at exits and checkout counters. These floor graphics maximize promotional space and provide an added touchpoint in your retail branding.

**Flag Poles & Street Banners**

Flag poles and street banners are used in parking areas, entrances, and on curbsides to spread awareness about brands or products available in the store and showcase flagship products or highlight special offers. At TLC, we use the best quality fiberglass poles with a weighted base and high-visibility printed fabrics for flag pole banners.

You can take a look at some of the [work we’ve done here](https://thelookcompany.com/our-work).

## **Benefits of Custom Retail Signage**

There's more to it than meets the eye! Creative custom retail signage doesn’t just look great; it also plays an important role in customer conversions and has a direct economic impact on business.

Let's look at some of the [benefits of retail signage](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/5-ways-to-create-visual-impact-engagement-with-retail-signage):

**Draw in Visitors:** Window signs, street banners, and flags greet visitors even before they step into your retail space. They attract attention, build awareness, and encourage visitors to step into the store.

**Promote Products:** Like a silent salesperson, custom retail signage promotes your message to your audience, drawing their attention to new products, discounts or seasonal promotions. 

**Guide Shoppers Through the Store:** Wayfinding signs help shoppers navigate the shop floor, find what they are looking for, and create a smooth shopping experience. 

**Drive Sales:** Apart from branding and wayfinding, signs convey essential information about your products—such as price and specifications and help them make an informed decision to buy the product.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1650913839/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/njbzwgckrcwmrjtwesw4.jpg)

## **TLC: An Award-Winning Print Partner for Custom Retail Signage**

Invest in high-quality signage for your branded environment. At TLC, we maximize your brand's impact with award-winning experiential graphics and [visual engagement solutions](https://thelookcompany.com/) that tell your brand's story innovatively and effectively.

Our expansive global production facilities utilize state-of-the-art printers, manufacturing, technologies and industry specialists. 

We are a [G7® Master Certified Facility](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/g7-master-facility-targeted-qualification) which confirms our commitment to providing our customers with the best results in color management and print consistency.

[Connect with TLC](https://thelookcompany.com/contact) for custom retail signage today.

Explore The Versatility Of Custom Retail Signage For Branded Environments

Retail stores have been perfecting the art of window displays for ages. Why? Because they realize that they have just a few seconds to catch the eye of passers-by and entice them into their store.

How do you design your retail [window displays](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/window-displays-your-store-s-first-impression-for-walk-in-shoppers) to stop shoppers in their tracks, give your store a second look—and walk in?!

## **Firstly, Who Exactly is a Window Shopper?**

A window shopper is someone who visits shops or malls, browsing through products on display without the intent to buy anything! So why would people spend precious time on such an unproductive activity?

Well, it's a stress buster for one—retail therapy, as we like to call it. It helps shoppers stay in touch with the latest trends and styles, with what's new in  stores. You get an idea of prices, and it satisfies an exploratory instinct we all have to know what's in our environment. And for some, it's entertainment—a bit of change from work and home—with no need to spend money.

In a recent post-pandemic survey conducted by NPD, more than one-third of consumers ([36%](https://www.npd.com/news/press-releases/2021/missing-santa-consumers-look-forward-to-a-more-typical-holiday-shopping-season-this-year-npd-says/)) said they missed browsing retail store aisles, and 21% said they missed viewing creative holiday displays, windows, and decorations. That's how prevalent window shopping is.

But should retailers take window shoppers seriously—if, by definition, they have no intent to purchase something?

Several studies indicate that retailers would do well to treat window shoppers as prospective customers. Even if they don't have a purchasing intent at that moment, they're definitely interested in the products or the brand that is being showcased. 

Moreover, shoppers are drawn to storefront windows just like they are attracted by advertisements. So window displays act more like ads than merchandising displays.

These observations give us cues about designing store window displays that can turn your target audience into customers.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1650913361/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/wbqc2zbzuocr6hxhnlet.jpg)

## **Types of Window Displays**

Visual merchandisers pay special attention to window display ideas and designs. The shopfront window is an integral part of merchandising strategy. Using this space innovatively can turn window shoppers into customers.

### **Windows that Display Specific Products**

In retail, straightforward is sometimes the best way to sell. Want to increase sales? Display your bestsellers in your storefront window and make the product the focal point. Who says you always need a story to sell your products? Sometimes, it's best to keep it simple and let your products do the selling. For example, a department store can use advertisement-style banners to convey product information or pricing and design [visually appealing signage](https://thelookcompany.com/products/fabric-and-framessigns-and-banners).

### **Window Displays that Sell a Brand's Story** 

Research shows that window displays function more like ads. Some visual merchandisers prefer to focus on displays that [tell the brand's story](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/fabric-lightboxes-tell-the-story-your-customers-want-to-be-a-part-of), create appeal, entice the visitor to find out more about the brand, or build an aspirational appeal for the brand.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1650913445/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/uz24rcnyveolpfgb9qaz.jpg)

### **Windows that Reflect the Retailer's Brand Values**

Instead of focusing on a product or a brand, some retailers use their window displays to reflect their brand's values—what the brand stands for. For example, the cosmetics brand Lush creates window displays that reflect their commitment to organic or natural products.

## **Once We've Enticed Shoppers into the Store, What's Next?**

Your visual merchandising teams and display designers have worked hard to draw window shoppers into the store—the last thing you want is to have them leave the store without making a purchase.

Here are our top three tips for converting window shoppers into customers: 

**#1 Capitalize on the Impulse to Purchase** 

Retailers consider that about half of all brick-and-mortar store purchase decisions are made on impulse. That's why attracting foot traffic into the store is so crucial. [Window displays](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/window-displays-your-store-s-first-impression-for-walk-in-shoppers) offer that brief glimpse of what to expect inside the store and entice shoppers to step in. Once inside, visual merchandisers use the power wall—the first area to the right—to showcase their most important merchandise. These could be products on sale, the latest additions, seasonal specials or products that are usually purchased on impulse.

**#2 Engage Shoppers In-Store**

Get shoppers to try out products or experience the benefits of your products or services. It could be as simple as a product demo, free samples, or free tastings of food products. Informational displays, [immersive graphics](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/retail-immersive-experiences-to-guide-purchase-decisions) that create an ambiance the shoppers aspire for, or kiosks that shoppers can interact with are all great ways to engage shoppers.

**#3 Make the Purchasing Process Easy and Comfortable**

Engaged shoppers can be coaxed into a purchase! Strategically placed [product shelving](https://thelookcompany.com/products/display-systems) at eye-level, thoughtfully designed layouts, in-store graphics, judicious use of [lighting elements](https://thelookcompany.com/products/lightboxes) to draw the eye and [wayfinding signs](https://thelookcompany.com/products/signs-and-banners) that lead shoppers through the store are all critical. In addition, an easy checkout system and a comfortable store ambiance help convert engaged shoppers to customers.

## **To Sum It Up**

Attractive window displays help draw in customers. You can use window displays innovatively to display new products, promote special or seasonal deals, convey your brand's message, and differentiate your store from your competitors. TLC has visual engagement solutions to draw in those valuable customers.

[Talk to The Look Company](https://thelookcompany.com/contact) for retail graphic solutions, signs and banners and stunning custom lightboxes that entice shoppers and convert them into customers. 

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1650913839/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/njbzwgckrcwmrjtwesw4.jpg)

Convert Window Shoppers Into Customers With Head-Turning Displays

###### _(Pictured above): a fabric print of a photograph depicting a mural painted in a downtown Toronto neighborhood. The graphic reproduction includes this sentence: "A mural co-created by 16 Esplanadian youth, under artistic leadership of Shalak Attack and Julian Periquet. A project curated by Isorine Marc and co-produced by Jamii and CORPUS, with the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation."_

###### Storytelling is a great way to engage your target consumers in a [retail environment](https://thelookcompany.com/markets/retail-solutions) and build a long-lasting bond with your prospective customers. We're sharing some tips and tricks so you can perfect the art of storytelling for retail spaces.

## **What's in a Story?**

All of us have experienced the power of a good story. Right from childhood, stories have enthralled us. Whether it's a bedtime story about pirates on the high seas or a weekend movie-night thriller with a nail-biting finish, we all love stories!

Stories are memorable. We connect with characters, events or situations that remind us of something in our own lives and tap into our memories.

For retailers, storytelling is a great way of conveying what their brand experience is all about. Weave a story around how the brand was born, where their product comes from, or how it makes their customers' lives better.

## **How to Wow Your Customer with Storytelling in Your Retail Environment**

How do you build a story around your brand?

With the right approach, you can make your narrative meaningful and memorable for your customers. Here are a few ways to perfect the art of storytelling in your retail environment.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1647526641/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/icjwbyejtdfz92szia8o.jpg)

## 1\. Weave a Story that Engages Your Target Audience

Is there a particular message you are trying to convey? Does something about your brand have an emotional connection with people—such as an environmental sustainability factor or a social cause behind your brand? Maybe your customers are doing something amazing with your products that is worthy of a story. But remember to resist the temptation to make your brand the hero—keep the focus on your customer persona and make that persona the hero of your narrative!

For example, the outdoor clothing company Patagonia contributes 1% of total annual sales to environmental groups through their ["1% for the Planet"](https://www.patagonia.com/one-percent-for-the-planet.html) initiative. The story is: When you buy a product from Patagonia, you are helping create an environmental impact with every purchase you make.

Another example is [Tach Clothing](https://www.tachclothing.com/): They value the local craftsmanship of their designers' home country and timelessness in clothing and have built their brand story around this concept.

## **2\. Build a Fan Following of Customers Who Relate to Your Brand Values**

When a brand tells a story about the purpose behind its existence, consumers are drawn to the story. 

Gen Y and Gen Z consumers look for transparency and authenticity in the brands they choose. They want to associate with brands that have an inspiring and meaningful story.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1647526661/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/by9jvq49jbuhcm7yylbe.jpg)

According to marketing expert Seth Godin, this is what separates the influential, high-impact brands from the forgettable ones. 

Some coffee brands often relate the story about how their brand of coffee is sustainably brewed—from the farm to the cup. Other brands focus on the brand values that their company stands for. For example, [Starbucks](https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/celebrating-women-as-leaders-and-changemakers/) has a website devoted to brand storytelling that covers not just the story of their coffee but also stories that have a social impact, such as women who are changemakers in their social communities.

Another excellent example of storytelling with a cause: Fashion retailer [H&M's "Close the Loop"](https://www2.hm.com/en_ie/sustainability-at-hm/our-work/close-the-loop.html) campaign embraces sustainable fashion, highlighting significant brand values such as gender equality and body diversity through celebrity endorsements from international power figures such as model Tess Holliday and rock star Iggy Pop, 

Do you have an inspiring story behind your product that elevates the customers' experience?

## **3\. Sensory Branding Gets Consumers to Relate to Your Brand Story**

Make your story feel real. An [immersive experience](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/retail-immersive-experiences-to-guide-purchase-decisions) creates a lasting impact. Appeal to the senses, make it a shopping experience that physical store visitors will find memorable. When visitors are completely immersed in a brand experience, it makes them feel that they are a part of something big and important.

Sensory branding is a powerful tactic that retailers can use to impact and resonate with consumers. It appeals to one or more senses to evoke a cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and memorable response from consumers.

TLC's [visual engagement solutions for retail environments](https://thelookcompany.com/markets/retail-solutions) help brands create experiential in-store displays. Appealing to the sense of sight, we design and print visually stunning images on fabric and use striking [lightboxes](https://thelookcompany.com/products/lightboxes) to attract shoppers.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1647526690/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/wxe0tnrk8uskmjytmh3k.jpg)

We use the power of graphics to create your brand identity, enhancing the recall of your logo and brand colors. For example, we can create a warm and homely ambiance in a big box or [furniture retail store](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/furniture-showroom-display-ideas-to-improve-the-in-store-experience) using full-wall, photographic-quality printed scenes of families in their homes. Consumers associate the same warmth with the retailer and are more likely to return to the same retailer to shop for furniture in future.

## **4\. Set the Scene of Your Story with Themed Window Displays**

Custom-made [window displays](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/window-displays-your-store-s-first-impression-for-walk-in-shoppers) are a great way to set the scene for your brand's story. When visitors first see your storefront displays, it gives them a sneak-peek into what they can expect inside. Create curiosity by setting the context of your brand's story and then enticing the visitor to enter the store to discover the complete story!

TLC's innovative [displays systems](https://thelookcompany.com/products/display-systems) and printed graphics can help you create stunning window displays using modular frames and fixtures and vivid, photographic-quality [non-lit SEG fabric prints](https://thelookcompany.com/products/fabric-and-frames).

## **Summing It Up**

A story can transform a brand from a mere product to a lifestyle choice. Remember, brand loyalty is not limited to a product; instead, it is loyalty to a specific lifestyle choice that customers make because they relate to it or aspire for it. Successful retailers use the power of storytelling to enhance their customers’ retail experience.

[Talk to The Look Company](https://thelookcompany.com/contact) to design immersive retail environments that tell your brand's story.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1647529614/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/v4itjiryvixg2tsobsul.jpg)

How to Perfect the Art of Storytelling in Your Retail Environment

Retail is undergoing significant changes. And new [retail design concepts](https://thelookcompany.com/markets/retail-solutions) are emerging as retailers look for ways to use their physical retail space wisely and differently.  

Consumer behavior and expectations are evolving, putting pressure on traditional retailers to change their in-store strategies. For example, shoppers are increasingly looking for convenience. So online ordering and the concept of in-store pick-ups have gained prominence in the last few years. But at the same time, shoppers dislike one thing about online orders—waiting for delivery! And brick-and-mortar stores satisfy their need for instant gratification. The [new-age retail store](https://thelookcompany.com/markets/retail-solutions) brings with it all the benefits of hands-on shopping, with the added incentive of instant fulfillment—you get to carry home your new purchases with you—no waiting for delivery!

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1645799761/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/qbzzbdbr8eyxyd2zzysz.jpg)

## **Retail Design Concepts: 5 Tips to Make Your Store Stand Out**

Retailers must now think less in terms of markets and more about customers and their individual preferences. Flagship stores are moving toward customer-centric experiences and design. Retailers are now focusing more on store design concepts to lure savvy shoppers. 

Here are 5 tips for retailers to implement an effective retail design concept strategy.

## **#1 Retail is All About the Customer**—**Not About the Product**

In the new retail, the visitor experience is the prime concern. 

According to [Katelijn Quartier](https://www.designcurial.com/news/paradigm-shift-for-future-of-retail-design-7050105/), the head of the Retail Design Laboratory at Hasselt University in Belgium: "We have entered Retail 3.0, a time when the customer is more and more in charge. This asks for much more from a designer than to translate a retailer's identity into a store design and goes beyond mere functionality and efficiency'.

As the [Gensler Research Institute](https://www.designcurial.com/news/paradigm-shift-for-future-of-retail-design-7050105/) emphasizes: 'Retail is no longer about products; it's about the relationship between a brand and its audience.' Understanding their customers' shopping behavior and preferences will help retailers create a visual merchandising plan or store layout that works.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1645799994/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/ok66y44gebrdcmeanamb.jpg)

[The Look Company](https://thelookcompany.com/products/services) helps retailers develop innovative designs and graphic solutions to give their customers a superior shopping experience. 

We offer a full range of integrated services with a global team of experienced specialists to transform retail environments into engaging and memorable brand experiences. From design concept to installation, we provide a complete range of retail store design solutions.

## **#2 Store vs Experiential Center**

Experiential retail implies creating interactive and immersive experiences that showcase the brand's values and evoke the right emotions in visitors so that they associate positive feelings and a lifestyle with the brand, creating a long-lasting recall.  

An experiential store that focuses on customer engagement—rather than direct sales—is a step forward. It enables retailers to address consumer needs using in-store events and services or brand activations. [Visual engagement solutions](https://thelookcompany.com/) from The Look Company go a long way in developing the experiential store concept.

## **#3 Choose the Right Store Layout**

There's no right or wrong layout for your store, but it's important to focus on your target market, your space, and the types of products you sell to come up with a retail store layout that works for your business. 

Your store layout should help you achieve your retail merchandising goals by guiding customers through the store and exposing them to your products while managing important stimuli that encourage purchasing behaviors.

For example, the loop or U-shaped layout leads customers from the front of the store up to the checkout. On the way, directional signage leads shoppers past the entire (or almost!) range of merchandise. The more time they spend looking at various product displays on the way to checkout, the more likely they are to make additions to their shopping basket! Many large department stores use this layout to their advantage - is it the right layout for your store? [Get in touch with TLC](https://thelookcompany.com/contact) to find out.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1645800569/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/vzvokjjsnutxo6j00hwt.jpg)

## **#4 Create Stunning Window Displays**

According to [Linda Cahan](https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/223808), a retail visual design expert, "Each window should tell a story." Store windows offer an appealing glimpse of what visitors can expect in-store. They should convey 'why' the visitor should step in.

Storefront banners and window displays create your store's first impression and appeal. Compelling window displays convert passers-by into store visitors. For example, our custom [lightboxes](https://thelookcompany.com/products/lightboxes) create a stunning visual effect that grabs the attention of passers-by and lures them to step into the store to find out more about the brand.

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1644946253/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/xvkynzue1thrh2wkurwq.jpg)

## **#5 Use Flexible In-Store Display Systems**

Shoppers look for novel experiences. They crave unique experiences at all stages of the purchasing process. Retailers must constantly refresh their displays, depending on what their target customers are looking for, the seasonal trends and preferences, and client reviews and ratings of similar products. 

TLC provides [modular partition systems](https://thelookcompany.com/products/display-systems) to give you unlimited design flexibility. Create walls, corners, booths or complete rooms. Integrate lit and non-lit fabric panels and digital screens for an omnichannel display. Our modular display systems allow for multiple uses and increased functionality.

## **TLC: Turnkey Graphic Solutions to Power Your Retail Store Design Concepts**

[The Look Company](https://thelookcompany.com/) brings you cutting-edge [retail signage and graphic display solutions](https://thelookcompany.com/markets/retail-solutions). Talk to us for stunning [fabric lightboxes](https://thelookcompany.com/products/lightboxes), [modular display](https://thelookcompany.com/products/display-systems) units that are easy to change out, and captivating window displays that convert passers-by into customers!

Get in touch with [The Look Company](https://thelookcompany.com/contact) today for dynamically changeable modular displays to create innovative retail store design concepts.

5 Tips for Retailers to Drive an Effective Retail Design Concept Strategy

A retail store is a physical embodiment of a brand. It fulfills various objectives for the brand—it is not merely a revenue-generating outlet that sells the company's products. It is a place where the brand's fans or prospective customers can experience the brand's story and the values the brand stands for.

## **The Retail Store is Key to Customer Experience**

The retail store of the future will continue to be a strong pillar in the retailer's business. Even though e-commerce and social selling may play an essential role in the way customers interact with the brand, the brand's physical showroom will remain key to how the customer experiences the brand.

In retail stores, visual merchandising has the potential to enhance the shopping experience and turn visitors into the brand's customers. The key is to encourage visitors to make that critical purchasing decision!

Innovative retail campaigns, attractive [window displays](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/window-displays-your-store-s-first-impression-for-walk-in-shoppers), engaging in-store displays, and retail signage will drive brand loyalty and create memorable experiences for shoppers.

## ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1641835175/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/uzmhtgmyklg5crr5nook.jpg)**Here Are Our Top 3 Tips to Help You Plan an Immersive Experience for Your Customers:** 

1.  **What is your brand's story?**  
    Weave your brand's story into your immersive retail displays. Tie in your brand's overall messaging into retail displays. When visitors are completely immersed in the brand’s experience, they are likely to connect to the brand’s values and become loyal customers.
    
2.  **Define and detail out your target customer**  
    Take the time and trouble to create a life-like persona of your typical customers. Who are they? What are their shopping preferences and purchasing habits? What kind of retail experiences do they find attractive? Once you understand these intricacies, you'll be better prepared to convert them into loyal fans of your brand.
    
3.  **What actions do you want shoppers to take?**  
    Define the primary goal of the immersive experience you are planning. Do you want to create awareness of a newly launched product and its features? Or do you want shoppers to make a quick purchase decision when they see your retail display? Sometimes, the goal is not immediate—for example, you may design a retail display to get visitors to subscribe to your mailing list or share your brand’s message on social media. Defining this goal is critical for the success of your immersive retail display.
    

## ![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1641835818/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/xwtjxpekqz7r0s37kgbk.jpg)**Get Shoppers to Make that Critical Purchasing Decision**

You don't want shoppers to dilly-dally over whether they should buy a product now or not—or later. A shoppers' indecision is the retailer's bane!

1.  **Create a sense of urgency  
    **Time-limited promotions or seasonal specials are an excellent way to encourage shoppers to decide to buy now! Pop-up stores, for example, are a temporary, fleeting shopping experience that excite shoppers and trigger a FOMO (fear of missing out) response. Read how The Look Company's modular adaptive display systems help brands set up [stunning temporary pop-up stores](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/how-pop-up-stores-create-a-win-win-for-retailers-and-brands) that surprise and delight shoppers!
    
2.  **Communicate value  
    **If shoppers are convinced they're getting a good deal, they're more likely to make a quick purchase decision. [Engaging visuals](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/5-ways-to-create-visual-impact-engagement-with-retail-signage) and out-of-the-box creative signage ideas help communicate the value your product or promotion brings to shoppers and convince them to make a purchase.
    
3.  **Bring in novelty  
    **Something new, something exciting is what shoppers look for—if you bring an innovative product into the market, shoppers will buy it when they see it! Shoppers are hungry for new, unusual, and novel retail experiences. They want a thrill—a theatrical quality to their retail experience—which makes their shopping spree worth the time and money they expend. Click here for [7 must-try retail display ideas](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/7-must-try-retail-display-ideas) that you can use to wow walk-in shoppers.
    
4.  **Proof is in the pudding  
    **When you label a product as a 'bestseller' or 'most popular, it encourages shoppers to buy it. It makes them feel that if other shoppers have bought it, they're making the right decision to buy it too.
    

One of the primary goals of an immersive retail experience is to engage shoppers and get them to find out more—here are some display ideas to do just that:

*   Interactive touchscreens integrated into [modular displays systems](https://thelookcompany.com/products/display-systems) are a good idea. They put shoppers in control, making them more confident about making a purchase decision.
    
*   Immersive experiences are fun! They transport the shopper into a world of their aspirations. Once they feel good, they're more likely to make a purchase decision.
    
*   By designing [retail displays](https://thelookcompany.com/markets/retail-solutions) and signages that create an immersive experience, retailers can connect with their customers, convince them to buy, and even keep them coming back for more.
    

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1641836076/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/k4in3jayz8dnxxehitdb.jpg)Backlit displays and illuminated signage draw attention and lead shoppers to key areas of the store. TLC's custom-designed [fabric lightboxes](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/types-of-lightboxes-where-you-should-use-them) are a great way to highlight a new product. Use our 50mm backlit lightbox—one of the thinnest in the market. Its space-saving design means that it can be integrated into your existing product display units without the reducing shelving area. We can customize lightboxes to fit any size or shape that your store requires. 

![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1641836107/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/d1ptvb5rgkyaig4n5lrw.jpg)TLC uses direct [dye sublimation printing](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/dye-sublimation-fabric-printing) for vivid, high-quality printing. What's more, we've even won multiple awards for excellence in printing quality, creativity and innovation.

## **The Look Company: Designing Immersive Retail Experiences that Convert Visitors to Buying Customers**

The bottom line is that there is a clear link between [engaging in-store experiences](https://thelookcompany.com/blog/fashion-showrooms-with-window-in-store-displays) and purchasing decisions. At [The Look Company](https://thelookcompany.com/), we have over 20 years of experience in designing innovative retail experiences. We make the complex projects look as easy as 1-2-3!  

1.  Our [concept development team](https://thelookcompany.com/products/services) crafts unique branded display solutions, starting from ideation and visualization to stakeholder collaboration.
    
2.  Our design team then audits your space and recommends the best solutions to engage your audience and elevate your brand's experience.
    
3.  Our project managers coordinate the entire project from start to finish to ensure quality deliverables, on-time and at scale.
    

[Talk to our retail team at TLC](https://thelookcompany.com/contact), and we'll design an in-store experience that's sure to enhance footfall, convert passersby to shoppers and keep customers coming back for more.

[![](https://res.cloudinary.com/fortyfournorth/image/upload/v1641836729/The%20Look%20Company%20%28Staging%29/ndsjq17dtu1nxltnw5ww.jpg)](https://experience.thelookcompany.com/lightbox-guide)