It’s that time of year again, the time where holiday cheer lights up the town bringing people out of their cozy homes to experience the joy of the hustle and bustle out in the town. As customers flock to the stores for new products and presents, there is a whole host of factors that can draw them in.
These days visual competition is a hard game to play, especially in the consumer world – which is why more than ever it is important to make your store stand out.
People expect a bold difference in store display between August and December, therefore as you start thinking about this seasonal transformation, there are a few tips and tricks of commercial Christmas design to keep in mind as you go.
1] Light That Leads the Way
At the forefront of your endeavors, the main entrance to your store should attract customers like moths to a lamplight. To concoct an aura too dazzling to resist, think “lights, color, action!”
Holiday time is all about the lights, especially since an early sunset usually has people out of the house when it’s dark. Stringing lights along the border of your entrance and even in the main walkway will be an enchanting vision that will have kids and adults flocking.
2] A Window Worth 1000 Words
During this time of year, the amount of passing trade going by your store means you need to step up your game in the shop window arena. When it comes to casual passersby, your store front needs to stop their conversation, make them look, think, and then feel a welcoming atmosphere before even entering.
To have all of this come together, creating a story with your window space is the most captivating thing you can do. Which ever theme your store is going for, whether cool, warm, or heart-felt, dynamic imagery is an effective tool to force customers to stop, stare, and walk in.
When we think of the holiday season, we think of special gifts for loved ones, therefore when a story is able to create sensitivity and vulnerability in the viewer, it makes them trust your merchandise more readily and want to further explore what’s on offer.
3] A Walkway to Remember
Now that your entrance has captivated your customer, it’s time to have them stroll throughout the store all while having a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Key word: experience.
Using the story you created at the main entrance, keep this system consistent throughout the store. If your warm lighting illuminated an image of children sitting together under the Christmas tree, welcome customers with a beautiful real tree surrounded by seating and decor.
Not only will this allow people to gratefully take the weight off their feet for a minute, it will make the experience immersive and coherent. It also signals that you care for their whole experience in your store, not only their commercial value.
When decorating the interior, try to stay simple and stick to your theme. An organized floor with clear, uncluttered walkways is a priority if more customers is what you want.
Therefore the others spaces you have to change are the ceilings and walls. Hanging décor is always good, especially if the objects shimmer and reflect light – everyone loves glitter!
4] Make Holiday Stock Front and Center
As you remodel some of your merchandise, focus extra attention on what new products you have for the season. Most holiday shoppers reach for the fanciful items, thus placing them at eye-level will make them more likely to grab and go. For more ordinary items, create catchy signs that will make their simplicity become a holiday necessity.
Last but not least, YOU are a part of this story too. For 100% visual engagement, put your real-life models to good use. By this I mean your workers!
Dressing up in fun and fancy outerwear is a great way to life up or change the mood. This also helps customers feel more comfortable when talking to you, which give you the opportunity to sell more with your words. By closing time your atmosphere will have traveled to every person in the plaza. Cheers!
