Christmas is coming! … Display Time

BLANDFORD FORUM, U.K. - Oct. 30, 2015 - PRLog -- With Christmas fast approaching, so the retail world is ramping up for its busy period. For the next couple of months we can expect a steady increase in retail and consumer hype. During this predictable build up, retailers will be aware that how they display, will determine what flies off-the-shelf and ultimately maximise sales.

Like anything, planning is paramount to great results, and preparing for the festive period is always fun and exciting, therefore your display should be too.

Inspiring retail household-names like Selfridges, Harrods, John Lewis have captured the imaginations of customers for decades. Building huge scenery backdrops and dramatic themed sets is almost conventional and definitely expected, making up a vital part of the customer experience. This year Selfridges has used the Star of Bethlehem as the brainwave of their Christmas campaign objective. Engaging with no other than the Royal Greenwich Observatory for help with their window displays. It is muted that work on this display started in June, with 500 staff, clocking up 32,000 hours. That’s planning!

However we are not all Selfridges and can’t all employ such elaborate ideas with extreme budgets. We can though take heed from their directives, but with a more humble approach in mind.
Using a one-thought, definitive campaign, flowing your sole objective from the window throughout the store is the key. Couple this with some creative design, and perhaps implement a few interesting Christmas props, but without overloading to keep it streamlined, simple and effective. As importantly, use engaging point of sale, and quality visual merchandising and you should reap rewards on your investment.

The ambition is to create an in-store Christmas spirit, bringing joy to your customers, keeping them browsing and generating an overwhelming ‘want’ to purchase.

Analyse your range of products, not only for trends and relevance but those that can provide decent profit margins. Plan new product ranges well in advance and make them prime factors of your display. Remember this is the most consumer-led time of the year, shoppers literally can’t wait to part with their cash and tick another present off their Christmas list.

So as soon as a potential customer enters the door make a display that hits them, straight away and makes them stop. Evoke the senses, the smell of Christmas works wonders if you have that option as a possibility. Perhaps offer a welcome glass of mulled wine, or mince pie, or for the ultimate experience; Santa’s grotto, which never fails to draw a crowd. Whatever you decide, make it big, bold, eye-catching and a truly merry display!

For more great display and visual merchandising ideas visit www.shopfittingwarehouse.co.uk