I was designing and executing window displays before most of you were born. Does that make me old? Perhaps, but not out of touch with what looks great and what is trending.

Timeless, clean lines, and simple design is always appealing to the eye and memorable. Does that mean you cannot add a touch of whimsy or fun pops of color or the unexpected… of course not. In fact, that very thing, adds your personality to the store window. It draws in those who are driving or walking by. If your windows are large enough, add a bicycle, a forest of trees, a succulent wall (fake of course), beach umbrella, western saddle, etc.… 

Seasonal, event, or area specific details remind your customer audience that you are part of the community, and you care about what is happening.

Your window display is your first impression, your signature, your welcome. It’s where you will turn heads or draw a new customer into your store.  It also reminds existing customers that they need to come back in and visit.

First impressions matter. There is a store in our area that I have never been in. One reason is the outside appearance.  A dark UV film covers the display window, making the entrance unappealing and foreboding. While the window always has a display, you can’t see it. And you are never quite sure if they are open or closed.   

Look at your store.  What is the brand style you emulate?  What does your store say when your customer drives up or walks by your front door?  Your distinct style needs to flow to your window and out to the world.

Do a search of window displays for your favorite brands or look at iconic brands like Ralph Lauren or Anthropologie.  Their window displays are recognizable even without any identification.

Take some time this week to look at your store from the parking lot, what is missing, what is overdone, what can you change, what looks right, what does it say to your customer.  You know what your intentions are, you know what your brand is, you must show it to your customer.  Do not and I repeat do not assume that your customer just knows. We must not get caught up in “insider language” and again assume that the customer knows what your store is.  Simple, clean designed windows that speak volumes to someone driving by at 40 miles an hour is the key.

*Two Anthropologie window displays

*Two Ralph Lauren Window Displays

*Images used as examples of excellent window displays. Used without permission email to remove.