Innovative Holiday Merchandising Ideas for Retailers

Shaina Mangino -- Expert Business Source, 10/22/2007 10:48:00 AM

As if storeowners couldn’t make it any more obvious, the holiday season is upon us. It seems as if retailers begin dressing up their windows and setting up their displays earlier and earlier every year competing to pull in clientele with their unique brand of seasonal merchandise.

I’m always looking for innovative displays that get me excited about a product. The retailer has to make me look at something and say, “I want to buy that.” Personally, I like sophisticated pieces--items that will stay with me over time and things I can see myself using year after year.

After browsing through local shops and hitting up the malls, below are some ideas that I think could spruce up any holiday arrangement Click here for a photo gallery of ideas!

Design displays with the consumer’s needs in mind. Incorporate merchandise that the customer can use with their existing furnishings. Even pieces they could use year-round. The seasonal items won’t look as odd when paired with their home décor. Sophisticated and attractive holiday pieces could be beneficial.

Use large, colorful centerpieces for table displays. These items will attract the customer allowing them to look at the surrounding merchandise.

Lighting should be bright and focused on specific items. Customers need to see what they’re buying. Use the light to guide the customer to different displays throughout the store.

Place merchandise for purchase in and around the display. Instead of simply decorating a tree with ornaments, place ornaments around the tree as well, almost as if they were presents.

Whether it’s constructed around an item, idea or color, displays should have their own theme. Customers can focus on one thing without distractions.

Incorporate homey or cultural items into displays. This adds a personal touch making the customer feel important.

Create displays with several holidays in mind. Using trees to showcase Halloween decorations shows the buyer a creative approach on how to display an item while also getting the buyer thinking about future holidays.

Color, color, color. It can save a display. Even if the pieces are somewhat traditional or common, a vibrant color will attract the customer to the display.

Come up with a scene. For example, having Halloween characters sitting at a dinner table adorned with Halloween plates and pumpkins gets the customer in the spirit. Instead of placing these items on a shelf, the customer can see a potential way to use them making them that much more appealing.

Place displays throughout the store. Having multiple areas with merchandise keeps the customer in the store longer.

Be creative. If the merchandise isn’t presented in a positive light, the customer won’t give it the time of day. Detail and care are essential.

Come up with innovative gift ideas. Personalized trick-or-treat bags for kids, pre-wrapped cookies and candies and even a holiday inspired wine bottle holder can give an ordinary gift a fresh spin.

Choose pieces carefully. Large items with rich colors seem to attract a lot of attention. Inspire the customer. If they see something they that appeals to them, it is likely they’ll want to duplicate it.