There was a window at “that shop down the street with the crazy mannequins—you know the one” that stopped everyone in their tracks. You only get one chance to get someone’s attention—a quick look on the path. That’s both the promise and the stress of designing storefront window advertising displays.
Think of your time as the beginning of a movie. You don’t give away the whole story, but you give away enough to get people interested. Think about color. Choose something other than plain white every time. A splash of neon, a deep blue, or a single gold accent can change the attitude and show who you are as a store. Lots of color? People look at each other twice. Do it.
Let’s talk about props. One old typewriter tells a more interesting story than a bunch of random things. A lot of the time, less is more. Set your items up like you’re setting a dinner table for someone you want to impress, but don’t use fine china unless you sell it.
There are more ways to tell stories than just books and pictures. Each item in your show should be a part of a story that is being told. An old rainboot full of wildflowers makes me think of spring adventures. A beach chair to relax in with a stack of trip books? All of a sudden, everyone is looking forward to the summer and might even come into your shop by accident.
Lights are more than just useful; they also set the mood. After the sun goes down, warm glows draw people in. Fairy lights that twinkle? Right away, nonsense. A singer in the dark at open mic night is like a spotlight on a single product: it adds excitement.
Don’t forget about signs. Handwritten chalkboards are very cute. People laugh and take pictures on Instagram when they read funny lines like, “Out of this world fudge—aliens welcome!” There are social media tags painted right on the glass that help the talk spread to everyone who follows.
When the seasons change, windows work the hardest. Back-to-school themes, Valentine’s Day hearts, and autumn leaves caught in the middle of their fall are all things that people will remember about your space as part of the community’s flow.
Most importantly, show what kind of shop it is. Let the window wink at people who walk by if you’re weird. Chic and serious? Adopt a minimalist style with clean lines and black and white statements. It hits home if it feels true.
It’s not about being perfect when you tell your story through a window. It’s about making that happy moment happen, that quiet “wow.” Really, get ideas, try out new arrangements, and who knows, maybe one day you’ll cover a doll in polka-dot scarves. It will work when people stop, smile, and walk through your door.