It's the Holiday Season...

With the holiday season right around the corner--or at some retailers, in full swing--I thought it would be fun to take a look at a few tips for making the most of your retail space's seasonal budget and decor.

• Window displays are an excellent way to set yourself apart from all the other retailers around you, so take full advantage of the space and get creative! Use your windows to not only sell your products, but to tell the outside world what the inside of your store feels like.

• If you include merchandise in your displays, if possible, try to make it so that customers feel comfortable shopping from them.

• To eliminate the need to switch displays out between Christmas and New Years, invest in decorations that you can use throughout the entire winter season. In other words, avoid themes that center around Santa, and opt for a broader approach, such as snowflakes or ever-green trees.

• While smaller retailers may feel as if they are at a disadvantage to big box chains who are able to offer deep discount, these spaces often hold a lot more potential when it comes to decorating for the holiday season. So if you are a independent retailer, seize this opportunity to take a chance with your Christmas decorations! You have nothing to lose, so pull out all the stops and make your store a memorable place to shop!

• Lastly, remember that you don’t have to break the bank to make your retail space stand out during the holidays. Think outside the box when it comes to sourcing the materials needed to complete your displays. Check out your local dollar store or thrift store, where you can often find Christmas decorations for next to nothing. Or better yet, take the eco-friendly approach and repurpose items you would otherwise throw away into gorgeous decorations for your space--it is incredible what a little Elmer’s glue and glitter can do for  a empty toilet paper roll. Just kidding, but you get the idea.

sources: one . two . three . four . five