Business, Inspiration, Tips and Advice
Windows That Wow: 5 Easy Ways to Boost Footfall
Your shop window display is your 24/7 salesperson. It’s the handshake you offer to the street and often the deciding factor in whether a passerby becomes a customer or keeps walking. But staring at a blank glass canvas can be a bit daunting. How do you fill that space in a way that tells a story without looking cluttered?
Creating a show-stopping display doesn’t require a degree in visual merchandising or a massive budget. With a few clever tricks and the right print products, you can build a scene that captures the imagination. So whether you’re creating a beautiful retail window display featuring your latest products, or want to attract customers into your newly launched cafe, here are five ways to bring your window display to life.
1. Get Creative with Custom Vinyl Decals
The glass itself is your first layer of storytelling. While standard square posters are great for information, they don’t always scream “creativity.” This is where Custom Vinyl Decals shine.
Because these decals can be die-cut to any shape you like, you aren’t restricted to standard boxy formats. You could create a vinyl frame that borders your products, floating text that interacts with the items on the shelf, or seasonal graphics like falling leaves or snowflakes.
They are incredibly versatile. You can choose from permanent options for your core branding (like your logo and opening hours) or removable vinyls for short-term sales and seasonal pops of colour. Because they apply smoothly to the glass, they look professional and sleek, acting as the perfect foreground for the rest of your display.
Image credit: Muodoste Design Studio
Image credit: @bdsgn.uk
2. Add Depth with Hanging Display Boards
A common mistake in window dressing is putting everything on the floor level. To create a truly engaging visual experience, you need to use the full height of your window.
Display Boards are a fantastic way to add layers and height. By adding drill holes to your boards, you can suspend them from the ceiling using a fishing line or ribbon. This allows you to “float” your marketing messages or imagery at eye level, ensuring they get seen even if the street is crowded.
Want to get really clever? We can create boards in custom sizes to perfectly fit your window, but why settle for standard shapes? Through our Bespoke Service, you can also request completely unique shapes. Imagine hanging oversized clouds, giant price tags, or abstract shapes that match your brand colours. Layering these suspended elements behind your vinyls and above your products creates a 3D effect that draws the eye in.
Image credit: Papier Merveille
Image credit: Pinterest
3. Light It Up
You can have the most beautiful layout in the world, but if it’s poorly lit, it will go unnoticed – especially during those darker winter months. Lighting is your secret weapon for drama and focus.
You don’t need to rewire your entire shopfront to make this work. Cost-effective LED spotlights can be placed on the floor to uplight your focal points, creating dramatic shadows and highlights. Fairy lights or LED strips can add a warm inviting glow that softens the display.
Think about where you want the customer to look. If you have a hero product on a pedestal, aim a spotlight directly at it. Good lighting guides the eye exactly where you want it to go.
4. Play with Movement Using Flags
Sometimes you need to catch attention before someone is even standing in front of your window. People walking parallel to your shop might not look sideways until something interrupts their peripheral vision.
This is where Custom Flags come in handy. By attaching a flag to your external wall via a pole, you add an element of intrigue that juts out into the street. The natural movement of the fabric waving in the breeze is excellent for grabbing attention from a distance. It acts as a beacon, signalling people to slow down and take a look at the main event in your window. If external mounting isn’t an option, we have a range of other Flags that have a secure base so you can display with ease.
Image credit: Selfridges & Co
5. Tailor the Design to Your Space
Finally, remember to work with what you have. If you have a small boutique window, avoid the temptation to cram every product you sell into the display. “White space” (or empty space) is crucial – it allows the products you do show to breathe and stand out. A single well-lit item with a bold vinyl background often sells better than a crowded shelf.
Conversely, if you have a massive window, use it! Go big with your Display Boards and bold with your Vinyl Decals to ensure your message doesn’t get lost in the void.
Ready to Dress Your Window?
Your window display is an opportunity to have fun and show off your brand’s personality. Whether you’re layering custom-shaped vinyls, hanging quirky display boards or setting the mood with lighting, the goal is to make people smile – stop – and shop.
So, grab a sketchpad, plan out your layers and get ready to turn your storefront into the talk of the town.
About the author
Leanne, our Senior Brand Marketing Manager, shapes Printed.com's marketing strategy, turning insight and market understanding into campaigns that resonate with customers. Outside of work, you'll find her wandering the coast or the hills in Northumberland, buried in a book, or daydreaming her way to her next holiday.
