Importance of Main Windows in Retail Stores

Experience of Retail Stores actually begins from Main windows and it plays a crucial role in overall brand perception. There are many ways by which a consumer would know about a Retailer. We could list few of them in below sequence:-

      Print Media

      Radio Channels

      Internet

      Road Hoardings

      Word of mouth

      Charity or Social Service

      Local Sponsorships and

Imagine a family drove all the way to a shopping destination. Needless to say that Traffic hazard and parking issues must have distracted them to some extent. And when they finally arrive, they see a Boring and No Impact on main window.

Today the competition offers wide choices to consumers and a small edge of one Retailer may deny the consumers to competition.

So Main windows have definitely a role in attracting a consumer and enticing him/her to enter and finally shop. Each Retail Store based on their Product Category would design and present the range through main windows. Let’s see what method or designs could be approached by an Apparel Retailer which is catering to Middle Class Segment of Society.

      Ceiling Height and Space

1.      The main window should have minimum 3 meter to 3.5 meter height

2.      The main entrance should divide the main window into half, both sides

3.      Main window should have 1 meter width, to display mannequins or keep the props

4.      Store in the mall could also go for :- No window and full fledge open at the entrance with Sensormatic wrapped with some branding

5.      This should not be used for high Street stores:- Ground floor temperature would be severely impacted and also may create issue in maintaining the cleaning and other standards on the floor

6.      With above in mind, Retail store can create their Key Looks at the middle of the store which could be seen from the main entrance.

7.      That should be at least 5 meter inside the store

      Lightings on Main Window

1.      Must have desired and adequate power in terms of lux count for creating impact

2.      Should use White Light

3.      Separate focus lights to Focus on Mannequin’s

4.      Separate spot lights:- Powerful lights to Lit the main window

5.      Spot lights should be cross angled

      Background picture or theme

1.      Background should carry Seasonal mood

2.      That could be based on certain themes in line with the Overall buying patterns in terms of colours and moods

3.      Should avoid dark colours on background pictures

4.      Background pictures must change atleast 3 times in a year

5.      Except for Ceiling, all the areas must be covered by visual

6.      The above will create strong impact  

      Mannequin’s

1.      Use beige and light brown  colour mannequin’s

2.      Mannequin’s must be of latest design and trendy

3.      Some Retailer’s worldwide use mannequin’s which have even hair and look very natural

4.      Mannequin’s must be with head

5.      Some mannequin’s must have sitting and active body posture

6.      Mannequin’s must be dressed with trendy merchandise

7.      They should also have accessories to create more look and impact

      Props on Main Window

1.      Selection of Props should be in line with the Overall seasonal buying in terms of colours and patterns

2.      Props should be able to enhance the overall look and appeal of the brand and store

3.      It should be able to sit well with the overall moods of the mannequin’s dresses and background picture or visual

4.      Props should be done very selectively and must avoid overdoing it

5.      The Props should be contempory

6.      The Props should add value to the whole window display

      Price Points on Main Window

1.      The display of Price Points should be done very subtly

2.      Each mannequin should not carry Price Point

3.      Bunch of each three mannequin could carry one price point for only one specific mannequin

4.      Price Point Signage should not carry more than four item description and RSP

5.      The size of the Price Point stands should sit well with overall window

Prepared by:-

Satinder Singh Rawat