Good Store Displays Can Make A Huge Difference

The creative use of store displays has great power - to influence people's desires and emotions and guide them in their buying decisions.

Most baby boomers, myself included, remember “window shopping” as an exciting activity during childhood. Window shopping was something you did with your Mom for the simple pleasure of enjoying store displays, usually with no intention of buying.

It was a fun excursion to pass the time and admire the beautiful things you might one day be able to afford.

The art of beautiful store displays is what makes the world go round in retail business. No matter how attractive the display, it's main focus is selling products.

Holidays are especially good window shopping opportunities, with lavish visuals and props to show whatever goods are being sold in the most attractive and inviting light.

When looking at store displays, you'll find a mix of everything from:

• Department store windows showcasing the latest fashions
• An exciting display of carefully arranged toys
• Glittering jewelry on velvet with lights surrounding each piece
• Or as simple as the grocery produce section

It all comes down to showing a product in the most attractive way possible.

Probably the most extravagant store displays in the world are found in Paris and Rome. Window shopping in either of these cities can easily fill a whole day. Many of the smaller shops change their store displays on an almost daily basis.

They spend a lot of effort to entice the pedestrian to stop and take a better look. A simple hardware store display may showcase their wares in such a way as to make a coffee pot irresistible, a tablecloth sublime and a potholder something you must have.

Europeans have just about perfected the art of store displays. When it comes to jewelry or clothing, they can make you forget about your budget completely, so desirable is the appearance.

A sweater store in Rome can have you searching your mind for a person on your gift list that you may have forgotten.

Closer to home, in your local grocery store, the person in charge of store displays can literally make your mouth water.

Their presentation of fresh baked french bread and rolls, dried salami, alongside garlic crackers, rounds of cheese and gourmet mustard sauce. It's almost impossible to resist - especially on an empty stomach.

When it comes to successful store displays you'll need to know a good bit about psychology, visual design and an understanding of consumer motivation. Sensory perception is also very important, with the end result being a customer's attention fixed upon an irresistible product. From the simple potato salad at the deli to the finest piece of jewelry - all products should be presented to their best advantage.