Window Display Resource Page

Designing a great window display is no easy task. You want it to be eye-catching, budget-friendly, low-effort and — above all else — effective! After all, the mark of a great window display is when you sell out of the product that’s in the window. We’ve compiled a few resources to help our Downtown Frederick retailers find a little extra inspiration this holiday season. Please use and share the info collected below, and contact anyone on the Partnership staff if you need any extra advice!

Advice from the Pros

 

Is your window particularly difficult to design for? We hosted a virtual conversation with nationally-known designer and consultant Amy Meadows, who put 4 businesses in the “hot seat” to help brainstorm window display ideas for them on the spot… while the rest of us listened and learned.

 

  • Watch Amy’s live window consultations by viewing the “Let’s Talk Windows” webinar recording linked below.

Watch the Recording

One of the best ways to come up with your next great idea is to see what others have done before you. Flip through some of the reference materials that we’ve collected over the years. You never know what sort of inspiration you’ll find!

 

Putting Your Best Face Forward: a presentation by Downtown Frederick merchants Julie Kennedy, April Reardon and Paul Thompson (click to view)

 

Made You Look: a presentation by Amy Meadows (click to view)

Answers to your Frequently Asked Questions

 

We all know that people are going to be doing a lot more walking outdoors this year… so what design layouts, motifs, etc. would you recommend to businesses who want to capture window shoppers and MAKE SALES based on their window display?

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Rebecca Carrera, Maven at Home

Customers will want to see items for sale and the item information clearly. Signing products appropriately will be key, professionally made signs with clear pricing and a concise statement directing the customer to take action. Large open windows with a single focus item or just a few products massed out make a statement. Depending on the type of windows you have, you may opt to just have a clear view of the inside of store. — Rebecca Carrera, mavenathome.com

Amy Meadows, Windows Matter

Many businesses have shifted their window strategies from storytelling to more of a showroom, allowing the customer to shop more “surgically.” But there’s always room (and the need) for Holiday enhancements! Keep it simple but shoppable. — Amy Meadows, windowsmatter.com

What are your favorite materials to use (with bonus points for CHEAP materials) when creating holiday-themed window displays?

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Amy Meadows, Windows Matter

Cut paper snowflakes, birch poles, masses of shiny ornaments. — Amy Meadows, windowsmatter.com

Rebecca Carrera, Maven at Home

White twinkle lights, period! — Rebecca Carrera, mavenathome.com

Downtown Frederick has windows of every shape, size and configuration… what advice would you give to businesses who struggle with particularly SMALL windows?

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Rebecca Carrera, Maven at Home

If you have smaller windows or only one window, you may focus on creating a clear sight line into the store and if space allows a well done sign with a call to action to pull people in. — Rebecca Carrera, mavenathome.com

Amy Meadows, Windows Matter

They’re tricky but generally easier to execute than windows that overwhelm the product. Lighting is especially important. — Amy Meadows, windowsmatter.com

Any other advice you want to pass along to the small businesses of Downtown Frederick?

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Amy Meadows, Windows Matter

Show your very best and enjoy the season! TIP: rotate merchandise assortment frequently, ideally every other week during Q4. — Amy Meadows, windowsmatter.com

Rebecca Carrera, Maven at Home

Plan your holiday floor plans around social distancing and flow of foot traffic. Customers will feel more comfortable and spend more time looking and shopping, rather than rushing to get out if there are feeling cramped with too many people inside. — Rebecca Carrera, mavenathome.com

Where to Find your “Window Inspo”

Pinterest is a great resource that’s right at your fingertips! Find DIY tutorials, examples from other businesses and lots of tips from creative minded people all over the world. Some good keywords to use when searching Pinterest: window display, store design, product display, wedding backdrop, party / prom decor, DIY decoration, display design retail

Find a Designer

If you need more than just inspiration and ideas, consider hiring a professional! The following individuals are available to help with everything from the initial idea through final installation. Please contact each person directly if you’re interested in learning rates, etc.

Abby Conway

window displays • contact at arc1930@yahoo.com for more info

Leah Thomas

window displays • contact at leahmariethomas92@gmail.com for more info

Diana Kaye (Terressentials)

window displays, visual merchandising and store design • contact at terressentials@mailworks.org for more info

Dylan (The Color Red Art)

window displays • contact at 301.956.3109 for more info

Ashley Luke (Aluke Paperie)

window displays (experience doing Marshall Fields & Macy's windows) • contact at alukepaperie@gmail.com or 301.448.0071 for more info

Jessie Bunk

window displays • contact at jessiembunkart@gmail.com for more info

Melissa Carr (Crafted Crane Design)

window displays and design • contact at melissa@craftedcranedesign.com for more info

Alissa Aronstram

window displays, retail merchandising and styling • contact at alissaaronstam@gmail.com or 301.524.8959 for more info

Mel Beatty

window displays (designs Curious Iguana's windows) • contact at mmsbeatty@gmail.com for more info

Ashley Henson

window displays and design • contact at ashleynahenson@gmail.com or 240.793.3398 for more info

Rebecca Carrera (Maven at Home)

window displays, retail merchandising and styling • contact at rebecca@mavenathome.com or 301.938.9145 for more info

Each year, the Partnership tackles strategic initiatives to bring more residents and employees to Downtown Frederick, offers an exciting season of events and works closely with downtown businesses and partners to continue to strengthen and improve Downtown Frederick.

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