Fall Display Planning:
when to introduce seasonal merchandise, DIY ideas and 20+ examples
I hope you enjoyed the previous post about the agency-designed installation at Gant. This followup includes real-life retail store display examples, fall themes to consider as well as some tips for effective display elements. All of the ideas in this post have DIY options, as I realize that most independent retailers do not have dedicated visual merchandising staff or the funds for —or access to — VM professionals.
Let’s begin with the “when” decision. At the Tattered Tulip in Lockport, NY, a caption for an Instagram post this week read: “I know. I know. It’s a little early for fall. But we just can’t wait any longer!” Here’s a gallery of some of their displays, followed by my thoughts on why it is definitely NOT too early to put out your fall merchandise.
Details to note: The use of textures, greenery and dried florals set a fall tone of a warm and cozy home. You clearly get a feel for the vibe of this store from the instagram post. The use of multiples, layering and varying heights all play a part in the beauty and efficacy of these displays.
Timing: In a conversation with one retailer this week, she voiced concern about displaying fall merchandise when it’s so very hot outside. My response is threefold:
You cannot sell merchandise that is in your back room in boxes.
Many customers daydream about (and prepare for) cooler weather when it’s hot. Yes, some will say “fall already?” (when they are in line to purchase a cable cardigan, pumpkin spice candles, harvest placemats or a new rake. LOL).
It is not necessary to create a fall window display in July, but having an area devoted to the next season is smart retailing.
Having said that, if you are planning a fall display window, don’t wait too late to install it. Fall windows have a shorter lifespan for retailers who plan to convert the window for Halloween or for the holidays.
The demand for the retail categories Thanksgiving & Friendsgiving have been growing in recent years. We appear to still be riding this post-covid trend.
One more consideration: did you notice the increase in Christmas in July retail events this year? I interviewed retailers about it in this post… Christmas in July.
Request: I’ll be writing about the topic again next year, so if you had a Christmas in July event this year, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s debrief soon, while it’s fresh in your memory and so I can write about it earlier next year to help you decide if it’s an event you should host and get started on planning. Tag me in your Christmas in July social media posts, send me an email, message me or leave a comment on this post to connect around this topic.
I plan to interview at least 10 retailers.
Visual Merchandising for Fall
I’ll start with one of my favorite all-time fall display window ideas…
This gold and orange ropes display has been one of my faves for years. I know retailers who have used macrame knotting techniques to create this effect, others who used a hammock and one that used an actual fishing net. I prefer a hammock although that requires hand painting/dying the segments in alternating colors if you want to achieve the look above. I still think that’s easier than buying colored rope or dying the rope in advance and then tying all those knots. (It always takes longer than expected.)
Themes: Not quite ready for pumpkins? Apples and sunflowers are fun fall themes.
Continue reading for 12+ more examples, display resources and DIY tips. Premium subscribers should watch for an upcoming post featuring a brilliant display idea at a retail store in Virginia, plus I’ll write soon about my current favorite display prop: BUTTONS. Oversized buttons are an easy, fun and versatile display idea that you can create and personalize based on your type of store and the products you sell. Garlands are popular for similar reasons…
