Wrapping Up: May 2026
Dear Retail Details subscribers: Here’s your May 2026 recap, including display inspirations, industry news and a brand new poll. I hope you enjoy these once-monthly newsletters, in addition to our regular retail tips newsletter posts.
CONTENTS:
May Recap
Latest Poll
Display Tip: painted windows
From the Archives
What’s Next?
May Recap:
According to our newsletter analytics, the most popular retail tips posts in May
If you missed any of the retail tips newsletters, click here to read the most recent posts or use the search feature for previous topics, such as store event ideas or visual merchandising. (Premium subscribers have complete access to 270+ prior and archived newsletters.)
As May concludes, Retail Details has 8300+ subscribers. Writing for such a diverse array of retailers from 47 countries is fun, fascinating and challenging (the good kind of challenge), as our goal is to provide a broad mix of retail topics and consumer insights applicable to many types of retail stores.
Retail Trivia Poll:
Display Inspirations: hand-painted windows trend
On a recent trip to Texas, I visited Grapevine after several subscribers suggested I check out some interesting independent stores there. Willow Cottage had some lovely hand-painted store windows:
These windows were painted by The Art Department. Hand-painted windows are trending in 2026 and I expect to see even more later in the year. I love how retail trends ebb and flow and I can’t wait to see your fall and holiday store window creations! {Tag @ RetailDetails in your store window pictures on Instagram. We love to share your posts.}
From the Archives:
Written in April of 2025, Are We There Yet examined how retailers might prepare for a possible summer travel slowdown. The post is equally relevant in 2026, if not more so! Click here to read the original newsletter post.
What’s Next?
Due to the popularity of and positive response to the first Good News. Bad News. newsletter post, I am still compiling another one with input from retailers. Originally, I planned to post it in April, but due to the Painted Tree closures unfolding, I decided to wait and share more about the thousands of independent retailers impacted by the abrupt shutdown of all Painted Tree stores and what is next for affected retailers.
Retail Details’ contributor, Sarah Waters is working on a feature that involves the remodeling of a store.
The Retail Reminders & Quick Tips series (included in all premium subscriptions) continues with input and requests from many of you. Thanks and stay tuned. I’m working on Parts 5 and 6 right now.
I appreciate that independent retailing can be lonely at times. Helping you feel less solitary and more supported in your business will continue to be the focus of this newsletter.
Are we connected on social media?
Have a success story involving an idea or inspiration found in the Retail Details retail tips newsletter? Leave a comment on this post. We appreciate good news!
As always, thanks for subscribing to the Retail Tips newsletter on Substack. I am grateful that via my small business, I am able to help other small business owners grow theirs. I invite you to share the newsletter with your staff and retailer friends. Topics are designed to be helpful for retail managers, visual merchandisers, social media staff and buyers, too.
If you find this post helpful, please click the like♡heart below. It helps us in planning future retail tips topics.
From my small business to yours, stay retail inspired, friends! I hope May treated you well.
~Becky Tyre, Retail Details