22 small shop front design ideas for the holidays

The holidays are right around the corner – if you’re looking to boost your holiday sales this year, consider drawing your customers in with a new, eye-catching, festive shop front display. Your shop front is what attracts customers to your business and gives the first impression, so it’s important to display your products effectively.

With this guide, you can draw inspiration from these 22 creative shop front ideas. We’ve also included helpful tips to make your display as successful as possible.

Keep reading to find out more, or skip ahead to the following sections:

• What is a retail shop front?
• Why is a retail shop front so important?
• The design elements that make a great retail shop front
• Types of window displays
• 22 holiday shop front decoration ideas
• Tips for a captivating holiday shop front display
• Benefits of holiday shop front decorations

What is a retail shop front?

The ‘shop front’ of your physical retail store refers to the external elements that people will first see as they approach. This includes features such as the windows, signage, lighting, and front doors. It also includes any parts of your store that are visible as people step inside. Some of your product displays might be visible through the front windows, and these will contribute to the first impressions of new visitors.

Why is a retail shop front so important?

As the first point of contact between your business and your customers, the appearance of your shop front is extremely important. Think of it as an opportunity to showcase your brand to the world, and to encourage positive associations and interactions.

Here are some ways an attractive shop front can benefit your business:

• Catches the eye of people passing by
• Helps you to stand out from your competitors
• Creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere
• Presents clear branding, so people immediately know who you are and what you do

The design elements that make a great retail shop front

External design elements such as lighting and colour schemes can make an extraordinary impact. Here are some of the most important design features to consider:

• Window display flow and design: The front windows of your shop provide the perfect opportunity to entice people inside. This is why bakeries often display their delicious treats and jewellers put their most eye-catching items in the window.
• Lighting: On a practical level, clear lighting makes it easy for people to see you – especially at night. On an aesthetic level, external lighting sets the tone for what your customers are about to experience. Soft lighting creates an intimate atmosphere, while bright lights can evoke excitement.
• Signage: In most cases, you want the signage at the front of your shop to be clearly visible and easy to read. You could also consider installing LED lighting to help attract attention.

Colour scheme: Colour plays a vital role in reinforcing brand identity and creating a cohesive experience for your customers. They can also evoke emotion – with cool colours (such as blue and green) helping people to feel calm, and warm tones (such as orange and red) creating a sense of urgency. Choose wisely to ensure the colour scheme aligns with your brand identity.

Types of window displays

There are many different types of window configurations that shops have tried to help boost their foot traffic. Below are some popular shop front ideas that might work well for your business.

Corner window

A corner window display sits at the corner of your shop front where two windows come together. These types of displays are great for attracting customers from multiple angles and showcasing products from more than one side.

Best for: Small businesses that have larger products to showcase and want to create a sense of depth.

Shadow box window 

Shadow box window displays are the smallest version of window displays and are great for showcasing products that are petite and detailed. These are typically box-shaped windows that usually have room for two people to view at once.

Best for: Small businesses that sell jewellery, cosmetics, or other small products.

Closed window 

Closed window displays have a screen or wall behind them that separates the display from the rest of the shop. These can be a permanent addition to your business, or you can have them temporarily installed for a specific promotion or for the holiday season.

Best for: Small businesses who want all of the customers’ attention solely on the products within the display, rather than the rest of the store.

Open window

Open window displays allow your customers to see straight into your shop – there are no walls or screens behind the display. Customers are able to see the activity going on inside the shop, so it’s important to create continuity between your display and the rest of the shop, as well as keep your shop clutter-free.

Best for: Shops with a high level of interior design, in-store experiences, visual merchandising campaigns.

22 holiday shop front decoration ideas

Ready to get started but need some inspiration to help guide you? Keep reading for these 22 front window Christmas decorating ideas to help attract customers this season.

1. Digital display

Incorporate a digital sign installation into your shop front window. A digital sign can add some extra flair to your holiday display. Plus, a moving screen showcasing products you offer, or information helps catch the eyes of customers and influences them to come into your shop.

2. Festive string lights

Lighting is an essential component of a shop front display. Add some twinkle lights that change colour throughout the day, or get string lights that have adjustable brightness depending on the mood you’re going for.

Another good shop front idea is to get some light-up signage with your brand name to attract extra attention.

3. Chalk paint

Get creative with chalk paint that you can draw right onto your window. Consider drawing your own holiday design or let people know there’s a sale going on with DIY chalk paint signage.

Tip: Create a message that entices customers to come inside. For example, if it’s hot outside, you can write something like “Come in, it’s cool inside!”

4. Frosted windows

To create the ultimate snowy scene for your window display, incorporate frosted windows. A frosted window can create the perfect viewing point for the rest of your display.

To create the frosted window look, you can use frosted glass spray paint that can usually be found at any craft store. Complete the snowy look with snowball garland and fake snow.

5. Garland

Garland is always a classic way to decorate for the holidays. Some creative ways to use garland for your display include:

• Marshmallows for a snowy scene
• Candy canes
• Felted wool for snowballs
• Ornaments

You can even turn one of your products into garland material. Hang your garland around the perimeter of your window or wrap it around another element.

6. Oversized ornaments

Create a shop front look with oversized ornaments. You can use a disco ball or anything from your storage that can be used as a holiday ornament. If you prefer the DIY route, you can take old toy balls and spray paint them to whatever colour you like and hang them from the ceiling.

7. Gift boxes

Looking for an easy yet effective storefront decorating idea? Use holiday-wrapped gift boxes in your shop front display to add some variety. These can serve as great display stands for your products, and you can stack them to create some height.

8. Holiday trees

Create a tree out of your products. For example, if you’re a small business that specialises in the outdoors, you could create a tree made out of skis or another type of athletic equipment. Or if you sell books, you can pile the books into a tree shape, and decorate with fairy lights!

9. DIY snowflakes

Cut out snowflakes to help create a winter wonderland display. This fun craft is easy to do and can be more sustainable and cheaper than purchasing factory-made materials.

You can also get creative and create snowflakes out of your own products. For example, if you’re a retail business, you can attach clothing hangers together into a snowflake shape.

10. Wooden crates

Wooden crates in your shop front can help create varying heights for displaying your products and can hold different items. They’re also versatile, so you can alter them or paint to your liking.

Tip: Consider using them for a cosy and rustic country-inspired holiday shop front display.

11. Gingerbread houses

Gingerbread houses are a holiday favourite. Create several different kinds of houses to draw customers in – you can even make a gingerbread house that resembles your own store.

12. Holiday mannequins

If you’re a retailer, consider dressing your mannequins up in festive holiday gear and using them to help tell your display’s story. In addition to the mannequins, add a holiday backdrop to help set the scene.

13. Faux fireplace

Create a fireplace scene to help draw people in with its cosiness. This rustic and warm display can be created with dry logs and tree branches. To get extra creative, you can consider adding flameless candles to help mimic the look of fire or use a digital screen.

14. Gift bags

Get into the holiday spirit by adding some already-done-up gift bags to your setup. Get brightly coloured and festive gift bags and stuff them with bright tissue paper. This fun design can be a perfect accent to other elements on your display.

15. QR code

Add a QR code as an element in your display that customers can scan for a discount on a product. For example, you can:

• Add a code to your digital display
• Place a sticker on the window itself

In addition to giving customers information about sales, QR codes can also help direct them to your business’s social media platforms or online shop.

16. Holiday music

Attract customers with sound – while not a tangible decoration, adding holiday music to your window display can be a unique way of setting your display apart.

17. Gift cards

If you want to promote your new holiday gift cards, consider adding them to your shop front and place them in a fun design. You can even hang gift cards from string to create a garland.

18. DIY snow globe

Make your shop front look like it’s inside a snow globe – there’s no better way to catch the eye of customers and passersby during the holidays than by creating a giant snow globe in your window.

To achieve this look, use frosted glass spray paint and create a circular focal point, then fill your background display with other festive elements.

19. Nutcrackers

To get into the holiday spirit, add some nutcrackers to your window display. For example, if you’re a retail store, use large nutcrackers instead of mannequins to model clothes or pose with certain products.

20. Windowsill houses

Liven up your window display with some holiday-themed houses. Place these right on the windowsill or spread them throughout the other elements you choose to include in your display.

Take these windowsill houses a step further and add lighting to them to create a cosy touch.

21. All-white decor

For a clean and crisp look, consider an all-white theme for your shop front display. This look will be sure to have your customers dreaming of a white Christmas this season.

22. Virtual reality try-on  

For a more modern approach to your holiday shop front display, consider incorporating virtual reality try-on options for your products. This can be in the form of a headset that lets customers try on things like outfits or jewellery.

Tips for a captivating holiday shop front display

Looking to get a head start on your holiday shop front this year? Here are several helpful tips to keep in mind when crafting your holiday shop front and setting your small business up for success.

Ensure you know who your target audience is

Making sure you know who your target audience is and what kind of customers you attract is essential in figuring out the direction of your shop front. Consider asking yourself these questions:

• What would spark interest in current customers?
• What kind of new customers do you want to attract?
• What will current and potential customers benefit from the most?
• What are the needs of my current and potential customers?

Aim to tell a story 

Telling a story with your shop front display can help you achieve uniqueness and set yourself apart from competitors. A shop front window that has a story can evoke feelings in your customers and potentially make them feel closer to your brand.

Go vertical with your design

There are ways to get creative with your window designs by using height. Dynamic displays can be made using wooden crates, with items arranged at different levels. You could also use a ladder to create a ‘staircase’ of products, drawing the eye upwards. If possible, you might also like to consider hanging objects from the ceiling.

Use mirrors to make the space bigger

Using mirrors to make a small space look bigger is a time honoured trick. Here are some reasons why you should use mirrors in your holiday window display:

• Create the illusion of spaciousness
• Enhance the lighting in your store
• Encourage customers to try items on (perfect if you’re selling clothing and fashion accessories)
• Create a glittering effect, especially when paired with fairy lights

Place items you’re promoting at eye level

When placing products and items at your shop front, you’ll want to make sure that these items are at eye level. Having your items at eye level helps guide the customers towards what you want them to see and can help draw them into the shop.

Showcase your range of offerings

A shop front window display is your chance to show your customers what you can offer them and the variety you have. You can use elements and items from different categories and departments to form a display that’s nice and cohesive.

Make sure it’s well-lit 

What’s the point of putting together a holiday shop front if your customers can’t see it well? Make sure the space is well-lit -both during the day and night. Consider adding string lights or even fun lamps to warm up the space.

Avoid clutter

Although having a wide range of products in your shop front is great for showcasing your range, having too many can actually clutter the space and create confusion. Aim to keep your space clean without giving away all of your best assets at once.

Include technology

In a digital-first world, it could be very beneficial to add technology to your holiday shop front. This could include:

• A sign next to a product line with a QR promo code.
• Touchscreens that a customer can use to learn more about a service or a product.
• Incorporating an aesthetic “selfie wall” with a hashtag, so customers are encouraged to take a picture and post it on social media.
• Virtual try-on capabilities.

Mix up the display frequently

Mix up your shop front to provide something visually different for people to look forward to. Consider switching it each year, or switch from an autumn display to a winter one. You can also keep customers updated on your shop front decor changes by taking a photo and posting it on social media.

Benefits of holiday shop front decorations

There are many benefits to decorating your shop front for the holidays, helping to promote your business to the local community. Advantages also include:

• Boost brand awareness: Creating a holiday shop front can draw further awareness to your brand and can also help your business connect with the community, especially if you have an interactive display.
• Increase foot traffic: A festive shop front can draw attention and make people want to come in and check out your business. This can lead to new customers.
• Promote sales and offers: A holiday shop front is an ideal place to showcase new products, sales, and offers – getting people excited about holiday shopping.
• Stand out from the competition: A fun and holiday shop front can help you stand out from the crowd – not to mention the opportunity to build your brand further.

How far in advance should you start decorating for the holidays?

It’s ideal to start decorating your retail shop front for the holidays about 6 weeks in advance – around mid November, essentially. This will give you enough time to capture early shoppers who begin their holiday buying early while still creating a festive atmosphere for those closer to the holiday.

Please note that timing will also depend on your local market, and the type of business you’re running. If you’re running a luxury boutique, it might not be appropriate to fill your shop front with dazzling lights and inflatable Santa decorations, as this might detract from your branding.

Drive sales with your holiday shop front

The holidays are an ideal time to create an experience that draws customers into your shop and leaves them with a lasting impression. With these shop front decorating ideas and tips, you can craft a unique and festive display that customers will love this holiday season.

In addition to your holiday shop front, you could sell gift cards to help make more sales. To simplify how customers pay you during the crazy holiday rush, take advantage of a payment processing solution like QuickBooks.

Visit the QuickBooks Holiday Hub for more resources to help you have a successful holiday season.