Among all the merchandising and sales techniques; all the online, social media and community interaction tips; and all the in-store promotional displays and signage, little is more important to a business than its store-front window. This is why we prepared 12 Tips for Window Display Ideas.

Quite apart from its ability to draw in casual customers and make bold statements about what’s on offer, the way you face the outside world says huge amounts about what type of business you are. Research describes shop-front window displays as “silent salesmen”. Those can communicate your store’s characteristics and draw people into the sales area even if they hadn’t intended to. Some research even shows that people who tend to have a negative view of window displays are still drawn into shops by their effect.

Powerful stuff, you have to admit. So, how do you make the most of your window display? Here’s our 12-step guide to creating an ideal showcase for your business and to get potential customers through your door.

Here are our 12 Window Display Ideas

1. Don’t be limited by space

Of course, having a whole block of pavement-fronted window displays is going to catch passers-by. However, there are plenty of bold statements you can make regardless of the size of your window. Whether you want to hang signs, mount displays or create customised fixtures and fittings, there are always innovative ways in which even the most challenging space can be made to work.

2. Innovate

The way shoppers view your store will improve the more innovative your window display. Researchers have found that a shop’s overall image benefits from having a storefront display and the more innovative the display, the more likely passers-by will think it’s worth going in.

3. Think interactive

The way shoppers respond to your store and their first impressions are guided by how interactive your window display is. This doesn’t have to be physical interaction. Just a mix of signage which talks directly to them or displays which surprise them or make them react in some way.

4. Differentiate between image and objects

Some businesses will let their products do the talking while others will want to push brand and identity.

5. Storytelling sells

It’s all very well theming according to season or putting your new products on pedestals. Nevertheless, your display will be more gripping (and more interactive and innovative) if you can tell a story through your display. For example, Easter is typified by eggs and bunnies. Still, your display could be themed more around an Easter egg hunt with “hidden” treats and outdoorsy props.

6. Planning and consistency

Draw out your design for your window display and make sure everyone involved is on the same page. For example, it would be good to carry any themes started at the front of the store, throughout the shopping experience. Moreover, it goes without saying that you’ll need to be fully stocked up on any items you’re pushing via a window display.

7. Get the basics right

The golden rules of window dressing are making sure key elements are at the same eye-line as passers-by (and that might mean using cabinetry and display cases to get the right amount of lift); keeping the display clean (no one wants to look at clutter and the same item replicated dozens of times is often more appealing and understandable than dozens of different items next to each other); and lighting the display properly (highlighting messages and key products with spotlights is a great way to grab people’s attention).

8. Be bold and don’t hold back on the props

There’s nothing wrong with having your window display shout out with bright colours and strong shapes. And there’s always ways to find eye-catching props regardless of budget. Just make sure they fit your store’s image and help “tell the story” you’re going for in your window.

9. If you’re showcasing products, let them do the talking

When it comes to clothes, full-length mannequins will let would-be customers see how they will fit and appear on them. Equally, if you have a number of products which might go together (for example, camping equipment and outdoors clothing) set them up together so customers can see you offer a full shopping experience. You can use large, expensive items to help promote smaller, less expensive items.

10. Try to catch the eye

Two good ways to add interest to a display is to add movement (either through video or animated displays and props) or to use window graphics to highlight information relevant to the display.

11. Keep your window display moving

In order to be eye-catching, it’s easiest to be surprising so don’t let your displays get stale. You can update window displays according to seasons or seasonal marketing campaigns. Also, you can tie them in with new products or store innovations.

12. Keep a record of your displays

Take photos of each of you window displays and measure how well they performed in terms of attracting customers and promoting specific sales. You can use this data to pinpoint successful merchandising campaigns when you’re planning future displays and hone your talents to maximise your sales.

For more inspiration about how Mills Display can help you turn you window display into a successful merchandising campaign, download a catalogue, email us or talk to one of our salespeople on Live Chat.

Follow us on Facebook and Google My Business for our latest products and NZ Retail updates. Also, take a look at our 8 innovative retail merchandise display ideas for you.

Customers are now so attuned to seeing characterful and innovative food display solutions. On the countless TV shows devoted to both food and travel, that it’s become vital to any food retailer to come up with different ways to attract their attention. Of course, the basics of health, cleanliness and easily understood signage and labelling still apply. However, you can really push the boat out when it comes to finding adventurous. Also, by coming up with surprising ways with food display solutions to produce in your deli counter.

8 impressive Food Display Solutions

1. Be bold and showcase new on-trend produce:

TV shows like Masterchef and US baking shows have a huge following in New Zealand. This means you have to keep an eye out for what’s hot and on-trend around the world. Equally, food and travel shows featuring celebrity foodies. Examples are Rick Stein and Peter Kuruvita. They have introduced customers to cuisines from the likes of Korea, the Pacific Islands and Sri Lanka.

Innovative food display solutions can reflect novel dishes and ingredients from recent shows. Furthermore, they help customers feel part of the total food-as-entertainment experience. For example, a recently finished Masterchef show had episodes featuring contestants having to name many different types of herbs. Also, they have to use peculiar NZ ingredients in a dish. Why not use this as the basis of a NZ-themed deli display?

2. Use skilled staff to become a food authority:

The growth of foodie culture has led to a rise in customers who see themselves as self-taught chefs and “experimenters”. These customers soak up as much information as they can and really respond to advice from authority figures. Your deli counter is the ideal place for them to find advice so don’t hide food preparation away behind the scenes. Have your staff on hand to show off their knife skills and creativity; give them the authority to answer questions and offer advice; have them skilled to be able to hand-make deli items to order if required. For example, pre-prepared salads are always popular deli items. However, why not have staff on hand to supply recipes to interested customers and then have the ingredients nearby for purchase separately? Engaging the customer at the counter is a great way to both instil loyalty and provide the chance to upsell items.

3. Push total experiences:

Food customers – especially those at deli and produce counters – enjoy thinking not only about ticking items off their shopping list but also about working out how they’re going to use their purchases. When you’re grouping items or writing signage consider telling a story about how that produce might be used. Good examples in New Zealand – especially at this time of year – are grouping items which might be good for a picnic suitable for an Easter trip to the beach, a big family get-together, or planning a long-weekend visit to the bach.

4. A “market” theme can bridge a number of different cultures:

Almost all food and travel television programmes these days include a visit to a typical market. There you can see how people buy and sell produce in different parts of the world. The idea of showing this is that it helps construct a narrative in the viewer’s mind leading up to the recipe. The actually cooking and eating part of the show – and the human brain is actually hard-wired to find storylines (especially completed storylines) is particularly attractive. Organising food display solutions to show off foods which go together geographically is a good way to start this storytelling process. This means you can start to inspire customers’ creativity right from the display cabinet.

5. Make use of sampling stations:

The foodie customer is especially attracted to the whole “hands-on” experience. Predominantly with new or interesting produce and ingredients. So, it’s important to give them a taste of what’s on offer. Their inspiration may have come from a recipe book or a TV show. However, it can also be boosted by how you organise your retail display and then clinched by testing flavours. And samples don’t have to work alone. Try testing out customers’ tastebuds with different combinations, or food-and-drink matches, or innovative preparations of familiar ingredients. These sampling stations are also ideal places to bring in guest-chefs, producers or suppliers. If customers become used to visiting your store to discover new tastes, skills and methods, they’re more likely to see you as an authority in the food industry; not just the place to buy ingredients.

6. Guide choices with matches and recipes:

Use signage and display to let customers know which wines to serve with different ingredients. Also, try to supply recipe cards and booklets to promote new or promoted items. Even a sign with a recipe or “match of the day” creates intrigue in the customer’s mind. This gives your deli counter a sense of authority.

7. Use tickets and display signage to tell stories about sourcing:

The more knowledgeable customers become, the more they want to know about the source of what they’re putting in their shopping basket. Particularly when it comes to food. Not only is there a food miles, ethical sourcing, eco-friendly aspect to this information, but it also pre-arms them with the information to tell those they’re cooking for or feeding where their food originated. And, again, foodies really like their story-telling. Cheeses have traditionally been sold with information about place of origin. Still, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to do the same with all sorts of fresh produce. And if you can show food display solutions with a story which goes from farm gate to deli counter, you’ve already started a story in a foodie’s mind.

8. Consider added attractions:

With so many different types of food store vying for attention – and the customers’ dollars – you can gain an edge over the competition by offering an alternative shopping experience. In-store dining, floral displays, live music, events which show off favoured or new suppliers and producers are all ways in which you can theme your food display or deli and produce counters to specific times of the year or to highlight specific ingredients. More and more customers see food shopping as an outing. You can play to this trend by offering them a destination as well as a store.

9. Personalisation and customisation are the new freshness and quality:

Throughout retail, customers are demanding a more personalised experience. This is something that hi-tech and online retail can respond to easily. Nevertheless, that instore food presentation and retail is fast catching on to. Freshness and quality, of course, are primary sales points (and a big advantage over online shopping for food) but a store which offers personalised butchery, preparation, sourcing, recipe ideas, planning for large groups or specific events, or themed educational or display events can gain a winning edge when it comes to a hands-on bespoke service.

For more inspiration about how Mills Display can help transform your deli counter or produce display, download a catalogue, email us or talk to one of our salespeople on Live Chat.

Retail is a fiercely competitive sector. To remain successful, you need to have great products and outstanding service. But also provide your customers with a good shopping experience. Shopping Baskets improve Customer Experience massively, read our guide below to find out why.

Shopping baskets are a crucial element of this experience, making buying straightforward and comfortable. This guide illustrates exactly why that is.

Mills Display specialise in display solutions and have a thorough understanding of retail requirements. We offer a large range of baskets, even with the possibility of branding.

10 Ways Shopping Baskets Improve Customer Experience

What’s the point of spending a fortune on merchandising and great stock if your customers can’t get it to your point of sale easily?

Shopping baskets and the stands which allow for their efficient distribution are an absolute necessity for any size store. Stores where you’re looking to make multiple sales and you don’t want your customers juggling their purchases while looking at other display cabinets. It also helps when they’re trying to ferret around for their Eftpos card.

So here’s our 10-point guide to why introducing them into your small store, or adding them to existing trolleys in a larger store can help change your customers’ retail experience for the better.

Mills Display’s 10 Point Guide:

1. Efficiency:

Shopping for things like groceries, produce or small goods needs to be a swift, efficient process. Therefore shopping baskets keep the aisles clear of queues of trolleys. Also, they give your customers the option of just a couple of items or a few items for that special recipe. The swifter the customer’s experience the more likely they will return. Furthermore the better you can monitor and control your point of sale queues.

2. Ease of use:

Mills Display’s range of baskets can be either 20-litre capacity (320mm x 420mm x 230mm depth) or 26-litre (320mm x 470mm x 260mm. This means they have room to stack hard and fragile articles alongside each other without any risk of damaging produce before it’s paid for.

3. Versatility:

As well as the usual carrier baskets, Mills Display also stocks baskets fitted with telescopic handles and casters so they can be pulled around. Again, this saves space around your aisles compared to trolleys. Still, it allows customers who can’t or don’t want to carry their purchases around the store, to have them contained right up to the point of sale.

4. Store Guide:

Having a stand for your baskets at the front of the store next to the entrance keys your customers in to the shopping experience. And having a similar stand next to the checkout means they can move through the point of sale quickly. They don’t even have to look for somewhere to leave a trolley.

5. Comfort:

As well as the baskets with telescopic handles and wheels, our range of baskets can be carried comfortably. This happens without the risk of the handles pinching customer’s hands; regardless of the weight of goods inside.

6. Trust:

Our shopping baskets manufacturing place is New Zealand. Also, they have been independently tested in New Zealand to show that the 20-litre baskets can carry more than 100 kg. We also proved that the 26-litre baskets can withstand more than 120kg of weight. This is more than enough to accommodate a Christmas ham or multiple boxes of bolts, screws and nails! They are also constructed with a reinforced rim and unbreakable handles. This helps to minimise breakages and gives you and your customers’ piece of mind.

7. Economics:

When your customer steps into your store they don’t want to feel railroaded into thinking they have to spend a lot of money. But, equally, you want to be able to give them the impression that they can handle multiple purchases. By supplying them with a shopping basket, it allows people who wouldn’t think they need anything as lare as a trolley to browse your display shelving and retail display cabinets. This happens without juggling what they originally came in for.

8. Branding:

Although we provide baskets in three standard colours of black, red and yellow, all our baskets can be branded with stamped company logos and designs. We also manufacture in your store’s branded colour. Just give us the details around type fonts, artwork and colours and we can arrange to manufacture a unique shopping basket. This allows you to stamp your brand on your customers’ experience.

9. Display:

As well as being able to brand the baskets, the basket stands can also be customised to display your branding. Another way is to show retail signage detailing special promotions or information for customers.

10. Intent:

In online shopping, retailers spend a large amout of time trying to reduce the number of people who abandon the buying process before they reach checkout. Well, the same applies for the shopping experience in a bricks-and-mortar store too. Supplying a shopping basket reinforces the intent to make a purchase and lessens the likelihood of a customer browsing, not finding what they’re looking for; and simply leaving.

Mills Display has a great range of baskets to suit your needs. We can help with any customisation or bespoke baskets you think might complement your store.

For more information on how to order shopping baskets for your store or to talk through other potential solutions which would help your customer’s shopping experience, contact one of Mills Display’s experts via email, Livechat with us on the website or phone our Auckland showroom on 09 634 5962.

Follow us on Facebook and Google My Business for our latest products and NZ Retail updates. Also, take a look at our 8 innovative retail merchandise display ideas for you.

We know how much customer service benefits mean to your business. This is why Mills Display prides itself on offering a professional and friendly service. We  have experts on hand who will go the extra mile for you. Our Retail Display products are designed to keep your business up and running. This means our customer service has to reflect just that. It’s our job to work alongside you so your retail displays, ticketing and pricing, and your fixtures, clips and hooks function at their best.

Customer Service Benefits of Mills Display

So here are the five points of difference you can expect when you come to Mills Display.

1. We’ll get straight back to you:

Because so many people research products online these days, it’s important to respond to inquiries straight away. Nothing’s worse than spending an hour researching exactly what you want to then have your request, order or question hanging around someone’s inbox for a day or two. At Mills Display, our target is to get back within one or two hours to confirm receipt of your email. Then find a solution to the request in less than 24 hours.

2. We’ll keep technology at our fingertips to help you find what you need:

A major upgrade over the past year has been the introduction of LiveChat to our website. With that, you can deal directly with our customer support and sales expert Lena Lautua. Customer feedback has been excellent. Especially from small business owners who say they can carry on serving customers or working while multitasking a request on LiveChat. That is something which certainly doesn’t work with a phone call, or from businesses who enjoy the personal touch of a direct conversation with Lena rather than a long email trail. We’ve also brought the inspiration of the showroom online through our blog and showroom tour video. This helps your online research.

3. We’ll provide the innovation and solutions you didn’t even know existed:

Another of our Customer Service Benefits at Mills Display is that the staff have the benefit of the business’s 30 years’ experience behind them. This means they have often seen or provided solutions to challenges which you haven’t thought of. Our catalogues are just the start when it comes to successful retail display solutions or practical uses for many of our fixtures products. Furthermore, because we have a fully comprehensive working knowledge of how our products can be used. That is why we can show you fresh ways to keep your business looking good and running smoothly.

4. We have the insider expertise to run smooth processes:

Whether we’re working alongside your in-house designer to create a bespoke, customised display product, or liaising with overseas suppliers and shipping companies to import products to meet your deadline, we will either use our own trusted processes or develop a relationship with you company to ensure projects run smoothly and efficiently. We have developed a national and international network of trusted suppliers and shipping companies. This ensures a ready supply of all our products. Moreover, we have a great in-house design and manufacturing team to help create customised products to give your business an edge.

5. We will follow through on all our decisions and requests:

Because even the smallest fixture and fitting can make all the difference to your business, we know how important any inquiry, order or question can be. That’s why will always follow through on any contact; why we’ll always work hard to find solutions to your business challenges; why we’ll strive to design and create customised productsto suit your business needs; and why we’ll continue to introduce new and innovative products which help your business thrive. Those are only a few of our Customer Service Benefits at Mills Display.

For more inspiration about Mills Display’s range of products and to enjoy our excellent customer service, download a catalogue, email us or talk to one of our salespeople on Live Chat.

Follow us on Facebook and Google My Business for our latest products and NZ Retail updates. Also, take a look at our 8 innovative retail merchandise display ideas for you.

Contact us for information about our extensive Range of 3,000 display products.

For any enquires or to place your order please contact our friendly Customer Services Team on 09 634 5962 or send us an email to sales@millsdisplay.co.nz. Use our online contact form below for further information. Follow us on Facebook and Google My Business for our latest products and NZ Retail updates. Also, take a look at our 8 innovative retail merchandise display ideas for you.

Do not forget you can also Live Chat in real time to Customer Services with any questions.

All the major areas of growth in retail seem to involve high-tech gadgetry, big data analytics and customised personal sales. At Mills Display we believe there’s still a high demand for good, basic bricks-and-mortar display in the New Zealand market. What’s more, many of the new retail display trends and innovations are creating extra emphasis on how you store is fitted out and planned. It’s a case not of letting new technologies bury the old-style of retail display trends.

However, traditional store design can adapt and grow to accommodate a new generation of customers and new methods of selling products. Globally, the pace of retail display trends development is gathering speed all the time. This seemed out of the realm of possibility even 12 months ago is likely to become the norm during 2016.

New Zealand is generally slower to adopt some of the more futuristic retail trends. However, we’re likely to see a large change in the way our stores do business. Also, our customers hunt out merchandise over the near future.

So here are three new retail display trends and innovations which have been a global highlight in 2016. Mills Display can help your business adopt them and make them a success. Wearable technology and the Internet of Things 2016 will likely see a huge growth in wearable technology; mostly glasses and watches.

Also, what the gimmick of the last couple of years is likely to become more mainstream. One of the key areas where wearable technology and the Internet of Things (homes, devices, appliances, vehicles and buildings embedded with WiFi-connected technology) is likely to make a real difference is in the world of retail display trends.

New Retail Display Trends you should adapt to

As this article predicted last year, imagine a person carrying or wearing a WiFi connected device walking past three shops each day on their way to work. A mix of that person’s own technology and technology owned by each of the stores. The stores will soon be able to record and “learn” that person’s regular route. They are able to use this data is able to send real-time deals to the wearer; just as they are approaching the business. Also, potentially customising those offers to that person’s likes and dislikes.

Impact on future shopping behavior

The impact is still a futuristic scenario. However, the growth in wearables and the collection of data makes it very much a near-future experience. Retail businesses need to be able to foresee how their shops will have to change to serve this new brand of customer. From a retail display trends point of view, shops will need to create new areas of display. They will signage to reflect the fact that wearable technology is guiding customers to products.

Yes, aisles and point of sale displays will still be important for regular shoppers. However, this new generation of customers will have products “displayed” virtually. So, stores will require more backroom storage and “drop-points” within the store where merchandise can be picked up.

Retail Display Trends – Showrooming Techniques

The days of thinking that mobile devices and online shopping sounded the death-knell for bricks-and-mortar businesses are long gone. Plenty of businesses which originated as virtual stores have now learnt the benefit of a High St presence. Whether that’s a flagship store where their products can have the spotlight shone on them, or in showrooming stores where customers can try out products before, potentially, buying online.

The importance of showrooming is that it requires a slightly different appreciation of displaying a product. They need more emphasis on signage and information. Furthermore, security devices attached to loose items to avoid theft are important.

There’s obviously less emphasis on point of sale displays because that’s not the sole aim of the store. Instead fixtures and fittings are likely connected with Beacon technology. This “learns” how long a potential customer spent browsing a certain category of product. Therefore it is then able to connect with them later in the day via email to supply further information about special offers or new and related products.

Retail Display Trends – Personalisation is the key…

Being a generally friendly and open country, New Zealand already excels at many forms of customer interaction.

However, the amount of data to share about ourselves (regardless of how we might think of it) has increased dramatically over recent years. 2016 is likely to see a further increase in the amount of personal details shoppers. There are handed over to retailers in a bid to receive a more customised, personal service. Loyalty programmes which understand frequent purchases, buying behaviour, time-poor customers – even birthdays – allow retailers to tailor the way they approach or serve specific shoppers. They also improve the overall customer experience. And there’s always the opportunity to cross or upsell when you understand you customers’ needs.

In terms of display, this personalisation of the customer experience requires clear signage and information points. It also requires fitting out your store to allow types of customer (for example those who want to browse as opposed to those who have little time to shop) different zones. There’s also potential to mix products on retail shelving or in display cabinets according to personas which you’ve identified.

Contact Mills Display to find out more

For more inspiration about how Mills Display can help your business prepare for the future of retail, download a catalogue, email us or talk to one of our salespeople on Live Chat.

Follow us on Facebook and Google My Business for our latest products and NZ Retail updates. Also, take a look at our 8 innovative retail merchandise display ideas for you.