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How Often Should I Change My Retail Displays?

December 13, 2023

Great retailers know that even if a product "speaks for itself," it must still be positioned well in the store. The design of physical stores speaks to how the customer experience will unfold. Since it's not practical for retailers and store owners to constantly redesign all aspects of the store, retail displays can serve as a way to keep the store looking fresh.


How often and when should store management change out their displays? Let's examine times when you'll want to switch out displays or rework what you have.

New Product Launches

One of the most common times to change retail displays is when your store launches a new product (or carries a new product). The vendor may already have branding and even a display design in mind. The store manager will want to find a prominent spot to put the new product in, such as right near the entrance or at the point of purchase. New products should catch the eyes of regular customers and encourage impulse purchases.


Season Changes

It's natural for shoppers to be in tune with the seasons. No matter what type of retail store you operate, you have specific products you'll push more in the fall and winter versus in the spring and summer. Store management should change retail displays when they can to match the tone of the seasons. Consider adding seasonal lights or props even if the store budget needs more room for new displays. Color schemes can make a massive shift, too – think brighter, warm colors for the summer and cool tone colors for the winter. 


Major Holidays

Major holidays are also a critical time to change retail displays and seasons. If your store runs any holiday promotions or deals, your displays should reflect the sale. The traditional holiday season is an expected time to get the store decked out while holiday shoppers run in and out. However, other holidays throughout the year can serve as a time to change out displays and keep the store looking festive.

Based on Current Events

Beyond seasonal changes and holidays, store management can also consider changing their retail displays to reflect current events and trends. If a particular product your store carries is getting attention in the news or on social media, consider displaying it in the front of the store or on an aisle endcap display. 


Local small businesses can reflect current events in their area on their displays. For instance, if the town's high school football team is playing in the state championship, store management can incorporate that pride for the hometown team in their displays; this can resonate with customers and elevate their customer experience. 


When They Need a Good Cleaning

Beyond special events and seasons, one important reason to change retail displays is for cleaning. It's an immediate turn-off if a customer picks up an item in your store only to find dirt, grime, or dust on the display or the product. Store managers should consider having their staff spot clean displays regularly throughout the day. Every so often, staff can bring the displays in the back for a deep clean or outside of business hours for a permanent, non-mobile display. 


When You Need To Keep Regulars Engaged

If you run a C-store or another retail operation where customers are in and out quickly, it can seem as though they don't even notice new or updated retail displays. But for every oblivions customer, several more will take notice and even make an impulse purchase. 


If your store has "regulars," keeping your displays fresh is essential. Your regular customers bring consistency to your customer base (and hopefully your sales!), so you want to keep them interested in your products and loyal to your brand. 


Based on Customer Feedback

Finally, one last indicator that it's time to change your retail displays is when you receive customer feedback. If you have a method for conducting surveys after customers make purchases, include a question about the store layout and experience. Customers may also mention comments about the displays to cashiers or other staff members – instruct staff to document these comments and keep track of any feedback.

Work With Exactec

Whatever the occasion for changing your retail displays, you are taking steps to ensure a memorable in-store customer experience. How customers find your products in the store matters, and how they feel when they look around makes all the difference.


Our Exactec team knows the ins and outs of retail displays, acrylic and plastic display fabrication, UV gluing, and more. Whichever type of retail display you choose for your next project, you want to ensure it is well-made by an expert design team. Exactec has decades of experience creating long-lasting, memorable displays for all clients.

Connect with us to see examples of our work and start discussing your next project!

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