The beauty of every season is simple yet rarely put into words. It isn’t complicated or complex; it’s merely different. Mother Nature puts on another dress, and we must accommodate accordingly. Businesses, in this aspect, are no different, as shown by the existence of seasonal decor. The difference, however, is that decor isn’t a natural change; it’s a strategy—a tool that can be used to influence customer behavior and boost sales. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how a company can use seasonal decorations to its advantage.
The Power of Seasonal Decor for Growth
Seasonal decoration has more benefits than what meets the eye. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that well-thought-out decor is appealing, and naturally, what looks good attracts and eventually sells. Seasonal decor particularly evokes feelings of nostalgia, warmth, excitement, exclusivity, and ever fleeting time. It makes a store pleasant to look at, welcoming, and makes the customer feel almost inclined to spend, either out of fear of missing out or the obligation to buy gifts for others during the holiday season.
For example, during winter, Christmas shopping starts well before December. Searches for Christmas decor start increasing around September, as prices tend to rise during peak season. Here, there’s no need for subtlety. Lean into the pre-Christmas season decor. Commercial Christmas trees, window signboards, and lighting all serve as focal points that draw the attention of passersby. In the age of social media, they also act as free advertising whenever someone snaps a picture.
Speaking of social media, a well-decorated tree can become a photo opportunity, amplifying your brand’s visibility online.
To sum up the advantages of seasonal decor into 3 points, it would be:
- Increased Foot Traffic
- Extended Dwell Time
- Impulse Purchases
On a Side Note
Gen Z and Millennials value sustainability greatly. As a store owner, replacing a big piece of decor like a pre-decorated Christmas tree each year may not always be viable nor advisable. It isn’t uncommon to have decorative lights go out without a warning, or at the very least not work properly. Learning the art of troubleshooting a pre-lit Christmas tree in case of an accident is a greener alternative to simply purchasing a new one.
Leveraging Seasonal Decor for Business Growth
As we stated above, the prep for the holiday season actually begins in September. It may feel like you’re rushing, but entering the game too late puts you at a disadvantage. For getting desired results, follow these strategies:
Start Early, Stay Relevant
When the season is at its peak and you’re just another decorated store, it is hard to stand out. It is best to let customers know you’re all in on the festive season early on. Begin decorating before the holiday rush to capture early shoppers. Use decor that fits the season as well as your brand’s identity. Play with colors, have music and scents to create a welcoming aura.
Focus on Key Areas
You do not have to go all out right from the get-go. Start off easy with areas most visible to customers. For example, in the initial phases, focus on areas like the entrance and window displays because that’s where most of the eyes go. This attracts footfall and makes customers look twice. The longer they dwell, the better the chances of increasing foot traffic and sales.
Themed Product Lines
Seasonal-themed products attract customers who look for festive merchandise. Target and Trader Joe’s expanded their product offerings with fall themes and generated $802 million from pumpkin spice products by July 2023.
Incorporate Interactive Elements
Building hype and interacting with a younger crowd results in free marketing through their social media networks. Add features like photo booths, wishlist stations, and even DIY ornament decorating if possible. The more activities engage the customer, the more likely they are to share it with others, spend more time in your store, and, you guessed it, eventually make a purchase.
Promote Sustainability
This isn’t merely a way to increase sales but should be performed nonetheless. It is the corporate social responsibility of every business to indulge in and value eco-friendly practices. Consider using reusable decor instead of disposable items.
Real-World Examples
Starbucks uses their festive cups and store decor to create a sense of excitement, driving customer visits and social media buzz, whilst Apple keeps up their overall theme of minimalism, whilst still participating in the festive decor in their own way.
Conclusion
The addition of seasonal decorations makes a business space welcoming to customers and employees while improving its visual appeal and generating excitement. From a business standpoint, a store that displays attractive decorations successfully draws people inside and boosts foot traffic along with potential sales. Whether it’s a stunning commercial Christmas tree or a festive window display, the right decor can transform your space and set the stage for a successful season.
