Christmas in the store: when to start designing shop windows and packaging

Starting now does not mean setting up now

The weeks between the end of summer and the beginning of autumn are used to decide, not to already assemble the window. It's time to choose the theme, the palette, the protagonist products and the budget, checking measurements and availability before the most intense demand begins.

To start in order, you can resume the method of our guide on how to set up a shop window and then select the Christmas arrangements for shops consistent with the space and the type of customers.

Design the storefront before you buy

A legible Christmas window starts from one main element and builds the rest around it. It can be a tree, a large decorative motif, a festoon arrangement or the product you want to push during the holidays. Avoid filling every space: from the outside, the product, the atmosphere and the reason for entering must be clear.

Divide the purchase into three groups: structure, decoration and lighting. Christmas decorations define the theme; lights and scenographies give depth and make the composition visible even in the evening hours. Before ordering, check dimensions, support points, electrical outlets and a view from the street.

Decorations to be evaluated for shop windows and entrances

Bring the same language from the shop window to the parcel

The window creates an expectation that the packaging must maintain. If you have chosen red and gold, natural green or a more essential palette, take up one or two of those colors even at the counter. You don't need to have every material decorated: a Christmas shopper, a simple paper and a matching ribbon are already enough.

Paper shopping bags should be chosen according to the products you really sell, considering format, weight and background. Christmas ribbons can instead connect shoppers, packages and shop window, keeping the same theme recognizable throughout the store.

Christmas shopping bags ready for the counter

Calculate stock before ordering

Before buying, look at which products sold the most last Christmas and group them by size. This way you can choose a few formats of shopping bags and gift boxes, avoiding a large but little-used assortment. For wrapping paper and ribbons, also consider how many packages the store prepares on average and how much material each package requires.

Define a main equipment and a small safety stock, then determine in advance when to check and reorder. The goal is not to fill the warehouse, but to arrive at the peak period with the most used formats already available and a simple procedure for staff.

Christmas ribbons for packaging and fittings

For customized packaging, you need to decide first

If you want to arrive at Christmas with a recognizable packaging, customization must be planned before the products ready in stock. You need the logo file, the choice of material and colors, the verification of minimum quantities and the time needed to approve the graphics and produce the order.

You can start with personalized shopping bags with logo and complete the packaging with personalizzati ribbons for packaging. It is not necessary to customize every element: a recognizable shopper or ribbon can remain the signature of the store, while paper and decorations change with Christmas.

Choose the personalization that remains most visible

The shopper continues to communicate even when the customer leaves the store; the ribbon accompanies the moment of the gift and can coordinate boxes, packages and corporate packaging. The choice depends on where you want to make the brand more recognizable and how many packages you plan to prepare.

For a fully coordinated project, you can also evaluate custom papers and tissues, but only when production volumes and times are compatible with the season. To get off to a flying start, choose a main support and build a consistent Christmas palette around it.

Havana Shopper Flat Handle Personalized in Color€163.48

1000 meters Gold Hot Stamping Custom Double Satin Ribbon€610.00

The checklist to be closed before the peak period

• choose a theme and no more than two or three main colors;
• measure the window, entrance and surfaces you want to set up;
• define a protagonist element and a few coordinated references;
• select shoppers and boxes starting from the best-selling products;
• calculates the indicative consumption of paper and tape per package;
• prepare a sample pack to check times and results;
• set a date for stock control and reordering.

Preparing these decisions in advance allows you to buy more wisely, coordinate the window and packaging and leave only the operational work in December.