What was your best display and why did it work?

Ivy Cottage

Raleigh, NC

The best display that we had was in the center of our store. We have a gazebo that we placed our Christmas tree beneath. We hung some oversized ornaments from it, and it was very inviting and welcoming. Over it we had a chandelier holding garland for sale, and each arm was decorated with ribbon. Pretty much everything we had underneath that gazebo was a huge hit with customers. We used a lot of lime green and true Christmas red, and we used a lot of repetitive patterns and bold geometrics with the ribbon. We also spent a lot of money to get hanging canopy fixtures to put over all our major displays in the store. It was incredible; we sold so many large Christmas items that way.

Tesoro Mio

Coronado, CA

It was a rather elaborate Christmas display, not geared to sell any items per se, but to attract people. Four colorful elves carried bags and rode iridescent reindeer. Another elf held a large wicker cornucopia painted gold and covered with paste jewels and glitter. Small, elaborate gift boxes poured out, along with jewelry, glittering stones, etc. A small fairy sat on the rim. Other elves and fairies held gift boxes. Small lights twinkled, and glittered streamers with stars framed the window with fairies “flying.” People came by at night and brought friends to see it. I even had offers to buy the display, but I turned them down because I didn't want to dismantle it.

Three years ago, I started placing Nativity scenes in the window. I bought them for display, but much to my surprise I sold almost all of them. I didn't think I was going to sell the most expensive one because of the price ($650), but it sure brought people in. Three Wise Men, each about 3½ feet high, rode camels and an elephant, dressed in elaborate costumes and trappings. People slowed down in their cars when they saw it, and then circled to find a parking place so they could take a closer look.

Bizarre

Omaha, NE

My favorite display of all time is not one I created. I remember this display as well today as when I saw it 40 years ago. My favorite shoe store's window was entirely filled with white, high top baby shoes carefully arranged in tiered rows. In the middle was a sign that said, “A lady asked me the other day if I had baby shoes.” Not only did the window catch my eye, but I am still smiling when I think of it — such a great example of understatement.

Since I've had my own store, I have tried to come up with a display that achieves that degree of success, and failed. People come in and ask about things, or purchase from the window, so I know my displays work. But they don't measure up to my shoe window.

This past holiday season we embarked on a mission to convince customers to use Peggy Karr Glass for dishes, not just display pieces. We set up a dining room table with four place settings of plates designed by a local artist and produced by Peggy Karr. We put the table in the front of the store with signs that urged customers to use their dishes; then we recreated the display in mini versions through the store. The display worked, but I haven't equaled the shoe display yet. Maybe someday.