As the seasons change and we see the different sides of Mother Nature, business owners are left with a sense of uncertainty. There are four seasons, paired with other festivities here and there. The challenge of staying on budget throughout the entire ordeal is no easy feat. Yet, a business must do so to stay afloat.
A tried and tested method is making use of seasonal decor that makes your space look inviting and festive. You’d be surprised to see the impact of, say, commercial Christmas trees. No wonder they’re outside almost every store during the holiday season. Let’s discuss why these play a role in influencing customer behaviour.
The Psychology Behind Seasonal Decor
Humans are hardwired to respond to visual and environmental cues around us. Despite the modernity of our lives today, we’re not too far removed from our ancestors in terms of our behaviour on a fundamental level. The summer season is associated with more activity and uptime, so to speak. This increases individuals’ spending on leisurely activities, whereas winter brings forth a more indoorsy vibe to the market, where products of comfort seem to thrive.
Humans are emotional beings, and studies have shown just how much we’re impacted by something as simple as the presence of a commercial Christmas tree. Being a holiday decoration, it invokes a sense of nostalgia within us. The same can be said about other decorations as well. They make any property look more sociable and approachable, and in this day and age of social media, aesthetic appeal really cannot be undervalued. So, ensure there is at least one individual present in your storefront that knows the procedure of troubleshooting a pre-lit Christmas tree. A dimly lit store does not invoke the feeling we’re chasing.
How Holiday Decor Impacts Sales
Sales are directly influenced by holiday decor—it isn’t merely an aesthetic upgrade, though aesthetic upgrades do get you attention in modern times. The holiday season brings ample opportunities for businesses to increase their sales numbers, and investing in seasonal decor creates an environment that fosters this positive feeling within shoppers, making them stop, look, enter, and eventually buy something.
Increased Footfall
Decorating commercial spaces for the holidays isn’t just about aesthetics—it has a measurable impact on revenue. Retailers report a significant boost in foot traffic and spending when stores are decorated for the season, due to the psychological impact we mentioned earlier. Decorations, music, and lights make customers stay longer inside a store, increasing the likelihood of them making a purchase. A combination of Christmas music and scents works together to create a more welcoming environment, and research indicates it has a positive effect, improving a store’s footfall.
Impulse Purchases
Seasonal decor and displays invoke a sense of urgency since they are temporary. This subconsciously encourages customers to make impulse purchases on limited-time products or holiday-themed gifts that they initially might not have intended to buy. Seasonal decor, in this sense, almost works as a persuasive design. Seeing it, psychologically, a customer might come up with a fear of missing out or be overtaken by sensing scarcity.
How To Make The Best Of It; The Retail Perspective
As a retailer, it is recommended to bank on this opportunity early. Spending during the seasonal holidays in the United States in 2024 has only increased from last year. The majority of Americans anticipate and fear prices rising during the holiday season and thus plan to start shopping early. Be it Christmas gifts for your partner or a toy for one’s furry friend, retailers need to start planning early to make the best out of it.
Start Early and Keep Up With Trends
Holidays are a joyous time, and naturally, people start to think—and almost worry—about them before they’re actually here. Google Trends shows that searches for “Christmas decorations” start increasing in September.
- Stores that decorate early can grab shoppers’ attention before their competitors do.
- Watch what people are searching for—this helps you know when to put up decorations.
- Look at past sales to see which decorations helped sell more products before.
Make Shopping Feel Like an Experience
Embracing the holiday spirit is key to attracting customers. The longer a customer is enamoured by your decorations, the higher the probability of them potentially making a purchase.
Make It Social Media-Friendly
Ignoring the value of social media today is extremely naive and a downright mistake. Stores can rather use it as free advertising by allowing customers to take pictures and share them online with their circle. Consider setting up a holiday photo spot, make a hashtag and encourage shoppers to use it when they make a post. Giving them something in return tends to work like a charm.
Keep It Looking Good All Season
Decorations can get worn out, and broken lights or dusty displays make a store look bad.
- Check decorations regularly and fix anything that’s broken.
- Switch things up halfway through the season to keep the store looking fresh.
Conclusion
As the seasons change, so must the decor of a store. Decorations matter because they make a shop look lively and inviting. Nobody wants a warehouse-like experience when visiting a proper shop. Ensure you have the right decor for the season, make your store appealing, and take advantage of the increased sales opportunities that the holiday season brings.
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