It seems that retailers are transitioning displays from Halloween to holidays earlier each year, and now is a prime time to install outdoor illuminated displays so you can maximize the season. Holiday lighting encourages guests to stay and spend—it’s a mood lifter, according to a Christmas Décor Property Management & Shopping Mall Survey. Christmas lights set properties apart from competing retail centers, and managers notice a substantial increase in foot traffic when they create a festive environment for visitors.
The bottom line: Holiday lighting stokes the spending spirit.
Property managers who invest in professional luminous displays can leverage all the benefits. And this year, retailers can expect even more business. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), holiday sales for 2019 are expected to increase by 3.8 to 4.2 percent compared to last year for a total of $727.9 to $730.7 billion. That doesn’t include auto dealerships, gas stations or restaurants, where shoppers also go to spend cash. Overall, holiday sales are about 20 percent of total annual sales for most retailers.
These days, consumers get a head start on Christmas shopping, with 40 percent of people buying gifts before Halloween, according to NRF. So, what are you waiting for? Consider these five holiday lighting trends that attract business.
Red, Green, Gold—and Blue
Classic Christmas colors are red, green and gold, and 75.6 percent of respondents to the Christmas Décor survey characterize their style as traditional. But for those who want to try something different, blue is festive and on-trend—plus it appeals to those who celebrate holidays other than Christmas, and the wintery glow of blue doesn’t expire as quickly after December 25th. You can retain blue decorations through winter. The same is true with a silver and gold theme, which also comes with a longer run time than red-and-green only displays.
Back to Nature
Capitalize on your landscaping by decorating evergreens and incorporating additional natural elements like pinecones and evergreen cuttings into wreaths and containers. Clean, white lights illuminate textures while radiating a festive glow.
Fir Tree Focal Point
The most popular Christmas décor feature is a large, lit tree in a common area or entryway. With a display like this, you can offer guests an experience—a destination where they can take pictures with family, or simply stop by to enjoy the lights and take in the Christmas spirit.
Festive Entryways
Welcome visitors to your retail center or shopping mall with entryway decorating that shows your Christmas spirit. Spotlights can highlight themed displays and draw attention to your property. Passersby will be encouraged to visit and spend their time there.
Modern Effects
Decorating doesn’t have to be restricted to stringing lights on trees or hanging Christmas wreaths—though guests appreciate these familiar decorations. For properties with modern architecture, illuminating displays might include innovative features like color-changing LED lights or strands arranged in linear designs that complement the style of buildings. Talk to a holiday lighting service about how landscape and lighting can enhance the character of your property and set it apart from the rest.
Why Aren’t Your Light Decorations Up?
“We get complaints when the décor is not up early,” said one property owner who responded to Christmas Décor’s 2019 Property Management & Shopping Mall Survey. So, what are you waiting for? Almost 9 out of 10 (88.1 percent) of shopping center and mall marketing managers report that they decorate for Christmas. And, 97.5 percent get a positive return on investment when they spend on light decorations.
Let’s talk about what decorating features can boost foot-traffic and increase business for your retail property. Call us at 845-463-0592 in Hudson Valley, 914-271-7996 in Westchester, 203-212-4800 in Connecticut and 201-591-4570 in New Jersey. Or, fill out our contact form and we’ll get in touch with you.