Got windows? Bring in spring and watch your sales climb!

The upcoming season is perfect for showcasing new spring green teas from around the world or specifically from China and Japan. And, the color green is perfect as a backdrop. In general, you want to have a theme or a story to tell, a punch of color, and something unexpected.

THEME OR STORY

Spring itself is reason enough to develop a window theme! The colors and varieties of flowers, songbirds, and blooming trees are as lovely as they are beautiful to decorate with.

Spring holidays are additional thematic ideas to embrace the child in all of us who loves a tea party. Add adorable stuffed animals or dolls around child-sized tables and chairs, showing off either miniature or children’s sets you carry. Add some packages of herbal brews, too!

And, of course, the spring harvest for many fine teas is your cue to introduce all the freshest, tastiest teas you are offering, along with those delicately colored teapots, teacups, and table linens every Spring Tea should have.

A PUNCH OF COLOR

This is time for play! From pastels to rainbow hues, now it the time to think spring tones. Consider painting the lowest fourth of the window with a row of flowers or flowers in pots to add a perky touch. Another idea is to use fun paper flowers throughout the window display so you don't have to worry about flower upkeep! Pop them into teapots or cups or use to decorate a table laden with accessories you sell. No worries about wilting fresh flowers.

OTHER BUDGET CONSCIOUS IDEAS:

Choose decorative albeit inexpensive wrapping paper- perhaps with mulberry bush other other seasonal themes, Japanese washi papers, or inexpensive cotton pastel fabrics for backgrounds for products.

Got an artist on staff? Tap into their creativity by asking that they create a mural on paper. Some ideas might be the proverbial “two leaves and a bud” or “the agony of the leaves” or any other description of teas that translate to a visual, or abstract images of leaves or quirky drawings of teapots “watering” flowers. Let the imagination soar! Opt for white butcher paper or even Kraft paper. Easy, inexpensive, and exclusive to you!

With more of a budget, turn your favorite photos of tea leaves, tea farms, or tea accoutrements into works of art to hang in the window or to use as a backdrop. Local printers can blow them up to various sizes or shapes (horizontal, square, vertical or even trimmed to hexagons) to add spectacular interest. Again, a modest investment, totally unique, and, best of all, reusable next spring!

THE UNEXPECTED

If your window is large enough and you have the budget, consider a video loop of gorgeous green tea bushes and colorfully-clad workers plucking the freshest spring leaves. This tells a story (how tea is harvested) and offers visual excitement, and is an unexpected treat. Add a small sign inviting people to inquire about your inventory of teas harvested from the area shown or a tea tasting.

LIGHTING IS THE MAGIC

No matter how clever your display is, its effectiveness relies on good lighting, so invest in the best. Use high lumen LED lamps, aim the light sources to highlight the products and props, and check them for morning, afternoon, and evening appearance to avoid unnecessary shadows. Vary the lighting for contrast and visual interest. Not sure how to light? Ask a local photographer or the local photography studio in your area. Even better, ask if they have lighting to borrow (for a cross-marketing plug, of course!)

OTHER IDEAS

Just as you use different heights and varied prices with your in-store displays, add visual interest using tall and short, wide and thin, simple and fun vs gorgeous and pricey objects. The message is always you have something for every taste, and budget.

Group multiples of a product or prop, add contrasts in color and shapes, and add pretty signage in colored in to describe products or invite people in for tea tastings or product demonstrations. Add packages of spring green teas and, if possible, a small mound of the best greens you offer.

WANT MORE INSPIRATION?

Check the following sources: Pinterest, Esty, YouTube videos of seasonal or specific product window displays, and visit your local library for art books and gorgeously illustrated culinary books for more ideas.

P.S. Not much window space? Adapt what you can and use more of these ideas in-store or in your pop-up shop!