Live Window Display Activity was created as an experiential learning project for Retail
Management students, combining theoretical concepts with practical implementation. The
key purpose of the activity was to equip the students with hands-on knowledge in visual
merchandising so they could grasp the strategic and creative aspects of an effective retail
window display design. The activity was divided into seven phases, each concentrating on a
key element of window display planning and implementation.
Stage 1: Theme Board
The initial stage was to create a theme board, which acted as the base of the window
display idea. Students had to carry out market research and examine consumer tastes to
choose an appropriate theme. The theme must correspond to seasonal fashion, brand
personality, and customer expectations. This stage assisted students in improving their
research skills and learning the role of storytelling in visual merchandising.
Stage 2: Mood Board
During stage two, the students developed a mood board that represented visually the
feelings and appearance related to the selected theme. This involved collecting images,
textures, fonts, and patterns that would guide the ultimate display. The mood board served
as a visual guide for consistency in the design and execution process.
Stage 3: Color Palette
A coordinated color scheme is critical to a compelling window display. At this level, students
chose a color scheme that related to their theme and mood board. The colors were selected
based on psychological effect, brand fit, and time of year. This level educated students on
the role of color theory in driving customer behavior and store image.
Stage 4: Shadow Box
A coordinated color scheme is critical to a compelling window display. At this level, students
chose a color scheme that related to their theme and mood board. The colors were selected
based on psychological effect, brand fit, and time of year. This level educated students on
the role of color theory in driving customer behavior and store image.
Stage 5: Budget Sheet
Budget planning is an essential part of visual merchandising. At this phase, students made a
budget sheet, showing the expenses involved in developing the live window display. This
ranged from material expenses to props, lighting, printing and other things needed. Through
the process of operating within a budget, students understood cost-saving planning and
resource distribution.
Stage 6: Floor Plan
Prior to the final execution, students created a floor plan to plan the positioning of every
element. In this phase, spatial arrangement, traffic flow, and balance in a window display
were highlighted as crucial considerations. Students designed layouts to create a clear visual
installation guide.
Stage 7: Live Window Display Execution
The last phase was the installation of the live window display itself. Learners put into
practice all that they had learned in the earlier phases to create a complete working retail
window display. Students experimented with mannequins, lighting, signage, and props to
develop an attention-grabbing and compelling retail display. The end displays were assessed
according to creativity, brand fit, aesthetic value, and customer interaction possibilities.
Conclusion
The Live Window Display Activity was able to fill the gap between theory and practice in
visual merchandising. Through an organized process, students learned how to apply skills in
creative planning, budgeting, spatial design, and engaging with consumers. The hands-on
activity not only helped them appreciate the principles of visual merchandising but also
prepared them to deal with the realities of the retail environment. The project highlighted
the role of storytelling, strategic design, and innovation in developing engaging retail
displays that catch and retain attention.