How to Start a Supermarket Business in India: 8 Simple Steps

Understand what a window display is, its role in retail, types, and design tips. Increase your sales by attracting foot traffic with creative display ideas.

Published on:
October 6, 2025
How to Start a Supermarket Business in India: 8 Simple Steps

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First impressions are everything, and window displays are the silent salespeople that speak volumes.

The Indian retail display market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% through 2025, driven by expanding organised retail across Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Whether you have a boutique in Jaipur or a flagship store in Mumbai, a well-crafted window display can stop foot traffic, spark curiosity, and convert passersby into loyal customers. 

This blog explores creative window display ideas and why they are essential for brand storytelling, seasonal promotions, and enhancing the overall customer experience.

In a nutshell:

  • Unique window display ideas include storytelling themes, seasonal setups, interactive elements, bold colours, sustainable displays, and dramatic lighting.
  • Window displays are crucial for attracting footfall, creating brand identity, and influencing buying behaviour.
  • Effective displays rely on clarity, balance, lighting, and consistency to engage customers.
  • Measuring impact through foot traffic, conversion rates, sales data, and customer feedback ensures your displays perform optimally.

Importance of Window Displays in Increasing Sales

Window displays are a strategic tool that can influence customer behaviour and drive purchases. A well-designed display has the power to spark curiosity, draw people inside, and convert casual passers-by into paying customers.

Here are some key ways window displays help:

  • Attracting Footfall: A striking display grabs attention and increases the chances of shoppers stepping into the store.
  • Encouraging Impulse Buys: Creative product placement can persuade customers to purchase items they had not planned on buying.
  • Communicating Value: Displays signal promotions, discounts, or premium positioning, shaping perceptions before a customer even enters.
  • Strengthening Brand Recall: Consistent and memorable displays make it easier for customers to remember your store and return.
  • Staying Competitive: In busy markets or shopping centres, eye-catching windows help your brand stand out from neighbours.

While these benefits are clear, making the most of your window space requires more than just putting products on display. 

It calls for a thoughtful approach that balances creativity with structure. Let us now explore how the design process itself shapes the effectiveness of a display.

Suggested Read: Popular Retail Store Colour Ideas (With Tips and Examples)

Principles of Effective Window Displays

The most impactful displays follow certain principles that balance design, messaging, and customer psychology to leave a lasting impression.

These are the guiding principles every retailer should keep in mind:

  • Clarity of Message: Ensure the theme or promotion is instantly understandable, even to someone passing by quickly.
  • Balanced Composition: Arrange products and props in a way that directs the eye naturally without overwhelming the viewer.
  • Lighting Impact: Use lighting strategically to highlight focal products and create mood, especially during evenings.
  • Seasonal Relevance: Align displays with festivals, seasons, or cultural moments to stay relevant and timely.
  • Consistency with Branding: Every element, from colours to props, should echo the brand’s personality and values.

By combining these principles thoughtfully, retailers can turn their shopfronts into silent salespeople that do the talking before a word is spoken. 

Now, let us move from the ‘how’ to the ‘what’. The next section lists a few practical and creative display ideas that stores can experiment with to draw more attention.

15 Fresh Window Display Ideas for Retail Stores

Window displays are your store’s first handshake with a customer, and a creative one can instantly spark curiosity. By combining storytelling with smart design, you can create setups that look great and also draw people in.

1. Curated Outfit Corners

Group complete outfits together to inspire styling ideas for customers. Pair tops, bottoms, and accessories in a cohesive mini-display to guide shopper choices and make browsing intuitive.

This works because it:

  • Shows how products can be styled together.
  • Simplifies decision-making for customers.
  • Highlights complementary items that might be overlooked individually.
Curated Outfit Corners

Expanda Stand’s garment browsers are perfect for creating curated outfit corners, keeping items organized while allowing shoppers to explore combinations easily.

2. Storytelling Through Themes

Storytelling Through Themes

Build a narrative that connects your products to a larger idea. For instance, a summer holiday setup with beachwear, luggage, and props such as sand or umbrellas. A story makes your display feel immersive rather than just a collection of items.

This works because it:

  • Creates an emotional connection with passers-by.
  • Encourages customers to imagine themselves using the products.
  • Differentiates your store from competitors with a generic layout.

Modular display solutions work especially well for apparel and sports stores. They can highlight your merchandise in a way that excites and engages shoppers. Explore Expanda Stand’s displays to make your windows unforgettable.

3. Seasonal and Festive Displays

Seasonal and Festive Displays

Celebrate occasions like Diwali, Holi, or Christmas with products presented in a festive atmosphere. Use colours, lights, and traditional motifs alongside modern design to make your store culturally relevant and visually striking.

This works because it:

  • Attracts attention during peak shopping periods.
  • Resonates with customers’ cultural sentiments.
  • Increases footfall by tapping into festive buying moods.

4. Layered Accessory Showcases

Layered Accessory Showcases

Stack accessories like scarves, belts, and jewellery at varying heights to create a visually interesting focal point that draws shoppers in and encourages them to explore multiple items.

This works because it:

  • Creates depth and visual interest.
  • Encourages customers to browse multiple products.
  • Highlights smaller items that might otherwise be overlooked.

Use Expanda Stand’s tiered table displays to arrange accessories neatly while maximising visibility. Our modular design allows you to adjust heights and layouts to suit your store’s style and product range.

5. Interactive Displays

Interactive Displays

Incorporate touchscreens, QR codes, or motion sensors that allow customers to interact with your display. For instance, a clothing store could utilize digital mirrors to display outfit variations without requiring customers to enter the store.

This works because it:

  • Engages customers beyond visual appeal.
  • Encourages them to pause and explore your brand.
  • Bridges offline displays with online experiences.

6. Minimalist Product Focus

Minimalist Product Focus

Sometimes, less is more. Spotlight a single hero product with clean backgrounds, focused lighting, and subtle props. For example, a jewellery store might showcase one striking necklace on a pedestal with soft lighting.

This works because it:

  • Draws attention to high-value or flagship products.
  • Creates a sense of exclusivity and sophistication.
  • Reduces distractions for clearer communication.

7. Interactive Browsing Stations

Set up areas where customers can handle folded clothing or innerwear with ease. This hands-on experience makes shopping tactile and more engaging.

This works because it:

  • Encourages customers to touch and feel fabrics.
  • Promotes engagement with innerwear or delicate items.
  • Keeps the display neat and accessible.
Interactive Browsing Stations

Use Expanda Stand’s innerwear display stands to design interactive browsing stations that are both functional and stylish, ensuring easy access for shoppers.

8. Use of Bold Colours and Shapes

Use of Bold Colours and Shapes

Go beyond safe, muted tones by experimenting with bold colour schemes or geometric props. For example, a shoe store could use giant 3D shoe silhouettes in bright hues as part of its display.

This works because it:

  • Grabs attention instantly from a distance.
  • Makes your brand appear vibrant and trendy.
  • Appeals strongly to younger audiences.

Expanda Stand can help you create displays exactly the way you want them, using bold colours and striking shapes to make your store windows truly stand out. Explore our retail display solutions today.

9. Green and Sustainable Displays

Green and Sustainable Displays

Add plants, recycled materials, or eco-friendly props to communicate sustainability. For example, showcasing organic cotton clothing with bamboo hangers and potted plants reinforces your green commitment.

This works because it:

  • Connects with environmentally conscious shoppers.
  • Builds brand reputation for responsibility.
  • Offers a refreshing, natural design.

10. Dynamic Sock Arrangements

Display socks in colour-coordinated or patterned groupings using rotating or tiered stands. Regularly refreshing the arrangement keeps the display exciting and encourages repeat visits.

This works because it:

  • Maximises visibility of small items.
  • Draws attention to patterns and colours.
  • Makes browsing easy without disorganising the display.
Dynamic Sock Arrangements

Sock display stands by Expanda Stand are ideal for creating dynamic, rotating arrangements that make small items pop and keep customers engaged.

11. Rotating Themes

Keep things dynamic by rotating themes weekly or monthly. For instance, a bookstore could change from “Bestsellers of the Month” to “Children’s Adventure Picks” to “Festive Reads,” keeping customers curious.

This works because it:

  • Keeps your store looking fresh and relevant.
  • Encourages repeat visits from regular customers.
  • Allows you to showcase a wider product range.

12. Height-Variation Clothing Layouts

Height-Variation Clothing Layouts

Mix garments at different heights on racks and tables to create a layered visual effect. This guides the eye naturally across the display, encouraging shoppers to explore all items.

This works because it:

  • Adds depth and dimension to the display.
  • Makes products more noticeable and accessible.
  • Encourages browsing across multiple items.
Mix garments at different heights

Clothing racks and modular tables by Expanda Stand let you play with heights and layouts effortlessly. We can help you create visually compelling displays tailored to your store.

13. Lighting as a Hero Element

Lighting as a Hero Element

Experiment with dramatic spotlights, neon signs, or backlit panels to highlight products. For example, a sneaker store could use glowing shelves to make shoes look futuristic and eye-catching at night.

This works because it:

  • Adds drama and visual intrigue.
  • Makes displays stand out even after dark.
  • Guides the viewer’s eye to key products.

14. Spotlight Feature Zones

Spotlight Feature Zones

Highlight seasonal or best-selling products using focused lighting and minimal props. Micro-displays emphasise key items while keeping the display fresh and engaging.

This works because it:

  • Draws immediate attention to featured items.
  • Creates a sense of exclusivity.
  • Allows easy updates for new collections.

Display racks by Expanda Stand can be customised to create spotlight zones, combining practical shelving with striking presentation for your top products.

15. Motion and Kinetic Displays

Motion and Kinetic Displays

Use moving parts such as rotating mannequins, slowly turning shelves, or digital screens with animated graphics. A watch store could rotate timepieces on a carousel to grab attention.

This works because it:

  • Movement naturally attracts human attention.
  • Keeps passers-by engaged for longer.
  • Makes your store look modern and innovative.

By experimenting with ideas like these, you can transition your retailing window from a simple showcase into an experience that inspires curiosity and drives sales. 

The next section lists how the top brands in India design their window displays.

7 Brand Examples of Retail Window Displays

7 Brand Examples of Retail Window Displays

Retail brands are increasingly using creative window displays to capture attention and drive footfall. Here are seven examples of innovative displays that have stood out in the Indian market.

1. FabIndia – Ethnic Storytelling

FabIndia often uses traditional motifs, fabrics, and props to create culturally rich, festive displays. Seasonal collections like Diwali or Holi are showcased with miniature home décor items and vibrant backdrops.

2. Shoppers Stop – Layered Product Zones

Shoppers Stop mixes textures and heights to highlight apparel and accessories in layered setups. Their displays allow customers to explore coordinated outfits and seasonal trends easily.

Shoppers Stop – Layered Product Zones

Expanda Stand can help you create something similar with our Gondola and end-cap racks, built specifically for clothing and apparel. 

3. Westside – Lifestyle Corners

Westside creates lifestyle-themed displays connecting products to everyday scenarios. For instance, a summer collection may feature picnic setups or outdoor décor to contextualise clothing.

4. Pantaloons – Colour-Block Displays

Pantaloons uses bold colour schemes to differentiate product categories and create visual impact. Contrasting backdrops and props make key products pop and attract attention from afar.

5. Lifestyle – Interactive Installations

Lifestyle integrates interactive elements like QR codes or digital screens in its windows. This helps shoppers engage with product information and styling suggestions even before entering the store.

6. Reliance Trends – Rotating Seasonal Themes

Reliance Trends frequently rotates displays based on festive seasons or product launches. Their use of dynamic props and thematic layouts keeps the window visually fresh and appealing.

7. Max Fashion – Minimalist Product Spotlight

Max Fashion occasionally highlights hero products against clean, minimalist backgrounds. This approach creates focus on flagship items, giving them a premium, aspirational appeal.

These examples show that effective window displays combine storytelling, colour, and interactivity to attract customers.

But even the best displays can fail if common mistakes are overlooked, which is where we turn our attention next.

Suggested Read: Understanding Specialty Stores: Meaning & Strategies

Common Mistakes in Setting Up Retail Displays

Common Mistakes in Setting Up Retail Displays

Many retailers unintentionally make mistakes that reduce the impact of their displays and fail to connect with passing shoppers.

Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

  • Overcrowding: Too many products make the setup look cluttered and confuse potential buyers.
  • Poor Lighting: Harsh or dim lighting can distort product appeal and reduce visibility.
  • Ignoring the Brand Story: Displays that do not reflect your brand’s identity fail to leave a lasting impression.
  • Outdated Setups: Dusty, faded, or unchanged displays create a negative perception of your store.
  • Blocking Visibility: Using props or arrangements that obstruct the actual product reduces shopper interest.

When these mistakes creep in, your efforts may not bring the results you expect. That is why evaluating performance becomes so important. 

By actively measuring impact, you can identify what is working, what needs tweaking, and how to make your displays more effective over time.

Are Your Window Displays Working?

Are Your Window Displays Working?

Creativity alone is not enough; you also need to measure how effective your window displays are. Tracking their impact helps you understand whether they are attracting attention, driving sales, and ultimately justifying the effort invested.

Here are a few key ways to evaluate performance:

  • Foot Traffic Monitoring: Measure how many people stop and look at your display, compared to those who walk past.
  • Conversion Rates: Track how many window shoppers actually enter your store and make a purchase.
  • Customer Feedback: Gather insights directly through surveys or informal conversations to learn what caught their attention.
  • Sales Data Comparison: Analyse if featured products in the display see noticeable sales during the campaign period.
  • Seasonal Relevance: Check whether displays timed with festivals, sales, or events generate better engagement than generic setups.

You can have a clear picture of what is successful and what needs refinement after this. 

The next step is creating displays and store layouts that consistently drive people through your doors. This is where the right retail solutions can make all the difference.

Suggested Read: Understanding Store Design Principles and Ideas

Expanda Stand Can Help You Increase Footfall

Expanda Stand Can Help You Increase Footfall

Expanda Stand offers practical and stylish solutions that enrich the way customers experience your store. With products designed to improve both display and organisation, you can ensure that every visitor sees a polished, welcoming, and engaging retail space.

These are a few features that set us apart in the window display space:

1. Flexibility and Modularity

Expanda Stand products can be easily reconfigured to suit seasonal campaigns, promotions, or changing product ranges. This allows you to refresh your window displays frequently without a complete overhaul, keeping your storefront dynamic and engaging.

2. Optimised Visibility

Displays are designed to position products at the perfect height and angle for maximum visibility. Whether it’s spotlighting a hero product or arranging multiple items, these features ensure customers can immediately see what matters.

3. Integrated Lighting Options

Smartly integrated lighting maximises product appeal and draws attention even during evening hours. Adjustable lighting features highlight focal points, create depth, and add drama to your displays.

4. Stability and Durability

High-quality construction ensures that displays remain sturdy and secure, even in high-traffic areas or when holding heavier merchandise. This reliability helps maintain a polished, professional look consistently.

5. Easy Maintenance and Cleanliness

Smooth surfaces, accessible storage, and modular components make cleaning and rearranging simple. This keeps displays tidy and attractive, supporting a premium retail image without extra effort.

Expanda Stand’s flexible display units, modular workstations, filing compactors, cabinets, and tables combine durability, visibility, and versatility, helping you create striking window displays. 

Our displays are known to attract footfall, keep stores organised, and make every retail campaign more impactful.

Conclusion

Without the right window display, even the best products can go unnoticed. Cluttered, outdated, or poorly lit setups fail to attract attention, reduce footfall, and weaken brand perception, ultimately limiting your store’s sales potential.

Expanda Stand helps retailers overcome these challenges with solutions designed for impact and efficiency. Our flexible display units, modular workstations, filing compactors, cabinets, and tables ensure your store looks organised, stylish, and inviting, making every display more effective.

Contact us today to explore solutions that attract customers and maximise sales. Discover how our products can increase customer footfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the 5 types of displays, and how are they used?

Five common displays include island, architectural, open-back, closed-back, and interactive. Each serves a purpose: attracting attention, creating a narrative, highlighting products, or encouraging engagement, helping retailers maximise visibility and sales effectively.

2. What is the purpose of a display window?

A display window draws footfall, showcases products, and communicates brand identity. It acts as the first impression, enticing shoppers inside, influencing buying decisions, and turning casual passers-by into loyal customers through strategic visual merchandising.

3. How can lighting benefit retail displays?

Lighting highlights products, sets the mood, and guides attention to key items. Strategic use of spotlights, backlighting, or accent lighting makes displays visually striking, raises product appeal, and increases customer engagement at any time of day.

4. Why is modularity important in window displays?

Modular displays allow quick changes in layout, product focus, and themes. This adaptability keeps displays fresh, aligns with seasonal promotions, and enables retailers to experiment with creativity without extensive time or resource investment.

5. How does effective display organisation impact sales?

Organised displays make products easy to view and accessible, creating an easy shopping experience. Clear arrangements reduce clutter, contribute to aesthetics, and guide customers’ attention, ultimately increasing purchase likelihood and overall store performance.

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