We collect basic website visitor information on this website and store it in cookies. We also utilize Google Analytics to track page view information to assist us in improving our website.
We collect basic website visitor information on this website and store it in cookies. We also utilize Google Analytics to track page view information to assist us in improving our website.
Show your pride and prepare for Canada Day with our Canada-Themed Displays >>
Sure, the winter holidays might seem like they're ages away now… but once that snowball gets rolling, it doesn't slow down! The clock is already ticking to get your commercial holiday displays planned ahead of time.
With holiday displays popping up earlier and earlier each year (a trend known as 'holiday creep'), early planning means you’re ready to launch your festive experience right when your competitors do (or even get a head start!)
So, let's talk about how getting a jump on this now saves you trouble down the road and sets your team up for success. You can look forward to a smoother process, more creative choices and, ultimately, a commercial holiday display that brings real joy and sparkle to your community, customers, and visitors!
A lot of what we do here at Classic Displays involves custom-made holiday decorations (and we’ll talk about those soon), but most commercial displays involve more than just big, custom pieces. Think holiday lighting and accessories, garlands, site furniture, and banners. These supporting pieces are just as important as the main event for setting the scene and creating that perfect holiday atmosphere and making your space feel complete.
Popular ready-to-go items like these disappear quickly as the holidays get closer. If you wait until fall, you'll likely find a limited selection, making it harder to bring your vision for your display to life.
Start planning your commercial displays now and you’ll avoid that last-minute scramble for what's left. You'll have the best pick of everything you need to design the truly unique and captivating experience you're aiming for. Your patrons will definitely notice the extra care and attention to detail!
Now, custom displays are what really take your holiday display to the next level. We love working with our clients to brainstorm, design, and build unique pieces that transform your venue into a destination – the kind of place that natural draws crowds and positive social media buzz.
What often comes as a surprise is that planning for these custom creations, particularly impressive, jumbo-sized pieces (like this magical Rope Light Dragon or this snowstopping Tim Hortons light display), usually needs to begin more than a year out. The bigger or more intricate the design, the more production lead time is required.
Getting the ball rolling on these one-of-a-kind designs now means there's many opportunities for detailed creative discussions and several rounds of design revisions, all without the stress of a fast-approaching deadline. If the first ideas need adjusting or a complete rethink, there’s plenty of breathing room to get it right without risking delays.
It’s this level of thought and care that goes into creating truly classic holiday displays!
Part of our process here at Classic Displays is a comprehensive on-site evaluation of your space. This process combines creative vision for your space with practical considerations, like taking careful measurements and using an expert eye to spot often-overlooked potential hurdles. For instance, we look closely at:
Ceiling factors: Not just the height, but also load-bearing capacity, existing fixtures (like lights or sprinklers), and any obstructions such as CCTV cameras, HVAC units, or emergency exit signs.
Available floor space: This needs to properly account for customer foot traffic, clear emergency exit paths, and all accessibility requirements.
Power sources: We check the location of your electrical supply and ensure its adequate for the planned display.
Equipment access: It's important to identify any potential issues for bringing in installation equipment, such as lifts or scaffolding, including things like floor load limits or narrow doorways.
These points aren't necessarily deal-breakers; they often just need some smart problem-solving (which, honestly, can be half the fun!). But the real key is addressing any potential snags early in the game, not at the last minute when you're up against a tight deadline.
If your holiday display is going outdoors, you'll likely need to navigate a few extra logistical steps. This can include securing a permit from your local town or city. You’ll also need to plan for electrical tie-ins and may need to adjust your display design to meet public safety and accessibility requirements before any permissions are granted.
While permits are clearly important for everyone's safety and enjoyment, getting one isn't always a quick process. Depending on your location, it can take weeks or even months. So, working out those specifics with your supplier early on means you can get the permit process started sooner, ensuring all logistics are handled in good time.
Beyond permits, there are other logistics. Installing a large commercial holiday display often calls for specialized equipment, like a crane or a lift (cherry-picker). Booking this equipment well in advance is a smart move because it gives you flexibility to schedule installation and takedown at times that cause the least disruption to shoppers and other tenants.
Finding room in the budget for holiday displays often means planning months ahead, usually coinciding with the start of your organization's fiscal year (which, of course, varies and isn't always January 1st). Committing to your holiday display budget early on gives you a leg up.
Early planning gives you ample time to research and gather multiple estimates from various suppliers. This preparation helps you avoid rushed decisions made under pressure, which can easily strain the budget. Last-minute orders and expedited shipping for materials or custom-built pieces are notorious budget-busters.
Pst… Some suppliers and design companies also offer more favourable estimates or early-bird bonuses for contracts confirmed well in advance!
Let’s be honest: Planning a large-scale commercial holiday display that will be seen by thousands does will always come with its share of stress. With so many parts and details to coordinate, challenges are bound to arise.
However, when you finalize your display plans well before the holiday rush, you and your team are much better equipped to handle any bumps in the road. Getting details ironed out now frees your staff to concentrate on other important tasks during that hectic holiday period (a notoriously busy time for any commercial operation!).
In our experience, planning without the intense pressure of looming deadlines also allows creativity to really shine. It gives you breathing room to explore different ideas and creative directions. You won’t be forced to just run with the first concept simply because there’s no time for second-guessing. Instead, you can collaborate with a dedicated creative team to develop an absolutely stunning design that will dazzle your patrons.
Ultimately, this foresight makes for a better holiday season all around – for your patrons, your staff, and you – with a lot less stress and a lot more cheer!
So, to quickly sum up why planning your commercial holiday displays now:
Instead of picking through the leftovers later… You get the absolute widest and best selection of lights, banners, site furniture, and all the other essentials for your display.
While other venues feature the same generic décor from big box stores… You’ll have totally unique, spectacular custom pieces that make your location stand out.
Instead of stressing over that moment when a display arrives and doesn’t quite work… You’ll have complete confidence that your holiday setup is perfectly suited for your venue, with no need for last-minute fixes or compromises.
By the time the holiday hustle and bustle are truly in full swing… You’ll have all your logistics firmly sorted and ready to go.
When it's time for those year-end budget discussions… You won’t find yourself having to explain why the holiday campaign went way over budget.
And at the end of the day, despite the general chaos of the holiday season… Your display planning process will have been smooth and low stress for both you and your team.
So, what are you waiting for? Whether you have a clear vision already or are looking for some guidance to transform, now’s the perfect time to start planning your commercial holiday display!
Our creative team at Classic Displays has the experience to help bring it all to life. We’ve served 350+ municipalities, 150+ BIA groups, and countless commercial properties like yours – and we’re standing by to help you too. Connect with us to start planning today!
Log In / Register
